PATIENTS at a medium secure unit joined staff for an 874-mile virtual cycle fundraiser which took them from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Llanfairfechan’s Ty Llywelyn, a 25 bed unit on the grounds of Bryn y Neuadd Hospital, provides treatment for people with complex mental health problems who have come into contact with criminal justice services. The majority of patients are admitted from prison, through the court system or from other secure units.

During the pandemic, patients have found creative ways to keep fit and learn new skills.

They have also made efforts to give back to the community.

Their latest challenge raised money for Colwyn Bay Mountain Zoo and Ty Llywelyn’s patient activity fund, which is part of North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las.

Ingrid Unsworth, a specialist occupational therapist, who is supported by Ty Llywelyn’s multidisciplinary team of nurses, health care assistants, psychologists and administrative team, said: "Because of their difficult backgrounds, our patients can often have low self-esteem and a lack of confidence because they may not feel they have achieved much in the past.

“By encouraging them to take part in purposeful activities that are focused on their health and wellbeing, we can enable them to find that sense of self-worth and achievement that can help them to start believing in themselves.

“This gives them a chance to develop their interests and find the person they are whilst hopefully also feeling connected to society and their local community. We try to use these opportunities to raise awareness about global issues and build in additional vocational skills that will help them in the future.”

Community minded patients marked the 75th Anniversary of VE Day in May 2020 by walking 75 miles over three months; created commemorative pebble artwork for Remembrance Sunday, which was laid at the cenotaph in Llanfairfechan and took part in a virtual Snowdonia marathon in October 2020.

They have also carried out the One Million Step Challenge.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/team-ty-llywelyn-for-the-welsh-mountain-zoo