STUDENTS from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Outdoor Adventure Education course have teamed up with the Stroke Association Carmarthenshire Community Connect Service to create activity days and workshops aimed at supporting stroke survivors in their rehabilitation journey.
This collaboration started thanks to UWTSD’s Cynefin Green Health and Wellbeing Hub Carmarthen initiative, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which fosters innovative partnerships to enhance student experiences while benefiting the community.
The partnership first took shape when representatives from the Stroke Association engaged as guest speakers in UWTSD’s ‘Perspectives on Outdoor Education’ module. Their participation inspired students to develop and deliver outdoor activities tailored to specific groups, including stroke survivors—aligning with the module’s hands-on learning approach.
Working in teams, the students designed, planned, and facilitated a variety of nature-based activities, ensuring they were inclusive, accessible, and adaptable. The workshops, which included tree planting, bird feeder crafting, and willow weaving, were carefully chosen for their therapeutic benefits, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
Carla Williams, Community Connect Co-ordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “The Stroke Association’s Carmarthenshire Community Connect Service was designed to combat isolation and deteriorating mental health among stroke survivors by fostering stroke-friendly communities.
“Collaborating with UWTSD has given us an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness about stroke and its impact with an audience we wouldn’t normally reach.
“The students were incredibly receptive, eager to learn, and keen to create activities that were truly inclusive. The experience was beneficial for everyone involved—stroke survivors gained peer support and engaged in activities that promoted their well-being, while students developed vital professional skills as future outdoor educators.”
Ann Coles, a stroke survivor who attended the workshops said: “I absolutely love it. What a beautiful place to go! The students understood where I was coming from, and they looked after me by adapting the task to my needs. They were very engaging and helpful.
“Gardening is my passion, and this event made me want to come out of the house to take part. Stroke often makes you feel that you shut yourself off from everyone, but this made me feel a part of society again, as I was in my happy place.”
Carla added: “The students welcomed us and were keen to learn about stroke. It was great to see young people want to do something to help with the wellbeing of stroke survivors.
“Students really became aware of stroke risks, how to prevent a stroke and what to look out for if someone was having a stroke including the FAST test.
“They all really took on board the information given and then thought about alternatives and the adaptations they could make to ensure there was something for everyone.”
The initiative also provided valuable learning experiences for the students. Reflecting on the project in their final assessment reports, they demonstrated the essential professional skills needed to evolve as outdoor educators.
Student Sean Donovan said: “Running activity sessions with the Stroke Association showed us how the outdoors can bring people together, provide relief, and create meaningful connections.
“We learned the importance of flexible planning—accounting for participant abilities, turnout, and weather—while ensuring clear communication and accessibility for all.
“This experience broadened our perspective on third-sector work and the role of nature in social well-being. It also deepened our awareness of accessibility in outdoor provision and how outdoor experiences can positively impact people who may not have engaged with them before.
“Seeing the benefits firsthand has inspired us to explore careers that use the outdoors for social change, while also strengthening our leadership, facilitation skills, and connections within the community.”
UWTSD’s Outdoor Adventure Education Lecturer Mache Treviño said: “This collaboration embodies the University’s mission of transforming education and transforming lives, and is also highly meaningful for The Stroke Association’s Carmarthenshire Community Connect Service.
“We are already exploring more projects together where we can continue to create waves of positive impact for students, stroke survivors and the community as a whole.”
For more information about Outdoor Adventure Education courses at UWTSD, visit: Outdoor Adventure Education (Full-time) for the Undergraduate course and University of Wales Trinity Saint David Outdoor Education (Part-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David for the Postgraduate course
