A and AS level results for 2020
Students have received standardised A and AS level results for 2020 – the first time that standardised results have been issued following the cancellation of examinations due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Official results have revealed an increase in the number of students across Wales achieving A* and A grades – up from 27 per cent in 2019 to 29.9 per cent in 2020 – while a total of 98.6 per cent of students scored A* to E grades compared to 97.6 per cent in the previous year. For more information on A and AS level results, visit the council website.
Support for school and college leavers
The Youth Support team can offer advice and guidance to anyone who has left school and is not sure what to do next, including support on free professional CV development, completing applications for college or work, access to free online training, interview skills, work experience, confidence building and more. For further details, chat online with the Youth Support team.
£1.2m grant for heat network
An innovative energy project has been awarded £1.2m from UK Government. Designed to provide low-cost energy and reduced carbon emissions, the Bridgend Town Heat Network involves delivering heat from a combined heat and power plant and thermal storage facility planned for Bridgend Life Centre, and distributing it via pipes to public sector buildings in the town. With room for the scheme to be expanded so that it can include businesses and residential homes in future, the first phase will connect to the nearby council offices, life centre and bowls hall. Look out for more news as the scheme develops.
Extra funding for social care
Additional funding from Welsh Government will help adult social care providers meet the rising costs of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Around £22.7m will help maintain both the provision and providers’ ability to operate. The new funding follows an initial £40m which was provided at the start of the pandemic to help providers meet costs around staffing, infection control, food prices, and greater use of technology to enable families to keep in touch with their loved ones. Bridgend County Borough Council has already contacted eligible providers and the situation will be reviewed again in September.
Report on social services
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) has published its annual evaluation of social services for 2019-20. The CIW found evidence of strong corporate support, a clear vision for adult social care, and practice that is person-centred and outcome-focused. It praised assessments, care and support plans while pointing towards strong, integrated working between health and social care services, with people benefiting from quick decision-making and a joined-up approach. The report highlighted areas where further improvements can be made, such as ensuring that carers always have access to a short break from their responsibilities and providing more support for people moving back into their homes following a stay in hospital. The report will be discussed at the next meeting of Cabinet.
Re-use shop reopens
The Siding reuse shop at the Maesteg community recycling centre will reopen on Tuesday 18 August. Before lockdown, it sold 6,500 useful items weighing more than 13 tonnes for £3,500, all of which has been invested into volunteer and social programmes. The Siding offers items ranging from bikes, scooters, books and DVDs to speakers, games and crockery. Donations are welcome, and you can find out more at the Wastesavers website.
Warning follows Covid-19 hoax
A hoax social media post is circulating which wrongly claims that under a false ‘Covid Act’, school children can be removed from families and tested for coronavirus. Parents, carers and guardians can be assured that the claims in the post are not true, and that no legislation has been passed to test or detain school children if they show symptoms of Covid-19. You can keep up to date with latest developments on the local fight against the coronavirus by following the council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Toilets at Rest Bay
Extra toilet provision is being made available for Rest Bay during busy periods. Arrangements are in place for facilities at the sports pavilion to open for public use at peak times, which will be in addition to existing toilets already located at the Water Sports Centre. The arrangements are currently being finalised and the additional facilities will be available soon.
Don’t put household waste in public litter bins
Residents are being reminded not to place household waste inside public litter bins as this is creating problems with unnecessary litter as well as issues with emptying them and the risk of attracting vermin. The weekly recycling and fortnightly waste collections have continued throughout the pandemic, and there are no limits on how much recycling can be put out each week. If necessary, additional sacks and containers can be provided – you can find out more by visiting the council website.
Shielding to stop this weekend
Residents are being reminded that the shielding scheme for people identified as being particularly at risk from Covid-19 will pause on Sunday 16 August. The scheme has contacted and supported more than 6,000 people in the area, 400 of whom have also received a Welsh Government food parcel. Visit the Welsh Government website for advice and guidance on how you can return to a normal day-to-day routine.
75th anniversary for VJ Day
The 75th anniversary of VJ (Victory of Japan) Day commemorated the end of the Second World War will be recognised on Saturday 15 August. A VJ Day website has been set up offering lots of ideas and resources for marking the occasion during the pandemic, including a #VJDay75 challenge from historian Dan Snow to create and share artwork, messages, videos, poems and more.
Childcare offer for Wales
Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer for Wales is open to applications for children who were three years old between 1 January – 31 March 2020. On 31 August, applications will open for children who were three years old between 1 April – 31 August 2020. The scheme provides 30 hours of early education and childcare for the working parents of three and four year olds, and you can find out more at the council website.
New careers in social care
Interest in careers within social care have soared as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. People from a wide range of different backgrounds have found new work supporting the county borough’s most vulnerable residents, while others who have previously worked in this area have also come forward to offer their skills and experience. With a fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course available, the council is keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in finding out more. Further details are available at the job pages on the council’s website.
Contacting the council
The Customer Service Centre at the Civic Offices in Angel Street, Bridgend remains closed to the public. Residents are asked to use the online My Account and Oggie webchat facilities, or to email [email protected] or call 01656 643643.