Please help us stay afloat

A Torbay charity helping children with mental health problems has launched a £5,000 appeal to continue its services.
Children and young people who are seriously unwell - including those who have self-harmed or considered suicide - are failing to receive the support needed from the NHS.
With one-third of all referrals for children’s mental health services denied help – up to 60 per cent in some areas – the surge in demand is putting increasing strain on the NHS. Waiting times vary greatly, with average first appointment waiting times ranging from three days to an unacceptable three years. Currently, one in six children are struggling to cope.
The Wave Project, including a base at Goodrington, offers a viable solution for children and young people in the area.
A spokesman said: "Every year we aim to support 130 children and young people through surf therapy intervention. Children and young people come to us for a variety of reasons, including neglect, bullying and bereavement. After their six-week programme, the children and young people show significant improvements in their self-confidence, resilience, self-esteem and ability to build trust with other children and adults.
"Accessing water and blue space can improve well-being. We see the positive impact it has on the young people coming to our therapy sessions across our six sites in Devon: Croyde, Westward Ho!, Bigbury, Goodrington, Sidmouth and Exeter.
"We are currently wrapping up the delivery of our summer programme and delivering our ongoing Surf Club intervention, for continued support for the children who need it most. However, we are anxiously looking ahead to our autumn sessions and are appealing to our community, friends, volunteers and supporters to help us raise the funds we need to continue our work in Devon.
"We need to raise £5000 this summer to be able to continue to respond to the children’s mental health crisis. Anything we raise will go directly to helping children and young people in Devon."
The spokesman added: "Without your support, we simply won’t be able to reach as many children and young people who need our help this year."
A Just Giving page has been set up: Wave Project Urgent Appeal – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/waveprojecturgentappealdevon