Impact: The Wave Project
The 22nd of April marked one year since we became proud 1% For The Planet members. We are always trying to make positive changes when it comes to our impact on the planet and are excited to be a part of this incredible partnership, pledging to donate 1% of turnover to environmental change.
This year, we chose to give half of our 1% For The Planet donation to a cause that hits close to home. The Wave Project is a charity that transforms young lives through Surf Therapy, harnessing the power of the ocean to support children and young people facing mental health challenges and disabilities across Cornwall and the UK.
It’s a partnership that makes sense for us in every way: local roots, a love for the sea, and a shared belief that good things happen when people come together.
Right now, 1 in 5 children in the UK are living with a mental health condition. Over half a million are still waiting for support. It’s a heavy stat highlighting the urgent need for action.
The Wave Project is committed to tackling this crisis head-on, offering life-changing interventions that help young people build confidence, manage anxiety and improve their wellbeing.
It’s not just about surfing — the charity's Surf Therapy programmes provide a safe and supportive space it’s about reconnecting with joy, building resilience, and finding confidence again.
Since starting on the Cornish coast, The Wave Project now runs sessions all over the UK — from Devon to Durham, from Portrush to Southwark. Last year alone, over 2,000 young people joined a surf session, an adaptive surf club, or one of their inclusive education programmes. On average, participants report a 14.6% boost in confidence and nearly 14% increase in calmness.
The Wave Project Adaptive Team runs accessible surfing sessions for children with physical and invisible disabilities, and have in recent years become national leaders. They are focusing on increasing these capabilities across more locations in coming years.
Ramon van de Velde, CEO of The Wave Project, shared:
“Yallah is a proudly Cornish company who puts honesty and social responsibility before profit. This very much aligns with what we aim to do at our charity, The Wave Project. We improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people through Surf Therapy and the healing powers of the ocean, initially just in Cornwall but now all over the UK. And we can only do that with the generous support of our donors and corporate partners. We are very grateful that Yallah has chosen The Wave Project as part of their commitment to contribute at least 1% of their turnover to impactful organisations. Drink their coffee and make a real difference to young lives!”
We’re proud to play a small part in the life-changing work that The Wave Project are doing, and it’s thanks to you that we’re able to make this positive impact. The donation we made this year will cover the surf school fees for four of The Wave Project’s 6-week courses. This means at least 40 young people in Cornwall can access surf therapy because of the donation.
If you’re interested in volunteering for The Wave Project, you can sign up here. Or if you’d like to donate, donations can be made here.
