North Devon Surf School receives DMHA Innovation Fund grant for carers lessons

The Devon Mental Health Alliance Innovation Fund has been awarded to the North Devon Surf School by our Community Mental Health Development Leads in Northern Devon.

The North Devon Surf School (NDSS) will receive a grant to offer a course of surf lessons to carers in the Northern Devon area. The aim of these lessons is to improve the wellbeing of people who spend their lives caring for others. Michelle from NDSS explained in the organisation’s application that NDSS is “very keen to support those struggling with their mental health to access something they may not have considered or been able to afford previously,” adding that “there is a lot of research to show that being physically active, learning a new skill, and having connection are so positive for improving mental health”.

NDSS has been running surfing lessons in North Devon since 1988 and is one of the longest established surf schools in the UK. The school’s staff have been looking to collaborate with several organisations locally, including the Devon Mental Health Alliance, to offer some different options to the community in addition to their usual paid surf lessons.

The sessions for carers are due to begin in April 2023. Michelle spoke with one of the participants who said that they were “really excited to do something for themselves and … so grateful”.

If you work for a VCSE organisation in any area of Devon that is working towards delivering innovative support to people experiencing severe mental illness, why not apply for an award from our Innovation Fund? Grants of up to £800 are available.