Over 80 really small enterprises are now up and running in Wrexham, offering hyper local, creative and flexible care and support options to older and disabled people. These passionate local people have been helped to get set up by a scheme funded by Wrexham County Borough Council and run by UK-wide social enterprise Community Catalysts.
These enterprises are set up and run by local people who have a passion to support others. The scheme helps them to get set up and meet the “Doing It Right Standards”. They offer a range of support options from cleaning, help with preparing and enjoying a favourite meal, to dog walking, support to do exercises, and trips out.
Fiona Futcher, who runs a community enterprise called Ceiriog Care said:
“I get to know the people l support and their families very well – and they get to know me too, often including hearing lots of tales of my pets and my horse! Building up a relationship means I am able to offer a service to suit their individual preferences. I love supporting people and getting to know them, I can help with any aspect of daily living and even offer on-call visits. I will always do my best for the people I support and my aim is to help them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible”.
Dave, whose mother receives support from Ceiriog Care added:
“Mum now gets support from a small number of local, self-employed people. The care and support they offer is first class. There is stability in my mum’s care, they can build up a relationship – they effectively offer friendship and companionship. This is very important for my mum who is housebound, and most of her contemporaries are no longer with us”.
Steve Latham-White, Lead Commissioning Officer at Wrexham County Borough Council highlighted why the programme is so successful: “Where possible, we want Wrexham Citizens to have choice and control over the help and support they receive to remain as independent as possible. There is now a wide selection of enterprises to choose from on Small Good Stuff, due to the success of the Community Catalysts’ programme.
Amy Kordiak, Wrexham Community Catalyst who runs the scheme said: “Finding care and support for yourself or someone you love can be a stressful and worrying time. If you are looking for support options that are a little bit different or niche for you or a loved one, you might well find someone local who can support you on our free directory Small Good Stuff!”
To find out more about the care and support options in Wrexham visit HERE
