A month of collaboration and positive impact for Working Denbighshire

February saw Working Denbighshire deliver significant activity across national, local, and community settings, helping to widen opportunities for residents.

Working Denbighshire joined partners at the All‑Wales Trailblazer Event, bringing together the three Trailblazer pilot areas of Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire, and Neath Port Talbot. The event provided a platform to explore emerging practice, discuss the support being delivered to people with complex and multiple barriers, and highlight the innovation taking place across the three regions.

Working Denbighshire also welcomed journalists from The Guardian as part of the newspaper’s ongoing national project, Against The Tide, an in‑depth series exploring the experiences of young people growing up in coastal towns across the UK.

Rhyl is one of the communities featured in the project, and the visit focused on both the challenges faced by local young people and the community‑led work opening up new opportunities. As part of their visit, journalists attended one of Working Denbighshire’s Baking and Pizza sessions, delivered in collaboration with Use Your Loaf Training Bakery.

The session offered an environment where participants could build confidence, learn practical skills, and take part in meaningful activities. It provided The Guardian with an insight into the day‑to‑day experiences of young people engaging with Working Denbighshire’s services, including some of the barriers they face and the community partnerships helping them move forward.

The visit demonstrated how coordinated, person‑centred support is helping residents gain confidence, connect with others, and take steps toward a brighter future.

February also saw the delivery of a highly successful Working Denbighshire Jobs Fair at 1891 in Rhyl, bringing together over 520 residents and more than 50 business exhibitors.

The event connected jobseekers with employers and training providers across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, care, and public services. Attendees were able to meet recruiters directly, ask questions about live vacancies, and access on‑the‑spot support from Working Denbighshire staff.

The strong turnout resulted in many residents securing follow‑up interviews or signing up to the service for additional support to help move them closer to employment. The positive response from both employers and participants reflects the growing momentum of Working Denbighshire’s employability work and its commitment to creating real, practical opportunities for local people.

Melanie Evans, Principal Manager, Strategic Employment, said:

“The activities throughout February reinforced the importance of locally driven employment support that is collaborative and grounded in the needs of our residents. The insights gained through these events all show how vital this work is. As we move forward, these experiences will help shape how we continue to support people with complex barriers into opportunities.”

Together, these high‑profile engagements showcase one of Working Denbighshire’s most vibrant and productive months which demonstrates the increasing demand for its services.

Working Denbighshire will continue to collaborate with partners and communities to provide support for individuals seeking employment, training, and personal development opportunities.

To stay informed about upcoming events, training opportunities and support available, visit our website.

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme.