Appreciating the sea and its impact on positive mental health has inspired a local business to support a surfing charity.
Vectis Refrigeration has joined the Wave Project’s Surf Therapy Business Alliance, to help offer more surf courses to young people with mental health issues.
The initiative uses surfing to help them feel less anxious and gain confidence.
“I’ve sailed all my life, I’ve windsurfed and I find the sea to be very humbling and therapeutic,” said Will Overton, Director at Vectis Refrigeration.
“I know how well the sea can make you feel, so this is a cause that resonates with me.
“It’s important to give back and this charity provides opportunities for young people that I feel can really help.
“If I can use the business as leverage to bring in more support for them, then great.”
The Wave Project said it’s ‘on a mission’ to reduce the number of young people with a mental health issue.
It provides a six-week surf therapy course, where individuals are supported to overcome various challenges to surf, which also helps equip them with skills they can use in life.
Since it started with a pilot scheme on the Island in 2015, the charity has supported over 500 local children.
"We’re very excited to welcome Vectis Refrigeration as a member of our Surf Therapy Business Alliance scheme,” said Abbie James, IOW Wave Project Coordinator.
“It’s great to work with local businesses to continue to support as many of the Island’s children and young people as we can.
“Will recognises the benefit of the sea and blue spaces on mental health and well-being and with his help, we are keen to raise awareness both of the Business Alliance scheme and of the work we do on the Island."
Vectis Refrigeration, which provides refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump solutions, has joined as a Tier 2 business member.
In addition to the donation pledge, Will is also planning to provide additional support to the charity through volunteering.
Membership for businesses starts from £500, with more details available at Become a Business Ally: The Surf Therapy Alliance
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