Ocean Mind Inc
Torquay, VIC
Young People
www.oceanmind.org.au
About Ocean Mind Inc
Ocean Mind’s therapeutic surf programs harness surfing as a tool to address youth issues such as mental health challenges, social isolation and disability. The Ocean Mind’s program is community-based, recovery oriented and acts to complement clinical and acute care. The interventions involve young people aged 8-18 participating in six-week programs delivered by professional youth workers, surf instructors and a 1:1 trained local mentor, with the potential to then transfer to the Ocean Mind surf club, continuing their mentoring relationship and surfing.
There is a strong evidence-based foundation that these programs are built on, which display the overwhelming therapeutic benefits of the ocean, a 1:1 mentor and the development of surfing skills. Some of the specific benefits that these programs are nurturing confidence, increased optimism, self-efficacy, and a strong sense of comfort and community.