Former The Traitors finalist inspires mental health patients during visit to unique Cae Felin project

Former The Traitors finalist Andrew Jenkins has visited an award-winning agricultural project based near Morriston Hospital to share his experiences and help support Swansea Bay mental health patients.

The visit followed Andrew’s emotional return to Morriston for the first time in 26 years, where he was reunited with his former physiotherapist Clare Ford, who played a pivotal role in his recovery following a life-changing injury.

Now travelling across the UK delivering motivational talks on overcoming adversity, grief and mental health challenges, Andrew spent time harvesting fruit and veg alongside patients.

He then joined them for a cuppa and an informal discussion about wellbeing, resilience and the positive impact of spending time outdoors at Cae Felin Community Supported Agriculture.

Recognising the strong links between Andrew’s message and the ethos of Cae Felin, Clare invited him to visit the project and meet patients from Fendrod Ward, an acute adult mental health inpatient ward at Tawe Clinic.

Clare said: “It seemed like the perfect opportunity for Andrew to come and see what Cae Felin is all about and to meet some of our patients, who help at the project every week.

“Andrew is an inspirational speaker and is committed to helping others through sharing his own very personal experiences and insights regarding mental health and wellbeing.

“It was wonderful to see patients engaging with and spending time with Andrew.”

The visit highlighted the important role projects such as Cae Felin can play in supporting wellbeing, recovery and social connection, while providing a welcoming environment where people can learn new skills, build confidence and reconnect with nature.

Cae Felin is set on a seven-acre site owned by Swansea Bay University Health Board near Morriston Hospital. It brings together healthcare, sustainability, food growing, education and community wellbeing in an environment that while close to a busy hospital, feels like an oasis of calm, with views across open countryside.

The not-for-profit organisation is independently run but supported by the health board as part of its wider commitment to sustainability and population wellbeing.

The site has been transformed into a thriving community space where volunteers grow food, plant trees, enhance biodiversity and create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the outdoors.

The site relies heavily on volunteers. Patients, staff groups, schools, community organisations and a Men’s Shed group help maintain and develop the project while enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.

Andrew said: “I am so impressed by Cae Felin. It’s a wonderful project in so many ways and it’s fantastic to see it flourish through the hard work and commitment of the volunteers and everyone involved.”

In 1999, Andrew was left fighting for his life and in a coma for four weeks at Morriston Hospital following an horrific car accident. Despite the severity of his injuries and with the help and support of hospital staff like Clare, he made a remarkable recovery.

But while he fought back physically, Andrew’s mental scars ran deep. Only in recent years has he made progress on his own journey towards mental health.

He added: “The benefits of Cae Felin are huge. I speak about the importance of being out in the natural environment. From my experience, being outdoors and in nature is a key part of managing and improving my mental health.

“It’s fantastic that schools are coming here. I’ve spoken at around 55 schools over the past few years and it’s not always easy for young people to understand where their food comes from and how it’s grown.

“This is a perfect place to learn and see first-hand some of the skills we’ve largely lost. It’s so close to Morriston but in many ways feels like a different world. It’s a great place to reconnect with the natural environment, which is so important for all of us.”