She finds that time in the water, immersed in nature, has such a positive influence on her life, and this summer, she will be offering wild swimming experiences for parent carers of disabled children and individuals living with chronic pain, hoping to provide the same positive influence for more people.

As well as being a Volunteer Ambassador with us, she is also a walk leader for Wellness Walks and will be incorporating safe swimming experiences on some of her walks there also.

Rachael is a very busy woman; she co-runs a not-for-profit social enterprise that is aiming to improve how outdoor learning is accessed and enabling access for all regardless of background, ability, mobility or income – an ethos very much in line with our work at The Outdoor Partnership. As well as this, she has a mobile coffee and cake truck; keep your eyes peeled if you are around Gwern Gôf Isaf this summer, and is also a brilliantly adventurous mum with her young son!

She enjoys walking and taking others on walks, especially on her home turf! She is creating a series of walks in and around Nantlle, with information on start and finish points of the walks and interesting information along the way.

Fancy a walk around Nantlle? Take a look at Llio’s suggestions:

5km village walk-Penygroes

Local history

Sarah is a qualified Lowland walk leader and is excited about offering walks as a volunteer ambassador with the help of the Outdoor Partnership in Mid Wales, enabling the older community to join in the outdoors.

“I am committed to actively engaging with those in our communities who currently don’t walk in the countryside, or haven’t done so for a long time; those who feel there are barriers to them getting out there on the footpaths.

We all know the benefits of walking in nature for mental and physical health, and my aim is to give as many people the opportunity to experience the outdoors by walking as possible.

I specialize in leading walks through the valleys and hills rather than the mountains, understanding that many prefer gentler terrain.

I believe the countryside is for everyone to enjoy and have adventures in!”

She will be hosting walks voluntarily for The Outdoor Partnership in Mid Wales through her own company she established to transformed her passion for countryside walking into a career. We will be supporting Sarah to further develop her skills and qualifications in Mental Health First Aid.

Keep an eye on The Outdoor Partnership Mid Wales pages to keep up to date!

As a professional Photography lecturer Jan has a wealth of experience of working with people and helping develop skills and nurture creativity.  Her personal background in climbing and walking and immersion in nature makes her passionate about melding the creative with the outdoors and the level of enthusiasm and skill she brings to our team at The Outdoor Partnership is fantastic.

She will be helping us deliver sessions, where we use different tools as a method to encourage people into the outdoors; from photography workshops to camera-less sessions, well-being and movement.

Taith Llesiant a Ffotograffiaeth / Walking, Wellbeing and Photography Tickets, Sun, Aug 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

“I spend my spare time either climbing, walking and cycling and do enjoy a good paddle down the river also.

I  helped set up a charity that supports injured serving or ex service men and women, by creating one off expeditions but also creating a community and support package for them to develop and grow. Our first expedition is taking place in Jan 2025 in Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand.

I am a proud single father to my three amazing children and I am looking forward to this new journey with The Outdoor Partnership.”

Chris has already got stuck into his role with us, getting involved with multiple inclusive activities and demonstrating his passion for making the outdoors inclusive for all. We’re very proud to be working with him and are confident that both Chris and The Outdoor Partnership will gain a lot from collaborating and sharing knowledge and experiences.

“I am a member of Welshpool Canoe Club; the club has started off my paddle sports journey and I’ve since gone on into other ventures! I have a few other volunteering roles within the paddle sports community.

I am a coach and committee member at my club, I am a ‘She Paddles Cymru’ volunteer and club representative, and I am on the Canoe Wales Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee.

On this programme I want to be able to help others that maybe wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to paddle or to be understood, to be seen! I also want to gain more self-confidence and progress with my volunteering and coaching. Paddle sports has always helped me relax and feel calm”

“As a dedicated father of three and an emergency services professional, I find purpose in serving my community. My passion extends beyond my day job, and I am an enthusiastic volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and all-inclusive climbing clubs at ‘Rock UK’ Summit Centre and Llangorse Multi activity Centre. With qualifications as a Climbing Wall Instructor and Lowland Leader, I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can experience the joy of outdoor activities.

But what truly excites me is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people. Connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and learning from each other—that’s where the magic happens.

As I continue this journey, I look forward to gaining further qualifications, expanding my expertise in the great outdoors, and inspiring the next generation to get outdoors!”

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves Dean!

“My love of the outdoors and thirst for new challenges has given me lots of opportunities for volunteering, from rebuilding houses in Honduras, supporting street children in the Philippines, and closer to home being a youth leader for outdoor activities and volunteering with the local inclusive climbing club. I have loved working with children who might not normally get the opportunity to enjoy climbing in an inclusive environment. I am passionate about making a difference to people’s lives especially if they have had some challenges in their lives and would benefit from time in the outdoors.

My personal skills are adaptable and I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds.  Once I complete the mountain leader qualification I am aiming to support others to access the outdoors and learn how to access those skills for themselves.”

 

“My background in the outdoors stems from my personal experiences surrounding mental health. After several years of ‘traditional’ therapy not leading me anywhere I was referred to ‘Tonic Surf Therapy’ a programme based in West Wales.

I found that being in the sea and learning to surf, alongside CBT based therapy, I slowly began finding myself again. It gave me a purpose, a place, and in hindsight ultimately saved my life. Being in this extraordinary environment was the catalyst for my own health and recovery.

Ever since I’ve strived to give other young people the same opportunities to connect with the environment, through whatever activity suits them. I have also been studying Outdoor Adventure Education in university and have plans of studying a masters in psychology this coming September and ultimately aim to practice as an adventure therapist.”

We know that Dafs insight and enthusiasm will be of great value to our TOP team in many ways.

Marcus is the founder and chair of Equal Heights Mountaineering Club

The club provides the resources, training, and support that enable individuals to confidently explore and enjoy nature on their own terms. This independence and self-reliance are core values of the club, and Marcus is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone to connect with nature. A member of his local search and rescue team, Marcus serves as a swiftwater rescue technician and lifeboat crew member where he is very proud to be part of a team that helps members of his community when they need it most.

He believes that a diversity of experiences and perspectives enriches the outdoor adventure experience. A commitment to inclusivity drives his work, as he strives to encourage individuals from all backgrounds to engage in and appreciate outdoor activities. This commitment and passion for inclusivity make him a perfect and inspiring ambassador and we’re very privileged that Marcus is part of The Outdoor Partnership team.

Her favorite activities are kayak slalom and kayak cross, and she competes in these disciplines, recently travelling to Slovakia and the Czech Republic with Paddle UK. With high ambitions to compete for GB in 2025 and further, keep an eye out for the name Eiri O’Connor in the future – she’s a determined and talented paddler!

When she is not competing, she works at Llandysul Paddlers, running sessions in swimming, rafting and paddleboarding.  She also volunteers her time coaching younger children in racing and helping at competitions. She likes nothing better than spending her time outdoors, getting fit, staying healthy and encouraging other to do activities. As a Volunteer Ambassador for The Outdoor Partnership, she will be doing just that-helping inspire the younger generation to get involved and showing them what can be achieved!

“I have worked for the Prince’s Trust in a variety of roles for over 8 years and have worked for many years in the cycle trade as both workshop and shop manager. As a Volunteer Ambassador I’m keen to link both roles and help young people realise just what they are able to do; providing opportunities for young people to get on a bike, to climb a crag, to walk that hill, and see how it changes them!
While I ride to a good standard I know what starting over is like having had overcome some significant injuries and I’m stoked to share what I know so people can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors to the fullest but in a safer way”.

With his endless enthusiasm and passion for just being in the moment when outdoors, we have no doubt that those young people and The Outdoor Partnership will benefit greatly from Jon as a Volunteer Ambassador!

As a Volunteer Ambassador, he is keen to develop sessions that introduce Climbing for Beginners through Welsh, at the local indoor climbing centre, and further develop this by creating a group that pairs up climbers who are learning/keen to learn Welsh, with Welsh speaking beginner climbers!

He is also passionate about creating climbing opportunities for people with varying disabilities, and will be working with the climbing centre to establish inclusive climbing sessions for the benefit of both the centre and individuals within the community who currently don’t access the centre or climbing as an activity.

We will be supporting Aled with this work as he also continues with his personal professional development in the outdoors.

This discovery started her on a journey to better health and wellbeing, as well as a growing sense of adventure. She enjoys climbing, paddleboarding, surfing, and is always keen to try new outdoor activities and find new places to explore. Esther has since trained to be a yoga and meditation teacher, mindfulness in nature guide, and recovery and embodiment coach, and has done Lowland Leader, Outdoor First Aid and Wellbeing in Nature training. Esther is a writer and recovery coach who believes that we can heal better, faster and more sustainably if we make being in nature a part of our wellbeing toolkit. 

Esther is looking forward to supporting The Outdoor Partnership by offering walks, outdoor yoga and mindfulness and recovery programs through her other roles, as well as bringing her writing and IT skills to help us directly with blogs and website activity. 

Esther says, “I have attended a few amazing events organised by The Outdoor Partnership, and am utterly delighted to be able to give something back to the community, and to be part of the team. I’m looking forward to getting to know people and finding out what I can offer to help boost wellbeing in nature in South East Wales.”

“I am a third year university student studying adventure filmmaking…it’s epic…I get to combine my two greatest passions of being outdoors doing sports and adventuring, with creating films and pictures…I can’t wait to share my creativity and passion within this role! I love to craft meaningful content surrounding our connection to nature, social prescription and helping affirm to people how great and happy they look in the outdoors. I’m really looking forward to volunteering with The Outdoor Partnership, to boost their presence, share the word about the inspiring work they do, and hopefully generate more funding if possible!!

In my spare time, find me: foraging in woodlands, swimming in any body of water, and taking pictures in mountains”

We’re looking forward to supporting Caitlin as she develops her skills and progresses in the world of outdoor adventuring, and can’t wait to see more of her films in the future!

“I am a graduate of the Outdoor Adventure Education Degree at UWTSD and currently transitioning to the world of work within this exciting industry! My love for the outdoors began in the mountains of Eryri where I grew up, I then discovered I could become a part of a community that strives to make the outdoors an accessible place for people to enjoy and thrive.

Joining this community has given me incredibly rewarding experiences, such as having a positive influence on young people’s lives and a journey of self-discovery through climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, and many more!

My studies have allowed me to find value in addressing the importance of well-being and give me context as to why the outdoors makes us feel so fulfilled. A particular focus on gender studies and women’s place within the outdoors makes me eager to volunteer with The Outdoor Partnership to continue to address these important topics and challenges.”

Elin will be helping us out at various events and sessions and is always keen for a chat and sharing stories about great days out! So if you come across her out and about, be sure to say Hi!!

Elis is also a qualified primary school teacher and enjoys teaching young children.

“I believe there is more to education than what is offered within the classroom. It is important that children have access to the outdoors, to gain experiences and to develop other essential skills such as physical fitness, linguistic and geographical skills and so on. There is an emphasis on health and wellbeing in the new Curriculum for Wales so there is a definite place for the outdoors in the children’s education.

I would like to develop my personal skills so that I can share and teach these skills and give positive outdoor experiences to primary and secondary school aged children. I am training to be a mountain leader, and once qualified I will work to provide opportunities for pupils to venture into the local mountains, learn about their local area, and gain confidence to enable them to venture out independently in the future.”

“Being outside has always been a huge part of my life. I love hiking, especially in the Bannau Brycheiniog, as well as climbing and wild swimming. I love climbing, and although I sometimes struggle with heights, I find the sense of achievement it brings really rewarding, no matter how high you go. Wales is full of incredible landscapes to explore, and despite hiking throughout my childhood and adult life, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. I’m currently working towards my Hill and Lowland Leader qualification, and I can’t wait to start leading hikes and sharing the experience of being fully immersed in nature with others. I also never miss an opportunity to jump into some cold water!

Living in the Rocky Mountains of Canada deepened my passion for the outdoors, where I was lucky enough to experience ice climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking, all thanks to the kindness of people who shared their skills with me. Now, I want to pay that forward, sharing my own knowledge of hiking, climbing and pilates where I can, while continuing to learn from those around me.