Category: People & Place

  • Help us make sure we can all use public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour. We need your views!

    Help us make sure we can all use public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour. We need your views!

    Have you heard about our PSPO? Don’t worry, it’s ok if you haven’t 🙂

    It stands for Public Space Protection Order and is basically there to make sure we can all use public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour…it’s something that’s put in place to help us enjoy Wrexham at its best.

    In August 2016, our Executive Board first approved a three-year PSPO in Wrexham. And as we’re now coming towards the end of this term, it needs to be reviewed, so this is where we need your help 🙂

    So, let us know what you think here

    We need your views on keeping our public spaces safe, and you can tell us by taking part in our public consultation.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    The consultation is looking for the views of the general public and other interested bodies on whether our current PSPO is relevant and should continue.

    The area covered by the PSPO is the town centre and parts of Rhosddu. You can view a map of the area covered here.

    The PSPO to date, has supported the council and our partners in our approach to address a number of specific concerns related to anti-social behaviour in the relevant area. It’s also encouraged vulnerable people to access support and services, helping to break the cycle of behaviour and vulnerability they can be locked into.

    In relation to homelessness, rough sleeping and begging, the Council and public service partners aim to provide support to people in these situations.

    So, what is a PSPO?

    When there are problems or nuisance in an area affecting the local community’s quality of life, we may put rules in place to deal with it. These rules or ‘orders’ are designed to make sure we can all use and enjoy public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour.
    An ‘order’ places restrictions and requirements on certain behaviour in an area. The order can last up to a three-year period.
    It is a criminal offence not to stick to the order, and you can either get a fixed penalty notice of £100 or be prosecuted, which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

    We want your views!

    We are carrying out a public consultation to determine the views of the general public and other interested bodies on whether the measures contained in the PSPO are still supported and should continue.

    So, let us know what you think here

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for People – Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety said, “The PSPO is one of the available tools and powers in legislation available to us to address anti-social behaviour for the benefit of vulnerable individuals and for residents, visitors and local businesses. We are aware that enforcement, alone, is not the answer to the issues, however it is a vital part of a holistic approach that we have adopted involving contributions from the Local Authority, North Wales Police, Health and charitable organisations.
    We are working collectively to remove any barriers that exist which prevent vulnerable people from positively engaging with services and to ensure people are offered positive routes out of their situation.
    It is clear that by not addressing concerns effectively, it would have a detrimental effect on Wrexham.”

    What happens next?

    The outcome of the public consultation will be considered by the Executive Board in October 2019 and will be made available on the council website.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Free Parking for Play Day!!!

    Free Parking for Play Day!!!

    We’re really pleased to announce that there will be free parking for Play Day this year.

    Play Day takes place on Wednesday, August 7 and is attended by thousands of young people who take over the town centre for a day of fun, games and activities. It’s a day when the grown ups definitely take a back seat!

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    In order to ensure the town can maximise from the thousands expected to attend this year’s event there will be no parking charges in most town centre council car parks after 10 am in town centre car parks. Charges will apply before this time and this will be strictly enforced.

    Free parking will not be offered at Tŷ Pawb multi story.

    Cllr Mark Pritchard, said: “I am delighted to announce free parking for this event. Thousands of local children will descend on Llwyn Isaf and Queens Square and have a great time getting wet, messy and usually very tired by the end of the day. My thanks to all involved in organising this event and I hope everyone has a fantastic day.”

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Take a look at Erddig Allotments

    Take a look at Erddig Allotments

    Erddig allotments in Thomas Fields are taking part in this year’s National Garden Scheme for charity.

    They’ll open their doors to the  public between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, August 4 to raise money for charity. Admission will be £3 for adults and children go free.

    Refreshments will be available and there’s wheelchair access so why not pop along and show them your support?

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    “About the National Garden Scheme” (reproduced with their kind permission)

    The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

    Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we have donated a total of £55 million to nursing and health charities, and made a record annual donation of £3.1 million in 2018. Founded in 1927 to support district nurses, we are now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK and our beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

    The National Garden Scheme doesn’t just open beautiful gardens for charity – we are passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too. We fund projects which promote gardens and gardening as therapy, and in 2017, we launched our annual Gardens and Health Week to raise awareness of the topic.”

    You can find out more about the National Garden Scheme at www.ngs.org.uk

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Let’s get out and Play!!

    Let’s get out and Play!!

    We’re supporting Play Wales this summer holidays to encourage children to go out to play and leave the couch behind!

    Play is important for children. It helps their development both physically and emotionally, it keeps them fit, they learn problem solving skills and explore how things work. They develop social skills, learn to share and come to terms with different experiences, but most importantly it’s what children tell us they enjoy.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    You can read more here about why play is important.

    In Wrexham this summer holidays there’s loads to do from organised playschemes to just knocking a ball about on your local field or learning to skip.

    “Lots of parks and green areas”

    Cllr Andrew Atkinson, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty, said: “We’re encouraging children to get out doors this summer holiday rather than staying in with their devices. There’s loads of planned activities for children this summer but there’s also lots of parks and green areas where children can have a great time and make their own fun 🙂 Old favourites like hopscotch, skipping, even just kicking a ball, hide and seek or playing tag gets them outdoors with their friends and having fun whilst helping to keep them healthy. There’s plenty of time in the winter to be stuck indoors so please encourage your child to get out and have fun!

    You can read about what our Play Workers have in store below

    Build, explore, get muddy 🙂 Free play sessions for kids this summer

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Summer holidays…week 2

    Summer holidays…week 2

    Hopefully you were able to take advantage of some of the summer activities last week to get the summer holidays off to a good start.

    The second week of the summer holidays also has plenty to offer, so take a look at the list below…maybe there is something your child has never tried before? Maybe there is somewhere you have never visited before? Why not make this a week when you try something new?!

    July 30, 10.30am-12.30pm
    Wrexham Museum
    Make & Take
    Age 3 years +
    Make a thaumatrope, a popular Victorian optical illusion toy. Call 01978 297460 for more information
    £1.50 per craft

    July 30, 2pm onwards
    Ruabon Library
    Magic Tournament
    Age 8 years +
    For more information or to book please call 01978 822002

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    July 31, 10-11am
    Wrexham Library
    Welsh Story and Craft Session
    For more information please contact: 01352 744040 or email anna@menterfflintwrecsam.cymru
    £1 per child

    July 31, 1pm
    Ty Pawb
    Summer Family Film Club
    Join us in our intimate cinema every Wednesday afternoon during the summer holidays for screenings of family classics! This week’s film will be ‘The Lego Movie 2’. Popcorn and drinks will be available beforehand. For more information or to book call 01978 292093.
    £3 each or £10 for a family ticket

    July 31, 1,30-3.30pm
    Alyn Water Country Park
    Family Orienteering
    Suitable for all ages
    Family Orienteering Family Fun. Suitable for beginners.  Contact Country Parks on 01978 763140 or email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk
    £2.70 per group

    July 31, 2-3pm
    Rhos Library
    Welsh Story and Craft Session
    For more information please contact: 01352 744040 or email: anna@menterfflintwrecsam.cymru
    £1 per child

    July 31, 3pm
    Ruabon Library
    Kids Club
    Suitable for ages 5-10 years
    Come and join our 3 o’clock club which will include stories, Lego, puzzles and games.  Call 01978 822002 or email ruabon.library@wrexham.gov.uk for more information.

    August 1, 1.30-2.30pm
    Bellevue Park
    Tennis Coaching
    6-14 years
    Learn from a qualified coach. Call 01978 298997 for more details.
    FREE

    August 1, 1.30-3.30pm
    Ty Mawr Country Park
    Print a Picture Postcard
    Suitable for all ages
    Print your very own postcards to send to friends and family! A Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site 10th Anniversary event. Contact Country Parks on 01978 763140 or email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk
    £2.70

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Take part in the Big Butterfly Count

    Take part in the Big Butterfly Count

    The Butterfly Conservation is asking us all to take part in their annual Big Butterfly Count which is taking place until August 11.
    It’s the largest event of its kind in the world with over 100,000 taking part last year. It helps monitor our environmental health as butterflies react very quickly to changes in their environment.

    A reduced butterfly count is an early warning for other wildlife losses.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    Over 100,000 people took part in 2018, submitting 97,133 counts of butterflies and day-flying moths from across the UK.

    “How do I take part?”

    All you have to do is count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright, preferably sunny, weather. You can be sat down taking a rest or walking out in your favourite park.

    Country park rangers in Tŷ Mawr have even had a path cut through the hay meadows so that people can get in amongst it so this would be perfect.

    They also have a beautiful wildflower car park to take advantage of so there’s plenty of opportunities to spend 15 minutes with a great chance of seeing butterflies.”

    “I’m not very good at identifying butterflies”

    That’s not a problem at all. The Butterfly Conservation has a very handy and downloadable chart for you to use. It’s available on their website here.

    You can take part more than once until August 11 and your sightings can be sent online at www.bigbutterflycount.org or by using their FREE big butterfly count smartphone apps available for iOS and Android.

    There’s more information available by watching this useful video:

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “It’s not difficult to take part and counting butterflies is a good way to check how the biodiversity in Wrexham and across the UK is bearing up. I hope many residents, young and old, are able to take part and the park rangers have made sure that any of our country parks will be provide a stunning backdrop for any count.”

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Ever thought about volunteering? Watch Leigh’s inspiring story…

    Ever thought about volunteering? Watch Leigh’s inspiring story…

    From volunteering to a becoming a relief gallery assistant. Leigh’s story is truly inspirational and the opportunities could be there for you too!

    We met Leigh at Tŷ Pawb this week to chat about how volunteering at the arts and markets hub has led to her landing her dream job as a gallery assistant.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    After volunteering for about a year, Leigh applied for a Relief Gallery Assistant role and got the job!

    She’s now working at Tŷ Pawb as well as studying for her degree at Cardiff University.

    During her time at Tŷ Pawb, Leigh has gained experience in handling artwork, including pieces by Damian hurst. She’s also helped with lots of children’s activities, which is great as she would love to go into teaching in the future!

    Jo Marsh, Arts Lead at Tŷ Pawb said, “We have lots of opportunities for volunteers to get involved with at Tŷ Pawb. Leigh is a perfect example of what opportunities volunteering with us could bring. She’s a pleasure to work with and is so enthusiastic to learn. I would just like to encourage anyone who would like to gain experience in invigilation, assisting with workshops, supporting events and applied arts retail to get in touch with our team and find out what volunteering opportunities we have available.”

    As a volunteer at Tŷ Pawb you could be part of an exciting new cultural and community offering in Wrexham town centre. Meet your new best mates, develop practical skills and contribute to a vibrant local project that’s for everyone. Flexible hours are available daytime and evening, seven days a week. So, we can create a placement that fits you just right.

    Whether you can give a day a week, or an hour a week, we’d love to hear from you!

    If you would like more information about the volunteering opportunities available at Tŷ Pawb, get in touch with the team:

    Phone: 01978 292093

    Facebook.com/typawb

    Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham, LL13 8BY

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Want to understand more about living with Dementia?

    Want to understand more about living with Dementia?

    There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this number is expected to rise to 1 million by 2021!

    That’s a frightening number of people and many of us feel that we’d like to take action now to find out how we can help and understand what maybe our family and friends, even ourselves, will have to go through if Dementia is diagnosed.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    There is a very simple and easy way forward that’s also very enlightening – you can become a Dementia Friend at an information session to be held at Wrexham Library on Wednesday, August 7, between 1 and 2pm. The session is free and will help you understand how you can be more supportive in the future.

    Even the smallest actions can make a difference and many staff here at the council have attended these sessions and have found them to be extremely useful and practical.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • Charity summer concert at Tŷ Pawb

    Charity summer concert at Tŷ Pawb

    Join Wrexham One World Community Choir and their guests – Wrexham One Love Choir and Rebecca Roberts – Soprano Soloist at their summer concert at Tŷ Pawb on Friday, July 26.

    Wrexham One World Community Choir is a vibrant, open and friendly community choir for everyone in Wrexham and beyond who loves to sing.

    Wrexham One Love Choir is a group of people who have experienced either homelessness, adverse mental health and substance misuse conditions or those who are otherwise vulnerable or marginalised, who are enjoying the benefits of singing together.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

     

    Friday, July 26 at 7.30pm

    This fantastic showcase of local talent will also be raising funds for the Wrexham Foodbank and UAREUK.

    Everyone is welcome! Suggested donation at the door is £3.

    Wrexham Community Choir welcomes everyone aged 16+, from terrified beginners to seasoned singers and everyone in between. There is no need to read music, no auditions, no solos –  simply turn up and sing!

    The choir meets every Tuesday during term time from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Ty Pawb, Wrexham.

    For more information email info@wrexhamchoir.co.uk

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_uniform_grant.htm “] APPLY FOR A PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT [/button]

  • What do you actually know about Support Work? You might be surprised!

    What do you actually know about Support Work? You might be surprised!

    “I could never have a career in support work, it just wouldn’t be for me”…does this sound like you or someone you know?

    To these people, we have two questions to this…firstly, “why not?” but then “what do you actually know about support work?”

    Because the chances are, unless you or someone you know have experienced support work, it’s completely different than what you might expect it to be.

    Yes, a career in support work with us comes with a certain amount of responsibility – you’re playing a role in people’s lives after all – but there’s so many rewarding elements that go alongside this, plus the flexibility of it makes it possible to achieve that coveted work/life balance 🙂

    But enough from us, it’s time to hear from some Support Workers from our Homecare/Reablement team about why this career “is for them”, and how it’s affected their lives 🙂

    DOWNLOAD THIS ATTACHMENT, WHICH HAS MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A SUPPORT WORKER WITH US

    “A fascinating process – I find it satisfying and rewarding”

    Charles is in his seventh year working for our rural Reablement team as a male support worker, and he explains how this career has benefitted his and other people’s lives.

    Charles says, “We get to know people, we encourage them and try to facilitate independence with dignity and empathy. We step in and support – we work as a team to provide support, and liaise with other departments to facilitate the best possible outcome.”

    It’s this relationship between Charles, his team and the people who need care and support that has given him a great deal of job satisfaction. He continues, “This is a fascinating process – I find it satisfying and rewarding.”

    “Flexible and understanding”

    Margaret has worked as a support worker for Homecare social services for 23 years, and she explains how she’s adapted her work pattern over the years to fit around her life.

    Margaret tells, “I started on a 16 hour contract, and for the first four years I worked a day shift pattern. When I had my son, I didn’t want to put him into nursery and asked if I could possibly do an evening shift, and this is what I’ve been doing for the last 19 years.

    “Since April 2019, I’ve increased my contract hours and I’m doing a mixture of day and evening shifts. I’ve found the flexibility of my employer to be very good and very understanding.

    “My work pattern has allowed me to manage being a working mum without missing out on being there for my family as well.”

    Charles too has also been happy with his work/life balance since becoming a support worker. He says, “The job suits me extremely well, it compliments other aspects of my life and my many hobbies.”

    “Highest level of support and very good training”

    Both Margaret and Charles want to stress how it’s important to know that you’re not alone either. You get fully supported along the way by managers and senior staff.

    Margaret says, “Management and seniors in Homecare give me full their support and they’re very understanding, whenever I need them to be.”

    Charles adds, “I’ve been the grateful recipient of the highest level of support and very good training. I would unhesitatingly recommend a career as a support worker.”

    How do I get involved

    We regularly advertise for Support Workers on the jobs page on our website.

    Take a look, there’s currently a number of opportunities to work for our Homecare/Reablement team.

    Whether you’re a student looking for employment to support your studies, a parent looking to fit work around your children, or whatever your situation, we’d love to hear from you 🙂

    Being a Support Worker comes with a decent rate of pay, generous leave, a pension, plus this is alongside all the other benefits that Margaret and Charles have shown us.

    Interested? Click the link below to check the current vacancies 🙂

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/vacancies_en/vacancy.cfm “] TAKE A LOOK AT THESE JOBS [/button]

    Download this attachment, which has more information on becoming a support worker with us