The Hesley Group’s links with Romania grow ever stronger after a recent lecture visit by two heads and the Group’s Managing Director, Stephen Lloyd.

Sue Ekins, head of Hesley Village & College, and Gay Waters, head of the Forum School, were both delighted to be invited to give a special talk on autism to enthusiastic university students.

Sue said the visit, which took place earlier this year, was a humbling but exciting experience, with over 140 students packing the lecture hall that was designed to hold just 40. “There was standing room only,” said Sue. “They were very, very keen to learn.”

The Hesley Group has had a long association with the Eastern European country. It has helped maintain an orphanage via a foundation set up by Stephen Lloyd, sent staff over to help raise the care standards for special needs, and has recruited Romanian workers for Hesley establishments in the United Kingdom. Mrs Di Lloyd who has been involved in these various projects over the years, accompanied her husband on the trip.

One of the aims of the trip was to establish a connection with the students in the hope that some may work for the Hesley Group once qualified.

A number of Romanian students are already working at Broughton House College in Lincolnshire, Hill House in Hampshire, and The Forum School in Dorset.

Gay Waters, Di Lloyd and Sue Ekins (pictured 3rd, 4th and 5th from left) with some of their Romanian counterparts, and Stephen Lloyd (7th from left).