How Leominster's Echo charity helps people with disabilities

I first became involved with Echo when I left school aged 18. Echo is a fantastic charity, helping people with disabilities learn different skills and techniques.

Echo runs more than 25 projects in Herefordshire. These are some of the projects I am involved with.

Radio Echo

Louis Baker gets ready to go on air with Radio Echo (Image: ROB DAVIES)

I have developed my confidence and skills at Radio Echo because I was unsure about what I wanted to do at the time before I started.

Jingle King Nick at Radio Echo (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Radio Echo's been live on webcam for two and a half years with a mix of features, news, music and lots of banter.

DJ Dan presenting the main news (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Amazingly every show starts with blank paper. In the morning, we decide on topics, research current affairs and plan features to be included in the live broadcast.

“I'm tremendously proud of everybody who's involved,” said producer Nick Baker.

Producer Nick Baker at Radio Echo (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Presenter Dan says I've learned how to operate the DJ software and to queue tracks and put them on to play. I have also learned a bit about the mixing desk and how to do the news items.

I asked volunteer Judith what attracted her to the project. “When I retired, because I like music and current affairs, I thought it would be something good to get involved with, I have learned how to set up the studio to produce a podcast, something I would never have dreamt I would be involved with.

“I am just proud to be supporting others in developing their confidence skills.”

Studio Mirai

Louis with Studio Mirai participants and volunteers (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Next up we have Studio Mirai, an Echo project based near Leominster recycling centre.

The impressive workshop at Studio Mirai in Leominster (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Studio Mirai upcycles, repurposes, and sells donated wooden furniture which would otherwise end up in landfill. We also have a large outside space for practical work and gardening activities. I have been a participant here for two years.

Louis with Studio Mirai project manager Chris Jones (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Echo deputy chief officer Nic Bullock previously managed Studio Mirai, and only saw people from there. Now he has an overview of all projects and works to find out about what disabled people want and need to develop ECHO further. ECHO has been described by the local authority as ‘setting the bar for other providers of activities for disabled people’.

New manager Chris Jones says the best part of his job is seeing what participants achieve.

The future involves the studio’s new laser machine, and many Christmas items will soon be for sale using this!

Louis upcycles his bedroom furniture in a funky orange at Studio Mirai (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Studio Mirai participant Simon loves woodwork and refurbishing tired furniture. “I feel well supported and I’m learning new skills", he said.

Hanna volunteers at Studio Mirai. She enjoys working with participants and is proud of the quality of upcycled furniture they sell. Hanna is an ECHO trustee too. “It’s a privilege and you get to know how projects interact, support participants and make decisions about developing ECHO,” she said.

Steps to employment

Manager of ECHO’s Steps to Employment Project (StEP) Roz Johnson told me how the programme helps support disabled people through volunteering, work experience, and employment opportunities.

Louis with StEP outreach officer Michelle Hodnett at Leominster's Halo Leisure Centre, where he has been gaining valuable work experience (Image: ROB DAVIES)

This helps us pursue our career goals, with the StEP supporting personal and professional development. “Employability is key, so we provide training and workshops increasing the chances of securing meaningful employment.”

Louis learning reception skills at Halo Leisure Centre (Image: ROB DAVIES)

The StEP encourages community engagement and social connections, and helps break down negative attitudes around disability and employment.

StEP worker Sue started as an Echo volunteer, and then became an employee.

‘’It is very rewarding to work with volunteers and help participants achieve goals. I’d recommend anyone to visit ECHO and see the variety of things we do,” she said.

Louis hard at work at the Hereford Times, where he has been taking part in work experience (Image: Michelle Hodnett)

As a StEP beneficiary, I have developed new skills, and my confidence has flourished whilst working in settings including Halo Leisure Centre in Leominster. I am currently gaining experience in journalism with the Hereford Times team and was recently privileged to meet Kevin McCloud at his book launch and contribute to the live blog.

Louis and Michelle meeting Grand Designs star Kevin McCloud during Louis' work experience at the HT (Image: Julia Baker)

StEP Outreach Officer Michelle praises host organisations including Premiere Inn, Hereford Times, Orbis, Brightwell's, YMCA, Strong Removals, National Trust and Age UK for the opportunities they have provided. Michelle would love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a host organisation or beneficiary!