Cornwall charity turns old wetsuits into national award win
The initiative has helped save 27 tonnes of neoprene from going to waste.
A charity in Newquay has won a national award for its scheme reselling old wetsuits, after saving 27 tonnes of neoprene from going to waste.
The Wave Project's Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme won Best Partnership at the LARAC Awards, in recognition of its work with Cornwall Council and SUEZ.
Since launching in 2024, the scheme has given used wetsuits a second life through Cornwall Council's Household Waste and Recycling Centre network.
Wetsuits are collected, sorted and resold through The Wave Project's shop in Newquay - with all profits going towards helping young people access surf therapy.
The charity says 1 in 5 children and young people are facing mental health challenges, and uses surfing and the support of its community to help young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Ed Connors, retail pperations manager at The Wave Project, said: "Every wetsuit that finds a new home helps reduce waste, makes surfing more affordable and, through the profits raised, supports our work of transforming young lives through Surf Therapy."
Rebecca Parry, renew manager at SUEZ, added: "We're giving wetsuits a new lease of life, keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream and creating a positive impact for the local community."
The project has been funded with £116,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, along with £22,500 from SUEZ and £7,500 from The Wave Project.