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 (or soon to be) accepting participants on.
~Water ~ Waves ~ Wellbeing ~
A Blue Space Therapy Programme for Unpaid Carers - returning September
Give yourself a boost 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, the programme will focus on emotional, social and mental health support and 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, in a small and relaxed group. Activities will include surfing, paddle boarding, body boarding, wild swimming and beach yoga, with an emphasis on resilience, mindfulness, self-esteem and confidence boosting. It will also be an opportunity to make new friends and bond with those experiencing similar life challenges.
Details of the programme:
Dates and Times: Starts 11th Sept | Thursdays 10:30am-12:30pm
Duration: 2 hours with an opportunity to stay afterwards for social time
Programme length: 6 weeks
Location: Boscombe Honeycombe Beach and possibly other water-based locations
Group size: 6-8
Ability: Beginner/Novice/Newcomer/Any!
Cost: £120 for 6 weeks
Young People's Surf Club
Surf club for 11-16 year olds, from September.
We are excited to announce the return of our popular 6-week Surf Therapy programme this September!
We are passionate about creating wholesome experiences for everyone, and our programme is rooted in our ethos of fun, individuality and inclusion. We aim for every participant to learn to surf in a pressure-free, child-led, and nurturing environment.
Our surf coaches Eve and Martina have a wealth of experience not only in the water, but on land, working with children and young people in a range of areas, including sensory integration, occupational therapy, special yoga, SEND and mental health.
About the Programme:
Suggested age is 11-16, and we are welcoming of young people who may be affected by neurodiversity, mental health challenges, social-emotional trouble, or just want some vitamin sea!
Along with learning to surf, the sessions will involve some engaging activities such as beach yoga, sea games, mindful movement, and body boarding.
(If your child has a physical or cognitive disability, please contact us to enquire about our individual adaptive sessions on offer.)
If you have any queries about the programme, please contact us via email: wildandfreetherapy@outlook.com
Days and Times: Mondays @ 4:30pm – 6pm
Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Sept, and 6th, 13th Oct
Location: Boscombe Honeycombe Beach, adjacent to Urban Reef Restaurant BH51BN
Group Size: 8
Participant Age Range (suggested): 11 to 16
Cost: £120
~WonderWaves~
A Blue Space Therapy programme for home educated children - returning September
For this year’s ~WonderWaves~ programmes, we warmly welcome participants who identify as neurodivergent or with SEND, alongside their neurotypical friends. The programme provides a relaxed opportunity for children aged 5-15 to learn, bond and grow through physical and emotional exploration in a small and welcoming environment. With a nurturing and child-centric ethos, participants will have the chance to try activities such as surfing, body boarding, beach yoga, and beach crafts, with an emphasis on resilience, mindfulness, and trusted attachments. We hold a strong focus on ocean literacy and environmental impact. It is also an opportunity for parents and carers to meet and share time together.
Parents/carers are expected to stay on site for the duration of the session. If you have any queries about the programme, eligibility, affordability, or any other general questions, please contact us via email: wildandfreetherapy@outlook.com
Dates and costs TBC
Programme Length: 6 weeks
Location: Sorted Surf School, Boscombe Honeycombe Beach
Group Size: 8 – 10
Participant Age Range: 5 to 15
ASD-Friendly Friday Summer Club
A beach-based holiday session for children with ASD and their friends & siblings.
A safe and engaging space for children and families to enjoy time together, making friends and learning new skills, every Friday over the summer holidays.
Target age group is 7 to 12. The cost is £10 per child on a DONATION basis – if you feel this is unaffordable for you then pay what you can, or pay nothing.
Location: Boscombe Beach east of pier, outside shower and toilet block (next to Urban Reef)
These sessions are designed with neurodiversity in mind, where children with additional considerations can expect reasonable adaptions so that they can enjoy the fun and activities that blue space has to offer, alongside their neurotypical friends and siblings.
Here’s what is on offer:
Surfing
Body-boarding
Beach & Sea games
Beach crafts
Ocean Literacy
Beach Yoga / Mindful Movement
* Activities are subject to the conditions on the day, staffing and children’s preferences.
Wetsuits and equipment provided, including buoyancy aids if non-swimmers.
Parents should remain nearby (coffee shops available!) and assist with the changing before and after.
Warm showers available, along with accessible changing and toilets. Please note that the main changing areas are open to the public. There is a Changing Places unit about 100m down by the pier.
SUMMER CLUB IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.
Get in Touch
Contact us to take part, volunteer, donate or find out more.