HEALING WAVES
Who Are Healing Waves?
Healing Waves are one of our longstanding ocean guardians in Jersey, UK. They have been with us since the start, and it has been truly amazing to watch them grow into the fantastic charity they are today.
For individuals living with neurological conditions and/or disabilities, day-to-day life poses numerous barriers both physical and mental. These barriers can amplify stress levels and mean that simple tasks many of us take for granted, can prove extremely challenging.
Knowing only too well the benefits the ocean holds for us all, Max Wiltshire, Sean Burke and Dominic Booth set out to create the Healing Waves charity.
Photograph by Matt Porteous
The Benefits of Water Activities On The Mind
Water activities not only provide the ‘neuro typical’ with benefits, but also those with mental health conditions and Autism. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition can often have significant sensory difficulties being both hyper and/or hypo sensitive, meaning over or under-reactive to stimuli in their day-to-day environment.
Healing Waves enables individuals despite their condition and/or disability both neurological and physical to access the ocean in a safe way to participate in watersport activities. This is so they can experience the therapeutic benefits that the ocean holds for us all.
Photograph by Matt Porteous
BLUE MIND
In recent years scientific researchers have started to look carefully at the calming effect nature has on the human mind, with increased involvement from neuroscientists. Such studies are continually finding that natural bodies of water can help to enhance nature’s healing qualities.
Ocean Therapy is a relatively new but internationally recognised natural form of therapy. It uses the ocean and water sports as a medium to better the lives of those who live with neurological and physical disabilities and/or conditions.
What’s New?
Healing Waves have recently opened the doors to its new surf centre which allows a place for the community and athletes to come together.
We also recently had the honour to capture their hero film in Jersey. Standing on the water’s edge, and watching the enjoyment from every person in the surf was extremely heartwarming.
Support Healing Waves
Healing waves have bigger weekend events, taking up to ten athletes out into the water, thanks to the charity volunteers. Their weekday sessions vary slightly, offering smaller scale sessions for athletes. With five staff, and five athletes, Healing Waves can offer 1:1 sessions, giving athletes a more bespoke experience in the water, and 2:1 sessions for athletes that require a quieter environment, or adaptive surfing.
The hard work that goes into running this charity is inspirational, and it is charities like these, that we are happy to support.
