DENBIGHSHIRE residents can lean on a new local micro-enterprise for care and support.
Lean on Me has started up in Dyserth thanks to the support of a partnership between social enterprise Community Catalysts and Denbighshire County Council.
Community Catalysts offer free professional advice to help people work for themselves offering care and support across the county.
A number of people from a range of backgrounds are already in the process of setting up in Denbighshire.
They are offering various services, from help with washing and dressing, cooking, cleaning, support with hobbies and more.
One of these is Wendy Williams, who has launched Lean on Me – a community micro-enterprise and ‘friendly service that offers help and home’.
Wendy, who helped older people at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd as part of the Red Cross resettlement team, worked with Denbighshire Community Catalyst Nick Hughes to bring to life her idea for providing support to local residents.
She said: “I joined the Community Catalyst development programme because I wanted to be self-employed whilst contributing to the local community.
"My experiences at the hospital showed me how many people desperately needed a hand, but did not quite meet the threshold for eligible care.
"At the same time, I realised the huge difference some of the simple things, such as a chat or a day out, can make to people’s lives, especially to those who are isolated."
Within a couple of weeks of completing the Community Catalysts’ development programme, Wendy had successfully made agreements to start providing support to local residents.
Nick Hughes said: “Having worked on cruise ships, run a pizza restaurant in Florida and a coffee van across Denbighshire, Wendy clearly has an entrepreneurial mindset.
"But I knew that she would run a great community micro-enterprise, when I found out about how committed she was, helping older people access the Accident & Emergency department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital, as a member of the Red Cross resettlement team.
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“I was impressed with Wendy’s stories about how she alleviated some of the often-overlooked concerns of people who may be isolated, needing emergency hospital treatment.
"This included, for example, going to the home of someone who was worried about their dog whilst they were at the hospital, feeding and walking their dog, and making sure it was OK.
“I’m enjoying meeting local talented people with innovative ideas to support older and disabled people and can’t wait to help other Denbighshire residents realise their goals.”
David Soley, interim head of service, lead commissioner for Community Support Services, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Community Catalysts to help people like Wendy bring their ideas to life to provide more support to the older and disabled population.
"This is a fantastic programme which can really help caring entrepreneurs support and help local residents.”
For more information about the project and how to get involved, contact Nick Hughes, the Denbighshire Community Catalyst, on 07787 436199 or a-mail nick.hughes@communitycatalysts.co.uk
People can also find out more by leaving your details at https://www.communitycatalysts.co.uk/project/work-for-yourself-care-help-at-home/#Top
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