Agri-cation, a community interest company based on a working farm near Wrexham, is delivering learning programmes that help people develop employability and life skills, improve wellbeing, build confidence and reconnect with their communities.

Founded by Cheryl Reeves and her husband, Andrew, in 2020 – just before the Covid-19 pandemic – it took another two years before the business was properly up and running. From their 110-acre beef farm, they support people facing barriers to employment, education and everyday life. There is a focus on using nature, farming and the outdoors to educate people about food production, life skills and the environment, while bringing communities together.

Many adults attending their courses are not in work, are socially isolated or living with trauma, bereavement, long-term health conditions or low confidence. They are often the least likely to engage with traditional learning environments. They cook together, build woodwork projects, practice mindfulness outdoors, learn wellbeing techniques, and care for animals.

Over the past year, the team of three have delivered 23 courses for Groundwork North Wales, engaging 232 adult learners. Agri-cation also runs community-based courses. These include Wellness in Wellies, supporting people experiencing isolation and anxiety, Family Farm Days for parents, carers and children during school holidays, Men/Women Sheds, providing practical skills and Menopause Circle for women to reconnect and improve mental wellbeing.

The team is developing a new range of courses, including Lads & Dads sessions to strengthen father–son relationships, Punching Princesses to support women’s physical and mental wellbeing and Agored Cymru accredited learning opportunities.

“Each programme shares a core purpose: removing barriers, building confidence and reconnecting people with community and nature,” explained Cheryl. “What sets

Agri-cation apart is our delivery of learning and wellbeing in a way that feels nothing like formal education. “We work closely with those not in work, providing them with opportunities to upskill and enhance their employability. Through workshops, training programmes and mentorship, we help individuals gain the confidence and expertise needed to secure meaningful employment.”

Award nominator, Louise Stokes, from Groundwork North Wales, a provider of adult community learning, said: “Agrication’s impact goes far beyond skills development. Many learners describe the experience as transformational, reporting improved mental health, increased self-belief, renewed motivation and a strong sense of belonging.”