Surf therapy programme for women received grant boost from university

A SCOTTISH group specialising in trauma-informed surf therapy for women has netted a £4500 grant.

The money was awarded to Groundswell Scotland by the University of Edinburgh Community Grant Scheme.

The community group specialises in a "unique style of trauma-informed surf therapy for women in recovery", and the money will allow it to enhance its seven-week healing programme.

This programme was created to support women who may not be interested in traditional therapy styles and allows its participants to engage in various group or solo activities.

In order to help people navigate potential triggers and self-regulate difficult emotions, it uses the ocean as a rehabilitation tool.

Founder and lead facilitator of Groundswell Scotland Sally Harris said: “The ocean has so much power to help build an individual’s self-awareness and esteem – important elements when healing from trauma.

The organisation helps women heal using surfing, instead of traditional therapies. (Image: The University of Edinburgh)

“The funding from the university will help us to continue our work into such a valuable initiative that will benefit hundreds of women as they unite through shared experiences and bond over the joys of surfing.”

Each session includes journaling, breath work, yoga, surf safety and sea swimming and takes place in locations around Scotland such as East Lothian and the Borders.

After the programme finishes, participants are able to take part in the organisation’s "Sand and Sea" sessions where they can continue to heal.

More than 200 other projects have received funding from the grant scheme, which was established in 2017 to help local initiatives reduce inequality and improve health and wellbeing.

More than £600,000 has been disbursed to organisations in the City of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders, where it has impacted the lives of more than 26,000 people.

The University of Edinburgh Community Grant Scheme gives funding to local initiatives that work to reduce inequality and improve health and wellbeing. (Image: The University of Edinburgh)

Director of social responsibility and sustainability at the University of Edinburgh Dave Gorman said: “Over five years, the university’s Community Grant Scheme has supported more than 200 projects and social enterprises for the benefit of people and places across South East Scotland.

“We will continue to work closely with initiatives to nurture relationships and empower community action in support of social and environmental values."