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July 26, 2024
Welsh mental health non-profit, Heads Above The Waves (HATW) has teamed up with surf brand REEF UK to raise awareness of the positive effects of being in or around water on mental health. The partners are urging people to “take the plunge” to experience these benefits first-hand as part of the REEF X Heads Above the Waves Blue Health Campaign.
Around 1 in 6 people around the world will self-harm in their lifetime and suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young people globally. Located in Cardiff, HATW raises awareness of depression and self-harm among young people. It promotes positive, healthy coping mechanisms and creative ways of dealing with the ‘bad days’ through school and online workshops so that people are more open to talk about the issue.
Being in and around water has a calming effect on the mind, often referred to as the ‘blue mind’ state – a theory popularized by marine biologist Wallace Nichols. The concept describes the meditative and peaceful feeling that water brings, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Recent statistics show that over six million people in the UK are engaged in surfing – which has been proven to positively reshape mental and physical health.
As part of the campaign, people can nominate someone to win a free surf lesson with REEF ambassadors, Mike Lay and Evie Johnstone, through July 28. The lesson will take place at The Wave in Bristol on August 7 as part of efforts to break down barriers to entry for people who need a mental wellbeing boost and want to try surfing for the first time.
A community of ocean ambassadors including surf photographer Bella Rose Bunce, ocean artist Jasmine Hortop, filmmaker Katy Fraser, and cold water swimming group, the Dawnstalkers, among others, will also contribute their thoughts on how they use the water to improve their mental wellbeing.
“Having grown up so close to the ocean, surfing most days and working on the beach, the benefits of being around the water are something that can easily be taken for granted. But, it’s important to raise awareness of the positive effect it has on people’s wellbeing, so that they can go and try it for themselves,” said Lay.
HATW’s collaboration with REEF UK includes a limited-edition t-shirt and tote bag on sale, with 50% of profits being donated to HATW’s efforts supporting young people across the UK.
Photo: Evie Johnstone
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