Young people with autism in Swansea took a shot at improving their health and wellbeing during a visit from footballing legend Lee Trundle.
The former striker attended a wellbeing event with the goal of helping to promote alternative coping strategies amongst those living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Dan Y Coed specialist school and residential centre.
Students enjoyed a kick about with the Swansea City Ambassador, as well as a tai chi session and art therapy class at the site in West Cross, which is owned and run by Orbis Education and Care.
Gemma Pullen, Assistant Behaviour Specialist at Orbis, organised the event to promote various alternative therapies to learners, their families and friends, and staff too.
Gemma said: “As exercise is a crucial part of wellbeing, and we have a couple of budding football players here who are huge Swansea City fans, we were really grateful to Lee for coming to the event, where the students thoroughly enjoyed kicking the ball around with him.
“We also use alternative therapies such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, complimentary therapy and art to teach our students and their families strategies to calm the mind and body which can also be used as distraction techniques when they may feel upset or anxious.”
Dan y Coed officially opened as a residential facility this summer following a multi-million -pound refurbishment project to turn a former outdoor pursuits centre into a state-of-the-art living space for up to 20 children.
The school has otherwise been open at Dan Y Coed since 2017 and is capable of educating up to 30 students with additional needs associated with ASD.
Orbis Education and Care runs 16 schools, residential homes and facilities for children and adults in England and Wales which support people with complex needs associated with autism. The company now employs around 700 people.
