Asha’s charitable work
Over the past decade (2015–2025), the Asha Foundation, operating from its serene Asha Centre in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (GL17 0EA), has undertaken extensive charitable work as a UK-registered educational charity (No. 1058320). This has centered on empowering young people through holistic, non-formal education, with a strong emphasis on youth training, education, community cohesion, and sustainability. The Foundation has delivered over 120 international projects, primarily under Erasmus+ (KA1 and KA2), the European Solidarity Corps, and predecessor programs like Youth in Action, engaging more than 3,000 young adults and youth workers from 32 countries. These initiatives have fostered personal growth, social impact, and environmental stewardship, often described by participants as "life-changing" and "inspirational," with feedback highlighting transformative experiences in confidence-building, collaboration, and global citizenship.
In the realm of youth training, the Asha Centre has served as a premier venue for leadership and skill-building programs, hosting 6–12 international volunteers annually through the European Voluntary Service and European Solidarity Corps. These month-long and nine-day courses, led by an in-house team of theatre practitioners, multi-faith educators, social pedagogues, and digital experts, equip young people with tools for self-care, creativity, and community leadership. Projects like the "Volunteer for Change" series (reaching its 12th edition by 2019) address social dialogue and environmental challenges, enabling participants to implement positive changes in their home communities. International collaborations, including exchanges with youth from Israel, Palestine, South Africa, and India, have promoted peacebuilding and conflict resolution, nurturing a sense of purpose and global connection among diverse groups.
For education, the Foundation's approach integrates "head, heart, and hands" learning—combining intellectual workshops, emotional arts-based activities, and practical land work—to tackle contemporary challenges. Programs emphasize non-formal education in democracy, active citizenship, and intercultural dialogue, with visiting professionals delivering lectures on topics like religion, beliefs, and sustainable futures. Over the decade, these have drawn acclaim for their excellence in Erasmus+ training, helping participants from varied backgrounds (including refugees and marginalized youth) develop skills for personal and societal enrichment, often within a supportive "home-like" environment that encourages vulnerability and growth.
Efforts in community cohesion have focused on breaking down cultural and spiritual barriers through inclusive gatherings, theatre performances, and group challenges. The Centre acts as a hub for intercultural events, where young people from ethnic, faith, and voluntary groups collaborate on projects promoting equality and mutual respect. This has yielded remarkable results in fostering vibrant, hopeful communities, with participants reporting profound feelings of peace, belonging, and transformation—such as performing publicly or engaging in cross-cultural dialogues that build lasting networks for reconciliation worldwide.
Sustainability has been woven into the core of these activities via environment-based programs on the Centre's five-acre grounds, which include biodynamically cultivated fruit and vegetable gardens, flower plots, walking paths, a sports lawn, events patio, rose garden, secret garden, agricultural building, and eco-lodge. These spaces enable hands-on learning about urban/rural development and environmental healing, teaching youth to harness nature for personal and planetary well-being—such as through organic gardening workshops that inspire practical contributions to climate action.
The beauty of the Asha Centre's grounds enhances every aspect of this work, transforming it into a flourishing sanctuary amid the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean. Spanning verdant acres with over 4,000 meticulously tended roses blooming in vibrant displays, the landscape evokes a sense of reverence for the earth—lush organic plots bursting with seasonal produce, hidden nooks for quiet reflection, and open lawns ideal for communal celebrations. Eco-friendly features like the solar-powered eco-lodge and winding paths invite visitors to connect deeply with nature, creating an idyllic backdrop for retreats that blend tranquility, inspiration, and stewardship. This harmonious setting not only supports sustainable practices but also amplifies the emotional impact of programs, leaving participants with a renewed appreciation for beauty as a catalyst for positive change.
An international charity working for equality and empowerment in the fields of sustainable development, personal growth, the arts and interfaith, intercultural dialogue.
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The ASHA Centre
Lower Spout Lane
Gloucestershire
GL17 0EA
+44 (0) 7468 165 098
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