Coronavirus Update - Part 2

Published: 08 February 2021

Please also see Part 1 of our Coronavirus Update which is further down in our news archive. Part 1 of the update contained relevant information published between May and August 2020.

Part 2 of the update follows on here, with updates from September 2020 onwards (this information will continue to be updated as it comes in):

Welsh Government

October Firebreak information https://gov.wales/national-coronavirus-fire-break-to-be-introduced-in-wales-on-friday

October Firebreak frequently asked questions https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions#section-53269

Updated Shielding information https://gov.wales/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-people-defined-on-medical-grounds-as-extremely-vulnerable-from-coronavirus-covid-19-html

Free PPE available for taxi drivers https://gov.wales/free-ppe-packs-taxi-drivers

Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC

Are you struggling to pay energy bills or just want to save money on energy? RCT’s Heat & Save team can provide free impartial advice on such things as tariff switching, energy grant applications and fuel debts. Call 01443 281136 or email heatandsave@rctcbc.gov.uk

Local Shops

Hirwaun Coop - 01685 812263

Elderly and Vulnerable Delivery Service. 

Please ring the store between 10-12 Monday, Wednesday and Friday to place your order. Please note that this service is limited as it is only being provided as a goodwill service to support our elderly and vulnerable during this difficult time. If you are able to collect then the online  pick and pack service is available to anyone 7days a week. 

Support Groups

Rhondda Cynon Taff Carers Support Project - Free Boredom Buster Packs for RCT Carers!  We all know that the last few months have been challenging and for those of us who have been unable to leave our home, this has been particularly challenging. The Carers Project have put together ‘Boredom Buster Packs’, which include a range of fun, games and wellbeing busting items, to make sure you look after yourself and keep yourself busy during these challenging times. To request a ‘Boredom Buster Pack’ free of charge, please contact the Carers Project on: 01443 281463 or email: CarersSupportProject@rctcbc.gov.uk The packs will be delivered to your home address.

Ray of Light Wales  are a registered charity that has been running for 10 years, usually based at Velindre and Maggie’s Cardiff  holding support groups. In January they were in the process of setting up 2 groups in the Rhondda area.  Unfortunately due to the pandemic they have had to run their services remotely.   They offer the opportunity to join several groups which are open to carers supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis which include family activity mornings (Free activity pack to join in). If you know of anyone who would be interested in joining any of their groups please contact Ray of Light.  They are running their Just ASK Project Access, Support & Kindness which is funded by the National Lottery and each of their courses come complete with a starter pack. They are covering Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff and surrounding areas and have delivered 264 care packs providing a little distraction from these strange times.   They also provide weekly telephone support.  To offer a weekly call to see how everyone is has made a big difference, this has been a lifeline for so many who are isolated, shielding and unfortunately also for end of life too.   Their fortnightly choir is open to anyone affected by cancer.   Please see http://rayoflightwales.org.uk/ for more information. They also have a Facebook page.  Please feel free to contact them and refer anyone who would benefit from their support.

Grants

Carers Support Grant https://carers.org/around-the-uk-our-work-in-wales/carers-support-grant-for-carers-in-wales-