A Cornish charity has launched an urgent appeal to raise £10,000 in response to a ‘children’s mental health crisis.’ 

The Wave Project based in Newquay has started the fundraising initiative so the organisation can continue its surf therapy intervention. 

The Wave Project Cornwall team said: “There is a crisis in child mental health.  

“Children and young people who are seriously unwell including those who have self-harmed or considered suicide are failing to receive the support needed from the NHS.  

“With one-third of all referrals for children’s mental health services denied help, the surge in demand is putting increasing strain on the NHS. Waiting times vary greatly, with average first appointment waiting times ranging from three days to an unacceptable three years.  

“Currently one in six children are struggling to cope.  

“The Wave Project offers a viable solution for children and young people in the area.  

“Every year we aim to support 375 children and young people through our surf therapy intervention.  

“We run surf therapy from Porthmeor St Ives, Gwithian, Sennen Cove, Polzeath and Bude beaches, and support children from the local area including children from Redruth, Camborne, Helston, Falmouth, Penzance, Bude, Launceston, Holsworthy, Stratton.  

“Children and young people come to us for a variety of reasons including neglect, bullying, bereavement and are referred to us from various places including Cornwall Council, Schools, GP surgeries.  

“After their six-week programme the children and young people show significant improvements in their self-confidence, resilience, self-esteem and their ability to build trust with other children and adults.  

“Children and young people like Amy, who recently completed her six-week surf therapy programme.  

“Amy had been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for three years before joining us.” 

Amy’s mother said: “At her worst she would rarely leave her bedroom, let alone the house.  

“It was tough seeing our once happy, energetic, witty daughter become miserable, depressed, unable to sleep, unable to go to school, unable to see her friends. It was truly heart-breaking and has taken a toll on all of us.  

“On her first session she was extremely anxious and nearly didn’t make it through the doors, but when she did, she was greeted by the friendliest, easy-going people that ‘just got it!’  

“There were no expectations, no pressure was put on her, it was all just very chill - just what she needed.  

“Since that first session she has embraced each session and grown more confident every time.  

“I can’t praise the Wave Project enough, they absolutely have gone above and beyond and I am so grateful to them for doing what they do and for putting a smile back on my girl’s face, seeing her laughing, high-fiving and just engaging with others is absolutely awesome! Amy’s mental health has improved massively. A massive thank you to the team – you truly have made a huge positive impact in our family’s life!”  

The Wave Project Cornwall team said: “So far we have helped 235 children and young people but are still aiming to help another 80 who are in need of our help before the end of the season.  

“We are appealing to our community, friends, volunteers and supporters to help us raise the funds we need to continue our work.  

“We need to raise £10,000 this summer to be able to continue to respond to the children’s mental health crisis.  

“Anything we raise will go directly to helping children and young people in Cornwall.  

“Without people’s support we simply won’t be able to reach as many children and young people who need our help this year.”  

• Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/waveprojecturgentappealcornwall