Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is supporting a new emergency services mental health initiative, Surfwell, with a loan of three Volkswagen vans. One Crafter and two Caravelles will be used to support the charity throughout the summer.
Surfwell is a mental health project set up by the emergency services to support staff struggling with their mental health, resilience and workplace performance using surf therapy, which has proven scientific benefits. The project aims to support blue light workers, such as the police, ambulance, fire, coastguard and other emergency service providers. Sessions will start in Devon and Cornwall, however, the aim is to expand the initiative across the country in the coming months.
In support of the project, Volkswagen has loaned one Crafter to transport the equipment to and from sessions, and two Caravelles to transport the team and participants.
Surf therapy is used around the world in military and charity sectors, helping people who have felt beyond help from more traditional approaches. The Surfwell initiative is the first time surf therapy has been formally trialled by the police as a support system for staff struggling with mental health.