Nick Knowles

My research is investigating the impact of a novel mental health intervention called surf-therapy. Surf therapy programmes provide an opportunity to take on the challenge of learning to surf and to experience surfing in a non-judgemental, supportive group Surf therapy combines physical activity, exposure to nature, and peer support, all of which are reported to have beneficial effects on mental health, and specific mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and PTSD. I will be working with the ‘surfwell’ team who run the surf therapy program in the Devon and Cornwall Police.