To honour those facing mental health challenges, more than 80 people gathered on Muizenberg Beach on Friday, 10 October.
The event, known as an Immersion Session, coincided with World Mental Health Day, commemorated annually on this day.
It was organised by Waves for Change (W4C), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that uses a surf therapy programme to promote resilience, confidence, and mental well-being.
Tony Gubeza, W4C site manager, shared what took place on the day.
“Basically, the coaches kicked off with Take 5 activities in which everyone held hands and headed into the ocean, supported by a coach with continuous check-ins on how everyone is doing. If anyone is uncomfortable everyone turns back and starts again. This very first practice creates trust, instils respect for others, and more.”
W4C national director Robyn Cohen explained the services offered by the organisation.
“We get referrals from social workers, psychologists, hospitals and schools, and the kids come here once a week for 10 months. In that time, they experience respite and can regulate their emotions, which makes therapy a lot of fun.”
Cohen explained that people can support them by donating just R200 which provides a child with access to an inclusive Surf Therapy session, while R500 makes a meaningful contribution to a W4C coach’s stipend, and R1,000 helps cover the cost of a debrief psychologist’s services.
W4C senior coach Fay-Yaadh Smith said without the right mentors, young people often follow the wrong crowd.
“The gangsterism, the substance abuse, the crimes are all due to people not having the right mentors or role-models in their life so they’re looking up to the wrong people. So, I’m glad I can be the opposite and help kids follow the right path.”
For more information contact Siya Mahomba at siya@mango-omc.com.
