A northwest project that helps children with complex needs who cannot access the ocean directly, has won a HSE innovation award.
The Making Waves programme at Rossnowlagh beach in Co Donegal offers therapy-centred ocean experiences for children and families.
The initiative, a partnership between the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Donegal North and adaptive surf charity Liquid Therapy has been designed by clinicians, surf therapists and families.
It received a Bright Spark award at a HSE summit – an award that recognises frontline projects improving health service delivery.
Families have availed of beach access mats, a specialised wheelchair and a purpose-built seated surfboard.
Teddy Buchanan prepares to participate in the Making Waves programme in Co Donegal
Parent Michelle O’Kane told RTÉ News that surfing is not something she ever felt her 16-year-old son Dylan would experience.
“Dylan has a rare condition called SATB2 syndrome. He’s delayed in pretty much all aspects. It’s [surfing] like its own form of respite.
“This is not something we ever thought he would ever experience and I get to experience it with him. He adores it. He has taken to it so well. It means everything.
“It’s peace. it’s incredible. There are no words for it,” she said.
Liquid Therapy provides a supported environment that enables young people to experience the physical and therapeutic benefits of the surf and ocean.
The charity’s chief executive Tom Losey said the aim was to reduce barriers for children who need additional support to take part in surf-based activities.
“The seated surfboard lets a small team take an individual out into the ocean in comfort – in a specialised seat, made of carbon fibre, on a board that lets them enjoy the thrill of the ocean and the waves, removing the stress and barriers to participation,” he said.
Mr Losey said families are provided with a restorative respite, adding they’re “seeing their children thrive at the beach, in an environment, they couldn’t otherwise access – without [this] pilot programme”.
Senior Children’s Occupational Therapist with CDNT Donegal North, Katie Stack, said the project shows what family centred practice can look like beyond a clinical setting.
“Making Waves was never designed for families. It was designed with them, and that partnership is what has made all the difference,” she said.
Dylan O’Kane tries out the specialised wheelchair at Rossnowlagh beach
Ms Stack said now that they have seen that the concept works and that the methodology is transferrable, that they wish to reach more families.
“We want to scale this project, but to do that, we need sustainable funding. We want projects like Making Waves to become the norm, not the exception for families that we work with,” she said.
Parent Natasha Buchanan said her four-year-old son Teddy, who has spinal bifida, has reaped the benefits, adding children “can find clinical experiences quite traumatising”.
“He gets to do his physio, occupational therapy and speech without realising he’s getting anything done.
“As parents, we get to stand back and watch them enjoy it. The guys here are the ones thinking the five steps ahead, so we don’t have to think the five steps ahead.
“It’s something they [Teddy and his sister] don’t always get to do because of Teddy’s disabilities. Having this is amazing.”
Ms Buchanan described the freedom provided through the programme as hugely beneficial, adding that “it has to be rolled out nationwide”.
“You can’t put a price on your child’s happiness. It’s the independence it gives them.
“It’s the fun. it’s the freedom. Teddy is like every other child frolicking, jumping and splashing in the water.
“Nobody sees his wheelchair. Nobody sees his splints. Nobody sees his disability. They just see a four-year-old in the water with his sister and parents,” Ms Buchanan added.