Chairman's message

Message from the Leader and Chief Executive

As the season of goodwill is upon us, and as we prepare to celebrate this special time of year with our friends and family, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Our budgets remain very challenging for the Council, as it does for all Councils. To respond to those budget pressures, we have had to find savings in some services which we realise hasn’t been easy for anyone. We are working really hard to reduce the impact of those savings on our residents and communities. On the positive side, we have great communities throughout Denbighshire and we would like to thank you for the support you provide to our vulnerable residents and for making our special communities what they are.

We would also like to acknowledge that the new waste/recycling service roll-out this year didn’t go according to plan which caused some distress for a number of our residents. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. We have made the necessary improvements and the service is now predominantly working as we want it. We remain committed to the new system as it improves our recycling rates and the quality of the recycling materials and we would like to thank our residents for working with us to improve the way we deal with the significant volumes of waste we all generate.

We hope that over the festive period you will be able to find time to relax, and enjoy all that our County offers. With everything going on in the world we know how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful, peaceful part of it.

We look forward to continuing to work with our communities in the new year and on behalf of all our Councillors and staff at the Council, we hope you have a prosperous, peaceful and happy new year.

 

Christmas and New Year information

There is information about our services over the Christmas and New Year period on our website:

• Bins and recycling to include collection dates
• Find out information about disposing or recycling Christmas trees
• Free parking after 3pm
• Library opening hours and how you can join the online library
• Find our when schools break up for Christmas and when they will be back in the New Year
• Opening and closing time information for our services and buildings over the Christmas and New Year period, to include: 
  • Adult Social Care and Homelessness Support Services
  • Archives
  • Business Rates
  • Community Resilience
  • Contact Centre and Out of Hours Emergency Service
  • Council Tax
  • Denbighshire Housing
  • Education Support
  • Housing Benefits
  • Libraries and One Stop Shops
  • Nantclwyd y Dre
  • Passenger Transport
  • Plas Newydd, Llangollen
  • Public Relations
  • Recycling and Waste Parks
  • Rhyl Register Office
  • Rhyl Harbour
  • Ruthin Registration Office
  • Tourism
  • Working Denbighshire
  • Youth Services

Council Leader pays tribute to community spirit during Storm Darragh

Denbighshire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Jason McLellan, has thanked and praised residents, staff, contractors and volunteers following the extreme weather which hit the County over the weekend.

Councillor Jason McLellan said:

“Many Denbighshire residents faced a very difficult time over this weekend, with Storm Darragh bringing strong winds and heavy rain throughout the county.

As a result of this weather, some people witnessed power cuts and structural damage to their property.

Despite the impact of this latest storm, once again, Denbighshire residents’ community spirit has shone through the inclement weather, with many residents going the extra mile to help each other.

I’d like to thank them for their co-operation this weekend, as well as all of the volunteers, staff and contractors who worked hard to assist during the extreme weather.”

The Council experienced a surge in demand during Storm Darragh, and between 10:30pm on Friday 6th and 8am on Sunday 8th, over 150 reports were logged. Some of these reports covered a wide range of issues, including, 59 reports of fallen trees and 30 reports of flooding. A further 23 reports included damage to buildings and utility connections.

Additional out of hours teams were deployed over the weekend in anticipation of the storm, and were supported by external contractors for specialist works such as tree clearance, traffic management and road closures, where this was deemed necessary.

The out of hours teams were also supported by support service colleagues, who provided assistance with the co-ordination and planning of resources, along with issue of regular updates.

Councillor Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader of the Council, and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities said:

“I would like to thank the tireless work of Council Officers over this past weekend, some of whom have worked very long hours, helping residents during some of the worst parts of Storm Darragh.

Now that this storm has passed, we are now in the recovery phase, and Officers will continue to work hard to help those residents who have been impacted the most.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead member for Environment and Transport said:

“Many of our roads along our network were impacted during Storm Darragh over this past weekend. We saw issues with fallen trees, debris and power cables.

Thanks to the swift action of our out of hours teams, along with a multi-agency approach, many of these issues were quickly dealt with, and we saw a number of our roads reopened and cleared.”

 

It's time to have your say!

The council’s Stakeholder Survey for 2024 to 2025 is up and running.

We want to know what Denbighshire residents, businesses, staff, elected members and partners think of the work we are doing here at the council. We would be grateful if you gave a little of your time to complete the survey The survey is a great opportunity for the council to understand and learn from what people think so we hope you’ll help us by answering a few questions. It’s also a great way for you to find out more about the themes that make up the council’s current Corporate Plan.

For more information and for sharing, please visit our website.

‘Free After Three’ parking scheme to return this festive period

Celebrating 10 years of community support and homelessness prevention in Denbighshire  

A vibrant centre providing important services and preventing homelessness in Denbighshire, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

HWB Dinbych is a community hub in Denbigh which includes Yr Hafod supported housing. They are both run by Grŵp Cynefin and launched when the housing association was founded, 10 years ago.

To mark the milestone, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, visited the facility on Thursday 28 November. She met Grŵp Cynefin staff, and heard all about the range of vital services provided and meet those who have benefitted from the services available.

They include some former residents of Yr Hafod homelessness facility whose lives were transformed by the support available.

Yr Hafod is a supported housing project for young people, located within the HWB Dinbych building. The homelessness prevention services come under Gorwel, a unit within Grŵp Cynefin dedicated to supporting those facing homelessness in north Wales.  

Yr Hafod has been offering support to young people aged 16-25 facing homelessness in Denbighshire for the past decade. It offers six high-quality self-contained apartments and 24-hour support, helping residents develop tenancy management skills and access employment opportunities.

HWB Dinbych is a partnership between Grŵp Cynefin, Denbigh Youth Project, Coleg Llandrillo and Denbighshire  Youth Services. It provides educational, employment, and well-being opportunities, including training courses, workshops, and support for self-employment initiatives. It also hosts various community activities, such as fitness classes, youth clubs, and arts and crafts sessions.

Mel Evans, Chief Executive of Grŵp Cynefin, says:

“HWB Dinbych and Yr Hafod have both made a real impact in the local community. HWB Dinbych is a dynamic, vibrant centre that provides support, resources, and education to people of all ages and backgrounds. It offers a welcome, hope, and positive action in a meaningful, long-term way.

“The dedicated and hard-working teams at Yr Hafod and HWB Dinbych are a testament to Grŵp Cynefin’s commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for our tenants and customers. Their success over the past decade highlights the significant positive impact we can achieve in our communities.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant said:

 “I’m looking forward to marking the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with these two important services and seeing how Welsh Government funding to end youth homelessness supports young people in Denbighshire to live independently.”

Clwydian Range development to support local nature

Project brings new life to Ash dieback impacted areas

A look back on the first six months of the waste and recycling service

Paul Jackson, the Head of Highways and Environmental Service takes a look back at the past six months since the introduction of the new waste and recycling service. He also assesses the current position and explains how the service is striving to make improvements going forward.

You can find out all you need to know about the waste and recycling service on the Council's website on www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling.

Waste Collection Christmas Dates

Over the Christmas and New Year period, the following changes will be made to waste and recycling collections:

Household waste collections (recycling, food, AHP, non-recyclable waste, garden waste) 

• Household waste collections for Wednesday 25 December 2024 will be collected on Saturday 28 December 2024
• Household waste collections for Wednesday 1 January 2024 will be collected on Saturday 4 January December 2024
• The Council will be collecting on Thursday, 26 December, and all other household waste collections will take place as usual. Residents are asked to please make sure that bins are out by 6.30am on the day of collection.

Commercial waste and recycling collections 

• Commercial waste collections for Wednesday 25 December 2024 will be collected on Saturday 28 December 2024
• Commercial waste collections for Wednesday 1 January 2025 will be collected on Saturday 4 January 2025
• All other commercial waste collections will take place as usual.

Bulky waste collections

As CAD, the company operating the bulky waste collections service on the Council’s behalf, is closing over the Christmas period, there will be no bulky waste collections between Friday 20 December and Monday 6 January. Residents will still be able to reserve collection slots during this time and collections will restart from 6 January.

During this time, residents can book to visit our waste and recycling parks. Details of what is accepted in our parks are available on our website.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “The festive period can produce a lot of recycling and waste as it is a celebratory time for all. From wrapping paper to bottles, there are a lot of extra items that our brilliant waste teams collect over the holiday period. We thank all residents for understanding these changes, and also thank them for their co-operation.”

Full details about Christmas and New Year information is on the Council’s website. 

Residents can check how to recycle items on the Council’s A-Z recycling guide online on our website.

How to recycle at Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, many homes within Denbighshire will be busy wrapping presents and putting up their festive decorations.

When planning on buying the essentials this Christmas, it is important to consider whether they are recyclable or not. Here is a list of key items, and their recycling instructions:

Bubble Wrap

• Bubble wrap can't be recycled. Please put it in the general waste bin or reuse to wrap up valuables which are going into storage or being posted.

Tape

• Duct tape, electrical tape, cellotape, masking tape and parcel tape cannot be recycled. Please put them in the general waste bin.

Christmas Decorations

• Christmas decorations can be reused year after year or donated to local charity shops or schools for craft sessions. Any decorations that are not fit for reuse should be put in the general waste bin.

Gift wrap

• Gift wrap containing glitter and plastic cannot be recycled and must go in the general waste bin.
• Recycle plain paper gift wrap in the top box of your Trolibocs or your blue bag for paper, once tape has been removed.

Hard Plastic Packaging

• Hard Plastic Packaging can be recycled using the middle box of the Trolibocs or the red recycling bag for plastic.

Aluminium Cans

• Recycle empty aluminium cans in the middle box of the Trolibocs or the red recycling bag or at the nearest Recycling and Waste Park.

Bottles

• Any unwanted glass bottles and jars can be recycled in the bottom box of the Trolibocs or the turquoise bag for glass. Remember to remove any plastic or metal lids from glass bottles and place them in the midddle box or the red bag.
• Plastic bottles can be recycled using the middle box of the Trolibocs or the red bag for plastic.

Food

• All food waste must be placed in the orange food caddy and not in the general waste containers.

 Textiles

All One Stop Shops in the county now have a stock of textile bags available for residents to collect.  As a result of circumstances beyond our control, these bags were not available for distribution with the Trolibocs or hessian bags, and we apologise for this.

Unwanted clothing and shoes can be recycled using the free collection service. A full list of what is accepted is on the online A-Z guide on the link below.

Collections should be arranged directly with Co-Options (contact details are on the bags), or they can be taken to one of their clothes banks which can be found in the following locations:

• Ty Nant car park, Prestatyn, LL19 7LE
• Lower High Street car park, Prestatyn, LL19 8RP
• Ysgol y Llys, Prestatyn, LL19 9LG
• Rhuddlan Library, LL18 2UE
• St Asaph Library, LL17 0LU
• Trefnant Village Hall, LL16 5UG
• Park Road car park, Ruthin, LL15 1NB
• Corwen car park, LL21 0DN

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

“Christmas time can be a very busy time for our waste teams, so choosing the right waste options during this festive period can help them a lot whilst they do their rounds.

"We’d like thank residents for using the correct methods of recycling and disposal during the upcoming festive period.”

For more information, go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/contact-us/christmas-and-new-year-information.aspx

If you’re not sure what goes where, you can check the A-Z recycling guide on the website on https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/bins-and-recycling/a-to-z-recycling-guide/batteries-household.aspx

 

 

Denbighshire Libraries Fiction Fest

It was a pleasure to start the Fiction Fest at Denbigh Library with the acclaimed author Manon Steffan Ros. Winner of the Drama Medal at the National Eisteddfod in 2005 and 2006 together with the Prose Medal in 2018 and winner of the Tir na n-Og Award on more than one occasion, Manon is a very talented novelist, playwright, and screenwriter who has written a number of novels for children and adults. It was interesting to hear how the sad events of her life influenced her work, how she goes about writing, and the process of translating her novels.

There was a lively meeting at St Asaph Library with a Local Writers' Day hosting meet the author sessions meeting session. The audience had the opportunity to chat with four authors about their work and learn about their unique writing process.

Prestatyn Library hosted an inspiring visit from award-winning author Kate Ellis. The event received a fantastic reception and Kate’s stories have been flying off library shelves ever since! Many thanks to Kate for another hugely successful event.

Despite the stormy weather, Rhuddlan Library's Murder Mystery Night, based on Ann Cleeves' The Darkest Evening, was a thrilling success! A big thank you to the library team, Town Councillor Mike Kermode, and everyone who braved the elements to uncover whodunit!

St Asaph Library recently welcomed bestselling author Simon McCleave for an engaging author visit as part of their Fiction Fest celebrations. The event was very well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all - A big thank you to Simon for sharing his insight!

The pleased audience at the Simon McCleave event at St. Asaph Library

Local children's author Pat Sumner came to Ruthin Library to talk about her new fantasy novel 'Globbatrotter' for 8-12 year olds. The author read extracts from her novel bringing the Globbatrotter to life. There was an opportunity to discuss and question the author and get a signed copy of her book.

Two popular authors, Trisha Ashley and Juliet Greenwood hosted a meet the authors session at Rhyl Library during the festival. The audience enjoyed an interesting question and answer session from the two about their romance and historical books.

The Fiction Fest was a great success with renowned authors visiting our libraries, there was something for everyone’s taste from crime to romance. Thanks to those who attended the events and support for funding by UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund administered by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd.

Christmas Crafts

Denbigh Library was buzzing with activity on November 29 with families creating Christmas crafts. The session coincided with the Christmas lights switch-on and late night shopping in the town. Thanks to Library staff for organising the drop-in craft session.

      

Some libraries will also be holding Christmas Treasure hunts for the younger children, call in to join in the fun.

Christmas Opening Hours

Denbighshire Libraries will close at 1.00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reopen on 2 January in the New Year.

Remember about the fantastic selection of eBooks, e-audiobooks, newspapers and magazines available 24/7 on Borrowbox and PressReader, all you need is your library card and PIN

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, see you in 2025 with our 25 Book Challenge!

 

Go North Wales Tourism Awards 2024

The Go North Wales Tourism Awards was held on Thursday, 21 November at Venue Cymru, Llandudno to celebrate and recognise excellence in the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

We're pleased to announce the Bearded Men Adventures in Llangollen was among the winners. Bearded Men Adventures, whose 'adrenaline-fuelled' activities include white water rafting, canoeing across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and axe throwing, picked up two awards.

To find out more about the winners, please visit the Go North Wales Tourism Awards website.

2025 marks the Year of Croeso – in Wales

Croeso 25 will launch in January 2025 and marks the next in a successful series of themed years led by Visit Wales.

The Year of Croeso, or ‘welcome’, aims to celebrate the distinct and varied ways in which people from across the UK and the world can feel welcomed when they holiday in Wales.

You can read more about the Year of Croeso in the North East Wales blog.

More information from Visit Wales Croeso 25: How to get involved - resources and assets now available here.

Would you like to learn more about the Wales Coast Path and National Trails?

The Denbighshire Tourism team are proud to announce a new 'Wales Coast Path and National Trails' module to the now live Denbighshire Tourism Ambassadors scheme. This module has been funded by the Wales Coast Path and National Trails.

The module includes:

• Introduction to Wales Coast Path and National Trails
• Wales Coast Path
• Enjoying the Wales Coast Path
• Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Enjoying the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Offa’s Dyke Path
• Enjoying Offa’s Dyke Path
• Glyndŵr’s Way
• The Wales Coast Path and National Trails in Denbighshire

 

Keep posted on tourism news

You can sign up to receive our regular newsletters - denbighshire.gov.uk/business-sign-up-for-tourism.

You can also follow us on social media by following ‘North East Wales’ on Facebook and Instagram or visit northeastwales.wales

Winter Fuel Payment

If you are eligible for Pension Credit and apply by 21 December you could also qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment. Citizens Advice Denbighshire can help check your Pension Credit eligibility. Telephone 01745 346775 or visit www.cadenbighshire.co.uk/get-in-touch.

Residents supported to access over £712,000 in targeted benefit campaign

Pensioners across Denbighshire have gained over £712,000 in unclaimed benefits during 2024. The Council has been running a campaign to encourage pensioners to find out about the Pension Credit they may be missing out on, with residents being supported by Citizens Advice Denbighshire to help with applications and carry out income maximisation checks.

So far, 98 residents have benefited, with £152,741 Pension Credit claims however, other benefits including Attendance Allowance, Council Tax Reduction, State Pension, Housing Benefit, Energy Advice, and Personal Independence Payment have also been identified as a result of full benefit checks.

Pensioners on a low income are being urged to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December deadline to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. The value of the Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for people born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958, and £300 for those born before 23 September 1944 as well as any backdated Pension Credit arrears where applicable.

Pension Credit provides crucial support to older people on low incomes, topping up their income to a minimum of £218.15 a week for single people or £332.95 for couples. More people are being urged to check whether they qualify for the benefit, worth on average, £3,900 a year and unlocks additional support including Council Tax, healthcare and if you’re aged 75 or over, a free TV licence. It’s estimated that around £117m in Pension Credit alone goes unclaimed each year in Wales.

Two letters have already been sent to local pensioners by the Council to highlight the support available and encourage applications as well as follow-up telephone calls and partnership engagement.

Gwyneth Ellis, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets at the Council said:

"I’m delighted the campaign has resulted in thousands of pounds of unclaimed benefits being identified to help pensioners in Denbighshire. Through proactive data and campaigns, we’re helping more people access the money they’re entitled to, making a real difference to households.

Claiming Pension Credit is important because it acts as a gateway to other entitlements. Some people may only be eligible to claim a few pounds in Pension Credit so feel it's not worth claiming, but they should consider the bigger picture as it opens the door to a lot of further support including the Winter Fuel Payment.”

Julie Pierce, Acting Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Denbighshire commented:

“We’re really pleased the campaign has helped so many pensioners across the county. Many people are really worried about their heating bills at this time of year, so I’d really encourage pensioners to contact Citizens Advice to seek support before the 21 December.

The campaign has made a real difference to people’s financial stability, resulting in improvements in health and mental wellbeing. One resident visited our office to see if he might be eligible for any additional support. A benefits check indicated he could be entitled to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction. Citizens Advice Denbighshire called the Pension Credit claim line and helped with his claim. However, during the eligibility check, it was discovered that he had an unclaimed private pension he was unaware of. He discovered he had a private pension lump sum of just under £60k and an annual pension of £11k. Obviously this meant he no longer qualified for any means-tested benefits, but he was overjoyed with the outcome.”

You can find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get by using the pension calculator - www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.  If you’re unsure if you are eligible, or would like help and support with your application, please contact Citizens Advice Denbighshire on 01745 346 775 or visit www.cadenbighshire.co.uk/get-in-touch. Alternatively, claims can be made online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Advice from our Digital Officer

Are you suffering from stuttering video conferences and slow internet while at home?

Our Digital Officer is available to offer free impartial advice on your home internet connection, possible upgrade solutions and home Wi-Fi problems.

Contact Philip Burrows: philip.burrows@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Cost of living information

There is a new section on the Cost of Living page on the Council's website and you are now able to do a search based on your circumstances.

The categories are: 

• Armed forces/veterans
• Carers
• Disabled people
• Families
• Pensioners
• People who are not working
• People who have lost a loved one
• Students

Events to support residents

Working Denbighshire is offering free, monthly events designed to support residents aged 16 and over in enhancing their skills, improving their wellbeing, and moving closer to employment. These events provide a welcoming environment to learn new things, connect with others, and grow your confidence. Whether you want to explore new job opportunities, develop your professional skills, or simply boost your personal wellbeing, our events are here to help. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future - sign up today!

For more information and to book your spot, visit our social media pages @WorkingDenbighshire and @SirDdinbychynGweithio

• Rhyl Library Drop in:

• • Tuesday 17 December between 2pm – 4pm
  • Thursday 19 December between 10am – 12pm

• Corwen Library Drop in:

• • Wednesday 4 December between 10am – 12pm

• Llangollen Library Drop in:

• • Wednesday 18 December between 2pm – 4pm

• Denbigh Hwb Drop in:

• • Thursday 19 December between 10am – 12pm

• Ruthin Library Drop in:

• • Thursday 12 December between 1pm – 3pm

• Prestatyn Library Drop in:

• • Friday 20 December between 10am – 12.30pm

Barod Session Timetable for December

Series of free information events launched to support local jobseekers

A series of free information events has been launched, which are designed to help Denbighshire residents explore career options across different industries. These sessions, running in December/January, offer a chance to learn more about job roles, career progression, skills, training, pay, and what employers are looking for in key sectors.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Working in the Hospitality Sector

• Information Day: 17 December, 1pm – 2:30pm: Working Denbighshire Office, Rhyl Library, Church St, Rhyl LL18 3AA
• With Guest Speaker Sophie from Denbighshire Leisure.

Working in Social Care

• Information Day: 10 January, 10am – 11am, Working Denbighshire Office, Rhyl Library, Church St, Rhyl LL18 3AA

Following the information days, some of these sectors will also include hands-on taster sessions, giving attendees a real feel for the working environment in each sector. The Forestry and Conservation sector will host its taster on 5th December from 12:30 pm to 4 pm, with similar sessions to follow.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “Working Denbighshire’s sector events are a great example of how we’re helping residents connect with rewarding careers. These sessions give people direct access to information and industry insights, which is a fantastic way to boost local employment and strengthen our community.”

Rachael Sumner-Lewis, Employer & Training Relationship Manager for Working Denbighshire said: “Our sector information events aim to bridge the gap between jobseekers and local industries. By giving an in-depth look into each sector, we’re supporting them in upskilling, retraining, or just gaining insight into the job market.”

For more details and to book a place, please visit.

For more information about Working Denbighshire and the support it offers, visit their website.

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment.

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Denbighshire resident achieves dream role whilst battling medical challenges

Emily, a Denbighshire resident, who’s dream role was to work in education, has battled to overcome personal and professional barriers and secure a Teaching Assistant Work Start placement at Ysgol Fron Goch, despite facing medical challenges.

Emily’s journey to employment was always going to be shaped around her Epilepsy, a medical condition that has significantly impacted her confidence and life experiences. Since being diagnosed, Emily has faced various challenges, from navigating school life to overcoming societal perceptions.

Emily views her Epilepsy as a medical condition, though she acknowledges that others with epilepsy may consider it differently. This had a big impact on her life, especially during high school, where she needed the aid of specialised chairs and one-to-one support, leaving her feeling self-conscious in front of her peers. She expressed missing out on experiencing key teenage milestones, such as going out with friends, learning to drive, and finding a safe and secure job.

Determined to make a positive change and help other young people, Emily reached out to Working Denbighshire after learning about the service through her social worker. Emily expressed her desire to work with children and wanted to build her experience working in a School.

Emily was then paired with a mentor, Byron, who identified relevant placements and approached Ysgol Fron Goch, to discuss the possibility of organising an unpaid placement, through Working Denbighshire’s Work Start scheme. Recognising Emily’s potential, The Headteacher Dylan Thomas supported the initiative and ensured a position was available for her to apply.

With support from her mentor, Emily engaged in specialised training through the Wales Union Learning Fund, including courses in Lesson Planning for Teaching Assistants, Classroom Behaviour Management, a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate, and Safeguarding Students to boost her confidence, and improve on other skills needed for this placement.

After completing necessary courses, Byron set up a pre-screening interview at the school for Emily. Her dedication during her first placement had left a lasting impression, and Emily was offered a Teacher’s Assistant placement which will provide her with relevant experience and the opportunity to acquire a paid position.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said:
“Emily’s story is an inspiring example of how determination, tailored support, and inclusive opportunities can transform lives. Working Denbighshire are committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their aspirations. This success highlights the importance of creating workplaces that welcome and support talented individuals with medical conditions, ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.”

Throughout the process, Working Denbighshire worked closely with Ysgol Fron Goch to ensure Emily’s medical needs were fully supported. This partnership drives the importance of recruiting talented individuals with medical conditions and highlights, when supported effectively, the value potential candidates can bring to the workplace.

Dylan Thomas, Headteacher at Ysgol Fron Goch, added:
Emily has been given the opportunity to work at Frongoch and has overcome several barriers to ensure she is able to begin her journey into the workplace. It is hoped that this is the first of many opportunities for Emily in the workplace.

Working Denbighshire is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and showing how inclusive practices can benefit both employers and employees.

Reflecting on her experience, Emily said:

“Being given the opportunity to work at Ysgol Fron Goch after finishing my A levels in high school has been life-changing for me. Working Denbighshire have helped me to improve my interview skills, build my confidence and widen my area of job searches, all of which I am extremely grateful for. This opportunity has shown me that with the right support, anything is possible “

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment.

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Wellbeing Christmas Event

A big thank you to everyone who came to see us at the Wellbeing Christmas Event in Rhyl on the 28 November! 🎄

Our Barod Team had a fantastic day meeting so many of you, chatting about the support we can offer, and enjoying the festive activities. 💙

Special thanks to the organisers for hosting such a warm and welcoming event – we’re already looking forward to the next one! ✨

Encouring more people to become foster carers

New research highlights expertise and support provided by social workers in Foster Wales Denbighshire, in attempt to encourage more people to foster. With over 7,000 young people in care across Wales – 198 here in Denbighshire – the need for more Foster Carers is increasingly pressing. 

In January the national network of 22 Welsh local authority fostering teams, Foster Wales, launched a campaign to recruit an additional 800 foster families by 2026. Foster Wales Denbighshire joined the campaign, ‘Bring Something to the Table,’ to share realistic experiences from the fostering community to respond to common barriers to enquiries. Some of these include a lack of confidence, misconceptions around criteria, and a belief that that fostering doesn’t fit with certain lifestyles.

To read more about the 'Bring Something to the Table' campaign and also how you could become a foster carer, please visit the Foster Wales Denbighshire website.

What do you think makes a good carer?

Ada Davies explains what a good carer means to her.

Are you looking for a new job, challenge, or change in career? Working in care could be perfect for you.

Please visit our website for further information about the caring profession.

Views of the Vale welcome special seasonal competition

‘Amazing’ volunteers celebrated for nurturing nature on special day