AnTir
In November 2021 Tir Coed delivered a feasibility pilot for the AnTir project; a 12-month pilot.
Tir Coed developed and delivered 2 brand new courses – wildlife gardening and organic food growing, and developed accredited learning units for them. We also trialled a garden-based volunteer programme.
As part of Tir Coed’s land and labour bank (linking unemployed trainees with land managers in need of help) Tir Coed recruited a rural adviser to carry out a consultation with farmers and land managers speaking to 100 people to find out what skills will be needed in the future, and therefore, what to train people in under the AnTir project.
The volunteering programme was successful in getting people involved in local community growing projects; offering continuity and sparking new interests and friendships. This didn't work so well with employability outcomes but certainly made a marked improvement to peoples wellbeing.
The training courses however, were so successful in getting people trained up and employable that we actually lost several participants over the duration of the courses to paid work.
A number of sites were visited all over Ceredigion, bringing exciting connections for the future. Some of the sites delivered regular activities and some were just a one off event.
Tir Coed worked closely with a host of family centres-taking the activities to the people, which enabled us to engage with lots of people and try out what works best.
The pilot also enabled us to further develop the training and wellbeing site at Gardd Ty Llwyd Garden following on from the successful groundwork enabled by an Awards for All and Keep Wales Tidy grant.
During the pilot, the AnTir feasibility project delivered shorter ‘ready for work’ courses, which influenced the way Tir Coed planned and developed future training. As a result, subsequent courses became shorter and more focused on preparing participants for employment.
Over the course of the pilot, Tir Coed also developed its advisory group and established partnerships with a range of organisations and projects, including Aberystwyth Town Council and the Go & Grow Festival.
Overall, the pilot was a great success in shaping the AnTir project and preparing Tir Coed to transition from its existing work to the broader programmes delivered through AnTir.
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This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus