Be alert for Delta strain of Covid-19
Following recent confirmation that the Delta variant is now the most common viral strain identified in new cases of Covid-19, residents are being urged not to let their guard down. If mixing with other people, do it outdoors wherever possible, and stay two metres away from people who are not part of your extended household. Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering where required, and self-isolate and get a test if you or anyone in your household develop even mild symptoms such as a high temperature, a continuous cough or a change in your sense of taste or smell. Where possible, avoid travelling into areas with high rates of coronavirus, and participate with all track and trace procedures. When visiting a shop, wear a face covering, use hand sanitiser, observe social distancing and follow any other safety precautions that may be in place. Plan to holiday at home this year, and only travel overseas if absolutely essential. Most importantly, get both doses of the vaccine when it is your turn. For more information, visit the Covid-19 advice page at the council website.
Health and well-being survey
The Active Young People Department is running a survey for parents and carers of children aged up to three to find their views on current levels of health and well-being support, how this might be improved further, and whether there is a need for more clubs and activities. To take part, complete the survey in English or in Welsh.
Praise for domiciliary care service
Inspectors from Care Inspectorate Wales have praised the council’s domiciliary support service. An inspection of the service, which provides support to around 1,200 people aged 18 and over either in their own homes, within a supported living setting or an Extra Care facility, found that people were complimentary of the care staff and felt they provided a service that met their needs. Inspectors praised the clear management structure, good support and development opportunities for staff, and positive feedback from staff who said they felt valued and supported.
All adults offered a vaccine
Welsh Government has confirmed that while all adults in Bridgend County Borough have now been offered at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine and the vaccination programme for adults is currently running six weeks ahead of schedule, some people may not have received a vaccination appointment if the contact details held by their GP surgery is out of date. Anyone who thinks they may have been missed can email [email protected] or contact the vaccination advice line on 01685 726464.
Could you work in social care?
Due to increasing demand, the council is recruiting for permanent, temporary and casual social care roles to help boost numbers within our teams. You do not always need qualifications depending on the role, but must have the right values, behaviours and attitudes needed for working effectively with people who need care and support. For more details on our social care vacancies, visit the council website or look out for the weekly round-up of vacancies which are regularly posted on Facebook and Twitter.
EU Settlement Scheme webinars
The first of two free webinar events advising EU citizens on how to apply to live and work in the UK took place earlier today. A second webinar is taking place on Thursday 24 June from 1pm-2pm. To access the webinars, use the link above or email [email protected] for support. With just two weeks left to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before the deadline expires on Wednesday 30 June, the webinars are part of a package of support that is being offered to EU citizens. The UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme webpage helps you identify if you need to apply, and offers vulnerable residents help with their applications, as well as links to free, independent and confidential support from a range of community partners such as Citizens Advice, Mind Cymru, Newfields Law, Settled and TGP Cymru.
Free packs for green spaces
Individuals and community groups have until 30 June to claim a free Keep Wales Tidy pack to help restore and enhance local green spaces. Featuring native plants, tools and other materials, you can find out more by emailing [email protected] and apply for one of the packs by visiting the Keep Wales Tidy website.
Have your say on development masterplan
The council is seeking views on a draft masterplan which will be used to determine what kinds of development can take place throughout Bridgend County Borough between now and 2033. The Replacement Local Development Plan, which is currently at the draft deposit stage, sets out how land can be used and which parts of the county borough will be maintained as open space or designated for residential, employment, retail, waste, mineral development, community and tourism purposes. You can take part and find out more about alternative formats at the council website – the deadline for responses is Tuesday 27 July.
Friday deadline for Welsh Language Strategy
Residents have until Friday 18 June to have their say on the local authority’s draft Welsh language strategy for 2021-2026. The results of the consultation will be used to inform the council’s final strategy, which is being implemented in September 2021. As part of its requirements under the Welsh Language Standards, Bridgend County Borough Council has to produce a five-year strategy and an annual report outlining how it has complied with the standards, made progress towards objectives, and worked with partners to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh. Find out more on how to complete the bilingual consultation at the survey webpage.
Mobile testing update
A walk-in mobile testing facility continues to be available at the Awel-Y-Mor Community Centre in Porthcawl (CF36 5TP) between 9am-6pm daily with no appointment needed. A drive-through mobile coronavirus testing facility is also available between 11am-4pm at Ysbyty’r Seren, the field hospital located on Bridgend Industrial Estate at Bennett Street (CF31 3SH), as well as a walk-through facility at the Bowls Hall car park in Angel Street, Bridgend (CF31 4AH) between 2pm-8pm. To arrange an appointment for either the Bowls Hall car park or Ysbyty’r Seren sites, visit the Welsh Government website or call 119. People with hearing or speech difficulties can book an appointment by calling 18001119. You can also collect lateral flow tests for home use from the Bowls Hall car park facility between 8am-1pm, seven days a week.
Spring Clean Cymru
There is still time to take part in Keep Wales Tidy’s ‘Spring Clean Cymru’ event. Designed to bring people together for a community litter-pick in order to build local pride, encourage positive neighbourly relations and promote mental and physical well-being, you can find out how to take part at the Keep Wales Tidy website or email [email protected] to arrange to borrow litter picking equipment.
Help save lives – donate blood
The Welsh Blood Service is inviting people who are aged between 17 and 66 and who are otherwise fit and well to donate blood and help save lives. Donation sessions will take place at the Heronston Hotel on 24-25 June and you can find out how to take part at the Welsh Blood Service website.
Deadline approaches for businesses support
The 30 June deadline is approaching for businesses, social enterprises and charities with a turnover of less than £85,000 who wish to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The funding is available through Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF), and you can find details on how to apply at the council website.