Our Story
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ECO Work-Shop CIC is a not-for-profit organisation, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, that was set up in 2013.
Work-Shop came about when three mothers of adult children with learning disabilities, met for a coffee to discuss their frustrations and fears about the future which awaited their children. The parents discovered a real lack of purpose awaiting their children and other disabled adults.
Work-Shop set out to improve the wellbeing and lives of learning disabled and/or autistic adults. We support and encourage those who attend to achieve so much more than they ever believed was possible! Learning diverse new skills through stimulating and varied work activities, participants become part of the adult workforce. Building on the skills gained from education, Work-Shop carefully extends each participant’s abilities by tailoring the activity to each person’s level, gently and steadily supporting the increase in skills required to complete each task.
By joining the conversation of work, our participants become included in the adult world, and the combination of personal success, regular social interaction and motivation creates fulfilment.
OUTSOURCED TASKS
Our outsourced tasks are at the heart of what we do here at Work-Shop, providing valuable opportunities for our participants to develop skills and contribute meaningfully to the wider community. We work with a range of organisations including Lions, Look Local, Caffeine and Machine, and many more.
Our participants approach each job with dedication and attention to detail. They take pride in producing high-quality work, ensuring that every task is completed to the highest standard. Through these partnerships, we not only deliver excellent results for our partners but also empower our participants with a sense of achievement, purpose, and belonging.
WORK PLACEMENTS
In addition to the diverse work-based activities within Work-Shop, many of our participants take part in external volunteer placements, gaining experience in real-world settings. These placements provide opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence, and contribute to the local community in meaningful ways.
Our participants take on a variety of roles, from assisting at the Pavilion Café in Meon Vale to gaining hands-on experience at Redwings, along with many other exciting opportunities. These placements allow them to work alongside industry professionals, develop teamwork and communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of different work environments.
Maddie, one of our participants, described these placements as great fun and said they have helped her grow in confidence whilst also learning valuable new skills. She enjoys working as part of a team in a real-world environment and now feels better equipped to deal with members of the public.
OUR GARDEN
We are incredibly fortunate at Work-Shop to have our very own garden which provides a wonderful space for our participants to engage in a variety of hands-on, outdoor activities. From planting and watering to mowing and general garden maintenance, there’s always something to get involved in, offering both physical exercise and a sense of accomplishment.
Recently, we introduced an innovative new watering method that makes it easier for participants who may struggle with lifting heavy watering cans. This ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to take part and contribute to the care and upkeep of our garden.
One of the highlights of our gardening efforts is our annual plant sale, where we showcase the beautiful plants we’ve been growing throughout the year. This event welcomes members of the public to browse and purchase a variety of homegrown plants before heading inside to enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate our hard work, connect with the community, and share the joy of gardening with others.
OUR PRODUCTS
Our participants have taken part in numerous exciting woodwork projects over the years, creating everything from birdhouses and bug hotels to tea light holders, notice boards, and planters. Each project varies in complexity, ensuring that all participants can get involved in different aspects of the process, developing their skills and confidence along the way. We also make great use of our pyrography pen which is used to finish off plenty of our woodwork projects as well as creating signs for our garden and more!Â
In addition to our woodwork, we also produce handmade cards, crafted using recycled teabags, as well as completing a range of sewing projects. Christmas is our busiest time of year and in 2025 we sold over 1,200 Christmas cards… that’s 40 for every participant!
You can find our handmade products available for purchase at our coffee mornings, where you can browse our collection while enjoying a warm drink and a slice of cake. Every purchase directly supports the work we do, helping us continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our participants.
We also stock our products in a small range of shops in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.
