Back
Coronavirus Update: Council adapts essential community services arrangements


18/12/20
Changes to community-based council services in Cardiff will come into effect next week as the city faces the ongoing public health emergency and rapidly increasing cases of COVID-19.

 

Service arrangements are once again being adapted, in the light of the concerning rates of infection in the city, to ensure the Council is doing everything it can to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

 

The move comes ahead of the recently announced Welsh Government Level 4 restrictions that will begin after Christmas and is aimed at ensuring key services across the city can continue to function, at a time of increased pressure on the Council's own workforce as a result of accelerating transmission of the virus.

 

Hubs

 

Four hubs in the city will remain open on an appointment-only basis for urgent issues and for Click and Collect Library books from Monday, December 21. The remaining hubs and libraries will be closed.

 

Central Library Hub, The Powerhouse, St Mellons Hub and Ely & Caerau Hub will be open only to customers with pre-arranged appointments for services such as into work support, money advice, help with housing and benefits, and Click and Collect for library books.

 

Customers needing support should call the Council's Adviceline on 029 2087 1071. Advisors can provide a range of advice and support over the phone so that a visit to a hub may not be necessary.

Face to face sessions and activities that had started taking place in hubs and libraries will be paused but online social and health and wellbeing activities and sessions organised by the service will continue and are available to access via the new Hub Events website at www.cardiffhubs.co.uk

Click and Collect library service

Although Click and Collect Library services will be available by appointment, library users are also encouraged 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.

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

Foodbanks

Foodbanks in the city will be open until December 23, and will reopen on December 29. Visit https://cardiff.foodbank.org.uk/christmasopening/ for more information on Christmas and New Year opening hours.

 

Foodbank vouchers will be available by calling the Adviceline or visiting one of the open four Hubs.  The Adviceline can now provide digital vouchers if residents have a SmartPhone, reducing the numbers of people having to travel to collect a paper voucher.

 

Food Parcels

Emergency food parcels can be delivered to self-isolating households without the funds to buy food and essentials. Residents should call the Adviceline if help is needed.

 

Repairs to council homes

Repairs to council homes across the city will be only be carried out in an emergency or if work is urgent. Tenants with an emergency/urgent repair booking is asked to advise the Council if they have tested positive or have any coronavirus symptoms before an operative attends.

Homelessness

The Council will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The 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, the Housing 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 severity of the public health crisis has escalated to the point that we are once again having to focus our resources and efforts into delivering only our absolutely essential services. We must do everything we can to help curb the rise of the virus in the city, to protect the NHS and save lives.

"Public services across the city are under intense pressures at the moment with many of our own staff affected by the pandemic. We know that residents across the city will continue to need the essential services we deliver though so while some buildings may be closed for now, it's important people know that we are still available to assist residents. We are increasing capacity on our Adviceline and I want to encourage anyone who needs support to pick up the phone or drop us an email. We are still here and we want to help you."

Many council services will continue with no changes at this time.

How to access help and support

  • The Council's Adviceline can provide a wide range of advice and access to foodbank vouchers/emergency food parcels. Call 029 2087 1071 or email advicehub@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 email contactfas@cardiff.gov.uk or visit www.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.

 

Adviceline and Hub (emergency appointments only) Christmas and New Year opening hours:

Christmas Eve, December 24: 9am to 1pm

Christmas Day: CLOSED

December 28 (Boxing Day Bank Holiday): CLOSED

Tuesday, December 29: 9am - 6pm

Wednesday, December 30: 9am - 6pm

Thursday, December 31: 9am to 1pm

New Year's Day, January 1: Closed

Saturday, January 2: 9am - 5.30pm

Monday, January 4 onwards: NORMAL OPENING HOURS