Surfing dog and owner to launch saltwater therapy sessions in Bracklesham Bay

Kirstie Coy-Martin and her talented pooch Scooter made national headlines after the Observer first reported on how surfing together had helped Kirstie, a police officer, work through her PTSD.

SEE MORE: Meet the surf therapy dog making waves in Bracklesham Bay

The pair are now hoping to help others with their mental health by launching a local chapter of the charity ‘One wave is all it takes’.

Kirstie said: “It’s just really important with everything going on with Covid, and no end in sight to it.

“People’s mental health is really important at this time.”

Following the One Wave programme, the Saturday morning sessions will start with participants gathered in a circle to introduce themselves, talk through any issues or share tips on looking after their mental health.

People can go then into the water to paddle, swim, kayak or surf – followed by 20 minutes of yoga or mindfulness.

Kirstie said the ocean was scientifically proven to boost people’s wellbeing.

The sessions, which are free and open to everyone, will take place fortnightly starting on November 14 – meeting at 9am in front of Billy’s cafe.

People are invited to wear something fluorescent to make them smile and help make invisible illnesses more visible.

Kirstie said: “It should be good fun, while raising awareness of an important issue.”

To find out more, search for @onewavebrackleshambay on Facebook