Over the summer, the Ceredigion Youth Service - working in partnership with Walkin’ on Water Surf School - coordinated and delivered an eight-week targeted Surf Project.
The project aimed to work with young people aged between 11-16 to develop their self-confidence and reduce their anxiety whilst providing surfing opportunities in a safe, fun and relaxed environment with experienced instructors.
Six participants from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi were selected to take part in the project. Each participant noted an increase in their self-esteem and self-confidence levels as a result of the project, some of them described the project as, “an amazing opportunity!” and “being in the sea makes me feel happy”.
The project was offered free of charge to young people and was fully funded by BBC Children in Need. All equipment was provided by Walkin’ on Water Surf School and transport for participants was provided by Ceredigion Youth Service.
Gavin Witte, Youth and Community Worker said, “The surf project was the first of its kind for Ceredigion Youth Service, in partnership with Walkin’ on Water Surf School and it was a great success. I’m pleased with how the project went, and it was fantastic to see young people’s confidence, self-esteem and other interpersonal skills develop through being in the water and learning the basics of surfing. We’re very grateful to Walkin’ on Water Surf School and BBC Children in Need for providing us with the opportunity to host this project. We hope to be able to deliver similar projects for young people across the county in the near future.”
Councillor Catrin Miles, Cabinet Member responsible for Learning Services, Lifelong Learning and Leisure said, “Well done to all the young people that took part in this opportunity to brave the waters and learn to surf together on the Ceredigion Coast. It’s great to hear that Ceredigion Youth Service teamed up other with partner organisations to coordinate positive experiences like this whilst benefiting from the great outdoor experience our county has to offer.”
Youth Clubs around the county have now recommenced for the autumn term, to find out more about what Ceredigion Youth Service has to offer, visit their website, www.giceredigionys.co.uk and social media pages @GICeredigionYS or get in touch on 01545572352 or youth@ceredigion.gov.uk.
05/09/2018