b'OCEAN MINDOcean Mind(Photo: Meredith OShea)Ocean Minds inescapable link to the coast and to beachesImportantly, founder Rachael Parker has also been and waves makes it difficult not to draw parallels withworking closely with researchers from Deakin University being caught inside when you consider the last two years.to bring robust and scientifically valid measurement to the work Ocean Mind does. Future funding in the modern Like all not for profit organisations, the surf-therapy youthnot for profit landscape relies heavily on evidence-based care organisation has been forced to negotiate repeatedcredibility.COVID waves to the head, doggedly paddling onward through the endless lockdown surf in search of calmerRachael still needs to take a moment when she stops to waters where it can thrive instead of survive. consider Ocean Minds growth. Its blown me away, she said. I always saw it was going to be a little side project. Somehow, even when real-life surf sessions have not beenI always wanted it to be a job but thought it would be a possible, Ocean Mind has found ways to remain connectedpassion project, so to see where it is now. We have a team to the youths of Geelong and Victorias west coast whoof staff behind it saying we can do this, we are passionate need them. And now, the organisation is looking to achieveabout it and lets make a real difference in the service its long-held dream to expand, having secured a secondsystem. It is absolutely beyond what I ever would have van to carry equipment to a new location, with furtherdreamed.plans to set up interstate, such as to South Australia where surf-based therapy is not yet common.8NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2021'