A DOG CARE business in Ruthin has benefitted from a work start programme run by Denbighshire County Council.

Four Paws Inn, a family-run dog day care businesses which has been running since 2019, has received a helping hand from Working Denbighshire’s work start programme, with several participants of the scheme now having worked at the business.

Working Denbighshire’s work start scheme brings together eligible Denbighshire based businesses and residents, to provide employment opportunities to maximise their potential.

The scheme offers high quality paid and unpaid placements to give eligible residents an opportunity to upskill through sector specific training and experience.

Eligible businesses who sign up to the Work Start Scheme are supported to provide tailored opportunities to individuals through fully funded work placements.

As part of the placement the individual will receive support from the Working Denbighshire team to overcome barriers to work, such as wellbeing, low experience, childcare, and transport issues. The team will also help individuals to find employment at the end of the placement.

Huw and Kim Edwards, owners of Four Paws Inn, said: “Since signing up to the work start scheme, we have received many great members of staff from all walks of life.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding for us all to witness individuals gain confidence and skills in our unique working environment.

“The current participants we have with us are doing well and seem to be relishing their role, which we are very happy about.

READ MORE:

Low carbon heat project announced for Ruthin school

Ruthin lawyer keeps alive tradition which saved great-grandad’s life

“We have helped another participant of the work start scheme to set up their own dog walking service.

“It is great to see them develop, and we are still keeping an eye and trying to support them where we can.”

Former participant Shan, who has now gone on to full time employment with the dog caring business, said: “I found out about Working Denbighshire at an event in my local job centre, where I was able to easily discuss my situation and needs with a Working Denbighshire mentor who made me feel confident that I was going to get the right support, which I did very quickly.

“I went through a long period on unemployment due to my health and was looking to work in a new sector, so I was confident that the work start scheme was the perfect opportunity for me to gain valuable experience within a sector I really wanted to work in.

“The Working Denbighshire mentors and staff at Four Paws Inn were immensely helpful and helped me grow in confidence and skills.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend the Work Start Scheme to anyone in the same or similar situation that I was in.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, leader of the council and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: “This partnership between a local business and Working Denbighshire shows the important value of the work start scheme.

“Both the business and the participant get to benefit not only from the work experience, but from the expert help and advice provided by Working Denbighshire.”