Emergency services to use Edinburgh’s Lost Shore surfing for therapy

RNLI crews are set to swap sea rescues for surfboards as an “important” wellbeing programme launches at Lost Shore in Edinburgh.

Surfwell Bluelight – a mental health focused Community Interest Company – is bringing its evidence-based surf therapy programme to Scotland for the first time, teaming up with Lost Shore to help frontline emergency workers tackle stress, burnout and trauma.

The one-day course, already run in England and with partners in the US, is aimed at the Blue Light community and will make its Scottish debut in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

The first group to try it out will be RNLI staff, after trials and safety checks cleared the new inland surf venue to host the scheme.

Organisers say the programme has already helped more than 2,000 emergency service workers struggling with anxiety, PTSD and the emotional toll of life on the front line.

They also claim that the scheme has been “life-changing”, and in some cases even life-saving.

James Mallows, Surfwell Blue Light CEO, said: “We developed our programme in 2018 in response to the national mental health crisis within UK emergency services and to date we have helped over 2000 participants from the Emergency Services, who have been struggling with their mental health.

“Many of the people we work with are particularly struggling with severe anxiety, burnout, stress and PTSD from incidents that they have experienced in the line of duty or from the unique challenges that come with working in the blue light sector. 

“The neurological changes that occur within the brain when you overcome the challenge of surfing in a cold-water setting, alongside a structured support system delivered by blue light peers, is incredibly powerful.

“We see time and time again, the immediate and importantly, the long-lasting impact of our programme. It really is life changing.”

To be able to bring this programme to Scotland and make it easier for more members of the emergency services from across the UK to access the programme has always been part of our dream”

Lost Shore and the RNLI have also backed the move, saying surfing can boost confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing for crews dealing with traumatic incidents.

Adam Dixon, RNLI Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead at the RNLI, said: “The RNLI exists to save lives at sea, and the charity’s lifesavers give a great deal of time and commitment to saving the lives of others.

“While their rescue work is often rewarding, the very nature of it can mean exposure to challenging and traumatic circumstances.”

“The welfare of our lifesavers is our priority, and we’re pleased to be working with Surfwell to offer surf therapy to those who need it, led by fellow emergency service personnel who can approach each situation with empathy and shared understanding.

“The addition of the Lost Shore venue in Scotland is now providing a more accessible option for our lifesavers in Scotland and the north of England.”

Dr Jamie Marshall Social and Health Innovation lead, Lost Shore said: “Through our work exploring the blue health benefits of surfing and surf therapy, we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact surfing can have on people’s confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing.

“Being RNLI crew myself, I’ve seen the challenges frontline colleagues face up close, which makes this partnership particularly meaningful.

“That’s why we’re incredibly proud to partner with Surfwell to bring this important programme to Scotland for the first time and support frontline emergency service workers through a unique, evidence-based experience that can make a real difference.”