Next in our independent business profile series is Heads Above The Waves, a Cardiff-based non-profit that raises awareness of depression and self-harm in young people. Chloe Jackson-Nott catches up with them.

Where did the idea for Heads Above The Waves come from?

Funnily enough, it started with me [Si] having a rubbish time in high school. I really struggled with my mental health, and in particular, was battling self-harm. But playing drums became my coping mechanism that helped me get through that. So originally, I wanted to teach everyone to play the drums, so we could “fix” mental health. But of course, that’s not the answer. So I started speaking to other folks who’d struggled themselves, and building up a bit of a library of things that might help you keep your head above the waves. We started out as a Tumblr page and a suitcase with a couple of t-shirts in. But soon grew to a physical shop space and a full blown website. And along the way we started delivering sessions in schools, for people to actually have a go at the ideas we’re sharing online. Which feels like a really nice “full circle” moment; turning my pain in high school into a chance to help make high school a bit more manageable for folks today.

You’ve had a few stores around Cardiff over the years but where can we find you now?

Right now, we’re located in Corp Market, which is the old Corporation pub on Cowbridge Road East, in Canton, Cardiff.
(Corp Market, 188 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF5 1GW).

It’s a cool space, where they’ve taken a big old building and turned it into a marketplace for a bunch of independent traders. We’re lucky enough to have a unit that faces out onto the street, so you’ll hopefully see our signage as you’re walking down Cowbridge Road East!

There are a lot of other vendors at The Corp and this might be a difficult question, but do you have any other recommendations?

I love The Barber Room! They legit do the best haircut I’ve ever had. Plus they’re super friendly. Super inclusive. Very reasonably priced. The only downside is how quickly they get booked up! 

Do you have a favourite piece you sell at HATW?

My personal favourite piece tends to change as we keep on doing more stuff that I love. Right now, it’s this heavy canvas jacket. It’s thick enough to be a warm jacket, but light enough to work well as a transitional season layer.

But of course, the really iconic thing that we sell is a long sleeve tee that says “I’m glad you exist” on the inside of the sleeves, so someone reads that message if you’re about to give them a hug. It’s equal parts cheesy and cute. And funnily enough, I came up with it after having a mental breakdown. So feels very on brand, considering the journey to HATW coming into existence.

We’ve noticed you visit schools to spread awareness which is fantastic, but are there any workshops others that no longer attend school can get involved with?

This is actually something I’m looking into right now! Currently our workshops are only within schools. Which works well in terms of meeting people where they are (if they’re in school!), but leaves a bit of a gap for people not in education. So hopefully soon we’ll begin running sessions on a regular basis, where people will be able to self-refer, or get referred into. It’s exciting; but it’s not quite ready to go just yet! So watch this space

Is there anything that the local community can do to help with HATW?

Honestly, it sounds like a small thing, but sharing our content online makes a huge difference. We’re constantly making & sharing stuff that has the potential to really help someone if they’re struggling. So by sharing our content, you’re helping that message reach a wider audience, which may well include someone who really needs to hear that message today. So next time we pop up on your social feeds, please do give it a share! 

And of course, if you’re in Canton, please swing by the shop, pick up some of our merch, and have a chat with us! 

HATW – website

HATW – Instagram

HATW – Facebook