Waves for Change releases award winning viral on Surf Therapy in South African Townships

Waves for Change launches 70-second viral to raise awareness of surf therapy and violence in South Africa's townships. 

In township communities where up to 20% of young people exhibit emotional symptoms consistent with Post Traumatic Stress, Cape Town based NGO 'Waves for Change' is fusing adapted surfing sessions with evidence based therapy programming to improve the wellbeing of children and young adults effected by violence or abuse.

As the surfing world's attention turns to Jeffrey's Bay, 'Waves for Change' is launching an award winning viral to raise awareness of how surfing is being used to address escalating levels of violence in SA's townships.

Under the tag-line 'ending cycles of violence, One wave at a time', Waves for Change invites media partners to share the viral on social media and online media platforms with a goal of initiating global conversations on Surfing's use as a therapeutic tool.

Waves for Change is the award winning initiative of Ashoka fellow Tim Conibear. Operating in some of South Africa's most violent and unstable communities, Waves for Change works in partnership with local community members to deliver Surf Therapy programmes that help young people effected by violence and abuse develop the coping mechanisms and emotional resilience needed to reach their true potential. Waves for Change is bringing the power of surfing to communities with no history of Ocean use, in contexts were high levels of violence and poverty have formed major barriers to successful aid interventions.

Waves for Change operates in three Cape Town townships that experience high levels of violence and poverty. The programme reaches 250 young people each week, who receive 8 hours of programming delivered by trained local community members: the first members of their communities ever to surf. Waves for Change combines adapted surfing sessions with therapy sessions rooted in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Key partners of Waves for Change include Comic Relief, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Vimto softdrinks, Surfing South Africa, Reef South Africa and the Ashoka Foundation.