Tesco grant helps deliver surf therapy for young people in Pembrokeshire

Pictured above (L-R): Corinda Pengilly, Tesco Charity Champion and Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of the Hywel Dda Health Board, is delighted to announce that a £1,500 grant from Tesco Stronger Starts has funded a surf therapy course for young people with mental health challenges.

Tonic Surf, a therapy project that uses surfing and the natural coastal environment as a recovery tool for children and young people aged 14–25, has used the funding to deliver a 10‑week surf therapy programme for young people across Pembrokeshire.

The weekly surf therapy sessions were delivered collaboratively by Tonic Surf and Walkin’ on Water Surf School, in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Throughout the programme, participants were supported by qualified surf coaches alongside CAMHS clinicians, providing a safe and structured environment to promote emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Tonic Surf uses the natural environment, surfing, and beach-based activities as therapeutic tools to support children and young people experiencing mental health challenges. The project has played an important role in providing alternative, meaningful ways for young people to manage their mental health and develop confidence.

The project helped build social connections between service users, provided healthy coping strategies and supported their recovery.

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Tesco Stronger Starts for supporting this local project.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”