Community
4 October, 2024
Riding the waves to employment
A SUPER fun six-week surf program for young people embarking on their journey to work and study, will kick off next week.
An initiative of Brophy Services Warrnambool, ‘From Waves to Work’ is targeted at young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years who are engaged with an employment service provider.
The program offers a fun alternative approach to supporting young people in their pathways to work and study, using the therapeutic benefits of the ocean and surfing to build confidence, self-belief, local connections and skills.
Each week participants, local employers, industry experts and mentors will come together to ‘yarn, surf and eat.’
According to Brophy mentor Matilda Ryan the program is an ideal avenue to bridge gaps between young people, industry leaders and potential employers.
“It’s all about being out in the ocean, enjoying some fresh air and socialisation while having open discussions about employment and study pathways,” Ms Ryan said.
“We’re all on a level playing field out there (on the water) and people feel comfortable chatting about their concerns, their ambitions and what the future may hold.”
The confident 22 year-old believes the program is all about yarn, surf and eat.
“We can all have a chat, a surf (or at least try to) and then we end the session with a bite to eat somewhere locally.”
The six sessions in the water follow the Stoked Surf Therapy principles – teaching surfing as a coping strategy for mental health, connecting young people to community, delivering education on mental health and wellbeing and providing exposure to the healing powers of the ocean.
“Riding the waves of life can be tough for young people in our community,” Matilda said.
“Our program targets those who are experiencing mental health difficulties, anxiety, stress or hard times.
“It provides an opportunity for young people to make new connections, to improve their health and wellbeing and to increase social inclusion.”
The idea for Stoked came from two youth services workers who were sitting on their surfboards in the ocean during a long COVID lockdown.
At that time, the calmness of the ocean created a space to unplug from the mental load of life; to breath, feel gratitude and connect to mother nature.
This led to the conversation – “we need to get young people in the ocean.”
“I can’t surf so I’m sure that’ll give participants a good laugh, and help break any barriers during the early sessions,” Matilda said.
“I know first hand what it’s like to go through an employment service provider and I’m happy to share my experiences and my knowledge with other young people.
“It’s a truly amazing program and Brophy offers great support and education.”
Volunteers and local employers are needed to ensure the continued success of the program.
If you are interested in becoming involved, are keen to meet potential new employees or simply just fancy hitting the waves and having a good time, ‘Waves to Work’ could be for you.
The program will run in Warrnambool each Tuesday morning from next week, October 8, through until November 12 and in Port Fairy each Thursday morning from October 10 through to November 14.
It is also anticipated the program will extend to include sessions in Portland next year.
