Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is pleased to announce the positive impact of micro-enterprises in the local social care sector. Micro-enterprises are small, community-based care providers designed to complement traditional home care. They offer a personalised approach, increasing choice and control for individuals with care needs while providing local entrepreneurs with opportunities to work within their communities.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Community Catalysts, 34 local micro-enterprises have been set up over the past two years, providing 500 hours of work via Direct Payments to 56 local individuals. Additionally, the introduction of micro-enterprises has significantly enhanced the quality and availability of care services in the community, in addition to any work people choose to pay privately for.
Cllr Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “I am delighted to announce the success of the micro-enterprise initiative in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“These small, community-based care providers have not only enhanced the quality and availability of care services but have also empowered local entrepreneurs to make a meaningful impact within their communities.
“The positive feedback from care recipients, their families, and the carers themselves highlights the importance of this initiative. We remain committed to supporting and expanding micro-enterprises to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the personalised care they deserve.”
An evaluation was conducted by Practice Solutions Ltd. from January to July 2024, which included interviews and focus groups with care recipients, their families, carers, social workers, and Council colleagues. A report was produced, highlighting several key successes:
- High Job Satisfaction: Micro-enterprise carers reported significant levels of job satisfaction, attributing this to the flexibility and meaningful nature of their work. They appreciated the ability to spend more time with each individual, fostering deep and respectful two-way relationships.
- Positive Feedback: Both care recipients and their families praised the personalised and dignified care provided by micro-enterprises. The consistent presence of the same carer and longer visit times were particularly valued.
- Community Integration: Micro-enterprises have been instrumental in building community bonds. Many carers live locally, increasing trust and reliability. They have also improved the bonds between carers and the individuals that they support.
- Support from Community Catalysts: The support provided by Community Catalysts has been invaluable in helping micro-enterprises establish and thrive.
- Connecting those Seeking Care and Support with Micro-enterprises: The Council’s brokerage service has been crucial for coordinating care and support for individuals who benefit most from micro-enterprises. The directories where micro-enterprises are listed (Tribe and Small Good Stuff) also enable people to find their own care solutions.
Sian Nowell, Director of Adult Social Care, said: “The Council is dedicated to expanding the local social care market, increasing choice and control for individuals, and supporting the ageing population in innovative and sustainable ways.
“The positive impact that micro-enterprises have had on the lives of individuals receiving care, and the wider community, underscores the importance of this initiative."
Looking ahead, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council aims to build on the successes of 2022-24 with continued investment. The introduction of bursaries for new micro-enterprises in the 2024-25 financial year, for example, is a direct response to the needs of these small businesses. Future plans include development of a more interactive directory to enable contact between those seeking care and those providing it, raising further awareness of micro-enterprises, and growing the number of micro-enterprises operating in RCT.
Helen Allen, Programme Director at Community Catalysts, commented: “We are delighted to see the evidence from an external organisation about the positive impact of the community micro-enterprise partnership for people and the wider community of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Community Catalysts aims to create more choice of care and support in local areas, helping people to lead good lives and be part of inclusive communities. We also support the creation of local jobs, keeping money in the local economy and help partners provide better care and support, at a lower cost.
“This evaluation provides evidence that the development of community micro-enterprises in an area can achieve these ambitions. It has been a pleasure to work with the Council and wider stakeholders on the project and we look forward to continuing our work together in the future.”
Community Catalysts are a small collective of highly skilled professionals with unrivalled experience in people-led social care and health. Their work includes empowering individuals and communities nationwide to harness their talents in creating and managing small enterprises and community businesses.
These initiatives provide valuable local employment while ensuring that financial resources remain within the community. By fostering connections and encouraging active participation, Community Catalysts helps people lead fulfilling lives while contributing to their local areas.
For more information, or to find out how to set up your own micro-enterprise, please visit: Community Catalysts | unlocking potential | effecting change
You can read the full report here: Community micro-enterprise: a case for investment | Community Catalysts
Posted on 27/02/2025