Waves of Wellness Foundation seeks support to deliver nine mental health therapy programs for a total of 117 at-risk women. The 8-week programs include group cognitive behaviour therapy plus a surf session, to connect women with peers, teaching new skills for managing mental health and building self-esteem.
Requested Amount: $49,760 from a total project cost of $75,230
100 Women funds have been requested to cover the costs of mental health trained facilitators and surf school coaching fees.
Who is the organisation and what is their mission?
Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) is a mental health charity dedicated to breaking down the barriers of traditional therapy by delivering evidence-based mental health programs that combine group therapy with learning to surf. They provide mental health support in a unique, non-clinical environment that fosters connection, resilience, and empowerment. WOW’s mission is to deliver innovative mental health programs that leverage the transformative power of the great outdoors ensuring everyone has access to mental health support that is there for them and works for them
What is the project that the 100 Women grant will support?
With the funding from 100 Women WOW will deliver nine mental health surf therapy programs to 117 at-risk women over two years. Delivered by mental health-trained facilitators, the 8-week programs (13 participants per program) will run at established locations in Western Australia (5), New South Wales (2) and Queensland (2).
WOW’s approach addresses the known barriers to traditional mental health care by providing group therapy in a non-clinical beach setting, reducing stigma and attracting individuals who may not engage in traditionally funded treatment options. Each 8-week program includes a 1-hour group cognitive behaviour therapy session on the sand, followed by a 1-hour learn-to-surf session, connecting women with peers, teaching new skills for managing mental health and building self-esteem via the mastery of a new hobby.
Who is the project for? Who else will benefit?
The project is for 117 at-risk women across the three locations in WA, NSW and QLD. Indirect beneficiaries include the families and communities of these women, as it has been shown many experience positive ripple effects from the improved mental health and wellbeing of the participants.
Why is the project needed?
The project addresses the critical need for accessible mental health support among at-risk women, particularly those who face barriers to traditional mental health services due to stigma, financial constraints, and the isolating effects of domestic violence. Surf therapy offers a non-threatening alternative that encourages participation and engagement in mental health treatment.
There are significant barriers to at-risk women accessing traditional mental health support options including financial barriers, lack of awareness of domestic violence, downplaying the severity of incidents, stigma, feeling intimidated by available support options and fear of perpetrator retaliation. Additionally, despite at-risk women engaging in high levels of consultations, health professionals are unlikely to screen for domestic violence resulting in many women going unsupported. Statistics show that women, especially those experiencing domestic violence, are at greater risk of mental health issues and suicide attempts.
What are the planned outcomes for the project?
The planned outcomes for the participants include:
- improvement in mental wellbeing
- tools and abilities to develop self-care strategies and manage their mental health
- a greater sense of connectedness
- improved confidence and ability to access community support and mental health services
- improvement in perceived social connection
- feeling safe and comfortable to share their own mental health stories; and
- reduced need for tertiary or primary mental health care.
