Time in water plays integral part in charity's wellbeing project

A Cornish retreat hosts a 'journey of self-discovery, healing and purpose' to provide mental health support for a group of eight young men. Athwenna Irons reports

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A CORNISH charity's pioneering mental health support programme has reached a new milestone with the launch of a 'life-changing' wellbeing retreat.

Held at 7th Rise, near St Justin-Roseland, the recent three-day experience brought together a small group of eight young men who have previously taken part in The Wave Project's 'surf therapy' course.

The retreat, created in partnership with Both Sides Retreats, was designed as a follow-on opportunity to help participants deepen their journey of self-discovery, healing and purpose, the charity said.

From cold water immersion and breathwork to foraging, fire-building and surfing at The Wave Project's Newquay hub, the weekend offered space to explore what it means to be calm, grounded and connected to nature; spending time in nature and around older male role models as they navigate the important transition from boy to man. Participants described the experience as "life-changing," and feedback from facilitators and team members underlined just how vital and impactful this kind of support can be.