The Outdoor Partnership will work with clubs, schools, individuals, and specialists to increase opportunities for people in Gwent to achieve their potential through outdoor activities, active participation, volunteering, training, and education.
Brett Mahoney is our Gwent Outdoor Activities Development Officer. He is based virtually (but can mainly be found running in the mountains or climbing at a crag!) and he covers Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen.
You can stay up to date with what is happening in the Gwent area, by following The Outdoor Partnership Gwent and Brett’s social media accounts:
Instagram: @OutdoorPartnershipGwent
Twitter: @BrettMahoney90
Facebook: Brett Mahoney | Facebook
Eventbrite : The Outdoor Partnership Gwent
Do you walk for your wellbeing?
Mountain Training has commissioned some independent research, on behalf of all partners and stakeholders (from local walking groups to national organisations) across the walking sector.
The aim is to find out what new walkers (not leaders!) want and need, from us all, in order to increase their knowledge and develop their confidence to go walking in the great outdoors.
This survey is especially for those who are taking their first steps in the outdoors, or intimidated by planning their own walks, for the first time.
The survey usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete and participants` responses are anonymous:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/walkers
@paa.top
@mtntraining
Do you walk for your wellbeing?
Mountain Training has commissioned some independent research, on behalf of all partners and stakeholders (from local walking groups to national organisations) across the walking sector.
The aim is to find out what new walkers (not leaders!) want and need, from us all, in order to increase their knowledge and develop their confidence to go walking in the great outdoors.
This survey is especially for those who are taking their first steps in the outdoors, or intimidated by planning their own walks, for the first time.
The survey usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete and participants` responses are anonymous:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/walkers
@paa.top
@mtntraining
The mountain walking group went to Wentwood Forest for the monthly employability project / Aeth y Grwp Cerdded Mynydd i Fforest Wentwood ar gyfer y prosiect cyflogadwyedd. 🥾🌳🌲🌳
Exploring the ancient woodland on a cold, sunny day was a great change of environment from the usual upland areas we explore. A fantastic group in partnership with Gwent Wellbeing College and Torfaen Works.
@thegdas @paa.top
The mountain walking group went to Wentwood Forest for the monthly employability project / Aeth y Grwp Cerdded Mynydd i Fforest Wentwood ar gyfer y prosiect cyflogadwyedd. 🥾🌳🌲🌳
Exploring the ancient woodland on a cold, sunny day was a great change of environment from the usual upland areas we explore. A fantastic group in partnership with Gwent Wellbeing College and Torfaen Works.
@thegdas @paa.top
Dw i’n balch i dysgu Cymraeg a gweithio i Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored i hyrwyddo iaith Cymraeg! 🏴
Mae Partneriaeth Awyr Agored enillydd gwobr iaith Cymraeg / The Outdoor Partnership winners of the Welsh Language award!
@wcvacymru @paa.top
Dw i’n balch i dysgu Cymraeg a gweithio i Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored i hyrwyddo iaith Cymraeg! 🏴
Mae Partneriaeth Awyr Agored enillydd gwobr iaith Cymraeg / The Outdoor Partnership winners of the Welsh Language award!
@wcvacymru @paa.top
Next up on our open referral Gwent Adventure Therapy programme: Indoor Climbing at @summit.centre with @crosfield_outdoors
This activity is an opportunity to experience indoor rock climbing and bouldering in a supportive environment with qualified instructors.
All equipment provided.
Places are free for adults in Gwent who are accessing services signed up to the Gwent Wellbeing College: www.gwelcol.co.uk
If you’d like to find out more about how your service can access this programme and the wider Gwent Wellbeing College, please e-mail me at: brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
This adventure therapy programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Moondance Foundation.
@paa.top @gwentwellbeingcollege @crosfield_outdoors
Next up on our open referral Gwent Adventure Therapy programme: Indoor Climbing at @summit.centre with @crosfield_outdoors
This activity is an opportunity to experience indoor rock climbing and bouldering in a supportive environment with qualified instructors.
All equipment provided.
Places are free for adults in Gwent who are accessing services signed up to the Gwent Wellbeing College: www.gwelcol.co.uk
If you’d like to find out more about how your service can access this programme and the wider Gwent Wellbeing College, please e-mail me at: brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
This adventure therapy programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Moondance Foundation.
@paa.top @gwentwellbeingcollege @crosfield_outdoors
📍 Caerphilly Young Carers > North Wales
⛰️ Yr Wyddfa
🚌 300 miles
👭8 young carers
🥾 3 staff members
🧗♂️Climbing and Hill Walking
🐟 One Salmon jumping in the river
🏖️3 days of respite
🤹🏼Games, Laughs and Connecting
The Outdoor Partnership work to reduce barriers to accessing outdoor activities and since 2023, have been collaborating with The Carers Trust and services engaged with unpaid carers across all regions of Wales to reconnect them with the outdoors and adventure.
In that short time, the charity has provided over 2,000 free opportunities for young carers to access adventurous respite opportunities.
These programmes have ranged from taster sessions in activities such as rock climbing and hill walking at venues close to their communities, through to free residential trips to Eryri and Ceredigion where they have been provided with a real breathing space to connect with peers who have similar lived experiences while exploring our beautiful landscapes.
@caerphilly_adventures
@paa.top
📍 Caerphilly Young Carers > North Wales
⛰️ Yr Wyddfa
🚌 300 miles
👭8 young carers
🥾 3 staff members
🧗♂️Climbing and Hill Walking
🐟 One Salmon jumping in the river
🏖️3 days of respite
🤹🏼Games, Laughs and Connecting
The Outdoor Partnership work to reduce barriers to accessing outdoor activities and since 2023, have been collaborating with The Carers Trust and services engaged with unpaid carers across all regions of Wales to reconnect them with the outdoors and adventure.
In that short time, the charity has provided over 2,000 free opportunities for young carers to access adventurous respite opportunities.
These programmes have ranged from taster sessions in activities such as rock climbing and hill walking at venues close to their communities, through to free residential trips to Eryri and Ceredigion where they have been provided with a real breathing space to connect with peers who have similar lived experiences while exploring our beautiful landscapes.
@caerphilly_adventures
@paa.top
Are you weather-ready for your outdoor adventures this winter? / Ydych chi’n barod tywydd am antur awyr agored yn gaeaf?
It’s the time of year to remember to be “Adventure Smart”, not adventure averse! Colder, darker adventures can be more demanding, but often more fun and rewarding 🌄
Understand how the weather can affect your plans and find out how to plan for all conditions:
https://www.adventuresmart.uk/be-adventure-smart-in-winter/
Ask yourself 3 questions before you set off:
– Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
– Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
– Do I have the right GEAR?
#weatherready #beadventuresmart #thinkwinter
@metoffice @paa.top
Are you weather-ready for your outdoor adventures this winter? / Ydych chi’n barod tywydd am antur awyr agored yn gaeaf?
It’s the time of year to remember to be “Adventure Smart”, not adventure averse! Colder, darker adventures can be more demanding, but often more fun and rewarding 🌄
Understand how the weather can affect your plans and find out how to plan for all conditions:
https://www.adventuresmart.uk/be-adventure-smart-in-winter/
Ask yourself 3 questions before you set off:
– Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
– Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
– Do I have the right GEAR?
#weatherready #beadventuresmart #thinkwinter
@metoffice @paa.top
Today, I had the absolute pleasure of joining the team at Caerphilly Adventures to support 8 young carers from the Caerphilly region to reach the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - The highest mountain in Wales 🏴 ⛰️
Creating experiences, memories and adventures for these young people has been made possible thanks to funding from Short Breaks via Welsh Government.
More photos of their entire trip to follow in the coming days!
@caerphilly_adventures
@paa.top
@carers.trust
Today, I had the absolute pleasure of joining the team at Caerphilly Adventures to support 8 young carers from the Caerphilly region to reach the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - The highest mountain in Wales 🏴 ⛰️
Creating experiences, memories and adventures for these young people has been made possible thanks to funding from Short Breaks via Welsh Government.
More photos of their entire trip to follow in the coming days!
@caerphilly_adventures
@paa.top
@carers.trust
A fantastic opportunity to get into Kayaking with Monmouth Canoe Club! 😃🛶
It’s not too late to join in! 👇
Do you want to become more independent in planning and navigating walks in the countryside and mountains?
Join Crosfield Outdoors for 5 days of free navigation tuition and achieve your National Navigation Award this autumn. Places are fully funded for anyone over 19 living in Monmouthshire.
For more information and bookings, please contact the Gwent Outdoor Activity Development Officer:
brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
@crosfield_outdoors
@paa.top
@mccemployskills
#monmouthshire #abergavenny #chepstow #monmouth #caldicot #usk
It’s not too late to join in! 👇
Do you want to become more independent in planning and navigating walks in the countryside and mountains?
Join Crosfield Outdoors for 5 days of free navigation tuition and achieve your National Navigation Award this autumn. Places are fully funded for anyone over 19 living in Monmouthshire.
For more information and bookings, please contact the Gwent Outdoor Activity Development Officer:
brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
@crosfield_outdoors
@paa.top
@mccemployskills
#monmouthshire #abergavenny #chepstow #monmouth #caldicot #usk
Next up on our open referral Gwent Adventure Therapy programme: E-Mountain Biking 🚴 with @caerphilly_adventures
This activity is an opportunity to experience the thrills of E-mountain biking at Cwmcarn Forest near Newport in a supportive environment with qualified instructors. All equipment provided.
Places are free for adults in Gwent who are accessing services signed up to the Gwent Wellbeing College: www.gwelcol.co.uk
If you’d like to find out more about how your service can access this programme and the wider Gwent Wellbeing College, please e-mail me at: brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
This adventure therapy programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Moondance Foundation.
@paa.top @gwentwellbeingcollege
Next up on our open referral Gwent Adventure Therapy programme: E-Mountain Biking 🚴 with @caerphilly_adventures
This activity is an opportunity to experience the thrills of E-mountain biking at Cwmcarn Forest near Newport in a supportive environment with qualified instructors. All equipment provided.
Places are free for adults in Gwent who are accessing services signed up to the Gwent Wellbeing College: www.gwelcol.co.uk
If you’d like to find out more about how your service can access this programme and the wider Gwent Wellbeing College, please e-mail me at: brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
This adventure therapy programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Moondance Foundation.
@paa.top @gwentwellbeingcollege
Our Adventure Therapy programmes across Gwent are proving very popular!
This week, the open referral programme hid from the rain and went climbing at @summit.centre
Big thanks to @marcusdoesmountains for sharing his passion for climbing by delivering the activities for @crosfield_outdoors
The open referral programme can be accessed by third sector organisations working in Gwent via the @gwentwellbeingcollege curriculum.
Get in touch if you require more details 😃 Next session is E-Mountain Biking at Cwmcarn with @caerphilly_adventures
Great to be working in partnership with so many organisations to make adventures more accessible to people in Gwent.
@paa.top
@gwentwildlifetrust
@thegdas
@torfaencouncil
@poblgroup
@adferiad_
Our Adventure Therapy programmes across Gwent are proving very popular!
This week, the open referral programme hid from the rain and went climbing at @summit.centre
Big thanks to @marcusdoesmountains for sharing his passion for climbing by delivering the activities for @crosfield_outdoors
The open referral programme can be accessed by third sector organisations working in Gwent via the @gwentwellbeingcollege curriculum.
Get in touch if you require more details 😃 Next session is E-Mountain Biking at Cwmcarn with @caerphilly_adventures
Great to be working in partnership with so many organisations to make adventures more accessible to people in Gwent.
@paa.top
@gwentwildlifetrust
@thegdas
@torfaencouncil
@poblgroup
@adferiad_
Ydych chi am ddod yn fwy annibynnol wrth gynllunio a llywio teithiau cerdded yng nghefn gwlad a mynyddoedd?
Ymunwch â Crosfield Outdoors am 5 diwrnod o hyfforddiant llywio am ddim a chyflawni eich Gwobr Llywio Genedlaethol yr hydref hwn. Mae lleoedd yn cael eu hariannu`n llawn ar gyfer unrhyw un dros 19 oed sy`n byw yn Sir Fynwy.
Am fwy o wybodaeth ac archebion, cysylltwch â Swyddog Datblygu Gweithgareddau Awyr Agored Gwent: brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
@paa.top @crosfield_outdoors @mccemployskills
Ydych chi am ddod yn fwy annibynnol wrth gynllunio a llywio teithiau cerdded yng nghefn gwlad a mynyddoedd?
Ymunwch â Crosfield Outdoors am 5 diwrnod o hyfforddiant llywio am ddim a chyflawni eich Gwobr Llywio Genedlaethol yr hydref hwn. Mae lleoedd yn cael eu hariannu`n llawn ar gyfer unrhyw un dros 19 oed sy`n byw yn Sir Fynwy.
Am fwy o wybodaeth ac archebion, cysylltwch â Swyddog Datblygu Gweithgareddau Awyr Agored Gwent: brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
@paa.top @crosfield_outdoors @mccemployskills
What have we achieved so far? The Outdoor Partnership has been active in Gwent since July 2021. Here’s what we have been up to:
Expanding on the Healthy and Active fund, as developed by The Outdoor Partnership in North Wales, we have been supporting people living with psychosis and other mental health conditions to help them develop emotional resilience to stressful situations through outdoor activity.
This work was developed in conjunction with the local early intervention for psychosis service within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and works on the stress resilience model as utilised by these services across the UK.
The programme has since expanded to give people who are accessing many different third sector support organisations across Gwent the opportunity to experience a variety of adventure activities in and around the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
About Adventure Therapy:
Adventure Therapy encompasses a range of outdoor activities that offer personal challenge for individuals, through exploration and discovery, within a safe and well supported environment. Many of these experiences incorporate activities such as cold-water immersion and use of perceived risk (i.e. being at height) as a mechanism to remove people from their day-to-day environment while creating safe spaces in beautiful landscapes for participants to connect with nature while developing and gaining new experiences.
Participants can access our Adventure Therapy Programmes in Gwent through referral organisations signed up to the Gwent Wellbeing College: Gwent Wellbeing College (gwelcol.co.uk)
Our Inclusive Adventure programme has provided people with mobility limitations and neurodiversity conditions access to a variety of outdoor adventure activities through taster sessions and targeted programmes.
In addition to taster sessions; we are working closely with providers and clubs in Gwent to improve access to outdoor activity for all.
This work has included:
Providing specific disability inclusion training to clubs and providers.
Securing funding for specialist adaptive equipment
Setting up outdoor activity clubs that are inclusive by nature.
The Outdoor Partnership’s ‘This Girls’ Adventure’ programme has been running since 2015 to inspire more women and girls to participate in outdoor activity to improve their health and wellbeing.
Although the name has remained the same, in recent years, the programme has become more inclusive and is also a safe and welcome space for the transgender and non-binary community.
In Gwent we have developed a variety of taster session and development course opportunities to promote participation and independence in outdoor activities. We’ve been able to run these sessions almost exclusively with female instructors and focused primarily on activities that are well suited to the landscape in Gwent, with good exit pathways to local clubs and long-term participation.
We have provided multiple Outdoor Employability Programmes for each area of Gwent, providing opportunities for residents to upskill while improving their mental health and wellbeing.
The programmes give participants the opportunity to access different outdoor adventure activities, gain skills and experience in technical skills and complete work-related qualifications such as the Outdoor First Aid L3, Indoor Climbing Assistant and National Navigation Award.
We also have an ongoing monthly Mountain Walking group that is a part of a wider employability programme being delivered by Torfaen Works and Gwent Drug & Alcohol Service. This provides service-users with access to a progressive mountain walking group to improve wellbeing, fitness, confidence and outdoor related skills.
In addition to our formal programmes, we continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to access adventure activities in Gwent.
Activities have ranged from caving, mountain biking and rock climbing, through to wild camping, gorge walking and bushcraft.
To find out about upcoming taster activities in the region, follow our Gwent region social media channels.
Our Coach Education Programme has supported some amazing volunteers in outdoor clubs across Gwent.
We have provided funding for volunteers to upskill and achieve NGB qualifications to develop their clubs in the community and improve grass roots participation in outdoor sport.
If you’d like to know more or are an outdoor activity club that would like to get involved, please contact Brett on 07706737013or brett.mahoney@outdoorpartnership.co.uk.
