Jersey's coastline and surf conditions provide the perfect backdrop and a safe environment for the local charity, Healing Waves, in helping islanders with neurological and physical conditions to experience the joy and benefits of the ocean.
The charity aims to enable individuals to participate in surfing and other water sports to gain confidence in their abilities, which they can transfer into their everyday lives.
Healing Waves’ volunteers offer ocean therapy through guided surf, paddle and flow rider sessions. The water sports are used as a vessel, assisting their athletes in gaining greater self-confidence and communication skills, while providing respite for all that attend.
Intertrust is helping the charity by appealing to their employees’ generous nature and asking them to donate unwanted surfboards and wetsuits to the charity.
Helene Senior, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Intertrust, said: “We have a strong commitment to supporting the community in which we operate in and are so pleased to support Healing Waves. The charity gives those who would not otherwise be able to try water sports the chance to experience the joy of the sea.
“Surfing is one of Jersey’s most popular sports so we’re hoping that lots of our employees, and other islanders, will have unused or unwanted equipment to donate, knowing that it will make a real difference to the ocean therapy sessions.”
Intertrust is also appealing to the Jersey community and asking all islanders to check their lofts and sheds for unwanted surfing equipment. To donate they can contact Max Wiltshire, chairman at Healing Waves, via email at healingwavesoceantherapy@gmail.comor phone on 07797 825865.
Mr Wiltshire said: “The evidence of the benefits of ocean therapy is continually on the rise. Being in, on or simply around the water leaves you feeling calmer with a more focused mind-set, whilst pausing your mind from the usual busyness and over-stimulation of life. Our aim is to break down those unnecessary barriers, providing each of our athletes with the opportunity to create their own unique and valuable experience.
“We’re so grateful to Intertrust for not only raising awareness of our new charity, but engaging with their employees to donate equipment which we can use for islanders who dream of catching their own wave.”