Pembrokeshire Youth, strengthening youth development through a well being and personal growth visit to Iceland
In February 2026, a group of Pembrokeshire school-based youth workers recently took young people from four secondary schools on an unforgettable six-day visit to Iceland – a journey focused not just on education, but on well-being, confidence and personal growth. Senior Youth Worker Tristy McDermott tells us more about the experience.
The aim of the project was to create a transformative wellbeing focused international experience for young people from Pembrokeshire. The visit was designed to help them step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, strengthen peer relationships and develop personal resilience. By taking young people abroad, many for the first time, our project sought to give them time away from everyday pressures, provide positive adult support, and create space for reflection, self discovery and emotional growth.
Iceland was chosen because its natural environment, cultural events and community spaces offered rich opportunities to support the project’s wellbeing goals. The country’s dramatic landscapes, geothermal pools and emphasis on outdoor living provided ideal conditions for mindfulness and confidence building.
In addition, Iceland’s vibrant cultural scene, including events such as the Festival of Lights, allowed the group to explore themes of creativity, belonging and community spirit. The setting offered the perfect balance of challenge, inspiration and calm.
One of the most powerful highlights came when the group stood together in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour at night, watching the Northern Lights shimmer above them. This shared moment of awe and calm allowed young people to pause, breathe and connect deeply with themselves and each other. Many described it as a rare moment free from pressure, an experience that will stay with them for life.
Throughout the six-day visit, young people learned valuable lessons about independence, teamwork and trust. They navigated travel logistics, managed shared responsibilities and supported one another through unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, which helped them recognise their own capabilities. Interactions with Icelandic peers at a local youth club taught them that young people everywhere share similar dreams and challenges, fostering empathy and global awareness.
Youth workers also observed significant personal development, including quieter young people finding their voice, new friendships forming across schools, and individuals showing resilience and adaptability.
Yes, the wider impact has been profound. The experience strengthened social connections across schools and boosted young people’s confidence and emotional wellbeing. The trip broadened horizons, inspired ambition and encouraged the young people to see themselves as global citizens. The growth observed during the trip is already shaping their confidence, resilience and future aspirations – impacts that will continue long after the visit.
Absolutely. We want to send a heartfelt thanks to Taith for making such a life-changing experience possible. The programme enabled young people to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and form lasting memories that will influence their lives for years to come.
