To date, over 300 officers and their family members have participated in Blue Surf, which aims to assist those suffering mental illness and to provide a preventative element for all members of the QPS. Run in partnership with Surfing Australia and on the Gold Coast with Surfing Services (Currumbin) and XL Surf Academy on the Sunshine Coast, officers and their families are invited to a free learn to surf program followed by a BBQ and social hang out where they share their experiences of the morning. Officers then receive the opportunity to sign on to a four-week program. We wish to expand the program to provide further training in surfing but also in other water borne sports such as Stand Up Paddling using accredited and affiliated coaches with the Peak authorities such as Surfing Qld and Surfing Australia.

By Partnering with the Australian Sports Foundation all donations over $2 are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated.

From a participant “I have worked for the Queensland Police Service for almost 19 years and my husband, Geoff and I have been battling with his mental health condition of chronic anxiety and severe depression for the last 7 years.The battle we have had with Geoff’s condition has taken its toll on our finances, our health and our relationship.Geoff and I attended the Blue Surf Day, which was a struggle in itself as Geoff’s mental health rarely allows him the energy to get off the couch.We had an amazing day, Julie and her helpers were friendly and accepting, we felt excited at trying something new, the sun and fresh air were exhilarating and the exercise from surfing got the endorphins pumping.Prior to attending the day, Geoff had been plagued with suicidal thoughts but after a few hours he was driving away on top of the world and when we returned home he was motivated for the rest of the weekend.This is a better result than any amount of medication that a doctor has provided Geoff with or after attending a therapy session with a Psychiatrist.We have now attended a couple of the Blue Surf Days and it has the same effect each time.Whilst Geoff’s mental health condition is a regular battle and has its many ups and downs, attending regular Blue Surf Day sessions provide the ability to remain on track to keep positive and provide the energy to keep fighting. The benefits of the Blue Surf Program have had a significant impact on improving my husband’s health which in turn provide me with some relief, and I am very thankful to Julie Gilmore and the Queensland Police Service for offering and including us both in this opportunity.“ -Cheryl Sayer, Sergeant |Senior Prosecutor, QPS