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Former pupils have spoken out about the severe abuse they endured at an educational referral unit, Canolfan Brynffynnon in Y Felinheli, which closed in 2014 following allegations of mistreatment. Among the disturbing accounts, children were forced to eat dog biscuits off the floor, an experience described by one former pupil, Rhiannon Evans, as part of everyday life at the unit. Other reported abuses included pupils being locked in dark toilets, having their noses flicked until they bled, and being subjected to humiliating treatment such as having blackcurrant juice poured over their heads by staff for amusement rather than as punishment.
Rhiannon, who was sent to the unit at age ten due to behavioural issues stemming from bullying related to her foster care background, recalls the emotional and physical hardships endured during her time there. She described feeling “like a peasant,” with incidents that left lasting impacts, such as the blackcurrant juice incident where the smell lingered for days. The emotional trauma continues to affect her, as she reflects on the unit as a place where innocent children faced harsh and degrading treatment under the guise of education and discipline.
Another former pupil, Levi Lewis, who was just four years old when attending the unit, is among 21 individuals currently pursuing claims against the local authority for the abuse they suffered. Two former pupils have already reached settlements of £10,000 each. Despite the council’s admission of abuse and apology to the victims, two former staff members allegedly involved have denied the allegations. The statements reveal a troubling culture at the referral unit where staff seemed to derive enjoyment from the mistreatment of children rather than providing support or rehabilitation.
The emotional scars left by these experiences surface in the daily lives of the survivors. Rhiannon described how simple activities, such as making a drink or watching children play football, trigger painful memories. She expressed that the damage she suffered “will never be undone,” emphasizing the deep and lasting nature of the trauma. Her story raises urgent questions about child safety in local authority care and serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in educational and care settings
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