Menu

Nick Pritchard

About Nick Pritchard

http://therootsfoundation.wales

Posts by Nick Pritchard:

Summer activity roundup

Summer activity roundup

As usual, it’s been a busy summer at Roots. Throughout the school holidays, we held a variety of activities for care experienced young people to have fun, make friends, try new things and make the most of their summer. Our activities included:

Residential trip to Camarthen

We took 12 young people on a three-day stay to Carmarthen. The trip was funded by the University of Wales Trinity St David, who kindly provided accommodation and catering in the university’s student halls of residence, and a wealth of exciting activities. During the trip, our young people enjoyed rock climbing and abseiling, team-building bushcraft, fire making, a trip to Oakwood park, sports activities such as football, netball, basketball and badminton, karaoke, craft and pool. Additional catering was also provided through the Swansea Council community food fund.

Our young people had a fantastic experience, and we would like to extend our gratitude to University of Wales Trinity St David and Swansea Council for their generous support.

Roots Fest

Forget Glastonbury – we held our very own festival, Roots Fest, to celebrate 13 fantastic years of The Roots Foundation Wales. The event was well-attended by our young people and their carers and included young people joining together to design a brand-new mural with the help of Fresh Creative Co, circus skills with Circus Eruption, face-painting, slime–making, music, a barbeque and plenty more!

We would like to thank Blaen-y-maes drop-in centre and University of Wales Trinity St David for their incredible support, as well as Swansea Council community food fund for providing food for the event.

Muddy Assault Course Adventure at Clyne Farm Centre, Challenge Valley

Thanks to Swansea Council’s COAST activity grant fund, a group of our young people got stuck into the Muddy Assault Course at Clyne Farm Centre’s Challenge Valley. They scrambled over obstacles, crawled through mud, and laughed nonstop. It was wonderful to see everyone encouraging each other as they tackled tough challenges together. As the day went on, confidence soared and friendly smiles grew even bigger. By the end of it, they weren’t just very muddy – they were a stronger, happier team. Moments like these remind us that getting a bit messy can bring people closer and help everyone discover just how much they can achieve.

Barod Workshop for Carers

Barod Workshop for Carers

We recently hosted a workshop led by Barod, a specialist organisation offering support around drug and alcohol use.

This session was specifically designed for carers, providing them with valuable insights, advice, and resources. The environment was relaxed and open, encouraging everyone to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of how to support loved ones experiencing substance use challenges. Our carers left feeling more informed and reassured, knowing they have new tools and connections to support them. We’re grateful to Barod for sharing their expertise and compassion.

Our Christmas Wishlist is now open

Our Christmas Wishlist is now open

If you are looking for ways to support Roots this Christmas – look no further! We have launched an Amazon Wishlist to make it easier for you to help us be there for our care experienced children and young people.

The Wishlist is full of practical items that can be used by the young people and staff of Roots to support activities at the centre. We are grateful to everyone who supports us at Roots – we couldn’t do what we do without your generosity. If you’d like to consider donating this Christmas, check out our Amazon Wishlist now.

Street Doctors First Aid Sessions

Street Doctors First Aid Sessions

We recently welcomed Street Doctors – young healthcare volunteers who train people to save lives in their own communities.

They led two sessions for our young people: one focused on dealing with bleeding, and the other on helping someone knocked out. Our group was totally engaged, asking questions and taking it all in. The trainers, who work in medicine, nursing, or paramedics, were fantastic role models. By the end, everyone felt more confident and knowledgeable about what to do in an emergency. It’s great to know our young people are now better prepared to help others when it really matters.

Carers Advisory Panel: A Voice for Carers

Carers Advisory Panel: A Voice for Carers

Our Carers Advisory Panel – Pam, Sue, and Paul – has been hard at work ensuring carers’ voices are heard. Meeting regularly with staff, trustees, and carers, the panel helps shape activities and provides essential feedback.

Recently, they’ve been busy planning a festive Christmas shopping trip and lunch to bring carers together. Another exciting project in the works is a ‘library of support,’ a hub of useful contacts, information, and resources that carers can access any time. We’re proud to have such dedicated people working alongside us to keep carers’ needs at the heart of what we do.

A Powerful Message from The Grief Preacher

We were honoured to welcome back Jamie Denyer, also known as The Grief Preacher, who was involved in our 2017 DIY SOS/Big Build.

Jamie delivered his “one punch can kill” workshop, inspired by the tragic loss of his nephew. His message was clear and heartfelt: violence has lasting consequences. Our young people were inspired to reflect on their choices, understand how quickly life can change, and appreciate the importance of positive decision-making. Jamie’s story resonated deeply, encouraging everyone to become the best versions of themselves. We’re grateful to have shared this powerful, thought-provoking experience.