Cyfannol Women’s Aid Secures Funding for New Youth Wilderness Project

Cyfannol Women’s Aid is delighted to announce that we have secured funding from Monmouthshire Freemasons to launch an exciting new Youth Wilderness Project, beginning on 1 August and running for the next two years. 

The grant will fund Cyfannol’s Youth Wilderness Project, a two-year programme supporting boys aged 11–18 who have experienced domestic abuse, unhealthy relationships, or associated trauma. The project will deliver practical bushcraft and outdoor wellbeing activities designed to improve emotional wellbeing, confidence, safety and resilience. Through supportive group work and positive role modelling, participants will be encouraged to develop respectful attitudes, challenge harmful gender stereotypes and narratives, and build healthy relationships based on trust and equality. 

The project will provide a series of 10–12 week programmes in safe outdoor settings in Monmouthshire and Torfaen, where young people can take part in activities including shelter building, fire lighting, outdoor cooking, nature exploration and team challenges. These hands-on experiences will help participants build communication skills and self-esteem, strengthen peer connections, and provide opportunities to explore their feelings in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. 

NSPCC research suggests that around one in five children have been exposed to domestic abuse. The effects can be profound and long-lasting, impacting emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships and feelings of safety, and can lead to anxiety, isolation, anger, low self-esteem and difficulties trusting others. Together, these challenges can affect a young person’s education, social development and future wellbeing. 

Through the Youth Wilderness Project, Cyfannol Women’s Aid will provide specialist support to at least 60 boys aged 11–18 over two years, helping them develop healthy coping strategies, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and increase their confidence. The project will be delivered by a dedicated Groupworker using a trauma-informed, youth-led approach developed through more than a decade of experience supporting children and young people affected by domestic abuse. 

The grant from Monmouthshire Freemasons comes through the Freemasons’ Charity, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales. 

Debra Richards, Director of Communications & Development at Cyfannol Women’s Aid, said: 

“We’re incredibly grateful to Monmouthshire Freemasons for making this project possible. We know that boys who have experienced domestic abuse often struggle with anxiety, confidence, relationships and feelings of safety, yet there are very few specialist services designed specifically for them. The Youth Wilderness Project will provide safe, supportive spaces where young people can build resilience, develop positive coping strategies and form meaningful connections with their peers. We are excited to see the lasting difference this programme will make in their lives.” 

Chris Evans from Monmouthshire Freemasons, said: 

“We are immensely proud to support Cyfannol Women’s Aid and the outstanding work they do for young people across our communities in Gwent. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and given the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they have faced. 

Supporting local charities that make a genuine and lasting difference is at the heart of what Freemasonry is about, and we are delighted to play a part in helping this important project become a reality.”