Residents in the Caerphilly borough are being supported through the cost-of-living crisis thanks to an initiative delivered by the local authority.
Caerphilly County Borough Council began the service in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the ‘Caerphilly Cares’ service has continued to evolve and develop, providing support to those who need it.
In the period between April 2022 and August 2023 the Caerphilly Cares team received 6973 calls and 2128 emails asking for support. The most common issues dealt with by the team include financial insecurity, debt, mental health, bereavement, physical mobility, drug and alcohol dependencies, ongoing health struggles, digital exclusion, cost of living, isolation and domestic abuse.
Examples of assistance provided by the team during this time include 744 successful applications for winter fuel payments, 797 fuel vouchers issued, 1,648 vouchers given for foodbanks and 257 referrals made to Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Caerphilly Cares team is also responsible for co-ordinating the Council’s employee volunteering scheme. The scheme enables Caerphilly Council staff to be released from their role to give their time to support local communities. Through the scheme volunteers have taken part in a range of activities, including supporting the delivery of free school meals, tree planting, painting and assisting in the relocation of a community group.
Cllr Carol Andrews, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said “Caerphilly Cares acts as a single point of contact for those experiencing difficulties, with a holistic package of support, tailored to individual needs, provided by the Council and its partners.
“The initiative continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our communities; these figures demonstrate the importance and impact of this service.”
