THE UNIVERSITY of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was pleased to host an open event organised in partnership with the Stroke Association at its Cynefin Green Heath Hub in Johnstown Carmarthen
The purpose of the day was to gather feedback on accessibility of the facility from potential users, particularly those recovering from stroke, so that more people can enjoy nature-based wellbeing sessions at the centre. During the event, Andrew Williams, UWTSD Project and Engagement Officer provided a tour of facilities and discussed potential uses with representatives from a range of health and wellbeing groups. The Mayor and Mayoress of Carmarthen, Councillor Emlyn Schiavone and Mrs Tina Schiavone, were also in attendance.
The aim of the Cynefin Green Health Hub is to promote wellbeing and mental health opportunities for community groups through access to local green spaces. It works with several partners to run activities that promote wellbeing, social bonding, and knowledge of the natural world.
Andrew Williams, UWTSD’s Project and Engagement Officer at Cynefin said: “We welcome the opportunity to gather views on our facilities so that more people can enjoy the range of activities that we offer. Cynefin is a place that all can feel welcome, a place of respite, friendship and growth.
“The activities take advantage of our rural setting to provide an opportunity to be immersed in nature, learn skills to get a little closer to natural living and take healthy, gently exercise among a supportive community.”
Carla Williams, Coordinator for the Stroke Association, Carmarthenshire Community Connect service funded by Carmarthenshire County Council said: “It’s exciting to have an opportunity for Stroke survivors to use their lived experience to help shape an environment which will aid recovery, support learning new and existing skills and facilitate vital peer support.
“The Green Health Hub could benefit many groups of people to manage their health and wellbeing and create opportunities to contribute.”
A stroke survivor visiting the site stated that she would love to be part of a regular group meeting here, adding: “it would be wonderful.”
The Cynefin Green Health Hub project received a total of £270,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It was launched in January in partnership with Coed Lleol/Small Woods, which provides free woodland wellbeing programmes across Wales, combining the natural world and activities set in woodland spaces to improve health and wellbeing. Their work offers opportunities for individuals to support their wellbeing with the NHS’s 5 ways to wellbeing as a framework (Give back, Take notice, Be active, Learn, Connect).
Cynefin offers a range of activities such as bushcraft, whittling, willow weaving, singing, natural dyes and inks, textiles, Welsh myths, foraging, natural medicine making, campfire cooking, storytelling, nature connection, seed planting, leathercraft, sensory walks and much more!
The activities run during monthly gatherings or as a delivery of 6-week programmes. The activities are open to all. Some activities will be for adults only, whilst others will be family focused.
To find out more, contact: Andrew Williams ([email protected]).
