Surf therapy is being used in Peru and around the world to help children with mental health issues and other challenges.

Understanding the program: Surf therapy seeks to help children navigate their emotions and establish positive social connections through the physical exercise and camaraderie experienced in surfing.
* The surf school in Lima where this therapy is carried out is part of Alto Peru, a local nonprofit which serves the children of a marginalized neighborhood.
* Research has shown that surf therapy can foster self-esteem, combat depression, and even assist in healing post-traumatic stress disorder.

In depth: The challenging realities faced by the children participating in the Alto Peru program are stark, covering drug and alcohol addiction, sexual violence, and physical abuse.
* However, the program is designed to create a “different world” for the kids, where they don’t have to fear.
* Also involved in community development, Alto Peru has helped to create a playground on a former garbage dump and paint murals on several neighborhood walls.

Broadening the lens: Surf therapy, which emerged over a decade ago in South Africa, is seen as an effective method to address mental health issues among youth globally.
* It’s been applied in programs from Sierra Leone to California, aiding children and even adults to deal with trauma.

Unpacking results: Studies have linked surf therapy to significant improvements in mental health, including life-enhancing transformations and reduced symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
* The mental health benefits go beyond just the physical activity; the sense of community and belonging the kids feel is crucial to the therapy’s success.
* The future may see these foundational structures broadened even further, with organizations globally benefitting from training in the Waves for Change model.

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