Help People Facing Addiction Heal Through Nature

On 11 July 2025, colleagues from the Academic Registry at the University of South Wales will swap timetables for walking boots and follow the Taff Trail from Treforest Campus to Cardiff Campus; a 12‑mile route we expect to cover in about four and a half hours. The walk is a sponsored event to raise funds for Brynawel House Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre, which is USW’s current corporate charity.

Brynawel House, based in South Wales, is a leading residential rehabilitation centre, offering life-changing support for individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use. With a holistic approach to recovery, Brynawel House provides personalised care, including one-on-one counselling, group therapy, dog assisted therapy, and aftercare services, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives.

They provide opportunities for connection, therapeutically and relationally through their therapy programme and other wellbeing activities such as horticultural therapy, art therapy, gardening, and exercise.

Brynawel House is currently fundraising to build an eco-classroom within their grounds. The sustainable structure will be built from wood and powered by solar panels. It will be used by guests for creative and mindful sessions, such as yoga and pottery, creating a space for guests to express themselves creatively and develop coping skills. It will also be used as a teaching space for staff to educate healthcare students and professionals about addiction.