Daniel Mason has credited adult learning with pulling him through the “toughest two years of my life” and setting him on a pathway to a brighter future.

Losing his mother set the 29-year-old’s mental health on a downward spiral leading to debilitating depression. Daniel was referred to the Compass Community Hub in Merthyr Tydfil by Adferiad, who provide local support services for mental health and bereavement.

“I had become isolated from the world and losing my mam left me feeling very lonely,” he said. “I was on the brink of giving up, not knowing who to turn to and overwhelmed by life in general. It’s fair to say, that I felt there really was no hope for me.

“But after being introduced to Compass Community Hub, I found there were opportunities to find support and get involved in learning. This is really where my journey to improve my health began.”

Daniel enrolled on the Learning Through the Outdoors course, with a support structure in place, he soon felt appreciated, valued and could believe in himself again.

His confidence grew through regular hikes in his local area, joining walks to discover new locations, wildflowers and wildlife and venturing further than he has ever done before.

Each learning experience built his confidence, often with his camera in hand as he developed a passion for photography, leading to the completion of a four-week workshop. Daniel has also completed an Agored Cymru qualification based on his outdoor activities.

“This learning journey has been transformative for me,” he said. “I have benefited through sharing the company of others, removing the isolation I was feeling and becoming connected to nature and experiencing the positivity it could have on my mood.”

Daniel is using his own experiences to raise awareness and support others. He also did a charity bike ride from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff, raising £1,650, with more fundraising in the pipeline, to give back to those that have supported him.

He has become a shining light at Compass Community Hub where disability employment support mentor, Kay Maybank, said: “Daniel’s journey with his mental health and learning continues and his more positive mindset will enable him to progress even further, eventually into employment.”