Healing Waves helps make the ocean accessible to all
Children and adults with additional needs have been getting the chance to take to the waves at Vazon, with the help of charity Healing Waves Ocean Therapy.
The Jersey-based charity returned to Guernsey this week. Islanders with additional needs got the opportunity to surf with qualified and experienced instructors. The visit was organised by Little Champs’ business owner and instructor Laurel Le Tocq, and Healing Waves has once again worked closely with her to make this happen.
This week’s sessions for school groups, individuals, charities and States services have included paddle boarding and surfing at Vazon.
Adaptive surf boards supplied by Healing Waves allowed wheelchair users to get into the water.
‘We’ll make the ocean accessible for absolutely anyone and everyone,’ said Healing Waves co-founder and executive director Max Wiltshire.
Last year was the first time Healing Waves visited Guernsey. The charity came over for just a weekend and the feedback was positive. The Ocean Therapy charity works with individuals from four years old to those in their 90s.
‘Healing Waves is an ocean therapy-based charity and we’ve been delivering our services for the last seven years,’ said Mr Wiltshire.
From seeing very little activities for those with disabilities, Mr Wiltshire, along with two other charity founders, aimed to make the ocean inclusive and accessible.
Healing Waves is the only charity within the Channel Islands focusing on ocean therapy and all sessions are free of charge.
‘We started Healing Waves as a charity and since then it’s gone from strength to strength,’ said Mr Wiltshire.
Ocean therapy connects people back into nature and Healing Waves advocates for everyone to get back into blue and green spaces.
The charity has expanded in recent years to further benefit mental health.
Healing Waves hopes these two visits will turn into an annual event. The charity has received support from multiple Guernsey organisations and companies, which have made this visit possible.
‘Guernsey has got such a good community, so we’d love to keep coming back here if Guernsey wants us,’ said Mr Wiltshire.
