A South East Scotland-based surf therapy programme for women recovering from trauma has received additional funding from the University of Edinburgh.

Groundswell Scotland supports women to gain confidence and connect to their community through surf therapy sessions.

All its sessions are facilitated by trauma-informed and qualified counsellors, community educators, beach lifeguards, surf coaches and volunteers and is thought to have supported more than 300 women across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders in 2021 alone.

The University of Edinburgh says its grant will enable Groundswell Scotland to enhance its ‘innovative’ surf therapy programme.

Groundswell Surf Therapy is a seven-week programme that combines surfing with activities like yoga, journalling and breath work to promote wellbeing.

By utilising this combination in group or individual settings and breath work, the Groundswell programme aims to help those who have experienced or are experiencing trauma.

Groundswell Surf Therapy looks to help people navigate difficult emotions and potential triggers and support people with stress management.

Sally Harris, founder of Groundswell Scotland, says the ocean is a powerful rehabilitation tool for women recovering from trauma:

“The ocean has so much power to help build an individual’s self-awareness and esteem – important elements when healing from trauma.

“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.”

Established in 2017, the University of Edinburgh’s Community Grant Scheme supports local projects to deliver changes in the community, from improving health and wellbeing to reducing inequalities.

Over the last five years, the scheme has supported more than 200 projects and social enterprises for the benefit of people and places across South East Scotland.

Other projects that have received grants in this funding round include the Larder West Lothian to enable the set-up of a Wellbeing Hub and a programme supporting new S1s in West Lothian in their first year of high school.

Speaking as this year’s grant funding was distributed to Groundswell Surf Therapy and other projects, Dave Gorman, Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh said:

“Over five years, the University’s Community Grant Scheme has supported over 200 projects and social enterprises for the benefit of people and places across South East Scotland.

“The scheme is a core part of our Community Plan and we are immensely proud to have contributed to such a diverse range of impactful projects. We will continue to work closely with initiatives to nurture relationships and empower community action in support of social and environmental values.”

Read more: Communities' role in climate and public health; Transatlantic mental health partnership strengthened; Blue-green prescribing for climate and public health; Creating climate-resilient, healthy communities

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