The owner of a North Cardiff microbusiness has praised a new way of providing care for people in the city.
Cardiff Council has been working with Community Catalysts CIC to help local people provide care and support in the community by setting up their own microenterprises.
Home Hearted Care is one such business, run by Selena Richards, a former child-minder who developed an interest in pursuing a career caring for adults and providing in-home support during the pandemic.
Selena, from Pentwyn, worked with Community Catalysts to overcome some barriers she was facing in promoting her services to clients and is now providing services for 24 hours each week, enabling her to have a great work to life balance.
Selena said: "Community Catalysts gave me the extra knowledge I needed, as there were some things which I wasn't aware of, which I was signposted to, such as a carers contract, which covered everything I needed.
"Being my own boss allows me to work around family life because I can choose my own hours and days to work. I also receive satisfaction, as I am helping the people I support to be more independent and this is helping their wellbeing."
One of Selena's clients said: "Selena is kind and understanding and is anxious to make one feel safe and comfortable in their own home. She is reliable, punctual, trustworthy and always aware of my needs.
"Selena is a treasure in so many diverse ways and a special friend and companion."
Community Catalysts work with people who want to set up a very small business providing care and support in the community, ensuring that the correct quality assurance is in place, such as DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, public liability insurance, safeguarding policies and that the micro-enterprise is well run and sustainable.
Microenterprises are then added to the Small Good Stuff online directory where people looking for care services can seek a provider suited to their needs.
Cardiff Council's cabinet member for adult social services, Leonora Thomson said: "It's very encouraging to hear about the success of these microenterprises that are not only providing greater choice and control for care users but also promoting entrepreneurship for people in the community who want to deliver care and support services. Feedback from their clients has been very positive too."
If you'd like to find out about setting up your own microbusiness to deliver care in your community, click here.
Or, if want to know about receiving care, and to search for support in your area, click here.
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