Current and upcoming programmes

Our programmes

We run individual and group sea-based programmes for children and young people who have disabilities or additional needs, and those with physical or social-emotional/mental health barriers to accessing sports, community or mainstream education. Additionally, we run programmes for carers and other adults who may be excluded by social and economic barriers.  We aim to make ocean-based activity accessible to everyone.

Our programmes and services are commissioned by schools, charities and public bodies and we also work directly with individuals and families. Below are the programmes we are currently accepting participants on.

~Water ~ Waves ~ Wellbeing ~

A Blue Space Therapy Programme for Unpaid Carers

Give yourself a boost this autumn with Wild and Free Therapy’s Blue Space programme

This programme, designed by parents of children with disabilities, is uniquely aimed at people just like us, who could benefit from emotional, social and mental health support, while spending time in and by water, enjoying the healing and restorative benefits of the ocean.

Aimed at those who have typically prioritised their loved ones’ health and happiness and would benefit from focussing on their own holistic wellbeing.

If you spend a significant amount of your time caring for a loved one, and feel that this can sometimes impact your ability to maintain a healthy body and mind, this could be just the programme for you!

Each week takes a different focus, allowing participants to experience activities that they may not otherwise have had the time, confidence or opportunity to access, including surfing, paddle boarding, wild swimming, and beach yoga.

Along with the sessions being physically beneficial, they can also help with building self-esteem, resilience, coping strategies, and help people to feel confident about taking on different challenges.

Details of the programme:
Thursdays 10am – 12pm
From: 12th September
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Boscombe Honeycombe Beach (by the pier)
Group size: 6-8
Ability: Beginner/Novice/Newcomer/Any!
Cost: £60 for 6 weeks

We are excited to launch our ~WaterWavesWellbeing~ programme in association with Dorset Community Foundation, focussing on unpaid carers.

This programme addresses the mental, physical and emotional needs of carers in BCP/Dorset, by providing Blue Space Therapy activities in a relaxed and welcoming setting, among like-minded individuals.

You’ll have the chance to try sea-based activities along with relaxation and grounding techniques, providing you with a stronger toolkit to address the challenges you face in life.

Activities will include surfing, body-boarding, paddle boarding, sea swimming, beach yoga.  The sessions will be lead by trained and experienced staff and volunteers. The venue includes warm showers, public and accessible changing, and refreshment facilities. All equipment and wetsuits/safety gear included.

Please sign up here:
https://forms.office.com/r/QBvKwawigJ

Blue Space Wellbeing for Carers
Surfboards
Waves and wellbeing - parent carer blue space therapy programme
Fun in the sea

~WonderWaves~

A Blue Space Therapy Programme for home educated children

Following the success of our Summer ’24 programme, Wild and Free Therapy is thrilled to release our September Home-Ed programme: WonderWaves 2.0! Our popular Blue Space Therapy sessions aimed at children aged 5-15, welcome participants who identify as neurodivergent, with SEND, or mental health challenges, alongside their neurotypical friends.
 
The six-week programme provides an opportunity to learn, bond and grow through physical and emotional exploration. With a child-centric ethos, children will have the opportunity to try sea- and land-based activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, beach yoga and beach crafting, while developing an awareness of ocean literacy. The programme has a strong emphasis on resilience, pro-social engagement and trusted attachments. It will also be an opportunity for parents and carers to meet and share time together.
 
The programme will consist of weekly two hour sessions, running for six weeks.
 
The sessions will be Tuesdays or Fridays at 10am – 12pm based at Sorted Surf School, Boscombe Beach.
 
Thanks to the generous support of the Talbot Village Trust, we have been able to tailor the programme to ensure that low participant numbers and high staff ratios ensure the best outcomes and experiences for the participants.
 
The full cost of the programme is £95, with a subsidised rate of £50 for families who can demonstrate that they receive means-tested benefits.
 

Get in Touch

Contact us to take part, volunteer, donate or find out more.