The All Stars Diving Foundation aims to support (former) professional first responders such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and personnel of the army who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or have similar psychological complaints and/ or physical limitations incurred during their service to society.

First responders, who risk their lives daily for our safety and well-being, deserve our unconditional support. These brave men and women stand ready in the most challenging conditions, from which most people would flee. They are true heroes, but even heroes can be vulnerable.

According to research by the Dutch police (‘PTSD in the police – A clearer picture’, 2012), many first responders continue to experience a range of residual symptoms after treatment for PTSD. These can range from concentration problems and startle responses to sleep disorders and emotional unrest. This underscores the need for ongoing support.

All Stars Diving Foundation distinguishes itself by not just offering one-time activities, but by creating experiences with a long-lasting, positive impact on the well-being of our first responders. We stand for an approach that goes beyond the moment, with attention to continuous personal growth, stability, and recovery.

While diving is not a substitute for professional therapy, it does offer a valuable addition or support for first responders in their fight against PTSD. The underwater world offers unique opportunities for building trust, forging new social bonds, and experiencing group support.

Participation in diving activities can lead to significant improvements in various areas of life, from personal well-being and social interaction to a general improvement in quality of life and mental health. Our goal is to contribute to a reduction in psychological complaints and to enrich the lives of our heroes.

At the All Stars Diving Foundation, we are committed to providing (former) professional first responders with the support they deserve. Together, we dive towards a hopeful future.

At the All Stars Diving Foundation, we focus on supporting (former) professional first responders who have encountered mental or physical challenges in their commitment to society. This includes a wide spectrum of brave individuals – from law enforcement officers, firefighters, and medical personnel to the courageous men and women of our army forces. Specifically, we target those diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), similar psychological complaints, or physical limitations resulting from their commendable service.

However, we recognize that the term ‘professional first responder’ is comprehensive and extends to sectors and roles that might not immediately come to mind. Our doors are open to anyone who identifies with these definitions and believes they could benefit from our support.

If you’re unsure whether your professional background or personal experiences fall within our target group, we encourage you to reach out to us. Each request is carefully and attentively reviewed by the board of the All Stars Diving Foundation. We aim to be inclusive and ensure that no one who could use our help is excluded.

Together, we form a community that dives not only into the beauty of the underwater world but also into the potential for stability, healing, growth, and renewed strength. Join the All Stars Diving Foundation, where we dive together towards a hopeful future.

The roots of the All Stars Diving Foundation lie in a deeply personal journey. Founded by Paul Knörr, a former police officer with the National Police in the Netherlands, the foundation emerged as a beacon of light in a long and dark tunnel. Paul’s battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) seemed insurmountable until he discovered that diving offered not just an escape but a path to stability.

Inspired by similar initiatives in the United States, where the Department of Veterans Affairs utilizes diving programs as a form of occupational therapy, Paul began to dream of something similar in the Netherlands. He saw a unique opportunity to share the healing power of diving with others who, like him, bore the heavy burden of psychological and physical traumas from their service to society.

With a heart full of hope and an unwavering belief in the potential of diving as a therapeutic tool, Paul founded the All Stars Diving Foundation. The goal? To offer first responders with similar experiences a new horizon, where the silence and beauty of the underwater world aid in finding inner peace and personal growth.

This is how our journey began – a mission driven by the conviction that beneath the surface of the water lies not just a world of wonders but also one of stabilization, healing, and renewal. At the All Stars Diving Foundation, we are proud of our origins and remain inspired by our founder’s story. Together, we dive towards a future where creating stability is possible for everyone who has the courage to take the plunge.

The All Stars Diving Foundation is driven by a mission to offer (former) professional first responders, who have faced psychological or physical traumas through their service, a path to stability, recovery, or personal growth via the serene power of the underwater world. By participating in our diving activities, our heroes experience the healing effect of deep connection with nature, while also forging new social bonds and finding support within an understanding community.

Our aim is not just to provide temporary relief but to have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life and mental health of our participants. We believe that by diving together, we not only descend to the bottom of the ocean but also rise towards a future filled with hope and renewed strength.

The establishment of the All Stars Diving Foundation as a non-profit reflects our core mission, to provide support, stability, and recovery to (former) professional first responders with PTSD or similar complaints, without a profit motive. Our goal is to introduce these heroes to diving as a form of occupational therapy, focusing on their well-being. This enables us to directly invest all resources into the well-being of our participants, whether they come from the Netherlands or abroad.

As a non-profit foundation, we rely on sponsors and donors to fulfill our mission of providing support to first responders with PTSD or similar challenges. Your contribution helps us offer healing diving experiences that have a significant impact on their recovery and personal development. For information on how you can help, please contact our secretary. Every form of support makes a lasting difference.