Newsletter Cymraeg
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Newsletter Cymraeg

The Outdoor Partnership works with clubs, schools, individuals, and cross-sector partners to strengthen the conditions that enable people in Plymouth to achieve their potential through outdoor activities, participation, volunteering, training, and education

Stuart Jones - Plymouth Outdoor Activities Development Officer

Stuart Jones is our Plymouth Outdoor Activities Development Officer.

If you’d like to know more or are an outdoor activity club that would like to get involved, please contact Stuart on 07742 875302 or stuart.jones@outdoorpartnership.co.uk

Or find out more Using Stuarts LinkTree :- https://tr.ee/2fVVPcaWUx

 

The Outdoor Partnership has been bringing people and organisations together across the North Yorkshire Coast to create more opportunities and lasting impact. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve achieved lately…

Walking Into Wild Swimming Project

In summer 2026, the Outdoor Partnership Plymouth supported a new collaboration between YMCA Plymouth’s Wellbeing Walks group and outdoor instructor Cathy Harshaw. What began as a simple idea—“Could we learn to wild swim?”—grew into a four‑week programme blending walking, swimming, confidence‑building and shared adventure across the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor.

This project demonstrates Outdoor Partnership principles in action: strong partnerships, community-led design, accessible progression, and supporting people to build lifelong connections with the outdoors.  

Discover more about the project and the partnerships behind it here:
Walking Into Wild Swimming - A Partnership Journey in Plymouth
416 KB, PDF
Young People - “Paddle for Plastic”

The Outdoor Partnership worked with young people from some of Plymouth’s most economically disadvantaged communities to connect them with water-based activities during the summer holidays, creating pathways into local clubs and ongoing participation. 

Alongside developing skills on the water, participants helped care for their local environment by collecting plastic waste from waterways using giant paddleboards, while learning about the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of being responsible marine citizens. 

Through strong collaboration with local clubs, community partners and activity providers, the project is helping more young people see the sea as a valued part of their local environment and a place where they can belong, learn and thrive. More than 70 young people aged 8-18 took part, building confidence, making friends and developing the skills and connections needed to continue their outdoor journey beyond the project. 

Young Adult Carers Outdoor Wellbeing Project

This project supports Young Adult Carers aged 18–25 at Improving Lives Plymouth, helping them build confidence, physical health, and mental wellbeing through outdoor activities. The activities offer a break from the pressures of the caring role, building skills, reducing stress, and encouraging connection with nature.

Highlights include:

  • Bouldering course (6 weeks) – Eight participants completed the programme; three have since become independent members.
  • Water confidence pathway – Progression from pool sessions to lido swimming and finally sea swimming.
  • Paddleboarding course (6 weeks) – Delivered at Mount Batten Centre, building confidence and resilience on the water.
Moondogz

Using the Partnership’s club development framework, Stuart helped establish : MoonDogz

The Mental Health Kayaking Support Group offers a safe, supportive space for adults experiencing mental health challenges, using kayaking and time in nature to build wellbeing and healthy coping strategies.

Sessions help people relax, learn new skills, meet others and grow confidence. We provide guidance, accreditation and training to support the group’s development.

The group uses a private Facebook community to protect members’ privacy. If you’re interested in joining or learning more, please contact Stuart Jones using the details above.

Horizons Sailing and Mayflower Specials

The new Special Olympics Plymouth & District (SOPD) sailing section, delivered in partnership with Horizon Sailing Charity, is now a thriving programme offering regular, structured sessions on the water. Athletes are building confidence, developing new skills and enjoying meaningful social connections, with many beginning to explore local competition opportunities and long‑term pathways within Special Olympics.

To support sustainable growth, a new team of volunteers has been recruited and trained with guidance from the Royal Yachting Association. They now work alongside local coaches to deliver year‑round inclusive sport.

The impact is already clear: former participants have re‑engaged, new members have joined after hearing about the sessions, and feedback shows improved wellbeing and growing confidence. Several athletes have achieved water‑safety and introductory skills certificates, with more now training for integrated sessions and future competitions. Initial funding has helped establish a strong foundation for continued development, keeping inclusive sailing accessible in Plymouth for years to come.