As the winter weather bites and temperatures continue to drop below minus, we've been working with key partners to support all our residents via Winter Welcome Centres and beyond.
If you're feeling the cold and need a safe place to stay warm, drop into one of the 92 centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
All Winter Welcome Centres will offer you a warm welcome, with some Centre's providing:
- A warm cuppa and snacks
- Mobile device charging
- Free advice on subjects such as energy bills, financial support, or health and wellbeing
- Free activities
So far, an estimated 3,100 residents have accessed the Centres.
ALL Libraries within the County Borough are operating as Winter Welcome Centres, and you are guaranteed a warm welcome and a place to relax and recharge mobile devices.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: "We are aware of the pressure families are experiencing and are doing all we can to support them.
"Since April 2022, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has paid out £16.7M to residents in relation to the Welsh Government Cost of Living Schemes. In addition, the Council has paid out £5.8M to nearly 29,000 households since October 2022 in relation to the Welsh Government Fuel Support Scheme.
"The Council has also offered additional financial support through its Discretionary Cost of Living Schemes. The scheme includes two Family Payments (£50 & £75) to families with children of compulsory school age.
"The Council has also utilised further funds of £50,000 to make Discretionary Housing Payments to households most in need with support for their housing costs. This is on top of £404,000 of Discretionary Housing Payments made from money allocated to the Council by the Department of Works and Pensions.
"The Council has provided an extra £50,000 to local foodbanks to help them continue to deliver their vital work."
Contact us anytime if you need extra support by completing a 'request for support form' online at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.
You can also get advice on the services available through the Council's Heat and Save Team. The services available include:
- Grant or Loan Assistance - financial aid may be available to improve the energy efficiency of homes
- RCT Switch - impartial, free tariff switching advice
- Advice to save energy at home
- Advice regarding gas, electric and water debt
- Advice regarding maximising income and money management
For more information, visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/heatandsave or email the Team at heatandsave@rctcbc.gov.uk.
If you are facing homelessness, you can find help and advice by visiting www.rctcbc.gov.uk/homelessness or call 01443 495188.
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 available, visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.
You can find information on the latest weather warnings and service updates on the Council's website www.rctcbc.gov.uk or by following Council's official Twitter and Facebook social media accounts.
However, if you have any urgent issues, please call the Council's Emergency Out Of Hours number 01443 425011.
Posted on 23/01/2023