How Jonathan Vowles Morgan found purpose in care, creating connection and confidence through nature.
Every Wednesday, a small group sets out into the Forest of Dean. The path winds through ancient trees, past rivers and open clearings, where the air feels different—calmer, quieter, more open. For the people walking, it is more than just a weekly outing. It is a chance to connect, to build confidence, and to feel part of something.
Leading the way is Jonathan Vowles Morgan.
Now working at Camphill Village Trust’s The Grange Village in Gloucestershire, Jonathan has become known for the way he uses simple, thoughtful activities to make a real difference. His weekly walking group has grown into something much bigger than exercise. It is about connection—to nature, to each other, and to a sense of self.
But his journey into care did not begin here.
Before joining the sector, Jonathan worked as a training leader at a major supermarket chain, managing programmes for hundreds of employees. He developed strong skills in leadership, communication and team development, but something was missing. The fast-paced retail environment, while rewarding, lacked the deeper human connection he was looking for.
That realisation led to a bold decision: to step away from corporate life and move into care.
At Camphill Village Trust, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, Jonathan found what he had been searching for. The Grange Village in Newnham on Severn offers a very different kind of environment—one built on shared living, meaningful work and community. Here, residents are encouraged to take part in everyday life, from farming and crafts to social activities that promote independence and wellbeing.
Jonathan’s role focuses on coordinating activities that enrich lives, ensuring that every individual feels valued and included. It is work that suits him. Colleagues describe him as a hugely valued member of the team, someone whose energy and enthusiasm lift those around him.
“I absolutely love my job,” he says, reflecting on the satisfaction he finds in seeing people thrive.
The walking group is one of his most impactful initiatives. Carefully planned to be accessible and inclusive, each walk includes rest stops, moments for reflection, and opportunities to learn about the surrounding environment. For many participants, it is a chance to step outside their routine, build confidence and experience something new.
“It’s about more than just walking,” Jonathan explains. “It’s about connection—to nature, to each other, and to oneself.”
That sense of connection is at the heart of everything he does. Through these simple but meaningful experiences, participants build friendships, develop independence and gain a sense of achievement that carries into other areas of their lives.
His work has not gone unnoticed. Jonathan was recently recognised with the Activity in Care Award 2024 by the Gloucestershire Care Providers Association, and named a regional finalist at the Great British Care Awards. The recognition reflects not just his individual contribution, but the wider impact of the approach he brings to his role.
Beyond the walking group, Jonathan supports a range of activities across The Grange Village. He contributes to workshops, works alongside residents on shared projects, and supports colleague development using the skills he built in his previous career. His ability to bring people together—whether staff or residents—remains a defining strength.
What sets Jonathan apart is not complexity or scale, but simplicity. In a sector often facing significant challenges, his work shows that meaningful change does not always require large interventions. Sometimes, it starts with something as straightforward as a walk in the woods.
Through his journey, Jonathan has found a sense of purpose that was missing before. His story is not just about changing careers, but about finding a way to make a difference that feels real and lasting.
At The Grange Village, that difference can be seen in small but powerful ways: in conversations shared along a woodland path, in growing confidence, and in the quiet satisfaction of belonging.
One step at a time.
