Latest News

Beyond the Boundaries

Published: 09/02/2017

Flintshire Communities First has helped a local resident develop a social enterprise which will provide work placements for young people with additional needs. Beyond the Boundaries, a Community Interest Company (CIC), is the brainchild of Jill Smith who has, over the last 8 years, successfully developed and currently manages a Hair and Beauty Salon “Beyond the Fringe” in Mynnydd Isa. Using her business expertise and skills she learnt while training to be a teacher, Jill decided to develop a social enterprise for the benefit of young people with additional needs and those with complex needs. Beyond the Boundaries has been developed to create learning and developmental opportunities for young adults with learning difficulties within Flintshire. Having successfully run a pilot scheme, Jill officially launched Beyond the Boundaries recently at Llys Eleanor in Shotton, with Lewis Roberts, Jill’s nephew, her inspiration for developing Beyond the Boundaries, and Joanne Liversage who was the first young person to benefit from the pilot scheme who is cutting the ribbon. Chairman of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Peter Curtis, said: “Beyond the Boundaries is an excellent example of the kind of social conscience found in Flintshire. Building on a successful business, Jill has developed Beyond the Boundaries to become self-sustaining and move away from grant funding within 12 months of opening.” Jill said: “I feel passionate about providing support for young people living with complex needs beyond the age of 25 and wanted to help. The young adults will be supported to become a member of a team, will have specific roles and responsibilities, operating a social enterprise hair and beauty salon. Their contribution will always be acknowledged giving them a feeling of and pride of being a part of a team. They will receive a salary which will give them not only financial reward but also a sense of worth and achievement.” Jill has made a funding application to Third Sector ICF Grants which is aimed at supporting people with learning disabilities (all ages) and children with complex needs. She has also received help from Flintshire’s Communities First and Flintshire County Council’s Business Development team. Jill continued: “The help that I have received from Communities First and the Council has been invaluable. They’ve helped with business planning, financial planning, company registration and moral support! Now that I have a fully-costed business plan, I’m confident that the salon can become financially sustainable in the next 12 months.”