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Micro-Care Celebration Event

Published: 31/05/2023

Flintshire County Council recognised its Micro-Care enterprises, which have become a crucial part of the care sector in Flintshire, at a Celebration Event on 24th May 2023 at Holiday Inn A55 Chester West. Over 40 people were in attendance, many of them Micro-Care providers, to hear about the positive work undertaken in the community, the successes people have made from setting up their own micro-enterprises in Flintshire, and for the council to express their gratitude for the service of Micro-Care enterprises since the projects start in 2019.  

Micro-Carers are people who have set up their own business, either to operate as a sole trader or with a small number of staff, to support people with personal care or well-being in the Flintshire area. There are currently 31 Micro-Carers giving crucial support to over 150 people in the area, providing either direct care or creative well-being services. This new development in the care sector has enabled Flintshire County Council to attract new people into the workforce, and bring back people who had previously left, by enabling people to have control over their working patterns through running their own business. 

The audience heard from Micro-Carers on how the opportunity to run your own business in social care had made a difference to them, and allowed them to talk about how their services are so crucial. This was supported by family members of people they support, who gave their perspective on what the service had done for their relatives, as well as people from the council, Social Firms Wales who provide business support for Micro-Carers, and Welsh Government Foundational Economy who have supported with the funding of the project. 

Chief Officer for Social Services Neil Ayling spoke at the celebration event and commented: 

“Micro-Carers have provided significantly valuable services to people across the Flintshire area over the last 3 years, and it’s heart-warming to hear how Micro-Care has changed lives for people setting up their businesses as well as the people they support. Tonight is about celebrating all they have achieved and giving a big thank you to Micro-Carers, along with partners at Social Firms Wales, FLVC, NEWCIS and Welsh Government who have contributed greatly to ensuring the projects success”.

Councillor Christine Jones, who is Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Wellbeing, was also in attendance and said:

“Tonight is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation to all Micro-Carers who have given fantastic service over the last 3 years. We’ve been extremely lucky to benefit from people in our community who have had the drive, commitment, and values to take the leap into setting their own business, and in turn provide such great services that have such value”. 

To find more about becoming a Micro-Carer yourself, or to find more about services they offer, contact micro-care@flintshire.gov.uk or visit https://www.careatflintshire.co.uk/en/Micro-care/Welcome.aspx