About Us

About Us

We're here to help ...

Our Mission


To support, equip and empower those who care for, or work with, children with developmental trauma to make their world feel a safer place.

Our Vision


We are a network of people who have a range of lived, professional and practical experience of children with developmental trauma. We want to enable and equip those who support children through partnership working. We aim to work together for sustained change, reducing barriers to reaching potential.

Our Values


  • Support to fill the gaps where the distress leaks out
  • Evidence-based interventions
  • Child-centred approaches
  • Offering the opportunity to rethink the way we support children with complex needs
  • Equipping others through training, knowledge and support

Meet our Founder and CEO


Gela Griffiths

I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adenydd. I am a retired Headteacher of an all-age Special School for children with complex needs and I have also been a Foster Carer. I am ‘mum’ to a young man with complex needs resulting from developmental trauma, learnign difficulties and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It was bringing my son home that started me on my journey of learning about developmental trauma and searching for interventions and therapies that could help both him as an individual and us as a family.

I manage the day-to-day running of the charity as well as delivering the projects that we run. Our projects are built around the principles of Theraplay®, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Practice (DDP), Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) and the BUSS Model.


For more information on each of the above, please visit their websites.

Our Story

In May 2007 when our CEO, Gela Griffiths, brought her son home, igniting a curiosity about developmental trauma and the search for interventions and therapies that could help her family. Determined to find answers, she immersed herself n research and connected with professionals, educators, and other families who shared their experiences. She also met Jo Southan, an adoptive mum of five who is still one of our trustees. Motivated by their deep compassion and a drive for positive change, Gela and Jo, and a few more friends founded Adenydd in 2018/9.

Our name

Adenydd in Welsh translates to "wings". We chose this name for our organisation because we feel that it embodies the protection, understanding and nurture that our children need. We also believe that given this our children can grow and soar to new heights. Like wings that enable flight, our mission is to uplift individuals, guiding them to discover their potential and navigate their unique journeys. You will notice that our logo perfectly embodies these ideas!

We Are A Charity

Adenydd is regsitered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).


Our dedicated team of trustees and associates who are exceptional individuals, working together to drive our mission forward with passion and expertise! With their visionary guidance, they shape strategies, foster innovation, and lead our organization towards a brighter future.

Our Approach


Our mission is to provide support and resources to children affected by adverse childhood experiences and all those who support them. We understand that these experiences can have a profound impact on a child's well-being and development. We believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive academically, relationally and emotionally. That's why we focus on enhancing knowledge, developing skills, and providing resources to our amazing partners. Our comprehensive training offer covers everything from the basics of ACEs and developmental trauma to evidence-based strategies tailored to support children's unique needs. We're all about building a caring and supportive community. We foster skill development in trauma-informed teaching, effective communication, behaviour support, and creating safe learning or care environments. We want to empower you with the tools and confidence to make a real difference in children's lives.


Through our projects and services, specifically designed for children affected by adverse childhood experiences, we provide therapeutic interventions, educational resources, and personalised support to children who have faced trauma and adversity and the families, services or settings they are in. Our team of dedicated professionals works closely with each of these, tailoring our approach to meet each child’s unique needs. We strive to break the cycle of adversity and create a brighter future for every child and family. Our goal is to empower our children and families to overcome the obstacles they have faced and lead happy and fulfilling lives.


Together, we can create a network of kindness, compassion, and expertise that encourages and supports our complex children.

We Work Better Together

Adenydd has made a significant impact by empowering stakeholders to support children facing developmental trauma. Through comprehensive training, workshops, and resources, Adenydd equips individuals with knowledge and evidence-based strategies.

By fostering a caring community and promoting trauma-informed teaching, effective communication, and safe learning environments, Adenydd advocates for our children, creating brighter futures for all.


Curious to know how Adenydd has made a positive impact on others? Dive into their testimonials and see for yourself!


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PROJECTS and COURSES RUN

Become a volunteer

Let's work together for their  future

We believe in the power of volunteers to make a difference to the work that we do. Join us and experience the rewarding feeling of helping others while also gaining personal and professional development opportunities. All our opportunities are advertised via Reach Volunteering - find out more below.

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