Keeping people in Denbighshire healthy has been a priority

Building independence and resilience in communities has been a priority for Denbighshire County Council as part of its Corporate Plan 2017-2022, which set the direction for the authority for the past five years.

During this time, the council has secured recognition from the Alzheimer's Society for working towards becoming a Dementia-friendly organisation and the council launched its Carers' Charter, a commitment to unpaid carers throughout the county.

The number of allotment spaces in the county has increased to 272, including an extension of the allotment site in Denbigh by 30 plots.

An example of the extra allotment spaces in Denbighshire.

Work has also been carried out to raise awareness of and prevent domestic abuse, while safeguarding learning has been provided for staff to offer guidance on reporting concerns they may have about vulnerable people living in our communities.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the council’s lead member for well-being and independence, said: “We have been working hard to create resilient communities in Denbighshire, focusing on promoting people’s health and well-being and encouraging them to remain as independent as possible.

“We have engaged with our communities to ensure there are strong support networks in place and people have more involvement in decisions affecting their future well-being.

“At the same time we have continued to make sure people at risk of abuse or exploitation are safeguarded.

“I’d like to thank all the residents and partner organisations who have worked with the council to make this possible and who have helped improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

The council helped create Community Resource Teams (CRT) to provide seamless health and social care services in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Rhyl’s CRT has been in place since 2017, Ruthin and Corwen were established in February 2019, Denbigh was established in 2020 and Prestatyn opened in April 2021.

The council launched its Carers’ Charter on Carers Rights Day in November 2020, while the authority was also involved in the adoption of young carers ID cards for North Wales which launched in March 2021.

A new domestic abuse policy has been adopted by the council with steps taken to promote the policy and to further support education about domestic abuse and has included showing support for White Ribbon Day, along with Denbighshire Leisure Limited.

Rhyl’s Sky Tower was lit up by Denbighshire Leisure in aid of White Ribbon Day, the international day for the eradication of violence against women, which is held in November each year.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s lead member for planning, public protection and safer communities, said: “Ending domestic abuse is one of our priorities under the Corporate Plan and that message is more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.

“An estimated 90 per cent of children whose parents are abused witness that abuse and the effects are traumatic and long-lasting. When a child witnesses domestic abuse, this is child abuse, and between 40 and 70 per cent of these children are also direct victims of the abuse that is happening at home.

“We are aware of the impact that domestic abuse has and recognise the pressures that many victims are under and want to get the message out that you don’t need to suffer and that help is there for you.

“We would also encourage family and friends to look out for each other and ask the difficult questions if you have suspicions. Information on the Live Fear Free campaign may be found at www.gov.wales/live-fear-free.”

In February 2020 Denbighshire County Council was given recognition for its efforts to work towards becoming a dementia-friendly council with Alzheimer’s Society recognition through its Dementia Friendly Communities initiative for its work to raise awareness and provide support.