Making a splash for Mental Health Awareness Day in Muizenberg are Waves for Change, which is inviting everyone to be part of an Ocean Immersion session and fundraiser for the vulnerable kids they support!
Muizenberg, South Africa (06 October 2024) — In a tangible effort to make waves for mental health awareness and South Africa’s most vulnerable kids, Waves for Change (W4C) is inviting the public to experience an Ocean Immersion Session at Muizenberg Beach!
This will be an opportunity for the public to experience a form of ocean therapy for themselves, all while supporting Waves for Change’s fundraising efforts to keep serving 2,500 young people weekly across 43 communities in the Western and Eastern Cape.
Waves for Change is a non-profit company that focuses on providing mental health support through surfing. Their intervention is a child-first and friendly, community-based service that offers support to vulnerable kids from underserved areas, many of whom have experienced trauma and are at risk of developing mental health conditions.
“Nine out of ten children in South Africa lack access to vital mental health support, leaving them vulnerable to the devastating impacts of trauma, adversity and neglect,” says Relationships and Event Manager at W4C, Tania Bailey.
“Children in our communities experience an average of eight traumatic events annually, ranging from violence and abuse to economic hardship. Yet, access to mental health services remains scarce. We know that early intervention can make all the difference, and we use surf therapy to reduce the long-term effects of adversity on children.”
Senior surf coach Bulelani Zelanga, affectionately known as Buja, explains how being exposed to surf therapy can provide essential healing and escape from tough environments.
He shares, “Growing up in a township can be hard. I love my community, but there was also so much violence, so many people struggling, it was hard to cope and just be a kid,” says Buja.
“I was always a shy person, scared to come out of my shell. I couldn’t talk about my past because I would get too emotional and want to cry. But now, I feel proud of myself. I’m brave enough to share my story.”
Buja joined W4C’s Saturday Surf Club after completing ten months of surf therapy. In grade 12, he became a volunteer assistant coach and later applied to become a W4C coach.
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The sea immersion session offers an opportunity to experience what this incredible organisation is doing for South Africa’s children. Those participating can look forward to a range of activities!
Details
- When: 10 October—World Mental Health Awareness Day between 10:30 am and 12 am
- Where: Muizenberg Beach
Those who cannot be present can still contribute by making a donation or by supporting W4C’s Mental Health Run on 27 October and the Comedy Show on 29 October. Find out more via their socials.
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