Many of the post-industrial communities of Wales suffer from the worst effects of poverty and disadvantage. Routes2Life (R2L) does what its name encapsulates – provides disadvantaged and often vulnerable adults and young people an education and skills development programme as a positive way forward.
Based at Groundwork Wales’ horticultural farm site in Pontllanfraith, Caerphilly, R2L provides beneficiaries of all ages the opportunity to learn and develop a range of practical and horticultural countryside skills, including hedging, strimming, fencing, gardening, pruning and growing fruit and vegetables.
Participants can build social skills, confidence and self-esteem, gain Agored Cymru accredited training and enhance CVs with positive experiences working in the outdoors. Part funded by Caerphilly County Borough Council, R2L also engages with local schools to learn from the land, supporting delivery of the curriculum and promoting greener ways of living.