Building a network of community enterprises that offer real choice for people looking for help at home or in the community.
A two-year project working with Gwynedd Council to enable the development of community enterprises. The project will have a focus in the Eifionydd and Llŷn areas.
The aim is to support very small enterprises offering help to older or disabled people. This could include things like practical help around the home and help with getting up and ready for the day. We also support people interested in offering community-based opportunities, such as social groups, creative activities or those that improve well-being. This work will help address market sufficiency issues and offer a greater choice of care and support options to local people.
“At a time when the health and social care sector is under so much pressure, we’re very happy to have Community Catalysts’ support to encourage the development of micro enterprises in Gwynedd. Our hope is that more people have access to care and support locally so that they can live their lives as they wish to live them, and in doing so we help our foundational economy to flourish.”
Meilys Heulfryn Smith, Supporting Health and Wellbeing Senior Manager (Adults, Health and Wellbeing Department, Gwynedd Council)
In November 2021 Care Inspectorate Wales published a report reviewing the performance and reviewed activities across Welsh local authorities. The report featured our Powys community enterprise project as an example of good practice. Find out more and read the full report.
As part of the project, we have developed a directory to showcase community enterprises in the local area.
With a strong foundation for further growth in place, and after careful assessment by Gwynedd Council, supported by Community Catalysts, it was felt that the council was in a strong position to start taking greater ownership of the project. In August 2024, the local Catalyst transitioned to employment with the council, where she continues to grow small community enterprises with support from Community Catalysts, flexibly tailored to the project’s changing needs.