Surf School opens up new sessions for low income families and SEND children
Free ocean activity sessions are on offer for young people across South Tyneside.
A surf school in South Shields is encouraging young people to sign up for free sessions for the early weeks of summer.
South Shields Surf CIC offers sessions to the community from March until October throughout the year, but are encouraging families to come forward for the chance to get free sessions.
Every Friday between 4.30pm and 5.30pm the charity is offering free sessions to anyone on free school meals.
Free sessions for children and young people with Special Educational Needs are also on offer. These sessions run between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Wednesdays for young people aged between 16 and 24, 4pm until 5pm on Thursdays for children aged 6 to 7 and 5 to 6pm on Thursdays for children aged 8 to 15.
Nick Jones, who runs South Shields Surf CIC said: “We can do whatever activity is best for the conditions, whether that be paddle boarding, surfing, body boarding, snorkelling. It’s all about having fun in the ocean.
“Being active in a natural environment has shown to be good for your mental and physical wellbeing and that’s enhanced if you’re doing it in a positive social environment, so that’s the aim, being with a supportive group of people.”
The sessions are all run by fully qualified, experienced staff staff and all take place from the brand’s site overlooking Longsands Beach in South Shields.
While they will not run throughout the summer holidays, the team at the school are preparing for alternative provisions to keep people enjoying the South Tyneside coastline.
“We’ve got an award winning coastline so why wouldn’t we be using it?” adds Nick.
“Over the years we’ve collected data which has shown the sessions improve confidence and engagement in your wider life. It’s seen as respite and reset for a lot of people who are using it each week.
“All these things we need on a day to day basis can just come from being in the ocean.”
Anyone wanting to book a session can contact the charity by emailing [email protected] or calling 07583144560.