Children's surf charity reopens Newquay shop

A charity offering surf therapy to children and young people has reopened its shop in Newquay.

The Wave Project said the store had been refurbished to allow for an expansion of its "pre-loved wetsuit scheme".

All profits from the shop directly fund the charity's surf therapy programmes, which help children and young people build confidence, resilience and improved mental wellbeing, it added.

The charity's CEO, Ramon Van de Velde, said: "By expanding our pre-loved wetsuit scheme, we ensure that every purchase made funds vital surf therapy programmes for young people across the UK."

Mr Van de Velde said: "The demand for mental health support has never been higher, and we are proud to be part of the solution - helping young people thrive and find a sense of belonging."

The charity said Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust had experienced an increase in the number of mental health referrals, rising from 4,500 referrals in 2019 to almost 12,000 in 2024.

The charity said the project was funded by a £116,000 grant though the UK shared prosperity fund, delivered locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly good growth programme, with support from SUEZ and The Wave Project.

Mark Hillson, general manager for Cornwall at SUEZ, said: "We're delighted to be supporting such a sustainable initiative that is also doing such fantastic work in local communities through the surf therapy programmes.

"The new shop designs are quite inspiring and we're looking forward to seeing the success of this helping to support more young people."

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