Donegal based ocean and surf therapy service Liquid Therapy is among 11 Irish social enterprises that have been awarded new funding for mental health and wellbeing projects.
The HeadStart Fund is a three-year, €3M Fund created by Rethink Ireland in collaboration with the Z Zurich Foundation and the HSE.
The Fund will support organisations working with young people aged 15-24 in the Republic of Ireland and will focus on innovative solutions to help groups such as young people, women, and those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage to improve and maintain their mental health and well-being over time.
At the awards announcement of the €3M HeadStart Fund in Dalymount Park are (Back L-R) Eileen McHugh, CEO, Hair Together; Tom Losey, CEO, Liquid Therapy; James Flanagan, FSR/Community Manager, Bohemian FC; Ian Power, CEO, SpunOut (Middle L-R) Anthony Brennan, CEO, Zurich Ireland; Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland; Aisling Duffy, National Senior Project Manager, Mental Health Operations, HSE (Front L-R) Dr. Calem De Búrca, CEO, Childhood Matters; Maria Fleming, CEO, First Fortnight; Kay McCabe, National Youth Work Co-Ordinator, Involve; Ruadhán Ó Críodáin, Executive Director, ShoutOut. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
Liquid Therapy’s ‘A Drop in the Ocean’ programme combines beach workshops with ocean time through activities such as bodyboarding, surfing and bodysurfing.
Designed with psychologists and psychotherapists, the beach workshops aim to build a toolkit of resiliency in young people, while giving practical advice that supports each individual in their everyday life.
All of this is done while also facilitating social connection, physical activity and access to nature.
The project will be delivered in Bundoran, Ballyshannon and Donegal Town.
