Free drop-in event for carers in Denbigh to showcase available support

Carers across Denbighshire are invited to attend a free drop-in ‘Carers, Coffee, Cake and Chat’ event at Denbigh HWB on Monday, 8 June, between 1pm and 3pm, offering a valuable opportunity to connect, chat, and discover the wide range of support services available locally.

The event is open to anyone in a caring role, including volunteers, those supporting family members or friends, and people working within the care sector. Whether someone is new to caring or has years of experience, the session aims to provide helpful information, guidance, and support in a relaxed setting.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect a number of organisations offering specialist advice and services, including NEWCIS, Warm Wales, wellbeing support services, My Home Denbighshire, and other local organisations.

Designed as an informal drop-in, people can come along at a time that suits them, have a chat with professionals, and learn about practical support available, from financial advice and time management support to wellbeing resources and housing guidance.

Support like this can make a real difference. Courtney, 25, came to Working Denbighshire while balancing job searching with caring for her son, who has autism. With the right support, she built her confidence, completed training, and secured a work placement in a local school, showing how access to the right help can open up new opportunities.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

"We know that many carers don’t always see themselves as carers, and as a result may not realise what support is available to them. This event is about creating a friendly, informal space where people can come along, have a chat, and find out what help is out there. Even small pieces of support can make a big difference."

Zienna-Lynn Teece-Lockley, Community Employment Mentor added:
"Carers are essential in our communities, often putting others first.  As a mentor specialising in supporting carers, I feel this event is a fantastic opportunity for them to take some time for themselves, find out what support is available, and make connections with organisations that can help make their role a little easier.""

No booking is required as residents can simply drop in to Denbigh HWB between 1pm and 3pm on 8 June.

Working Denbighshire’s support is free and available to anyone aged 16+ living in Denbighshire who would like help moving forward.

Residents can learn more at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/working-denbighshire

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded by the UK Government and multiple programmes, including the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus, the UK–Wales Trailblazer initiative targeting economic inactivity, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), and Connect to Work.

Successful launch of The VIBE Station marks beginning of new support offer in Rhyl

Working Denbighshire’s launch of The VIBE Station brought together residents, partners and services for a day focused on wellbeing, support and opportunity.

Held on Friday, 29 May in Rhyl, the event welcomed over 120 attendees, including local councillors, partner organisations and community services, all coming together to experience the new space and what it has to offer.

The VIBE Station has been developed as a place where people can access support at any stage of their journey, with a focus on wellbeing, confidence and progression towards employment. The launch marked the beginning of this new approach, showcasing how the station will bring services together in one accessible and welcoming location.

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, including the chance to help create a LEGO version of Claude Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies, which will be displayed at the VIBE Station, as well as “Ready, Steady, Craft” painting sessions and a journaling corner introducing simple ways journaling can support wellbeing and self-reflection.

The event also highlighted the importance of partnership working, with organisations encouraged to explore opportunities to deliver services, activities and support from the space as part of its role as a Visual Integrated Base for Employment (VIBE).

Melanie Evans, Principal Manager, Strategic Employment, said:

“The response to The VIBE Station has been outstanding, with a fantastic turnout and overwhelmingly positive feedback from day one. The launch has been a vital first step in introducing a space that focuses on wellbeing as part of the journey towards employment.

It’s clear there is strong interest from both residents and partners, and we’re looking forward to continuing to develop the offer and support people to move forward at their own pace.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said:

“The launch of The VIBE Station is an important milestone for Rhyl and for Denbighshire. It demonstrates our commitment to investing in people and creating accessible, community-based support. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this space will have as it develops.”

The VIBE Station will now begin its ongoing programme of activity, offering residents access to wellbeing support, training opportunities and one-to-one guidance.

Partners and organisations are encouraged to continue engaging with Working Denbighshire to explore how they can be part of The VIBE Station and contribute to a more joined-up approach to support across the community.

Working Denbighshire’s support remains free and available to anyone aged 16+ living in Denbighshire who would like help moving forward.

To find out more, visit our website. 

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded by the UK Government and multiple programmes, including the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus, the UK–Wales Trailblazer initiative targeting economic inactivity, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and Connect to Work.

Dolwen Care Home sees ‘good’ ratings in CIW inspection report

A Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection report on Dolwen residential Care Home in Denbigh has seen ‘good’ ratings on all four criteria.

The care home, which is operated by Denbighshire County Council had its most recent inspection in December.

Dolwen residential care home

The inspection summary noted that staff “provide good quality care and support, encouraging people to maintain as much independence as possible” and recognised that “people live in a service which is homely and comfortable and provides good access to specialist equipment which meets their needs.” The inspection summary also stated that “the manager and responsible individual (RI) are approachable and friendly, ensuring people are listened to and treated with dignity and respect.”

In relation to well-being, which is one of the four criteria, the care home received a ‘good’ rating, with the report highlighting that residents “are offered consistent choices in daily activities and have opportunities to reach their potential by engaging in meaningful activities” and that the home “offers a varied programme of activities.”

The home’s safeguarding environment was also praised, with the report stating that residents “felt safe and secure knowing no one could enter the building without making themselves known to care staff” and that they also “feel confident and comfortable raising any issues or concerns with care staff.

This section of the report also praised the staff’s approachable nature, with the inspectors noting that “the manager is approachable, and one person stated they never have to speak with the manager as the care staff effectively deal with any issues they have.”

On a similar note, the report noted that visitors such as family or friends of residents were “made to feel welcome” and that residents are “encouraged to develop and sustain existing relationships with family, friends, and important people in their lives, as far as possible.”

It went on to state that “all the relatives we spoke with are happy with the service and told us they are kept well informed.”

The service was also praised for it’s meeting of the Welsh Active offer, with the promotion of the Welsh language and culture described as “fully integrated into the service.”

In relation to Care and support, the care home received a ‘good’ rating.

The report stated that residents’ “personal plans are strengths based and outline how staff should support them to achieve their wellbeing outcomes” which include “detailed one-page profiles in place which clearly record their likes, dislikes, and valuable information for care staff to know about them.” The report praised the care home's handling and administration of medication, stating that “there is a clear record to track the effectiveness of this medication and any side effects” and that “there is a clear record to track the effectiveness of this medication and any side effects.”

When assessing the environment at the care home, which also received a ‘good’ rating, the report stated that residents “live in a homely and comfortable service and have access to a variety of different spaces in which to spend time alone, socialise or entertain visitors.”

The report also praised the accessibility in this area, and the “range of specialist equipment for people to access.” It went on to feature the grab rail provisions throughout the home, as well as the security of the building itself.

Leadership and management at the care home received a ‘good’ rating, with the report praising the “effective audit processes” when it comes to the quality of care. The report highlighted that there are “strict selection and vetting processes for hiring staff to ensure all staff are qualified and trustworthy.”

It went on to say that staff have stated that they “feel well supported in their roles and have an approachable and proactive management team, which they have confidence in.”

Ann Lloyd, Head of Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service said:

“The staff at Dolwen care home work so hard, and I am glad to see this recognised in this most recent CIW inspection report.

I think it is clear from this report how homely the staff make this care home, and how good the relationship is between staff and residents. I’d like to thank the staff who work tirelessly day in day out for their efforts, which have been recognised in this report.”

New community cabin opens at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog

The community eco cabin build at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog is now complete, with the building now fully operational and in use.

Funded through the Community Focused Schools initiative by Welsh Government, the cabin build started earlier in the year, and features a kitchen area, accessible toilet and a spacious main space which can be used by both the school and local community.

The new cabin now complete at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog

The cabin features a 60 square metre footprint and is a space that supports family engagement, collaboration with other services and the needs of the school community.  

As well as the cabin build, solar panels will be installed on the roof of the main school building, reducing the carbon impact from this project.

Laura Martin, Head Teacher at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that the community cabin is open and bustling with activity, this is a vital resource that bridges the gap between our school and the wider community and we are delighted with the outcome.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council for the funding allocation. We now have a dedicated, sustainable space where families can connect, services can collaborate, and our pupils can use for years to come.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said:

“I am glad to see that this new project is now complete, it will be a brilliant asset for both the school and the community.

This new cabin at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog not only benefits the school and the pupils, but also the community, bringing with it a new and exciting space to utilise.

Replacing an older, outdated building, this new cabin project offers a spacious and modern new asset for the school.”

Road Cyclic maintenance update

Cyclic maintenance work will take place near St Asaph and Rhuddlan at the beginning of June.

Work comprising of grass cutting, strimming, litter picking and sweeping will be carried out on the A525 Dual Carriageway between the Talardy Roundabout and Bryn Cwybyr roundabout and on the A547 Abergele Road on the dates provided below.

• A525 Talardy to KFC Road Closure - Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd June 2026
• A525 Rhuddlan Bypass Road closure - Wednesday 3rd June
• A525 Bryn Cwybr Ffordd Derwen Roundabouts Lane Closure Thursday 4th June
• A547 Abergele Road to Borth roundabout to County Boundary Monday 8th June.

The works will be carried out between 7pm and 6am and take 3 evenings/nights to complete. To ensure that the works are carried out safely, the A525 and A547 will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic on during the times and dates of work listed.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our Streetscene and Highways teams will be working hard during this period to improve these routes, and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause and would be grateful for your cooperation and patience during this time.”

Alternative diversion route for each section of road closure will be signed accordingly.

Cabinet supports County Hall low carbon heat project

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet has backed the initial steps for work to improve energy efficiency at Ruthin County Hall, subject to their funding bid to Welsh Government being successful.

Cabinet members supported the process to secure grant funding from the Welsh Government Low Carbon Heat Grant to initiate the County Hall low carbon heat project.

This work is part of the Denbighshire County Council’s Energy Team’s continuing drive to reduce energy use and costs at buildings run by the local authority to address the climate and nature emergency declared in 2019 and continue the reduction of its own carbon footprint.

The team has looked after projects across Council owned buildings including schools, to help improve building energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and also usage costs over the longer term.

County Hall was built over 20 years ago and contributes higher than necessary carbon emissions per annum due to key building fabric assets now being end of life.

The proposed project is to replace the end-of-life gas boilers at the site with air source heat pumps, to replace the Air Handling Units (AHU’s), upgrade the radiators, heating pumps and building management system.

Proposed work will also see the replacement of windows with modern energy efficient windows (with approximately half the heat loss), draught strips and areas of ceiling insulation.

The completed project will decrease energy consumption, enhance the working environment, reduce future potential expenditure on replacing the end-of-life assets and decrease carbon emissions by an estimated 48.7tonnes per year.

Cllr Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said: “This is a really exciting piece of work that supports Denbighshire County Council’s continuing drive to lower energy usage and costs and reduce carbon footprints across our building estate. 90% of the project cost will be covered by external grant funding should we be successful which is great inward investment for the County supporting the supply chain. The proposals in this project will also provide a better working environment for the staff and help future proof County Hall going forward.”

Archive volunteer drop-in session at Ruthin Gaol

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at your local archives? Are you interested in learning new skills, meeting new people, and helping to preserve important local history?

North East Wales Archives is inviting members of the community to attend a volunteer drop-in session at Ruthin Gaol on Friday 5 June, where you can drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm to find out more about exciting volunteering opportunities.

Visitors will have the chance to meet the archives team, learn about current volunteer projects, and discover how they can play a hands-on role in caring for and protecting the region’s remarkable historical collections.

The service is looking for enthusiastic individuals who are detail-oriented, have good manual dexterity, and are keen to contribute to an important heritage service.

Whether you’re passionate about local history, looking to gain new experience, or simply want to give back to your community, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said:

“Volunteers play a hugely important role in helping us preserve and share the rich history of our communities for future generations. North East Wales Archives offers a fascinating opportunity for people to get involved, learn new skills, and work closely with unique historical collections. I would encourage anyone with an interest in local heritage, history, or simply giving something back to their community to come along to the drop-in session and find out more.”

📅 Friday 5 June 2026
⏰ Drop in anytime between 10am – 12pm
📍 Ruthin Gaol, LL15 1HP

To find out more or if you want to contact us please view our website at https://www.newa.wales/ or email archives@newa.wales.

Cabinet approves design and build contract for Denbigh High School refurbishment project

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet has today (May 26^th) approved the award of the contract to design, and subsequently deliver, the construction elements of the Denbigh High School refurbishment project to Wynne Construction.

In late 2025, the Cabinet gave their approval to commence the procurement process for the design and build contract for the refurbishment of Denbigh High School.

They also gave their approval to submit the Strategic Outline Business Case to the Welsh Government, which was approved in March of this year.

This project forms part of the Council’s outline plan for the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Denbigh High School

The next steps will see engagement with the school community and pupils, who will play their part to help develop the design.

The total agreed project allocation at this stage for the Denbigh High project is currently £19.8 million.

The Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, funded by the Welsh Government, is funding 65% of this project, with the remaining 35% funded by the Council. In addition, further funding is being provided by Welsh Government for carbon net zero improvements. 

Glen Williams, Headteacher at Denbigh High School said:

“This is excellent news, and is such an exciting time for Denbigh High School and the community it serves. 

I am looking forward to working with the local authority, designers, and contractors to make sure that the modernisation of the school helps provide learners with an environment that will further support their progress and options in the future.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said:

“I am glad to see that this project has taken the next necessary step. With a design and construction contract now in place, we are one step closer to starting work on this exciting development. 

Modernising and improving the facilities at this site will improve capacity at the school, and will help to provide the highest quality education for pupils in the Denbigh area for generations to come.”

Residents invited to have their say on Prestatyn High Street project

The council are encouraging anyone who lives, works or visits Prestatyn to participate in the public consultation on the public realm improvement scheme’s detailed design that will run from 3 June to 5 July 2026.

In 2025, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide just under £20 million of grant funding for seven capital projects to improve pride of place and natural environment in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh.

This funding, known as the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), has been awarded exclusively for the successful projects and cannot be directed elsewhere.

As part of the project to improve pride of place and the natural environment in Prestatyn, Denbighshire County Council were awarded funding to improve the public realm (visible space) of the high street.

A drop-in session has also been arranged by the council and residents are invited to have their say on the proposed improvements to the high street.

The session will be held on 3 June, at the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn between 1pm-7pm. 

Councillor Jason McLellan Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“We would like to thank residents, visitors, and businesses for their co-operation and engagement throughout the project so far.

“Our aim is to deliver a scheme that improves the public realm of the high street and supports the long-term regeneration of the town.

“We would like to encourage as many residents as possible to have their say by either attending the drop-in event or by completing the online consultation.”

Residents that are unable to attend the in person drop-in event, can share their thoughts by completing the online consultation on the council’s website.

Paper versions of the feedback survey are also available and can be found in Prestatyn Library and One Stop Shop. The closing date for all responses is 5 July 2026.

Group to tackle Rhyl beach marine litter

A litter pick is set to tackle marine littering on a popular section of Rhyl’s shoreline this month.

Fresh from tackling beach areas near the East Nova carpark and Barkby Beach at Prestatyn, Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team is organising an event to cover areas coastal areas around Rhyl Pavilion.

The beach clean will take place on May 27 from 2pm until 3pm. Those who want to support the marine litter pick are welcome to join the group at Rhyl Pavillion Theatre car park by 2pm.

This Rhyl event will also be supported by Keep Wales Tidy who will provide some of the litter picking equipment.

Marine litter can block up waterways and drainage, stopping the flow of water, leading to higher risks of localised flooding further upstream.

Removing marine litter off beaches can provide stronger help also to natural defences as shorelines, dunes and seagrass beds are more able to maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said: “We want to this time concentrate on the stretch of the promenade by the Rhyl Pavilion as we know more marine litter tends to wash up this side which can contribute to local flooding and damage the environment and wildlife as well.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “Managing the risk of localised flooding from the impact of marine litter washing up on our beaches is extremely important to protect people from flooding.  It’s also much better for the wellbeing of our residents and those who visit these areas and the wildlife found on these beaches, I would encourage anyone who feel like they can make a difference to join in and help.”

For further details contact claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk/ 07785517398

Changes to the ongoing traffic trial in Prestatyn

The council will be introducing further changes to improve the traffic flow in the area.

On 13 April, Denbighshire County Council began a trial to make Bridge Road in Prestatyn two ways to alleviate congestion in the area as a part of a wider project to enhance and regenerate the town.

The trial was requested following feedback the council received in consultations with the public, as part of the public realm improvement project on Prestatyn High Street.

In 2025, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide just under £20 million of grant funding for seven capital projects to improve pride of place and natural environment in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh.

This funding, known as the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), has been awarded exclusively for successful projects included in Vale of Clwyd and cannot be directed to other projects.

The trial will be in place for a minimum period of three months and could last up to 18 months under the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) that the council have in place.

From 26 June, the flow of traffic at the bottom of High Street will be reversed. This means that vehicles leaving Parc Prestatyn will now be able to exit through High Street.

This change will also mean that the retail park will now benefit from three exit routes (High Street, Bridge Road and Nant Hall Road).

Vehicles will no longer be able to turn left down High Street Ffordd Penisardre toward the mini roundabout and retail park, instead drivers should use Nant Hall Road to access the retail park from that side of town.

This additional trial is being introduced to see if the traffic congestion at the bottom of the High Street can be alleviated further, along with the Bridge Road two-way system.

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

“We appreciate residents’ cooperation and patience as we monitor the impact of these changes and work to improve traffic flow across Prestatyn.

“The council are aware that a lot of concerns were previously raised relating to vehicle congestion on this particular road before these changes were implemented, and officers will be seeking feedback from motorists and pedestrians as the trail continues”.

New archive centre plans move forward for North East Wales

Plans for a new state-of-the-art archive centre for North East Wales are continuing to progress, with residents invited to attend a series of public drop-in sessions to find out more about the ambitious project.

In April 2024, The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved development phase funding to support plans for a new purpose-built archive centre adjacent to Theatr Clwyd.

The proposed new centre will bring together the staff and collections of both Flintshire and Denbighshire archive services, creating a modern, accessible home for the region’s rich historical collections while also supporting a wide-ranging three-year community activity programme.

Following a successful tender process through the North Wales Construction Framework, Wynne Construction has now been appointed as the project’s Design and Build Contractor.

A pre-planning consultation process for the planning consent will run from 21 May to 18 June. If you’re interested in seeing these documents, they are available at:

• North East Wales Archive (Hawarden), The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, Hawarden CH5 3NR; open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (9.30am – 4.30pm); and
• North East Wales Archive (Ruthin) The Old Gaol, 46 Clwyd Street, Ruthin LL15 1HP; open Wednesday to Friday (9.30am – 4.30pm)

As part of this next stage, residents are being encouraged to attend two public consultation events. The sessions will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposals, ask questions and share their views.

The two public pre-planning consultation events will take place at:

• Old Courthouse Ruthin: Thursday, 4 June (3pm – 7pm) (St Peter’s Square, Ruthin LL15 1AA)

• Mold Library: Wednesday, 10 June (12 noon – 5pm) (14 Daniel Owen Precinct, Mold, CH7 1AP)

Alongside the development of the building plans, a wide-ranging programme of activities is also being developed to introduce archives to a broader and more diverse audience across North East Wales. The activities aim to encourage more people to explore and engage with the rich cultural heritage and stories of North East Wales.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to create a modern archive centre that will help preserve and celebrate the shared history of our communities for generations to come.

“The project is about far more than a building – it is about creating opportunities for more people to connect with the fascinating stories, collections and heritage of North East Wales. We would encourage residents to come along to the drop-in sessions and find out more.”

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure said:

“This project represents a significant investment in the cultural heritage of the region and will help ensure our important archive collections are protected, accessible and enjoyed by a much wider audience.

“It has been fantastic to see so many people already involved in helping shape the activity programme, and we look forward to continuing that engagement as the project develops.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“We are pleased to be supporting the continuing development phase of this exciting project and look forward to seeing it progress over the coming months. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to bring communities together to help design a welcoming, accessible space that protects and shares the region’s rich heritage for future generations.”

The project is being funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Flintshire County Council, Denbighshire County Council and Welsh Government.

For anyone wishing to learn more about the service that NEWA offers or the latest news on the Creative Archives project, please visit our website – https://www.newa.wales/