22/10/20
Changes to Advice and Into Work services, hubs and libraries and repairs to council homes repairs in the city will be introduced from the end of this week, in line with the latest ‘fire-break' measures announced by Welsh Government.

Once the restrictions come into place at 6pm on Friday, October 23, four core hubs in the city will remain open on an emergency appointment only basis for the duration of the new measures until Monday, November 9. The remaining hubs and libraries will be closed during that time.

Central Library Hub, The Powerhouse, St Mellons Hub and Ely & Caerau Hub will be open to customers with pre-arranged emergency appointments for services such as into work support, money advice and help with housing and benefits. All face to face activities that had been taking place at hubs, such as job clubs and digital support, will cease.

Cardiff Foodbanks in the city will remain open. Foodbank vouchers will be available by calling the Adviceline or visiting one of the open four Hubs. For those that are self isolating and don't have the funds to buy food and essentials, food parcels can be delivered to the front door.

Customers needing support should 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.

Residents will also be able to continue to collect green recycling bags or food waste bags from the four hubs by knocking the door and staff will supply the bags.

Click and collect library services will be paused during the fire-break but library users will still be able to access the wide range of free digital services available from Cardiff Hubs and Libraries service including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines and online newspapers. Visitwww.cardiff.gov.uk/lockdownactivitiesfor details.

During the fire-break, repairs to council homes across the city will be only be carried out in an emergency or if work is urgent. Tenants with existing bookings for routine repairs are being contacted to advise of their cancellation.  The Council asks any tenants with an emergency/urgent repair booking to advise if they have tested positive or have any coronavirus symptoms before an operative attends.

The Council's Housing Options and Homelessness Service will continue by appointment only. Anyone needing assistance should telephone 02920 570 750, or 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: "We are back in a similar situation to that we faced in March when we introduced changes to services to

help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our customers and staff.

"To ensure we are helping people who need our support and services most right now, only the four core hubs will remain open with access strictly by appointment. Our Adviceline will continue to provide information and advice to customers and in most cases, queries can be resolved or support provided over the phone, or via email, without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

"If anyoneis self-isolating and has no funds to buy food, please call the Adviceline for help.We're here to support people in need during this continuing worrying time."

Many council services will continue with no changes throughout the fire-break period.

How to access help and support

The Council's Advice Line can provide a wide range of advice and access to foodbank vouchers/emergency food parcels. Call 029 2087 1071 or emailadvicehub@cardiff.gov.uk

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.