New trainees take part in a range of challenging and inspiring outdoor activities to encourage wellbeing and positive mental health

Our newest firefighter trainees kicked off their course with a brand new outdoor experience last week.

For the very first time, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Training and Development Team has taken their training programme into the great outdoors, incorporating the fantastic scenery in and around Parkwood Outdoors Activity Centre,  Dolygaer, Pontsticill, into the trainees’ journey.

Over two days the new trainees took part in a range of challenging and inspiring outdoor activity and learning events, designed to support team building, skill development and also encourage wellbeing and positive mental health.

The trainees, who will complete their training programme at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre, were joined by colleagues from the Service’s HR Department and a team of specialist training instructors, all of whom have heralded the opportunity a resounding success.

Group Manager Sean Jenkins, Head of Training Delivery at SWFRS said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome our trainees and to kick start their training with this brand new experience.

“They are already working really well as part of a wider team and it is great to see everyone embrace the challenges and lessons which we have set.

“We are very aware of the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors and therefore it was also a great setting for us to introduce the mental health and wellbeing element of the training course, and discuss together the benefits of talking and supporting each other.

“We look forward to supporting them through the course as it progresses and we wish them all well.”