A SOCIAL enterprise in Gwynedd has joined in with the celebrations to mark International Women’s Day today (March 8).

Established in 1984, Antur Waunfawr is a progressive social enterprise that offers employment, training, and wellbeing opportunities to adults with learning disabilities.

Today, it has shared the stories of three women who have excelled within the social enterprise.

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Chief executive Ellen Thirsk hails from Llanuwchllyn, and has an extensive background in health and human resources.

After attending Ysgol y Berwyn in Y Bala, Ellen moved on to study at Coleg Llandrillo, beginning her career in the health sector.

During that time, she worked as a medical secretary, and was accepted to the business management training scheme.

After a substantial amount of time working in health, she moved to work in the field of human resources with housing association, Cymdeithas Tai Eryri.

Since moving to the Caernarfon area, Ellen had heard of the work that was being achieved by Antur Waunfawr and had long aspired to work for the social enterprise.

Ellen, who joined in 2007, said: “Empathy, kindness, sustainability, environmentalism, an open and honest culture, and equality.

“It was clear to me as an outsider at the time that Antur Waunfawr had immense social values, and I set my heart on contributing to their vision.”

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Siân Angharad Williams, from Caernarfon, is assistant health and wellbeing manager at Antur Waunfawr, and has been involved with the Antur’s work since she was a child.

She said: “I used to come to Antur as a little girl with my grandmother who volunteered here.

“I came here for work experience when I was in Year 10, before joining as a support worker aged 21. I have been very fortunate to have had various employment opportunities here.

I was granted a period of secondment to create People-Centred Plans, to work in the finance department and in Warws Werdd, our furniture and clothes recycling project based on the Cibyn Industrial Estate in Caernarfon.

“In 2011 I became a senior support worker, working with individuals with profound disabilities.

“I was still working as a support worker but taking on additional responsibilities such as creating rotas, organising activities and drawing up risk assessments.

“As the department grew, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant health and wellbeing manager. It’s a fast-paced but interesting job, and every single day is different.

“My favourite part of the job is joining in on activities or trips - it's a lot of fun.

“I used to come to Antur as a little girl with my grandmother, and several strong women in our family have taught me the value of hard work.

“They have also shown me that it is possible to raise children as well as maintaining a successful career.”

Elin Roberts, from Llanfairpwll, Ynys Môn, joined Antur Waunfawr’s ranks in 2020.

According to Elin, it’s vital to her generation that women are seen in high positions in all workplaces.

She said: “I started working at Antur Waunfawr in December 2020 as a support worker in the multiple needs department.

“It's such a pleasent place to work - everyone works as a team to ensure that the individuals have the best possible time.

“I was very fortunate to be promoted in 2022 as a senior support worker in the multiple needs service.

“I work with Siân on a daily basis and have created a very good working relationship with her. In addition to this job, I am also studying for a degree to be a social worker.

“It’s important to me that women are seen in high positions in all workplaces. I have a good relationship with my line manager Siân, and have looked up to her since I started at Antur Waunfawr.

“It’s great to be able to work with all the women within Antur Waunfawr, especially young women who are support workers at the moment.

“It's a good feeling to know that other women want the best for all individuals and that everyone can work as a team.

“In that regard, my mother is a heroine of mine. She always has time for everyone else’s needs and has been a strong support for me through difficult times in my life.”