SeaChange Retreats CIC in Newquay to help more people impacted by cancer through surfing

A new group which supports people impacted by cancer through surfing is celebrating after receiving funding form the National Lottery so it can expand.

SeaChange Retreats CIC, based in Newquay, Cornwall, received £10,000 from the National Lottery which will be used to fund a series of surf and wellbeing retreats for adults throughout 2021.

The organisation was founded by Dr Helen Reynolds, a clinical psychologist, Dannie MacLennan, project coordinator and Dr Bhavna Oza an NHS doctor, in 2019, after they realised the need for further whole-person support for adults impacted by cancer.

The group ran two highly successful pilot retreats in 2020, and are planning to deliver eight retreats throughout 2021, Covid-19 restrictions permitting, for adults recovering from cancer treatment, adults living with cancer and family/carers of someone who has or has had cancer.

Dr Reynolds said the retreats offer participants a space for connection and reflection, help them focus on strengthening physically and psychologically through surfing, yoga and mindfulness sessions and include specialist workshops led by experts, providing participants with skills that they can take forward into their daily lives.

She said: “Thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to press on with our plans to broaden the range of support available to adults impacted by cancer.

“We are delighted to be able to offer a holistic approach to wellbeing, delivered by specialists and informed by evidence and research.

"We truly believe this is a unique opportunity that allows participants to strengthen all aspects of themselves whilst making new and vital connections with others who share similar experiences - especially relevant following the isolation imposed by Covid-19 on many of the cancer community.”

Deborah Heslip is one of the people who took part in the retreats in 2020.
She said: “I was feeling low, tired and lack of motivation and nearly cancelled attending, but I can honestly say it was the best day I have had.

"Challenging myself to do something new, opening up to similar patients with our experiences of diagnosis and recovery. It made me stop and reset my focus on what was important to me, and see that I am important - the mindfulness session was so rewarding for my mind.

“All my friends and family could see as soon as I arrived home how amazing I looked, felt and sounded in my voice. I cannot believe I was on my feet surfing by the end of the lesson, I was hooked and bought a board the next day.

"I had crazy salty curly hair and the biggest smile on my face for at least a week.”

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