EcoDysgu, established in 2002, is a 42 acre education centre delivering the ‘Learning to Heal – Healing to Learn’ (L2H-H2L) model of education.  Having worked with over 6,000 service users, their results have been called ‘profound’ by police officers. Teachers, parents and the participants themselves,  have confirmed that workshop experiences at EcoDysgu have changed their lives long term.  The programmes at EcoDysgu are run for all ages, participants learn a new skill such as woodcarving, furniture making, gardening, woodland work, willow weaving and much more.  Each participant is also offered a session of complementary therapies such as Indian Head Massage, Reiki or Hands On Healing.  Within a beautiful natural environment the L2H-H2L process address’s our human-ness and real needs, it offers an holistic approach to our lives and well-being, it encourages active participation and engagement in the changes our society is desperate for.

The EcoDysgu community project has worked with schools, Women’s Aid, drug & alcohol groups, pupil referral units, youth offending teams, youth services, prison and probation service as well as other community groups and hundreds of volunteers.  The success of their work has been valued not only by many participants but also by the winning of numerous awards.

Mark Woolcock, Placement Officer with Wales Probation Trust has been working with the staff at EcoDysgu for the past 3 years, building a programme of benefit for their Community Payback team.

In turn the groups and individuals serving community hours have supported the project in maintaining its gardens and woodland, creating wildlife habitat, improving public access and generally supporting its need to achieve future sustainability.  The partnership is ongoing and continually developing to build on its success. In addition many historic buildings on site need renovation and a collaborative approach to this is now being explored.

Lori –Jo has been a great addition to the team and since finishing the route she has gone on to part time employment at EcoDysgu.

For more information on the Bridgend Employment Routes Initiative call 01656 661418 or email: michael.woods@manpower.co.uk

Families are invited to join us for one or two days over the weekend. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please book your place by calling 01656 729246 or by emailing traceyevans@valleyandvale.co.uk

cost per family per weekend; £10/ £5 unwaged

the raven in the trees flyer

This is a good example of the great days we offer at EcoDysgu for volunteers of all ages.  Come and join us in our little bit of woodland paradise.  For more information about forthcoming events/volunteer days please contact our volunteer officer Alexis on 01656 728137 or check out more on our website.

Founded in 2002, EcoDysgu, also known as ‘Bridgend’s Best Kept Secret’, provides alternative education and training for people of all ages, particularly those suffering from social exclusion, alcohol addiction and drug abuse in addition to those who are struggling to focus within the traditional education system.  At EcoDysgu education programmes are executed in specialist workshops, including carpentry, building, joinery and other practical skills, and each programme is complimented by a holistic therapy session.

Within her role as High Sheriff of Mid-Glamorgan, Beverley felt it extremely important that she visit EcoDysgu as the centre has helped and supported so many young people within the area. The role of the High Sheriff dates back to the 11^th Century, when the High Sheriff was the keeper of peace, collector of taxes and even had powers of execution. Now, the role still acts as a bridge between the criminal justice system and the community, working closely with police and the judiciary to make our communities safer.

Of her role as High Sheriff, Beverley says:

“For me personally my role means encouraging and supporting the unsung heroes and heroines who are doing amazing things week in, week out, to help young people to channel their energies and fulfil their potential – in fact anyone who is trying to make their community -and thus the world – a better place.”

After hearing about EcoDysgu, Beverley felt that a visit to the centre was vital to her role as the work that Julie Lyddon, Founder of EcoDysgu, and her team do everyday for so many young people often goes unnoticed and unheard of by the wider community. Although recently being recognised at the Welsh Women Who Mean Business awards as Best Woman in a Business Investing in the Environment, Julie continual work that often has life-changing effects for people who desperately need emotional support, confidence and reassurance, have remained a secret for many years. Following her visit to the centre, Beverley hopes this to be no longer the case.

The visit itself involved a tour of the centre including indoor and outdoor workshop areas, vegetable patches, mud huts made from recycled materials and exquisite gardens made by specialist groups who have benefited from the centre.

Julie Lydon, Founder of EcoDysgu says:

“The ability to see and take part in a project from start to finish, such as the many handmade benches and carvings dotted round the woodland, provides an irreplaceable sense of pride and confidence to those who have never been given the chance or reassurance that they desperately need in order to lead a positive life. We felt Beverley truly understood the messages we are passing on here and are extremely grateful that she has taken the time to visit EcoDysgu to hear our stories and witness some of the unique workshops that take place.”

EcoDysgu is a not-for-profit organisation and often struggles with funding in order to carry out their workshops and specialist programmes. A café and self-catering accommodation is available within the picturesque surroundings and the organisation receives some support from the community and companies such as Sainsbury’s and Newport-based contractors, Dudley’s, who are helping the centre reach its goal of self-sustainability. Without such support and funding, the remarkable experiences and transformations that happen at EcoDysgu would not take place.

Beverley Humphreys, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan says:

“Our community needs special places like EcoDysgu and extraordinary people like Julie to nurture and support those who struggle  to find their  purpose in  life –  to bring out their potential and help them to know that they are valued as individuals and have their own important contribution to make to themselves, to their families and to the wider world ”

Listen to our advert which is being run on Real Radio all this week  by clicking here:

Real Action – Eco Dysgu radio advert