Surf Action on Saints and Scroungers
Pictured: BBC TV "saints" Carolyn Webster and Rich Emerson
It was great to see the Surf Action project featured so positively in BBC1's Saints and Scroungers - a programme looking at different approaches to the benefit system. The January 19th episode looked at the moving and inspiring story of combat veteran Rich Emerson and the role of Community Interest Company Surf Action in helping armed forces veterans - including amputees and those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - and their families. An interview with Carolyn Webster, European Programmes Manager, Jobcentre Plus (Devon and Cornwall District) helped highlight the role of DWP and ESF Convergence.
With support from the European Social Fund and Jobcentre Plus, Cornwall-based Surf Action uses surfing as a platform to help re-build motivation and confidence and develop employability skills. The model is now being used in the Government’s Work Programme with veterans supported by Surf Action acting as mentors and role models for unemployed young people.
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said, "The programme was a brilliant and powerful reflection of the great work of Surf Action and the role that ESF Convergence and Jobcentre Plus is playing in supporting them to help combat veterans back into work. It is fantastic to see this celebrated by a national television programme with such a large audience."
Rich Emerson, served in Iraq and suffered from PTSD after being discharged from the army in 1993. He took up surfing and was inspired to set up Surf Action after being inspired by a surf camp for combat veterans and their families in California.
He said on Thursday, "The biggest thing from this national coverage is that we will be spreading awareness. Now this has been shown on TV there will be friends or family who may know someone who needs help and they will contact us. Our biggest battle is getting to those guys who are often sitting in a dark room, in a dark place and this programme will help us to reach them.
"For Surf Action about £20 is actually the surfing and then we can work with these people on other therapies. The other important thing for them once they start with us is the camaraderie when they find they are with people who understand them and who they trust."