The Wave Project team have become a familiar sight on Sidmouth beach in recent years.

Not only do they help young people master their surfboards but also help to improve their health and wellbeing.

One of their recent course members enjoyed her six-week course so much that she is now planning to raise funds for the charity by carrying out a beach clean.

On October 17 at 12 noon, Nine-year-old Serena Johnson will be leading a team of litter pickers who will aim to recycle as much of the debris they collect as possible.

Fred Andrews, who runs sessions in Sidmouth for The Wave Project said: “It costs £150 to put one person through our six-week courses and so the money raised during the beach clean will be most welcome.

“Serena has already raised more than £600 which means that already we can take on four new participants.

“We are hoping around 50 people will turn out for the beach clean including our volunteers and family and friends of the young surfers.”

Serena said: “Every Sunday for six weeks I have gone surfing in Sidmouth with The Wave Project. It has been fun and I have enjoyed it. I have made friends and had lovely people helping me.”

Over the past 10 years, surf therapy has become an established form of therapeutic support for both mental and physical health and is recognised by the NHS in the UK.

Fred explained: “The Wave project’s surf therapy programmes offer young people aged eight to 21 the opportunity to be paired with a volunteer surf mentor and receive one-to-one support appropriate to their needs for the duration of the course.

“Young people attending the courses are supported through surfing to build confidence and self-esteem, develop resilience, and make friends.”

You can donate to Serena’s Just Giving page by going to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/serenawaveproject

For more information about The Wave Project, visit https://www.waveproject.co.uk

Anyone wanting to join the beach clean should register their interest by emailing Fred via Fred@waveproject.co.uk