Wyldwoods
Mission: “To meet the needs of disadvantaged individuals through meaningful, practical and rural experiences"
Visitors to Wyldwoods are recommended to bring sensible footwear, clothes they can get dirty or wet, and a hearty snack. This charity is located at the edge of a woodland clearing in a cosy paddock near a pond and gardens. Participants may find themselves tramping along a dirt trail, building birdhouses, painting, caring for chickens, or learning archery.
The service targets marginalised groups such as children and adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues. Programs are offered to people who are unemployed and may be feeling isolated and discouraged, and care-givers who benefit from a break and a chance to share stories with others in their position.
Margaret Osborne enrolled her child with special needs in an outdoor activities course at Wyldwoods. “For me it was a great opportunity to be amongst other special needs families who face the daily problems that caring for a special needs child brings. It was nice to be in an atmosphere that didn't 'judge' and one which you felt comfortable in.”
Roger, a past participant, finds comfort in the creative arts projects. “Wyldwoods makes no obvious attempt at therapeutic treatment, just allowing creativity and calm do its healing work… The atmosphere of creativity promotes a better sense of well-being and self-assurance, and causes one to relax almost imperceptibly. It is not until the end of a session at Wyldwoods that one realises the difference between self-upon-arrival, and self-upon-leaving!”
Many of the service users train to become volunteers and take on leadership roles within the organisation, such as Leo a long-term volunteer. “I spent an amazing summer volunteering my time in maintaining the site, assisting with one of the many young people programs they run, and meeting some wonderful people. Working here has confirmed my career plans of outdoor education and has even helped me on my way.”
As a small scale operation, Wyldwoods founder Stephanie Brett finds Attend’s services very useful. “Being affiliated with an organisation with standing and status helps people feel more on the statutory levels such as the city council. I believe seeing our insurance comes through Attend gives them some assurance when funding our projects.”
Wyldwoods is currently closed
Created December 2012. Updated 2021
Wyldwoods benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.
