Scheme helps people with health problems get back into work

Working Denbighshire has teamed up with RCS (formerly Rhyl City Strategy) through the ‘Beyond Barriers’ initiative to provide quick access to therapeutic support for residents across the county who face health-related challenges preventing them from entering work.

This collaboration, launched as part of the Denbighshire Trailblazer project, brings together local expertise to tackle barriers such as mental health conditions, chronic pain, and low confidence, helping people build resilience and move closer to sustainable employment.

The Trailblazer programme - funded by the UK Government and delivered by the Welsh Government - targets economically inactive people of working age who are disabled and/or have health conditions, or caring responsibilities by providing tailored interventions including one-to-one mentoring, counselling services, wellbeing provision, and specialist support for those with health conditions.

This service offers up to eight sessions of therapy, including counselling, CBT, physiotherapy, and specialist support for issues such as stress, anxiety, bereavement, and chronic health conditions. This partnership provides flexible, bilingual support that empowers individuals to overcome barriers and create positive futures.

This collaboration reflects Working Denbighshire’s shared commitment to responding to local needs, connecting people to the right support, and creating positive futures for individuals and communities. Job searching and starting work can be stressful, especially for those managing health conditions. By offering tailored therapeutic support, the initiative helps individuals build emotional resilience, improve confidence, and develop coping strategies that make the transition into work more stable.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said: “This partnership is a vital step in tackling economic inactivity in Denbighshire. By working with RCS, we can ensure that people who face health challenges receive the support they need to move closer to employment. This partnership creates opportunities and improves wellbeing for our communities.”

* For more information about inclusive services or employment opportunities, residents can call 01745 331438 / 07342 070635 or visit the Working Denbighshire website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/working-denbighshire.

Penllyn Chapel sends out its latest car to Ukraine

 

* Larry, the American volunteer driver (right), drops off the Toyota in Dnipro.

The latest car paid for by members of a Llangollen church has arrived safely on the Ukrainian front line. 

Earlier this year a team including the Minister from Penllyn Chapel in Brook Street drove across Europe with a Honda CR-V to be used for ferrying battle-weary troops to and from the battle zone.

Not long after that a Nissan X-Trail 4x4 was arranged for carrying medics to the fighting hot-spots. 

Now another 4x4 vehicle, a Toyota Rav4, has been despatched to Ukraine with love from Penllyn.

Driven by Larry, an American volunteer, it was loaded with supplies, including 84 duvet covers and 124 pillow cases, bound for a hospital in Ternopil which the church supports. The sheets, all new, were donated by a photographic studio and are much in demand. 

Penllyn has been raising cash for the Ukrainian war effort with events such as the recent evening of entertainment and food at St Collen's Community Hall which brought in a healthy £2,345. 

* The Toyota packed with supplies for the Ukrainian military hospital.

* The supplies are delivered to the hospital.

Railway partners with garden railway festival for 2026

* A packed Pavilion for last year's Llangollen Garden Railway Festival.

Organisers of the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival have announced a new partnership with the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, creating the perfect weekend for railway enthusiasts, big or small. 

Anyone attending this year’s Garden Railway Festival, which takes place at Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday June 6, will be able to enjoy £3 off travel on the Llangollen and Corwen Railway on June 6 and 7.

Visitors are also being encouraged to look out for joint activities and events taking place across the weekend as the partnership develops.

 

Tickets for the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival are now on sale online at https://boxoffice.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ChooseSeats/83621 and in person at Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, where visitors can book directly and get help planning their visit.

 

One of the UK’s biggest model garden railway events, the festival has been held annually since 2021 and is once again expected to attract thousands of garden railway enthusiasts to North-east Wales. It is also a great day out for families and children as well as hobbyists and enthusiasts.

 

Over 40 of the UK’s leading retailers are expected to attend the iconic pavilion. The day-long event will feature a selection of outstanding large-scale layouts in railway modelling, catering for all tastes and showcasing garden railways from different periods and countries.

 

The event is organised by Llangollen-based garden model railway enthusiast Keith Potts. Previous festivals have proved hugely popular in the town, which is world-famous for its International Musical Eisteddfod and its heritage railway.

 

Keith said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Llangollen and Corwen Railway this year. It means visitors can make a full weekend of it, enjoying both the Garden Railway Festival and a trip on one of the country’s most scenic heritage railways.

 

“Our garden railway festival continues to grow in popularity and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Llangollen this June. Not only will you get to see some amazing model railways in action, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts and learn about different railway models and layouts.”

 

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “It makes perfect sense for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival to work positively together. We share the same enthusiasm for railways and for bringing visitors to the town.

 

“Over the next few months we will be making further announcements about some major projects, and we look forward to working closely together to create an even bigger and better experience for visitors. We are running steam and diesel trains all weekend that date and look forward to welcoming garden railway enthusiasts to our railway and sending our customers to the Pavilion.”

 

The event will be held at Llangollen Pavilion, LL20 8SW, on Saturday June 6, from 10am until 4.30pm.

 

Tickets are £14 and accompanied children can attend for free.

Air ambulance lands in Llangollen this afternoon

* The air ambulance helicopter after landing on the Youth Club field.

A helicopter from the Welsh Air Ambulance service landed in the centre of Llangollen at around 4.15pm today (Sunday).

The red and green aircraft put down, as usual, on the Youth Club field and two paramedics, in full kit, walked from there to a private address not far away where a road ambulance was already parked.

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are: 

Pengwern / Trem Yr Ysgol, 30/03/2026 - 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED, 

ABBEY ROAD, 13/04/2026 - 30/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

A542, 2 way lights outside properties Pendyffryn and Pont Felin Bache, BACHE MILL ROAD, 16/02/2026 - 18/02/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED

HORSESHOE PASS, 24/03/2026 - 02/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542, OAK STREET, 22/02/2026 - 01/03/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

AT JUNCTION OF BROOK STREET, PENGWERN, 24/02/2026 - 30/04/2026 Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED

Lower Brook Street, Llangollen by the church, 16/02/2026 - 18/02/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED

Residents encouraged to have say on living in Denbighshire

Residents are encouraged to have their say in the “Let’s Talk: Living in Denbighshire” survey.

Denbighshire County Council has launched the survey which is designed to capture people’s views and voices on life in their local communities and the services they use.

The survey gives residents the opportunity to share what matters most to them around their local area in the county

Councillor Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said: “This survey is a real opportunity for residents to make a difference to their local area. Your voice will help us understand what’s working well and where we need to improve going forward.

“The more people who take part, the better picture we will have of what matters to our county communities and how we can shape services for the future in Denbighshire.”

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and to share it with family, friends, and neighbours to ensure as many voices as possible are heard.

The survey is open to all Denbighshire residents and can be completed online here

Paper copies of the survey are also available at libraries across the county.

Locksmith working regularly in Llangollen finds key to success

* Simon Oxberry of Dee Valley Locksmiths on a recent job alongside the police.

A locksmith who works regularly in Llangollen has found the key to a series of industry accolades.

Simon Oxberry founded Dee Valley Locksmiths just over a year ago. In that time he has already landed three Best Rated awards in Wrexham.

And he has just won the title of Best Locksmith for 2026/27 in the Wales Prestige Awards.

Simon, who lives not far from Llangollen, says he has grown his business through hard work, reliability and a commitment to helping people when they need it most.

His jobs range from assisting families locked out of their homes or cars, to helping elderly residents secure their properties, and supporting care homes and local businesses after break-ins. He often works alongside local police.

After the recent break-in at the Deeside Cafe Bistro in Llangollen the firm was called in to repair and upgrade all locks. 

Simon said: "Dee Valley Locksmiths has built a reputation for responding quickly and effectively. Along the way, strong working relationships have been formed with other local companies and services, including collaborations with police and community organisations.

"The business’s dedication has also earned some glowing recognition online, with a growing number of five-star reviews praising the professionalism, speed, and care of the service. 

"Despite the recognition, the focus remains the same - delivering dependable service and helping the community feel safe and secure."

* For more information, go to: https://www.deevalleylocksmiths.co.uk