Covid-19 update 16 06 20

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.

Check garden waste for hedgehogs

Residents are being asked to check any garden waste that may have built up during the coronavirus pandemic in case it is being used for nesting by hedgehogs. Many households will have stored grass cuttings, leaves and shrub clippings or created a compost pile while the garden waste collection service was temporarily unavailable. Now that it has been reinstated, there is a chance that hedgehogs may have decided to make use of the waste to net within and raise litters of hoglets. If you discover any in your garden waste, contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801 for further advice and details of where you can find a local hedgehog rescue centre.

Foodbanks in Bridgend County Borough

Foodbanks across the county borough are continuing to support vulnerable families and individuals throughout the pandemic. To see the schedule of opening times and find out how they can be accessed, visit the Bridgend Foodbank website or check their social media pages.

Free travel for key workers

Key workers remain able to travel for free on public transport thanks to a Welsh Government initiative. Fare-paying passengers are being asked to use cashless payments wherever possible in order to limit the risk of exposure and help protect drivers and passengers alike, and to only make essential journeys for items such as food or medicine. Timetables for local services can be found at the First Cymru, Easyway, Peyton Travel and Stagecoach websites.

Stay well and learn new activities

Residents are being reminded that they can enjoy free activities ranging from music lessons and story-writing to photography and more. Designed to support people’s mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown, the Stronger, Together programme encourages people to take up a new activity or share an existing interest with others. Organised by Awen Cultural Trust and Bridgend County Borough Council, the service includes accompanying workbooks and videos - find out more by visiting Stronger Together Bridgend website.

Help is at hand for domestic violence

Don’t forget that domestic violence support remains available from Calan DVS throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Refuge accommodation is continuing, as is on-call support – you can access help or find out more by calling 01656 815919 or emailing assia@calandvs.org.uk.

Looking out for children and adults

The Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is continuing to provide safeguarding services for vulnerable children and adults. You can report concerns about a child to 01656 642320 or mashcentra@bridgend.gov.uk, while concerns about adults can be directed to 01656 642477 or adultsafeguardingMASH@bridgend.gov.uk. For more information, visit the MASH webpage.

Social care opportunities

More people are being sought to 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. Find out more or apply for social care roles online.

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 use the webchat on our homepage by clicking the Oggie icon, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.