30 04 20 Covid-19 update

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

Call for ‘scrub bags’

Residents who enjoy sewing either as a hobby or as a trade are being asked to support the fight against the Covid-19 coronavirus by making ‘scrub bags’ for keyworkers. The bags, which can be made from old pillow cases, curtains or clothing, use a drawstring fastener and are intended to help key workers carry their uniforms to and from work. The entire bag and contents can also be placed straight into a washing machine to help limit exposure to the virus. Anyone who thinks they might be able to help provide the bags are asked to email Covid19@bridgend.gov.uk for more information.

Care staff wanted

Experienced care staff are being sought to help deliver care at Abergarw Manor, one of the county borough’s new step-down facilities for people recovering from the coronavirus. The privately-owned building has been refurbished to provide additional beds and ease pressure on the Princess of Wales Hospital. With capacity for 82 patients, people who have previously worked in residential care or in similar roles are being invited to apply to join the home’s care team, which includes a consultant psychiatrist, therapy staff, social work, nurses and support from Age Connect and Mental Health Matters. To apply, email a CV to CTT_StaffBankRecruitment@wales.nhs.uk or Lynne.Garwood@wales.nhs.uk

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.

Feeding the children of keyworkers

More than 3,350 places have been taken at the six emergency key worker childcare hubs provided by the council since the start of the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown. With over a hundred staff on hand each day to provide care and support, the council has agreed to continue to cover the costs of providing breakfast and lunch for the children while the pandemic is in place, which is about £1,000 a day. The authority is also continuing to support 4,800 children who are eligible for free school meals by using school transport providers to deliver weekly food parcels to each child’s home. Featuring enough food to provide the children with breakfast and lunch for five days, each parcel contains a range of products designed to offer variety as well as items such as fruit, vegetables and a simple recipe guide. Arrangements are also in place for children who have special dietary requirements.

Sports club grants

Local sports clubs have until 15 May to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help them with day-to-day operating costs during the coronavirus pandemic. The council has reconfigured its £75,000 Bridgend Sports Support Fund - part of the community asset transfer process - to provide immediate financial aid during the outbreak. As part of the grant application, sports clubs will need to submit copies of relevant proof of payments such as invoices, receipts and / or bank statements showing expenditure for the period after 31 March 2020. For more details on the fund or for an application form, email the council’s community asset transfer officer at guy.smith@bridgend.gov.uk

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