02 07 20 Covid-19 update

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is focusing its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments.

New advice for businesses and staff

Useful Covid-19 information and advice for employers and employees is now available on the Healthy Working Wales website. Bringing together information from UK Government, Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and NHS Direct Wales, the site signposts businesses to relevant guidance and support, including specific guidance for people working in retail, manufacturing, food and meat packing facilities, sports and recreation, animal businesses, creative industries, forestry businesses and tourism. Further sector-specific guidance will be added soon to cover areas such as offices and call centres, construction, staff who work in other people’s homes, as well as the use of vehicles at work and more.

Support for tourism sector

Visit Wales has launched a new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to help tourism sector businesses demonstrate that they are compliant with pandemic guidance. Called ‘We’re Good To Go’, the mark offers reassurance to customers that Government and public health guidance is in place, risk assessments have been completed and all required processes are in place. Businesses can find out more about the scheme, which is free to join, at the Good To Go website.

Visitor economy guidance

New guidance is available to help inform businesses working in the visitor economy sector about current requirements and legal restrictions related to the ongoing pandemic. Designed to support businesses in their preparations for reopening, the guidance is in line with latest national advice and will be regularly updated as the situation develops further.

Help for school leavers

Teenagers who have left school while the pandemic is in effect can contact the council’s Inspire To Work team for expert advice on training opportunities, developing new skills and finding work. You can chat online, email youthsupport@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 815146 for more details. 

Mental health for the young

A new online mental health toolkit has been launched by Welsh Government to support young people aged 11-25 during the coronavirus pandemic. Covering issues ranging from anxiety and keeping healthy to dealing with low mood or coping with loss, the toolkit features apps, helplines, links to specialist websites and more.

Toilets open at Rest Bay

With the car park at Rest Bay open once more following its temporary closure, public toilet facilities at the rear of the car park have also reopened. The provider has arrangements in place to support social distancing and frequent cleansing, and has made hand sanitiser available as part of the move.

Support for businesses and small charities

Following the recent close of the deadline for financial support applications, the total number of local businesses who have received support stands at 2,319 with £28.7m provided and a further 88 applications still being processed. The total number of approved applications for Small Charities funding is 66 with a further nine applications currently being processed, and more than £660,000 awarded.

Grants to support start-up firms

Start-up firms which fall outside the UK Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme can now apply for new Welsh Government funding of up to £2,500. The grant will be administered by local authorities, and businesses can check eligibility by visiting the Business Wales website.

Blood donors wanted

With visits to make blood donations now classed as essential travel, one of the first blood donation sessions since the pandemic began will take place at Pencoed College between 8-10 July. You can find out more and book an appointment at the Welsh Blood Service website.

Social care opportunities

More people are being sought to help support the county borough’s most vulnerable residents. A number of employment opportunities are available, and anyone who has previously worked in social care or who has transferable skills is invited to apply. A fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course are available. To apply or find out more, visit the job pages at 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 talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.