Working Denbighshire

Single parent secures work in health and social care setting

‘H’ is a single parent of two young children. She was allocated to C4W+ for support with helping her move towards employment. She also was keen to complete some training to help bolster her CV and future job applications. H is a very polite young person who has been a pleasure to support. She has always remained in contact and has attended appointments on-time.

H expressed her desire of wanting to pursue a career in Health & Social care as she felt this is where her strengths and compassion are. Tom was able to support H in applying for the NHS Step Into Work (Mentoring Circles) program which consist of online group sessions delivered via MS Teams, and then follows work experience within a Health & Social Care setting locally. Tom arranged for H to loan a Chromebook laptop so she could attend the sessions, as without it she would not have been able to do so. Around the same time H was also signed up to an online training course titled “Moving & Handling People” to give her knowledge and understating of this so she can do it correctly when required in a job role.

H was very pro-active herself and completed over 20 online certificates in her spare time after her children had gone to bed, and she kindly provided copies of these certificates to Tom.

A few weeks later H was informed by Tom of the Princes Trust Get Into Social Care program which was also due to be delivered via MS Teams. H jumped at the chance of being offered a place on this program, and she attended it by using the Chromebook. H will soon undertake bank-work with the NHS as part of the Mentoring Circles program in a Health & Social Care setting, likely to be at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd or community setting.

H was supported with getting a new phone as her own phone was very outdated and apps would not load on the screen, and it would often not ring. So a new phone was purchased for her which meant she could return the Chromebook after two months and is now able to use the phone for many things which she couldn’t do before. She was unable to afford the cost of a new phone.

In early September H applied for employment (via her new phone) for work with The Range store in Rhyl. H attended an interview on Friday 2^nd September and was offered a job there at 20 hours per week for 3 months, and then after 3 months it is hoped she may be able to go full time. This means she should be able to complete her bank-work experience with the NHS Mentoring Circles as well.

H has very kindly provided the following – ”The Communities for Work Plus project has helped me tremendously! I started with stress and pressure and unsure of what career I wanted to pursue.

It was simple right from reaching out that I had the support from one of the work coaches, Tom, who has been exceptional in making me feel comfortable to express my future career options without judgment. I was enrolled on to the NHS mentoring Circles Programme and my phone was very outdated and I didn't have the means to purchase a new one. The project helped without hesitance and I was able to get a brand new phone and continue with my NHS course, I have now gained over 30 certificates where I started with none.

To keep me busy and help me get to where I am now Communities for Work Plus helped me out so much, loaning a laptop so I could complete my online courses. I wouldn't have been able to afford nor have the confidence to be where I am now if it wasn't for the project. I am now working part time within a role where I feel most confident whilst also gaining a Bank position at Glan Clwyd hospital with training still ongoing. And I would highly recommend to anybody who may feel like they are unsure of where to go next with having children or for any other reason get into contact.”

Jobs fair supports young people employment opportunities

Nearly 30 exhibitors came together recently to support employment help for young people.

The Working Denbighshire Careers Fair held at Rhyl Town Hall saw nearly 100 young residents aged 16 and above receive valuable employment advice and help.

At the event the line-up of exhibitors included a range of employers, training providers, education providers and support services.

Delegates were able to find out about work opportunities in Admin and Finance, Construction, Education, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Driving and Logistics, Public Service, Childcare, Textiles, Housing, Manufacturing, Gaming and Digital. Those thinking about self-employment were also able to seek advice at the event.

Those attending also discovered the events interactive elements which included a Gaming Van allowing people to have a go at some of the latest games. Emergency Service vehicles were also parked outside for attendees to explore.

This careers event was funded through the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, part of which is delivered through the Communities for Work Plus (CfW+) programme that helps people furthest from the labour market get back into employment by offering one-to-one help and support. CfW+ forms part of the Working Denbighshire programme, delivered by the Council. Working with local businesses and organisations, the Working Denbighshire programme is committed to supporting young people who live in the county, with support to gain a place in education or training and help to get into work or become self-employed.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said “I was delighted to attend this event and see such a fantastic range of employment support and advice on offer for those who came through the door.

“I am really proud to see Working Denbighshire extending a big helping hand to our younger residents during such a difficult time. We are extremely proud to have this service which aims to tackle poverty through employment.

“This is what the Working Denbighshire scheme is all about, helping people. As the cost of living increases it is very important we do all we can to provide this free support where we can to help younger people find the best employment to suit them.”

To keep up to date with events and find out more about Working Denbighshire visit our website or to get employment support visit https://working.denbighshire.gov.uk/