Pembrokeshire Creative Project Experiences Significant Success as It Trains Young Digital Storytellers

Yr Egin, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s creative and digital centre on the Carmarthen campus, is proud to report the early success of Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro! - a new initiative designed to train young content creators while documenting the stories, people and heritage of Pembrokeshire. The project, which gives 18–22-year-olds hands-on experience in researching, filming and producing authentic digital content, has already made a significant impact within its first few months. 

The project received £49,952 in funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, distributed by Pembrokeshire County Council and in only 6-months Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro! has engaged with 49 businesses and community groups, worked alongside 10 creative freelancers and social media specialists and trained in depth six young content creators to capture and share the stories and heritage of Pembrokeshire. 

Thanks to Yr Egin’s industry expertise, mentoring, and infrastructure, the participants, who were all aged between 18-22 years old, gained first-hand insight into production and storytelling. 

Gwd Thing : Sir BenfroThe Project was delivered through a dedicated Instagram platform, generating 134,714 content views since launching mid-August; with each content maker developing their own style, all while making contacts for further work.   

Manon John, from Crymych and a recent graduate of UWTSD, one of the six content creators, shared how transformative the experience has been for her: 

“Being part of Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro has changed the way I see myself. After studying BA Perfformio at The Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts, I always thought I’d be in front of the camera. But now, I realise I’m just as passionate about producing and working behind the scenes.  

“I’ve loved uncovering under-represented stories across Pembrokeshire, like the community fundraising efforts for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026, and the work happening at diversity group, Llwy Gariad. There are so many voices in our communities that need to be heard and celebrated, and I feel honoured to help share their stories.  

“As the project comes to an end, I am now so proud to have secured a role working at Yr Egin, where I can continue to build on my skills and network with the many creative businesses working within the space. This wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunities offered by Gwd Thing:Sir Benfro.”  

Commenting about boosting the creative sector and businesses in West Wales, is Carys Ifan, Director of Yr Egin: 

“Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro wasn’t just about storytelling, it was about future-proofing. 

“Projects like this are vital to securing the future of the creative sector in West Wales. Yr Egin has always aimed to generate linguistic, cultural, economic, and social benefits for our region, and this project does all that. By giving young people practical training in content creation and real-world opportunities, we’re helping to build the next generation of creators. At the same time, the stories reported helped change perspectives and raise awareness of the many small businesses, community groups and talented artistes, that make Pembrokeshire such a special place to live, work and enjoy.” 

The project’s impact has travelled beyond social media, with Molara Awen, founder of weekly safe-space group for young black and brown people in rural Pembrokeshire, Llwy Gariad, has seen a profound impact through its inclusion in the project.  

Molara, said: “One of the most powerful aspects of Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro is how it amplified under-represented voices.  

“Gwd Thing has helped raise visibility for Llwy Gariad in a way we never imagined. For our young people, this space is more than a meeting point, it’s a place where they can connect, explore their identities, feel seen and heard. Having our group feature as part of the project has been fantastic in raising awareness of our members and the challenges they can sometimes face living in rural Wales.  
 

Following the Gwd Thing: Sir Benfro programme that ran from June to November 2025, Yr Egin expects its effects to ripple well beyond that timeline. The training, content, and connections made will persist as part of a longer-term legacy; nurturing talent, increasing digital capacity, and strengthening cultural infrastructure in West Wales.  

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476