County Voice

Working Denbighshire

Barod Roadshow

Our Barod Roadshow took place throughout May as part of mental health awareness month.

We travelled around Denbighshire in the hope of engaging with residents and to bring awareness to what Working Denbighshire do.

We started our Roadshow in Plas Meddyg GP in Ruthin and worked our way, week by week, visiting health centres, shopping centres and libraries. Some of these included Llangollen Health Centre, Prestatyn Library, Rhyl White Rose Centre, and Morrisons in Denbigh.

Our aim was to reach as many Denbighshire residents as possible that may not have access to public transport or that had not heard of our services. We wanted to visit them in an area closer to them.

We had many residents sign up to our services to see how we could assist them in their employment journey.

Barod Events in July

8 July: 6th Form What’s Next / Careers Day - Ysgol Brynhyfryd

10 July: 6th Form Careers Fair and/or mock interviews - Prestatyn High School

15 July: Rhyl Job centre – Free employment support drop in session

17 July: Coed Pella - Case study Master Class

Men and Women’s Peer support groups, ‘Men’s Minds Matter’ and ‘She Connects’

 

Weekly wellbeing drop in’s @Denbigh and Rhyl

Barod hosts weekly drop-in sessions for anyone who needs wellbeing support. For a range of support and a comfortable environment to support your journey. Whether you need wellbeing advice or to learn coping strategies join the drop-in session this Thursday! 

Continuation of Weekly Walk and Talks in July

If you live in Denbighshire and are struggling with your wellbeing, come and talk to our Barod team whilst enjoying a relaxing walk. Whether you need advice or ongoing support, our friendly team are here to help.

Monday, 1 July at 1pm – Rhyl Kite Surf Cafe
Monday, 8 July at 1pm – Denbigh Library
Monday, 15 July at 1pm – Prestatyn Nova Centre
Monday, 22 July at 1pm– Ruthin Park

Cooking on a budget

Come and Cook Join our "Come and Cook" session for a fun and interactive cooking experience! Whether you're a beginner or a budding chef, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to prepare delicious and healthy meals on a budget. Connect with others, learn new skills, and a delicious meal in a friendly and supportive environment.

All skill levels are welcome!

Date: Wednesday, 17 July

Location: Prestatyn Youth Centre

Time: 10am-12pm

Age: 18+

To book email barod@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 07824300769

Building Resilience Future Workshop

Build resilience and thrive in the face of challenges. Through interactive activities, discussions, and practical exercises, you'll learn essential skills to manage stress, adapt to change, and bounce back stronger from setbacks. Connect with peers, gain valuable insights, and leave equipped with the tools to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence.

Date: Tuesday, 16 July

Location: Rhyl Youth Centre

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Age: 16-24 year olds

To book email barod@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 07824300769

Introduction to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) Workshop

The session explores the fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This engaging workshop will provide you with practical techniques to manage stress, challenge negative thought patterns, and improve your mental well-being. You will gain valuable insights and tools to apply in your daily life. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their mental health and resilience.

Date:  Tuesday, 9 July

Location: Rhyl Library

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Age: 18+

To book email barod@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 07824300769

Summer programme for school leavers transitioning to college 

Two sessions weekly, one in Rhyl and one in Ruthin across the summer holidays. Support for school leavers who are attending college in September – support with confidence building, skill building, funding support for resources and transport training.

For more information visit; https://www.denjobs.org/calendar-2/

 

Training Opportunities

If you are living in Denbighshire and are looking for either a change in career OR progress in your current job, take advantage of our free training schemes! Whether you want to work in Construction, Care, Hair and Beauty, train to be a Barista or anything else we can support you from the start. Sign up now to let us help you find a suitable course and cover the cost by visiting – https://forms.office.com/e/VK2Ub5Vnmu or visit Eventbrite to book onto current courses:

Food Hygiene

Date: Tuesday, 2 July  Time: 9.30 – 4.30 Location: Rhyl Youth Centre To book click on this Eventbrite link
Date: Friday, 12 July Time: 9.30 – 4.30 Location: Rhyl Youth Centre To book click on this Eventbrite link

Emergency First aid at Work

Date: Thursday 25th - July

Time: 9.30 – 4.30

Location: Rhyl Youth Centre

To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cymorth-cyntaf-brys-yn-y-gweithle-emergency-first-aid-at-work-tickets-927811929457?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

OR

Date: Friday 26th - July

Time: 9.30 – 4.30

Location: Rhyl Youth Centre

To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cymorth-cyntaf-brys-yn-y-gweithle-emergency-first-aid-at-work-tickets-927823664557?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

CSCS – Construction

Date: 9 August

Time: 8.30 -4.30

Location: WOW Training in Rhyl

To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cwrs-cscs-cscs-course-tickets-927842430687?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

OR

Date: 19 July

Time: 8:00 – 4.30

Location: Shorecliffe Training, Denbigh

To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cwrs-cscs-cscs-course-tickets-927829592287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

All Wales Induction framework for Health and Social Care

Date: 29 / 30 / 31 July

Time: 9 - 4

Location: Rhyl Youth Centre

To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fframwaith-sefydlu-cymru-gyfan-wales-induction-framework-tickets-925759871697?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

All Wales passport moving and manual handling training

Date: 24th and 25th July (2 days)

Time: 9.30 – 4.30

Location: Ethical Workforce Solutions, 40 Station Road, Colwyn Bay LL29 8BU

To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-wales-passport-moving-handling-tickets-927843834887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Essential digital skills course

Location: Rhyl Library

Date & Time: See below

  • Session 1: Wednesday 31st July 10.30-12.30pm
  • Session 2: Wednesday 7th August 10.30-12.30pm
  • Session 3: Wednesday 14th August 10.30-12.30pm
  • Session 4: Wednesday 21st August 10.30-12.30pm

To book on please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hyfforddiant-sgiliau-digidol-hanfodol-essential-digital-skills-tickets-927803584497?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2Amche31%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2ANTM5MTk3NjYzLjE3MTg5NjUwMzM.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AMTcxODk2NTAzMi4xLjEuMTcxODk2NTA5OC4wLjAuMA

Session 1 – Introduction & Foundation skills

We welcome you to the course and introduce the Essential Digital Skills Framework. In this session, we start with the foundation skills:

  • Getting to know your device
  • Connecting to the internet
  • Using apps

Session 2 – Communication & Handling Information and Content

We will give you the skills to be able to communicate using various apps and platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Messenger and Skype. We’ll show how to create an email account using Google, you will also look at the additional Google apps you will be able to access such as Google Drive and Google Docs. We will explore different internet browsing options and accessing information online using different websites and apps for entertainment and information.

Session 3 – Transacting & Problem-solving

This session explains how to use the internet safely when shopping or managing your money online. You will explore how to download apps and use websites to help you save money online. In addition, you will also be shown how to solve problems using the Internet by exploring different guides, websites and online videos available to problem solve day-to-day activities.

Session 4 – Staying Safe and Legal Online

In this session, you will learn the skills required to stay safe, legal and confident online. You will learn how to protect personal information, create a strong password, how to check a website is secure and password management. In addition, you will cover how to recognise fake websites, scam/suspicious emails and messages. The session will also cover how to set privacy settings on social media and other accounts.

Recruitment and Skills Workshops

As the libraries have changed their timetables, Working Denbighshire have amended some of the times for the ‘Recruitment and Skills Workshop’.

Our Tuesday afternoon workshop in Rhyl has been so busy that we have added on an additional session to support more people. This additional session is held on a Thursday morning 10am-12pm.

Working Denbighshire have put together some topics we can support in the workshops but have also identified what might be better in a 1-2-1 meeting with one of the caseworkers. This is so that everyone gets the best support possible and if more in depth support is required, a 1-2-1 would be more beneficial to the participant.

Our caseworkers can meet participants on a 1-2-1 basis throughout the county a meeting is required, please just contact them through their email address. wdcaseworkers@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Job club support

1 to 1 support

Job searching

Job searches

Job applications (ad hoc)

C.V’s (full)

IT support (e.g. emails, forms)

Online course support

Online course support

Various applications (Birth certificate, SIA etc.)

C.V. information gathering and amending

Planned job applications

Enrolment

Shopping

Taking ID

Interview skills

 

*can travel throughout the county for 1 to 1 support.

 

Young carer secures full-time employment after successful work placement

Mali a dedicated young carer, has transitioned into full-time employment following a rewarding Working Denbighshire Work Start placement. Mali’s journey began with a “Taster to Care” training course and work experience, leading her to secure a 12-week placement at Dolwen Care Home.

Supported by her Work Start Placement Mentor, Mali completed the application process for a permanent 24-hour contract at Dolwen, she accepted the job on her 18th birthday. Mali’s exceptional performance during the placement earned her a permanent position, marking a significant step towards a prosperous career.

The collaborative efforts by Working Denbighshire and the NHS have enabled Mali to acquire invaluable experience in her desired sector with the Work Start scheme remaining dedicated to delivering high quality work placements that yield positive outcomes for all participants.

Reflecting on her experience, Mali said:

“In completing the Work Start Schemes, I have gained experience in care that will be beneficial for me to grow in my career and continue to learn. With out the Work Start Scheme I would not have had the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to have, such as the training I have completed. The Work Start Scheme has been an incredible help in starting my journey in care, and because of this I could not recommend more highly that young people use these programmes”.

Alison Hay, Commissioning Officer said:

“Mali’s story provides a great example of the positives of being a young adult carer, Our Work Start Scheme has set Mali off on her chosen career path and provided support for her to thrive and succeed. Young Carers, like Mali develop a huge range of transferable skills from their caring role and can make excellent employees!” 

Racheal Sumner-Lewis, Employer & Training Relationships Manager, Working Denbighshire said:

"We are delighted to witness Mali’s success, which highlights the effectiveness of our Work Start Scheme. By offering tailored support and matching participants with suitable opportunities, we are able to facilitate valuable experiences that pave the way to long-term employment. Mali’s journey from placement to full-time employment exemplifies the potential of our joined-up approach to workforce development."

Brunching with Barod

Working Denbighshire were excited to host their very first ‘Brunching with Barod’ event, which was held on 5 June at Rhyl Youth Centre.

At the event, the Barod team showcased the ways that they can support residents through short fun activities, followed by a discussion over brunch about the ways they can work together to support more Denbighshire residents.

Project Barod works with individuals to build confidence and break down the barriers to find employment or access training. There was a great opportunity for businesses to network with each other throughout the event. Their guest list comprised of service providers such as Welsh Government, KimInspire, Co-options and North Wales Women's Centre Ltd as well as many more.

Unlocking the potential of neurodiverse talent: A Breakfast Event for Employers

Working Denbighshire held a free event in June in collaboration with Conwy Employment Hub, for Denbighshire businesses to learn more about the advantages of employees who are neurodivergent.

In a world where 1 in 7 people identify as neurodivergent, it is essential for businesses to foster inclusive and supportive environments for all individuals. Understanding and managing neurodiverse employees can pose challenges for employers, but it also offers substantial opportunities.

To address this, Working Denbighshire, in collaboration with Conwy Employment Hub hosted a breakfast event aimed at challenging preconceptions and highlighting the business advantages of neurodiversity.

The event celebrated the unique strengths and skills of neurodivergent individuals and provided valuable insights for employers on how to support and maximize the potential of their neurodiverse workforce.

Employers learnt about the range of neurodivergent types, to educate them about how to provide relevant support to their own employees, allowing them to perform well in their job role.

Working Denbighshire, alongside guest speakers from the NHS also shared information about impactful reasonable adjustment options, and employers shared their experience of this.

Rachel Sumner-Lewis, Employer & Training Relationships Manager, Working Denbighshire said:

“Businesses and organisations that attended this event, gained a comprehensive understanding of neurodiversity, learnt about the benefits and skills associated with various neurodivergent types, and received practical advice on making reasonable adjustments to help future and current colleagues thrive”.

 

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