Swansea Bay Health Charity is proud to welcome TikTok personality Joel Oates and his mum, Clare, as ambassadors for the Cwtsh Natur appeal.

Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Natur appeal is a local fundraiser which aims to raise £200,000 to transform the outdated garden at Neath Port Talbot Children’s Centre into a safe, sensory-rich outdoor therapy space for children and young people with additional needs. The Cwtsh Natur appeal aims to transform this space into a peaceful, safe and healing area in the embrace of nature.

Joel, who has Down syndrome, received care and support at the Children’s Centre when he was younger. Clare recalls how the centre became a “familiar, safe place” where Joel attended physiotherapy and consultant appointments, describing the staff as “welcoming, kind, and fun,” making hospital visits something he looked forward to.

Now, Joel and Clare are giving back by using their growing social media presence to spread the word about the appeal. Joel has built a following of over 80,000 on TikTok and 12,900 on Instagram, where he shares his life with warmth, humour, and positivity.

Clare said:

“This charity is so important to us. The Children’s Centre made a huge difference to Joel’s early years, and we’d love to help raise awareness so that children can benefit from a calming, fun, and therapeutic outdoor space for years to come.”

Catrin Frame, Digital Fundraising & Engagement Officer at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Joel and Clare join us as ambassadors. Their heartwarming story and sincere enthusiasm really bring the appeal to life, demonstrating the impact that the Children’s Centre can make to local families. Their support will help us raise awareness for this incredible cause and bring Cwtsh Natur to life.”