A NEW initiative, Routes to Discovery, aims to enhance wellbeing in Pembrokeshire through outdoor activities, extending the success of the Roots to Recovery project.

The latest partnership between Mind Pembrokeshire and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority builds on the success of Roots to Recovery, which supported people living with mental health challenges through nature-based activities. The project is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund until July 2028, enabling the partners to expand opportunities across the county.

Sara Walters from Mind Pembrokeshire said: “The work that we completed with Roots to Recovery was extremely rewarding and it was a privilege to witness the benefits gained by those we supported. I’m really looking forward to the next phase of our project, as we develop our services to deliver the much-needed support which helps new groups get out into nature through Routes to Discovery.”

The programme will extend that work with tailored support for unpaid carers, young carers, young people, people with limited mobility, and those who identify as having poor mental health. Activities will include guided walks, nature-inspired arts and crafts, conservation tasks, community gardening and supported volunteering. Indoor alternatives will be available during bad weather, and transport will be available for many activities to help people take part.

Routes to Discovery is people-led. Participants will help shape what happens next, with Volunteer Project Mentors supporting sessions and feeding lived experience into the design and delivery of the programme. Staff and volunteers from Roots to Recovery will also bring their hard-won skills and insight into this new phase of work, ensuring the project grows from proven strengths and stays connected to local needs.

Maisie Sherratt, Roots to Recovery Officer, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work on Roots to Recovery, and I just hope that members of the community value our new project just as much. I count myself lucky to have a job where I get to meet new people and take them to new places, whilst also teaching them new skills and helping to develop their social lives. There is a clear need for support for carers of all types, and I hope that we can help to lighten the load for all.”

For more information or to join the project, contact: Sara Walters – [email protected] / 07943 186630 or Maisie Sherratt – [email protected] / 07773 778205.