Think you can become a Foster Carer?
The Council are looking to recruit foster carers throughout the Denbighshire area to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Fostering involves looking after children from birth to 18 years, however foster carers in conjunction with their social worker can decide on the age of a child/ren which would best suit their family. We are looking for people who can provide a safe, secure, loving and nurturing environment for children and young people who for many reasons are not able to live at home. Foster carers can provide short term care, long term care, respite or emergency care, or short breaks for children with additional needs.
Are you over 21, with the time and skills to care for children or young people, do you have a spare bedroom, but most of all do you have room in your life to make a difference to a child’s life.
Denbighshire Fostering Service have a very close and supportive relationship with their carers, training, support and a financial allowance are all part of being a foster carer. Should you wish to have an informal discussion with either a Fostering Social worker or a foster carer, please contact Sue Colman Fostering Service Manager 01824 712279 or Penny Moran 01824 712287 Placement and Commissioning Officer.
Council Arts Service honoured for its creative dementia project
Samuel West, star of stage and screen took centre stage at a presentation of a prestigious award given to the Council.
The actor, who is the chair of the National Campaign for the Arts' (NCA) presented a Heart For The Arts Award to the Council, named Best Local Authority Arts Project Encouraging Community Cohesion for its Lost in Art project.
Lost in Art is a visual arts project for people living with dementia and their carers. The aim of the project is to explore the role of visual arts in addressing issues that can affect people with dementia, including social isolation, confidence, communication and quality of life.
The project, created by the Arts Service, was developed with the support of the Arts Council of Wales and the Dementia Services Development Centre at Bangor University and its Dementia and Imagination research project. There are two groups running in Denbighshire at present one in Rhyl and the other at the Ruthin Craft Centre.
Samuel, whose parents are well-known actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales has personal experience of dementia. His mother has been diagnosed with the condition.
Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence said: “We are delighted to be picking up this honour, which recognises the tremendous amount of work going on in this worthwhile project.
“Research has shown that taking part in creative project can improve mood and confidence and an increased sense of belonging to a community for those taking part.
“The intergenerational element with local schools is also a wonderful addition. To Lost in Arts and those who take part take great pride in making a real difference to the quality of life for people with dementia.
“I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Arts Service and the Lost in Art team who have devised a project that has proven health benefits for participants.“