Gemma Oakley Found Support at Wrexham Sewing Studio. Credit: fxnetworks.com
Wrexham Welcome is not just about football, and Gemma Oakley proves that by sharing her experience of the Wrexham AFC community helping people find themselves, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
Gemma appears in season five, episode five of the documentary and is the founder of Wrexham Sewing Studio CIC, where people are able to acquire new skills and express their creativity.
Her story fits a familiar theme within Welcome to Wrexham season five. Wrexham AFC provides the starting point, but the programme’s real focus often falls on the people who give the town its character.
A personal story at the heart of Wrexham
Gemma has spoken openly about enduring difficult periods before sewing helped her find structure, confidence and direction.
“I was off the rails for about 15 to 20 years but sewing has changed my life.”
That experience inspired her to build something that could help other people. Wrexham Sewing Studio CIC became a judgement-free place where visitors could learn, volunteer, meet others and regain confidence.
“To teach sewing, to give back to the community for what they gave me.”
The studio provides sewing classes, repair services and upcycling work, while at the same time manufacturing handcrafted goods. However, there is another important element that needs to be considered – the chance to socialize with people and not feel discriminated against or lonely.
Why Welcome to Wrexham shared Gemma’s story
Welcome to Wrexham has regularly used Wrexham AFC as a route into stories about supporters, volunteers and organisations across the town.
Gemma’s feature follows the same pattern. It shows that the club’s influence is not limited to what happens at the Racecourse or where Phil Parkinson’s team finishes in the table.
The studio also has a direct connection with the football community through its handmade Wrexham products. Its upcycled teddy bears attracted attention from supporters and became part of the studio’s growing profile.
Gemma’s relationship with the club’s ownership was later highlighted when Rob Mac surprised her with a phone call during the documentary.
That moment showed how the series can bring the owners, supporters and local organisations together without pretending the football club created the community work itself.
A community growing alongside Wrexham AFC
Wrexham Sewing Studio CIC started out in Wrexham Butcher’s Market and then relocated to Eagles Meadow.
This meant that Gemma and her crew could run more workshops for those suffering from loneliness, poor mental wellbeing or low self-confidence.
Its growth reflects one of the central ideas behind Welcome to Wrexham. As the football club has progressed, the documentary has continued to highlight the residents whose stories make that rise meaningful.
That approach has helped the series become an internationally recognised documentary, while keeping Wrexham’s local identity at its centre.
But Gemma’s story does not fit the typical model of a football story. It is a Wrexham story, and that is exactly why her story should be part of this programme based on Wrexham AFC.
Gemma’s work illustrates how the effect created by the club also can be judged in terms of people being recognized and encouraged to help others.
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