Council working with BAVO on Afghan refugee scheme

The council is working with the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) to determine how best volunteers can help support the Afghan refugee scheme. The local authority confirmed to the UK Government last week that it is available to participate in the planned expansion of the Afghan relocation and assistance programme. Over the last few days, numerous offers from residents and organisations have come in to help support those who arrive in the county borough as part of the scheme.  The council is currently awaiting further information from the UK Government on how the wider relocation scheme will work. For more details on volunteering visit the BAVO website.

                                                                     

Recruitment drive launched for social care workers

A new recruitment drive has been launched for social care workers in a bid to help meet the increasing need for care and support enabling people to be as independent, and as well as they can be, in their own homes. Within Bridgend County Borough, the local authority is looking to recruit social care workers and support workers in a variety of areas, from home care and reablement teams to young people’s services. To find out what jobs are available or to apply, just visit the council website. The recruitment drive links in with a national campaign currently being run by Welsh Government and Social Care Wales, aimed at promoting the benefits of working in care and encouraging people to apply for roles within the sector. For jobs across Wales, visit the WeCare Wales website or find out more via @WeCareWales on Twitteror Facebook.

 

Hundreds of opportunities available at upcoming Bridgend Jobs Fair

Dozens of employers and organisations will descend on Bridgend town centre next month for Bridgend’s first outdoor Jobs Fair. The free event, which will be in various locations around Bridgend town centre, including Dunraven Place and Caroline Street, is being held between 10am-2pm on Thursday September 16. It has been organised by Employability Bridgend as part of a partnership with Jobcentre Plus. A range of temporary and permanent vacancies will be available to apply for on the day. Over the years, the event has attracted large numbers of visitors and employers have been able to source suitable candidates for their jobs. Businesses can still book a stand at the event. For more information or to book a stand, contact Jobcentre Plus on 07557 498871 or 07909 342246.

 

Walk-in vaccinations now available for 16 and 17 years olds

All community vaccination centres in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region are now accepting walk-ins from anyone aged 16 and over. This allows any 16 and 17-year-old who has been unable to attend their scheduled appointment to get their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone aged 16 and over who has not had their first dose can walk into a Covid-19 Vaccination Centre to receive it. With no prior booking required, the walk-in appointments are available at community vaccination centres within the region. Anyone who wishes to take advantage of the first dose walk-in appointment will need to bring along a form of ID such as a passport, drivers licence or a utility bill for proof of address. This includes Ravens Court in Bridgend town centre (CF31 4AP) where the walk-in appointments are available between 9.15am and 4.30pm. Details of other vaccination centres in the region are available on the health board’s website which is updated weekly.

 

Tractor and equipment delivered to Kenfig National Nature Reserve

Machinery and equipment which was left with the council for safekeeping while new management arrangements were put in place at Kenfig National Nature Reserve have been returned. The equipment, which had been stored in readiness, includes a tractor, two lawnmowers, assorted signage, boxes of tools, branded reserve clothing including hoodies, and even a large model of the former Island Farm POW camp that was previously displayed within the reserve building. The local authority’s management of the reserve came to an end on 31 December 2019 when the reserve’s owners, the Kenfig Corporation Trust, took on the responsibility for running it alongside Natural Resources Wales. The trust, which appointed a new warden earlier in the year, has plans to reopen the visitor centre and establish an all-new café as well as using the building as a venue for holding new local events. While the council is no longer involved in the overall site management, it continues to be involved through the Sands of LIFE conservation project, which runs until December 2022.

 

Council continues partnership with Shelter Cymru

The council is continuing to work in partnership with Shelter Cymru around its tailored support for people who are currently homeless or threatened with homelessness. The local authority has awarded a new three-year contract to the charity to build on its existing homelessness prevention provision, helping people with debt advice, support and advocacy work. Between November 2019 and April 2021, the council referred 445 households to the service, almost a third of all people applying for housing assistance. The new contract builds on the existing one with Shelter Cymru which sees the service being embedded within the local authority’s Housing Solutions team.

Survey on free swimming sessions

Sport Wales and Halo are running a survey about the Free Swim Initiative and want to hear from young people aged up to 16 and older swimmers who are over 60 and over. The first 20 completed surveys from people aged 16 or under will receive a free pair of Zoggs junior goggles and 25 per cent off any Zoggs products available at your local pool. To take part, include a screenshot of the acknowledgement message displayed when the survey is completed, and present to staff at reception. The survey is live until 3 September and is available in both English and Welsh.