A SOCIAL enterprise which 'sees the best in people' continues to grow from strength to strength.

Over the past two years, directors of RainbowBiz say they have managed to reach out to more vulnerable members of the community, particularly through their Hippy Shop based in Mold.

They have also recently won the Steve Morgan Foundation "Best Entrepreneurial Social Enterprise 2019" which they say is all thanks to the volunteers.

Volunteer Dave Williams said: "I first started volunteering with RainbowBiz back in 2013 when I contacted the organisation for advice on how to get more involved in my local community.

"Being a part of the team has made me feel more confident and helped me to make new friends.

"For some time I was very depressed and I found having a focus and purpose within RainbowBiz helped to get me through this difficult time in my life. I am now very proud to have volunteered at the RainbowBiz Hippy Shop for over 2 years.

"I started initially by volunteering as a shop assistant and now I have taken on more responsibilities and roles to become an assistant manager at the shop. Working in the Hippy Shop has increased my confidence and has enabled me to take on extra responsibilities such as supporting other volunteers, cash handling, security and customer service.

"I am so thankful to Sarah and Sue for having confidence in me which has in turn enabled me to grow and develop my own interpersonal skills. They do see the best in people and support them to grow and I would highly recommend that anyone interested should get involved with RainbowBiz CIC."

All profits made from the shop go towards the social enterprise and the various projects they hold.

Sarah Way, Director and Manager of the Hippy Shop added: "We are very proud of the RainbowBiz Hippy Shop in Mold.

"We source quality, fairtrade products to sell in order to sustain our community projects which include the Digging Deeside social gardening project, the Arty Folk and Friendship Group and the large free wellness festival that our fantastic team of every growing volunteers support us to put on 5 times annually which attracts well over 8,000 visitors.

"Being able to sustain our own projects gives everyone who attends are projects and events stability and enables us to continue to promote equality and diversity across the area.

"The shop is more than a commercial venture, it is a safe space for people to come into to feel accepted no matter what background they are from. We often run workshops and activities for our volunteers and participants of our groups which really helps individuals to make friends and grow their social links."

More information can be found online at www.rainbowbizhippyshop.org.uk or the store in the Daniel Owen Precinct.