Having commissioned a series of limited-edition surfboards from Bravery last week we hosted a special event for these exclusive surfboards to be presented to local charities Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation, The Wave Project, and BOWRA Foundation at the Bravery Café in Poole.
The event, generously hosted by the Bravery Café free of charge, saw the charities presented with one-off surfboards, which they will use to raise awareness and funding for their very special causes.
About the Beneficiary Charities
Purbeck Youth & Community Foundation (PYCF)
Formed in 2016 by local volunteers, PYCF responded to Dorset Council’s call for community management of the Wareham Youth and Community Centre. PYCF is dedicated to supporting families and has been running the Wareham family hub since December 2023. They offer a range of services including mentoring, counselling, information, and access to safe places with trusted workers, while also providing youth clubs and school-based programs for individuals aged 0-25 years.
A Trustee of Purbeck Youth & Community Foundation (PYCF), said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Chapman Lily Planning for their donation of a limited-edition surfboard. This unique gift will allow us to fundraise and we will be selling our raffle tickets through the summer and raising income for our Wareham Family hub. The hub brings together local community support from a range of organisations for 0-25 years and their families and others. It’s really wonderful to see local businesses coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of families and youth in Purbeck.”
The Wave Project
Addressing the fact that 1 in 5 children in the UK experience social, emotional, or mental health difficulties, The Wave Project offers life-changing, NHS-prescribed mental health interventions through their Surf Therapy program. By combining the therapeutic benefits of the sea with the adventure of surfing, The Wave Project helps young people achieve things they never thought possible. In the past year, they have supported 2,035 children and young people, with the help of 1,778 trained volunteers.
A representative of The Wave Project, said:
“We plan to host a fundraising event and raffle the donated surfboard, which will help fund our Surf Therapy programs and enable us to reach even more young people who are struggling with mental health challenges. The therapeutic power of surfing can be life-changing, and this support will make a real difference to the well-being of the children and young people we work with.”
BOWRA Foundation
The BOWRA Foundation inspires recovery from brain injury through practical help and physical challenges, often involving members of the Armed Forces community. Their efforts empower individuals with confidence, hope, and a sense of belonging as they embark on the next stages of their lives.
A representative from the BOWRA Foundation, said:
“This initiative is a fantastic boost for our efforts. We intend to auction the board at a future event, which will directly support our initiatives to help individuals recover from brain injuries through practical help and physical challenges. This donation will inspire hope and confidence in those we serve, empowering them on their journey to recovery.”
The approval of the Brocks Pine surf lagoon in February 2024 by the Planning Inspectorate marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to solidify Dorset’s reputation as a premier surf destination. The surf lagoon is expected to provide countless people with access to the significant health and wellbeing benefits that come from surfing.
Brett Spiller, Director at Chapman Lily, said:
“Chapman Lily Planning is thrilled to support our local community by donating these limited-edition surfboards. This initiative not only celebrates the exciting approval of Brocks Pine surf lagoon but also underscores our commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of our community. We are proud to partner with Bravery and raise awareness of the remarkable and vital work Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation, The Wave Project, and BOWRA Foundation.”