Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough – 17 June 2020
Helping businesses prepare to reopen
Employability Bridgend are offering local businesses free training designed to help them prepare for reopening. Online Covid-19 awareness training sessions are available, and the council is also providing free anti-sneeze screens to help protect staff and shoppers and limit potential exposure to the virus. Call01656 643428 or emailemployabilityto find out more or to book a place on the training.
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 www.StrongerTogetherBridgend.co.uk.
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.
Looking out for vulnerable 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, while concerns about adults can be directed to 01656 642477 or adultsafeguardingMASH. For more information, visit theMASH page.
