BUILDING SOCIAL LINKS- a case study from Treherbert Actif Woods Wales
Coed Lleol, a Forestry Commission Wales funded Wales-wide initiative to reconnect
people and woodlands in Wales are encouraging people who have a range of health
issues to use woodlands in new and interesting ways to help improve their health and
well being through the Actif Woods Wales project, which currently has pilot projects
running in Aberystwyth and Treherbert.
In Treherbert, Rhonnda Cynon Taf, this has involved working with the National Exercise
Referral Scheme (NERS), Valleys Kids, the Genesis project and BTCV. Local project officer
Ceri facilitates the programmes in Treherbert and also works for Valley’s Kids. He has
given some of his thoughts as to how the project has affected Martin, a participant.
Martin, 47, met Alex, who works for BTCV as their employment officer, at the job centre
whilst searching for jobs. It was Alex who introduced Martin to the Actif Woods Wales
programmes as something that could be of interest to him.
Martin saw his health as average but thought the activities would be something to do
and a way to get out of the house. Looking back over his involvement he says; “It got me
out of the house and meeting new people. It gives me a weekly routine, and will
hopefully help me to get back into work in the future”.
He had some issues fitting in to
the group at first, and it took
him some time for him to
settle in, but he soon became
more involved. He really
enjoyed working as part of a
team although he found this
difficult at first. However says
he mostly found the other
people easy going and friendly.
In the end he says how well
they worked together as a
team was the thing that
surprised him the most. And
the people were one of the things he enjoyed best about activities as well as the chance
to get outdoors and cleaning the stream – giving ownership over a part of his local area.
Project officer Ceri says; “Martin was quite a socially isolated person and the group gave
him a good opportunity to meet like minded people who enjoy the outdoors.”
During the course of his involvement with the group Martin has been able to complete
his OCN level 2 in woodland management, and says it also helped with his ECDL course
as he was using a computer a lot. During the OCN he really enjoyed helping other people
Taking a break on our new bench- Martin is on the left
with their work; he is a keen photographer and took many photos for his own and other
peoples files.
Martin use to work as a factory machinist and, since being part of the Coed Lleol
programme, has applied for many jobs but unfortunately has had little success so far. He
now says he is considering changing the types of jobs he applies for to maybe work
outdoors, using his more recently developed woodland skills, acquired during his time
with Actif Woods Wales. Ceri adds; ”I think the group has given him the confidence to
look outside of his main previous job area and think about new possibilities such as
working outdoors”.
The weekly routine is very important
to Martin as, besides job club
activities he does not have many
other activities during his week. Since
being involved, as well as feeling
fitter and always having someone to
talk to he says the group has got him
out of the house and meeting new
people, which he appreciates. He says
the plans to continue with the group
as long as it is running as it gives him
a weekly routine and is something he
looks forward to each week- a real
structure and focus to help him both socially, physically and mentally.
Martin taking part in activities with a wider group