Residents in Wrexham and Flintshire are set to benefit from a new programme of free classes and workshops – covering everything from employability and digital skills to healthy cooking.
Groundwork North Wales has been awarded the North East Wales Adult Community Learning (ACL) contract on behalf of Wrexham Council and Flintshire County Council.
The contract aims to support residents across Wrexham and Flintshire aged 19 and over to re-engage in their learning, helping to develop their skills and employment options.
Courses for all needs
The two-year arrangement will see Groundwork deliver courses across both counties, working in partnership with the North East Wales ACL team – an already well-established and successful joint venture between the two councils.
This is a great opportunity for adult learners to access free courses on a wide variety of topics.
“Family Learning” will be delivered in a local schools, allowing parents and carers to try out new things with their children – including crafts and healthy cooking.
Another important part of the programme, especially with older residents in the community, will be the IT and digital skills courses on offer. A learner who attended the “Introduction to Smart Phones” session said “I have learnt so much, it has been brilliant. I now have more confidence in my ability to use the phone”.
These will be delivered in handy local community locations, along with courses on how to cook with air-fryers, how to use smart phones, outdoor activities and employability skills.
The short courses are designed to act as a springboard, encouraging people to go on to explore further learning opportunities. One of the participants at the “Confidence Building” session said “I learnt new skills on approaching potential roadblocks for goals & self-esteem”.
Building on success
The new contract builds on the outstanding partnership work between the ACL team and other local organisations, including Coleg Cambria, Wrexham University, the local voluntary sector and community groups.
The contract is a critical component of the skills agenda for both counties and will help ensure people in some of Wrexham and Flintshire’s hardest to reach communities have the opportunity to access learning.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education in Wrexham, said “Securing this contract is a big positive for both Wrexham and Flintshire councils.
“It is a testament to how well our partnership works and how vital the courses on offer are for our communities.
“It’s a good opportunity to reach out to more adult learners who are keen to progress and develop their skills, and I welcome this news and look forward to seeing the continued success of adult community learning across the two counties.”
Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, said “Adult Community Learning plays a vital role in helping people build confidence, develop new skills and unlock opportunities for the future.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Wrexham Council and Groundwork North Wales to provide a wide range of free, accessible learning opportunities for residents across Flintshire.
“Whether someone is looking to improve their digital skills, support their family’s learning, boost their employability or simply try something new, these courses offer a welcoming pathway back into education. By bringing learning into local communities, we can help ensure that more residents have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Louise Stokes, Head of Training at Groundwork North Wales said “We are extremely grateful for the funding to continue delivering our Adult Community Learning courses.
“This funding will continue to strengthen our ability to support adults across our communities, helping them return to learning with confidence and purpose. The impact reaches beyond the classroom; it strengthens families, communities, and individual well-being.”
If you are a resident of Flintshire and Wrexham and aged 19+ you can find out what courses are available via ACL either by emailing acl@wrexham.gov.uk or calling 07584 335409.
