As we bid farewell to 2023, Groundwork North Wales celebrates a year filled with impactful achievements and community support.
Groundwork North Wales, dedicated to creating positive impacts together for our people, places and planet, has made significant strides in our community over the last year.
Notable achievements in 2023:
Lighting up Wrexham: To celebrate St David’s Day and Welsh culture, with thanks to funding from the City of Culture 2025 bid, Groundwork North Wales hosted a lantern parade in Wrexham city centre. The evening promoted community engagement and sustainability for future generations and attracted hundreds of spectators.
Big Quay Clean: This year’s annual Quay Clean, in Connah’s Quay, Flintshire took place between the 27th of March to the 2nd of April 2023 as part of the Keep Wales Tidy “Spring Clean Cymru” campaign, with the aim to pick up as much litter as possible from the streets and parks in the area. Our Back Yard joined the effort and helped to clean an incredible 80 bags of litter from various locations in Connah’s Quay.
Employer of the Year: Groundwork North Wales was thrilled to be named as Employer of the Year at The Great British Awards Business and Community. The judges were impressed by Groundwork North Wales’ close-knit staff teams working in an environment which empowers and encourages them to thrive. “Their financial results demonstrate resilience, growth and sustainability,” the judges of this category noted. “The ‘feel good’ factor of this employer is truly evident”.
Bike Week at Alyn Waters: Working with partner charities Pedal Power (Cycling 4 All) and Refurbs, Groundwork North Wales encouraged local groups and businesses to decorate a bike for display. The bikes were displayed along Pedal Powers 1 mile cycle loop of the country park to encourage the community to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors and exercise.
Safer Streets: Groundwork North Wales’ youth team delivered engagement sessions with secondary school groups in Wrexham. This programme creates opportunities for young people who have been identified as taking part in anti-social behaviour or who are at risk of doing so. The young people who have participated have learnt new skills through participating in various activities as well as achieving various formal qualifications.
Green Skills Certification: Students from Connah’s Quay High embarked on a three-week programme led by the Our Back Yard Project at the Quay Wetlands Nature Reserve. Over the course of the programme, the students engaged in various activities aimed at benefiting both nature and their community. Through their involvement, the young people gained essential skills, learnt about their local environment and received their Green Skills certificate.
Launch of Team Cymru: In partnership with Prince’s Trust, Groundwork North Wales launched the Team Cymru programme for young people aged 16-25 the chance to develop new skills, gain qualifications, build their confidence, and meet new people. In December, the group celebrated the end of the programme, reflecting on their achievements and fundraising success.
Our Back Yard: The Our Back Yard project came to an end, inviting the local community and volunteers to a day of celebration. The event featured stalls from local organisations and community groups, along with history exhibits, family activities, guided walks and litter picks.
Caffi Cyfle Expands: Caffi Cyfle opened a brand-new site at the Wellbeing Hub in Wrexham city centre, created through a partnership between Wrexham County Borough Council, AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham) and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
Pedal Power Fundraising: A Christmas Bazaar event hosted by Pedal Power, the all-ability cycling charity, raised over £2,500 at Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate. The charity relies on fundraising such as this to support day-to-day running. A wonderfully festive inspired grazing table was supplied by Caffi Cyfle in Wrexham and fantastic Christmas shopping was available from a range of local, small businesses.
Looking Forward to 2024:
As Groundwork North Wales looks back on a year of achievements and forward to the promise of a new year, the charity remains committed to making a positive and lasting impact on those they serve. The unwavering support of the community and funders continues to be the driving force behind our success, and Groundwork North Wales expresses gratitude to all who have played a part in making 2023 a year to remember. Together, we look forward to creating an even brighter future in 2024.