As the winter weather begins to bite and temperatures drop, the Council is once again working with key partners in the community to provide support services to all our residents via the Winter Welcome Centres and beyond.
The return of the Winter Welcome Centres builds 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.
The centres will provide a safe place to stay warm, have a snack, warm cuppa and a chat.
Warm packs will also be available and include items that can help people stay warm and/or use less energy. Items such as Blanket/duvet, Hot water bottle, Thermal mug, Dressing gown, Slippers/warm socks, Gloves, Fleece, Scarf, Thermal curtains and more.
The welcome centres are only able to operate thanks to the hundreds of dedicated and selfless volunteers who come forward to help those in need through the bitterly cold winter period.
If you’re feeling the cold and need a safe place to stay warm, have a snack, warm cuppa, a chat, charge your mobile phone, get free energy advice and even get involved in free activities – then these centres really will offer you a much-needed life-line.
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.
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.
