What if improving your mental and physical health didn’t start in a clinic, but in your community?
Across Wales, people are discovering that wellbeing can begin with simple, everyday actions: connecting with others, spending time outdoors, learning something new, and giving time to their community. These are the foundations of Hapus, a national movement bringing together organisations to support better mental wellbeing for everyone.
At Tempo, we’re proud to be a strategic partner of Hapus, helping turn these ideas into action through community participation.
Turning Wellbeing into Action Through Time Credits
Time Credits provide a simple but powerful way for people to improve their wellbeing while strengthening their communities.
People earn Time Credits by:
• Getting involved in their community
• Supporting local activities
• Volunteering
They can then use the Time Credits they receive for their time on enriching experiences. From cultural visits to leisure opportunities or days out with family or friends, helping to build confidence, reduce isolation and stay active.
The impact is clear:
• 83% report improved physical health
• 58% report improved mental health
• 75% feel more able to contribute to their community
• 54% say their quality of life has improved
This reflects what Hapus champions: wellbeing is built through connection, activity, purpose and participation.
Real Stories, Real Impact
One of the most powerful ways to understand this impact is through the people involved.
Reconnecting with Confidence, Community and Heritage
For 55 years, Adelle Collins lived in Neath Port Talbot without feeling a strong connection to its heritage. That changed when she joined the Pathways to the Past programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by Tempo. Adelle attended her first visit to St Fagans National Museum of History.
“The talk and especially the Cynefin workshop made this a good day, even though it was a rainy day.”
What stood out wasn’t just the experience,it was the sense of welcome and support.
“Pathways to the Past staff really engaged with us as a group, which was lovely to see.”
After experiencing a stroke, Adelle had lost confidence and felt unable to get out and engage with the world around her.
“I have had a stroke and had lost my confidence to go out to places.”
Through accessible planning, encouragement, and simple human connection, she began to rebuild her confidence and independence:
• Reconnecting with others and forming new friendships
• Regaining confidence after illness
• Reducing isolation
• Re-engaging with places and memories
“I found it easy to connect and engage with others… I made new friends because of attending this trip, I now have a new best friend called Maureen.”
Accessibility made this possible
“The fact that I am able to bring my scooter on the bus and the venue is suitable too made such a difference… I thought that my mobility had stopped me from doing things I enjoyed before I had the stroke.”
Through further visits to places like Dyffryn Gardens and nature-based activities, Adelle rediscovered both her past and her future.
“The impact has reminded me of memories of the past… I visited that place as a child.”
Her transformation is clear:
“My family call me Dora the Explorer!”
Adelle now looks ahead with confidence—keen to continue exploring, attending activities, and even sharing her own skills with others.
Nature, Heritage and Wellbeing
Access to nature and heritage plays a vital role in supporting well-being nd partnerships make this possible at scale.
The National Trust joined the Tempo Time Credits network in Wales in 2022 as a national partner. Today, people can use Time Credits to visit places such as Dyffryn Gardens, Chirk Castle, Tredegar House and Powis Castle and Gardens.
As both Tempo and the National Trust are strategic partners of Hapus, this shared work is opening up access to nature for more people across Wales.
“Time Credits allow us to support people to access our venues who wouldn’t necessarily come to visit for various reasons.”
— Rhiannon Gamble, People Business Partner, Volunteering & Community
“We are also then able to open up more access to our local communities… Overall, it’s been a really positive experience working with the Tempo team as they hold the same shared values and key drivers as we do.”
Together, we are helping people experience the wellbeing benefits of nature, culture and belonging.
Creating Pathways for Families and Future Volunteers
Wellbeing is also about inclusion, ensuring everyone can take part.
Through Tempo’s Pathways to the Past, family volunteering days have created welcoming, intergenerational spaces where people can connect, learn and contribute together.
By removing barriers, providing transport, food and Time Credits. These sessions enable participation for those who might otherwise be excluded.
From toddlers to older adults, participants:
• Take part in conservation and outdoor activities
• Learn new skills like willow weaving and charcoal making
• Build confidence and friendships
• Experience the joy of being active outdoors
“Today I learnt how to make soaps, charcoal and a willow bird feeder. Volunteering is really good because you get to experience things—it’s been really fun.” - Hattie
Children who may struggle in traditional environments thrive in these spaces, free to explore, connect and grow in confidence.
A Shared Vision for a Healthier Wales
Being part of Hapus means being part of a wider movement - one that recognises wellbeing is shaped by our communities, our environments and our opportunities to take part.
At Tempo, we bring a unique contribution:
• Turning wellbeing into action through Time Credits
• Removing barriers to participation
• Recognising the value of everyone’s time
Together with Hapus, the National Trust and many other partners across Wales, we are:
• Inspiring people to take simple steps to improve their wellbeing
• Building stronger, more connected communities
• Creating lasting, preventative impact
Taking the First Step
Improving wellbeing doesn’t have to start with big changes. It starts with small, meaningful actions:
• Connecting with others
• Giving time
• Getting active
• Spending time in nature
Through Time Credits, those small steps become part of something bigger—a movement of people supporting each other to live healthier, happier lives across Wales.
"Initiatives like Time Credits are a strong example of prevention in action, removing barriers to participation, opening up access to culture and community life, and supporting everyone to have opportunities to improve their mental wellbeing. Through Hapus, organisations across Wales are coming together to create more opportunities for people to take action in ways that work for them; whether that’s connecting with others, being creative, learning something new or spending time outdoors. We are working together to realise the vision of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wales, so that everyone has the knowledge, opportunities and confidence to protect and promote good mental health and wellbeing, for themselves and others." Amy Davies, Principal Public Health Practitioner and Hapus Lead
Get Involved
If you’re inspired to take a step towards improving your wellbeing, you can find ideas, support and inspiration through Hapus - a national movement helping people across Wales feel better through connection, activity and community.
And if you’re ready to get involved, Tempo offers a practical way to take that first step. Whether it’s volunteering, meeting new people, or trying something new, there are opportunities available in every part of Wales.
Tempo works across all 22 local authority areas in Wales, supporting communities to connect, contribute and thrive.
Your time has value - why not use it to support your wellbeing and your community?
