19/03/20

As announced yesterday, Cardiff Council has started to introduce changes to its services, reflecting latest Government and Public Health advice on Coranavirus (COVID-19), and to keep members of the public as safe as possible.

From tomorrow (Friday March 20), community hubs across the city will operate on an appointment basis only. Only customers with pre-arranged appointments for services such as into work support, money advice and help with housing and benefits will be able to access the buildings.

Customers will need to call the Council's Advice number on 029 2087 1071 to make an appointment. Advisors can provide a range of advice and support over the phone so that a visit to a hub may not be necessary.

Library services, including all events delivered by the service, will cease from tomorrow but library users will still be able to access the wide range of free digital services available including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines and online newspapers.

Anyone needing to collect green recycling or food waste bags from a hub or library building can continue to do so. Customers need to knock the door and staff will supply the bags.

The Housing Options and Homelessness Service will now be available by appointment only. Anyone needing assistance should contact the local authority via telephone on 02920 570 750, or they can email:Housingoptionscentre@cardiff.gov.uk. Other than in exceptional circumstances, theHousing Options Centre on Hansen Street will only be accessible to members of the public who have a prior appointment.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: "The changes we are introducing to our hubs and libraries services and other buildings are to help delay the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure we are focussing our efforts on helping people who need our support and services most right now.

"Customers can continue to use our advice line for any help they need, and if an appointment at a hub is necessary, it will be arranged. But as of tomorrow, general access to our hubs and libraries will cease until further notice.

"I'm sure people will fully understand why we are introducing these measures and we are very grateful for everyone's understanding at this time as we seek to minimise any risk to our customers and staff."

While the new arrangements are in place, customers can continue to contact a range of Council services for information, support and advice over the phone or online.

Call the Cardiff Council Advice Line on 029 2087 1071 and homelessness advice is available over the phone by calling: 02920 570 750

The Council's Independent Living Service is the first point of contact for support and advice for elderly and disabled people and can be contacted on 029 2023 4234.

Cardiff Family Advice and Support Service offers and range of information, advice and assistance for children, young people and their families. The service is available by phone on 03000 133 133, via emailcontactfas@cardiff.gov.ukor visitwww.cardifffamilies.co.uk

Anyone with concerns about the safety of a child should contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 029 2053 6490 or out of hours on 029 2078 8570. If a child is in immediate danger of being harmed, call 999.

For all general enquiries about council services, please contact C2C on 029 2087 2087.