‘You’re Right on Time’ campaign makes Waves for Change

As World Mental Health Day approaches on Friday, October 10, the non-profit Waves for Change (W4C) is highlighting the urgent need for youth mental health support through its new campaign, You’re Right on Time.

The campaign focuses on the “second window of neurological opportunity” - the crucial ages between 9 and 14 - when young people can build resilience, confidence and coping skills if they are given the right support.

Waves for Change provides that support through Surf Therapy, a unique programme that combines the evidence-based “Take 5” model of emotional regulation with the fun and freedom of surfing.

Since its inception in 2009, more than 12,000 adolescents have participated in the programme.

According to the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town, nine out of every ten young people in South Africa lack access to vital mental health support, leaving them vulnerable to the negative impacts of trauma and adversity.

Tony Gubeza, site manager at W4C Muizenberg, says the need is especially urgent for children growing up in high-stress environments.

“We can’t emphasise enough how important this time is,” he said.

“Young people need access to safe spaces, away from all this violence, where they can develop the coping skills they need to have positive futures.”

In research conducted by W4C, adolescents growing up in violence-exposed communities in Cape Town reported experiencing between six to eight traumatic events a year - from witnessing shootings to walking past dead bodies on their way to school.

W4C partnered with the University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, The New School (New York) and Edinburgh Napier University in developing the Take 5 Model, which is built on the pillars of energisers, emotional check-ins, paced breathing exercises, games of self-regulation, future planning, social connection and emotional check-outs.

“When they’re in the ocean trying to ride that wave, they are also experiencing respite and forgetting about all their worries,” said Mr Gubeza.

The Immersion Session on World Mental Health Day marks the start of W4C's annual fundraising campaign.

Donations help cover the costs of warm meals, therapy sessions, coaches’ stipends, and debriefing psychologists. Contributions can be made through the Waves for Change website.

Immersion is the very first session in W4C’s curriculum and involves children walking hand in hand into the ocean and pausing to ask one another, “Are you okay?”

The simple act is said to build trust, respect and communication. The public is invited to take part and experience the programme’s impact firsthand.

Founded in 2010, Waves for Change now supports 2,500 children each week across 43 communities in the Western and Eastern Cape.

After completing the 10-month Surf Therapy course, participants can join the Surf Club, which offers monthly sessions and ongoing mentorship until the age of 18.