The return of the Winter Welcome Centres will build on the success of these facilities which have been helping the local communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf over the last two years. During this time, over 8,800 residents have been supported, including children and provided over 7,361 individuals with a warm drink and food during the coldest months.
This year £313,000 has been made available to support community venues that provide support to residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf. This funding is made up of the Welsh Government Safe, Secure and Warm Spaces Award, the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, and funding from the Council.
The targeted support package is made up of:
£127,000 to assist community venues to become Winter Welcome Centres, which provide a warm, safe place for residents. Additionally, the Council will allocate £71,000 for centres to provide hot meals/food provision and additional resident support.Eligibility for this fund will be made available on the Council’s website on 11th November 2024 www.rctcbc.gov.uk/WinterWelcomeCentresEOI.
Community Facilities Energy Support Grant – a support grant of £75,000 will be made available to not-for-profit organisations to help with energy cost pressures. These organisations include facilities that provide a combination of activities and/or sporting activities who will be required to apply for a payment of £300 per organisation when they receive the email invitation during the week beginning 11th November 2024. THIS GRANT IS BY INVITATION ONLY.
Support to Food Banks – a £40,000 support package will be provided to support local food banks in RCT.
All Libraries will operate as Winter Welcome Centres and residents will be assured of a warm welcome, and a place to relax and recharge mobile devices.
Please watch this space for the Winter Welcome Centre launch – Funding and Resource Support | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
The Libraries are also home to the Safe Places scheme, which operates all year around – Safe Places, which is a national scheme, facilitated by the Council and Cwm Taf People First, establishes locations offering help to someone if they encounter a problem or difficulties when out and about in the community, with the help of trained staff. The local scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf is supported by South Wales Police and is now available to all adults who feel they need a safe place to go.
People or families who feel they might benefit from the Safe Places scheme can request an application form to sign up. These are available by emailing Cwm Taf People First on enquiries@rctpeoplefirst.org.uk or by calling 01443 757954.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“We are committed to doing all we can to support our most vulnerable residents and the organisations that support them during the winter period. Since April 2022, the Council has paid out millions of pounds to residents as part of Welsh Government and RCT Council Cost of Living Schemes.
“Over the last few years, we have provided support ranging from direct payments to thousands of families to providing financial support to local foodbanks to help them continue to deliver their vital work.
“I’m pleased to announce that we are able to support our local foodbanks and community organisations who help us support our residents.”
Residents who feel that they need extra support can contact the Council at any time via the Community Resilience Hubs by completing a ‘request for support form’ online at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CostOfLiving. Support will be provided by; Council Staff, Community Resilience Volunteers; 3rd Sector and community partners.
Rhondda Cynon Taf residents can also get advice on the services available through the Council’s Heat and Save Team, the services available include:
For full details and locations on the Winter Welcome Centres please visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/WinterWelcomeCentres and for general advice on the cost of living support that is available to you, visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.
