A YOUNG people’s mental health charity in Newquay is celebrating a major fundraising and recycling milestone.

The Wave Project’s Pre-Loved Wetsuit Scheme has reused or recycled nearly 10,000 wetsuits, raised £98,000 in sales and saved an estimated 15 tonnes of neoprene from going into the waste stream since its launch two years ago.

The initiative was created to address the environmental challenge posed by neoprene.

The material used in most wetsuits is durable and effective in the water but difficult to recycle, meaning thousands of wetsuits are discarded every year.

The challenge is particularly significant in Cornwall, where a large part of the UK’s non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced.

The Wave Project has created a circular solution that allows unwanted wetsuits to be donated, reused or responsibly recycled through partnerships with Cornwall Council and SUEZ.

The project helps make surfing more accessible for the local community while encouraging people to keep surf gear in use for longer by extending the life of wetsuits and selling them at affordable prices.

Donated wetsuits are collected through The Wave Project shop in Fore Street and at designated recycling points across Cornwall.

Those in useable condition are prepared for resale, while those beyond repair are sent for specialist recycling.

All profits help fund The Wave Project’s surf therapy programmes, which supports young people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.

Demand for support continues to grow with one in five children in the UK now experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition, and half of all lifelong mental health problems beginning before the age of 14.

Ed Connors from The Wave Project said: “The pre-loved wetsuits are an affordable alternative to buying new. With the weather improving and more people wanting to enjoy the benefits of being in the ocean, these wetsuits are a great option. By purchasing a pre-loved wetsuit from our shop, you’re not only saving yourself money, you’re also helping us fund Surf Therapy sessions for young people facing mental health challenges, and you’re significantly reducing the amount of neoprene that end up in the waste stream; a triple-win.”

The Wave Project offers an early intervention through surf therapy, helping young people build confidence, resilience and connection through the ocean.

Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager at SUEZ said: “We’re proud to work alongside The Wave Project and Cornwall Council to show how practical, local partnerships can drive real environmental progress. Neoprene is notoriously difficult to recycle, so creating a circular route that keeps thousands of wetsuits in use and out of the waste stream is a major achievement.”

Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, added: “We’re really proud to support this fantastic initiative which is benefiting our young people and the environment.

“Water sports are brilliant for our physical and mental health and having the option to buy pre-loved wetsuits at affordable prices makes these sports more accessible to one and all. This project allows us to make a sustainable choice, save money and support a really good cause.”