ECCO has been working in partnership with Roots To Wellbeing CIC, a Harlow based non for profit organisation focusing on mental and physical health, wellbeing for all ages and community support. 

Together, the organisations were successful in a funding bid created by Active Essex to run weekly accessible and inclusive groups for low-income families at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve. 

The sessions focus on self-growth, physical activity and lessons around nutrition. Each week, all of the families attending receive a hot and healthy meal cooked on site.

Nutrition is a huge part of the sessions, we have taught over 50 families the importance of knowing food groups, understanding a balanced diet, healthy food recipes & how food can affect your energy levels and moods. 

Using the reserve as our venue, has become a very positive experience for families attending the project, many who have been living with low mood, anxiety, isolation or special educational needs. Having the woods as a backdrop and immersive experience allows the young people to explore safely and mindfully. 

Working with local families & supporting them as much as possible is of the most importance to ECCO & Roots To Wellbeing and we thank everyone involved with the project.

The success of this project, has now led on to a new after school group for ages 5-12 which has been running since November 2021 at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve. 

For more information and other projects Roots To Wellbeing put on at the reserve, such as Tai Chi & walking groups please visit – 

https://www.rootstowellbeing.org/

For more information on ECCO & the work they do, please visit – 

www.ecco.org.uk