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Getting Ready Project Summary/ Crynodeb o'r Prosiect Paratoi

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Getting Ready Project Summary/ Crynodeb o'r Prosiect Paratoi

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If you are looking for advice, help and support as a sponsor or a Ukrainian national, you can call the free helpline on 0808 175 1508.

The contact centre operates Monday - Friday 9am-5pm.
From outside the UK: 020 4542 5671 / +44 (0)20 4542 5671
Ukrainian Refugees will be eligible for free travel to one of several welcome centres which are being set up in Wales to provide immediate accommodation and support for new arrivals from Ukraine.

The welcome centres will feature support designed to ensure that the refugees can settle into life in Wales, and include translation services, lessons in speaking English and Welsh, sessions on how to cope with life in a new country and more.

Health services and school lessons will be available along with advice on finding work, and we will be working alongside the Welsh Government to find longer-term homes throughout Wales.

Refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine can travel for free on Transport for Wales services for six months. Ukrainian nationals can claim free travel by showing a Ukraine passport to conductors and station staff.

Welsh Government's Sanctuary website provides more information on all aspects of life in Wales in both the Ukrainian and Russian language below.

There is also support for those who are struggling with stress, trauma and mental health after experiencing distressing events. There is support available, remember, you are entitled to free healthcare in Wales and if you are experiencing any symptoms referred to in the leaflet below, speak to a nurse or doctor. The leaflet below is provided in both English and Ukrainian.

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Helping Young People with Budgeting/ Helpu Pobl Ifanc gyda Chyllidebu

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Helping Young People with Budgeting/ Helpu Pobl Ifanc gyda Chyllidebu

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Health and Wellbeing/ Iechyd Meddwl a'th Lesiant Meddwl

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Health and Wellbeing/ Iechyd Meddwl a'th Lesiant Meddwl

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Gaming and Gambling/ Chwarae Gêmau a Gamblo

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Gaming and Gambling/ Chwarae Gêmau a Gamblo

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The St David's Day fund is money that you can ask for to help with your health and wellbeing, development and independence.

It isn't instead of other money you can get, it is extra support and does not have be paid back.

What can you use the money for?

You can use it for things like equipment to help you learn, taking part in activities or enjoying a hobby, or furniture for your home.

Who can get the money?

There are some rules about who the local authority can give the money to but it includes young people in lots of different situations, like:

young people looked after aged 16 or 17

care leavers under 18

care leavers aged 18 or over

young people who have left care but get back in touch with the local authority because they want to go back to education or training

young people who left care under a Special Guardianship Order

young people aged between 21-24 who are not in education or training but need help with money to live on their own

Make sure you ask

Ask your social worker or personal advisor for information about how the St David's Day fund works in your Local Authority and whether in your situation you can apply.

Don't miss out by not asking!

Things to ask

Ask your social worker or personal advisor what you can apply for, if they can give you examples of how others have used it and whether there is anything you cannot use it for.

You might also want to ask if they have any written information about it that you can take away to read, or if they can send you a link to online information.

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St David's Day fund - Children's Commissioner for Wales

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The St David's Day fund is money that you can ask for to help with your health and wellbeing, development and independence. It isn't instead of other money you can get, it is extra support and does not have be paid back.

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Keeping my money, possessions and myself safe

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The Getting Ready Project provides support for young people to safely transition from care. We aim to empower young people by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of their rights and entitlements when planning to leave care, and we do this through the provision and creation of online resources produced in partnership with care experienced young people. All our resources are bespoke and specific to each local authority, taking into consideration geographical differences and if this is a strategy you feel would support your area then please do get in touch with us.

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For further information on the Coronavirus and how to access support and advice please Click Here

Latest Blog

Happy New Year! Hope that the start to the year has been a good one you're all well and looking forward to this new decade. Time has flown by and...

About Us

Voices From Care Cymru brings young people together throughout Wales, who are, or have been looked after. We aim to provide opportunities, to improve the conditions of being in care, to promote the view of young people and to protect the interests of young people in care.

About Us

Membership

Any young person, who is or has been looked after in Wales, is welcome to become a member of Voices From Care Cymru. As a member you can be as actively involved as you like. We aim to make sure that young people are heard by the decision makers in Wales.

Membership

Influencing

Voices From Care Cymru aims to keep right up to date on the issues that face care experienced young people. We do this by undertaking our own research but also by feeding the views of our members into other organisations research and responding to consultations.

Influencing

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vfcc.org.uk - "Run by people who have been looked after - for all young people who are or have been looked after in Wales"

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For further information on the Coronavirus and how to access support and advice please Click Here Happy New Year! Hope that the start to the year has been a good one you're all well and looking forward to this new decade. Time has flown by and...

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Kickstart Your Finances | Level Up | HSBC UK

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MoneyHelper joins up money and pensions guidance to make it quicker and easier to find the right help. MoneyHelper brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.

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Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

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MoneyHelper: free and impartial help with money and pensions. Formerly Money Advice Service, The Pension Advisory Service and Pension Wise.

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Budget planner | Money management | The Prince's Trust

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Use this budget planner from the Money Advice Service to make sure you're in control of where your money is going.

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If you are eligible but have not received a discount, you can apply online.

If only one adult lives in a property, there is a discount of 25%

Discount for severe mental impairment

A discount of 25% or 50% may be available for:

full-time students, student nurses, youth training trainees and apprentices

residential hospital patients

people being looked after in care homes

severely mentally impaired people

people staying in certain hostels or night shelters

18 and 19 year olds who are at or who have just left school

low paid care workers who are usually employed by a charity

people in prison

members of religious communities, which means monks or nuns

people caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner, or son or daughter under 18.

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We've pulled together a list of financial support and discounts you may be eligible for.

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Money- I need some/ Arian - Mae angen peth arna i!

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Money- I need some/ Arian - Mae angen peth arna i!

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Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)/ Cronfa Cymorth Dewisol (DAF)

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Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)/ Cronfa Cymorth Dewisol (DAF)

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The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grant that you don’t need to pay back.

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How does it work?

The HelpU tariff helps the lowest income households in our region. If you qualify, we will cap your water bill so you won't pay over a certain amount for the year.
The annual HelpU charge is £291.30 (£124.01 for water, £167.29 for sewerage). The tariff is open from 1st August 2020.
Are you eligible?

To qualify for the tariff:

the water supply to the household must be for domestic use only

someone in the household must receive at least one means-tested benefit

the combined annual household income must be on or under the threshold for the household size as shown in the table below.

It's important to let us know the total number of occupants (including children) in your household and to include all the income your household receives from occupiers who live at your property who are aged 16 years and over.
Here's a list of types of the means-tested benefits which someone in the household must be receiving at least one of:

Universal Credit

Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Income Support

Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (except families in receipt of the family element only)

Working Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Council Tax Reduction (based on income, not just a Single Persons Discount)

Special Note: We exclude some types of income from the combined annual household income calculation:

Housing Benefit or Housing Element of Universal Credit

Council Tax Reduction / Support

Support Group, Work Related Activity Group & Disability/Carer Premiums on ESA

Disability Premiums on Child / Working Tax Credits

Disability / Carer Premiums on Pension Credit, JSA & Income Support

Disabled Child & Limited Capability For Working Elements of Universal Credit

Attendance Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independent Payment

Carers Allowance or Carers Element of Universal Credit

You would also need to reapply for the tariff before the end of every 12-month period (you may reapply up to a month before expiry).

For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

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The HelpU tariff helps low-income households on a means tested benefit by putting a cap on the amount you pay for your water.

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Money- putting some aside/ Arian - Rhoi rhywfaint o arian heibio

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Money- putting some aside/ Arian - Rhoi rhywfaint o arian heibio

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Money Saving tips/ Awgrymiadau Arbed Arian

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Money Saving tips/ Awgrymiadau Arbed Arian

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Join over 8 million people with a Monzo account. See, save, and spend your money with Monzo.

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Choosing a savings account/ Dewis cyfrif cynilo

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Choosing a savings account/ Dewis cyfrif cynilo

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Chip is a savings app you connect to your current account via 'Open Banking'. It then uses an algorithm to work out how much you can afford to save, and automatically puts that aside for you - great for those without the self-discipline needed.

Autosave with Chip and get 0.7% interest. Normally autosave apps pay little interest. But Chip* has partnered with Allica Bank to offer a 0.7% AER variable interest easy-access account - which beats the top normal savings account - though Chip charges a £1.50 fee every four weeks, which would outweigh the interest gain for most.

Yet if you're new to Chip we've a code to get £20 cashback, which covers the fee for over a year. Sign up to Chip's app* and select the 'ChipAI' plan, and it'll set up a Chip Savings Account. Once you've registered, enter code CHIPMSE07 in 'Earn and track rewards' on the app's 'Profile' tab. Save at least £1 with Chip by 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 October and the £20 is paid on Saturday 13 November - just keep £1+ there until it's paid. You can then withdraw it to your linked current account to cover the fees, which are charged to your debit card. The cashback is only for new Chip customers.

How to get the 0.7% interest: The standard Chip Savings Account doesn't pay interest, so head to the 'Accounts' tab and open the Allica Bank account (min deposit £1, max £30,000; interest paid daily). Make sure you go into your 'Autosave settings' to ensure that's where your autosaves are going. If you reach the max £30,000, autosaves will automatically stop.

Want the 0.7% interest without autosaving? Follow the same process as above to register with Chip and set up the Allica account. Then pause autosaving by going to your profile in the app, then 'Autosave settings' then 'Skip autosaves' and choose a date - it allows this for up to three months at a time so you'll need to remember to keep doing it. Note that the maximum you can deposit in a single transaction is £5,000 - if you want to save the full £30,000 you'll need to do it in six lots of £5,000.

Which current account providers does it work with? Chip connects to most (but not all) major current account providers. It will work with Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Danske, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest, RBS, Revolut, Santander, Starling, TSB and Ulster Bank.

Are my savings safe? The money you put in is held by Allica Bank, which has the usual £85,000 per person protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If you have any money in the Chip Savings Account, that's covered by ClearBank's protection.

How long do I have to keep the account? You can withdraw your money whenever you want - but you'll need to keep £1+ there until at least Saturday 13 November if you want the cashback. If after that point you want to save elsewhere, you're free to do so.

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Chip is a savings app you connect to your current account via 'Open Banking'. It then uses an algorithm to work out how much you can afford to save, and automatically puts that aside for you - great for those without the self-discipline needed. Autosave with Chip and get 0.7% interest.

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AER - Annual Equivalent Rate which is a type of interest rate for savings account (a charge to your savings account).

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Bridgend Pathways/ Llwybrau Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr at lwyddiant.

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Bridgend Pathways/ Llwybrau Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr at lwyddiant.

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Employability Bridgend helps people aged 16+ who are both unemployed and employed with all aspects of employability. Our team offers a range of services from mentoring, to training, volunteering, and finding employment.

Whether you are thinking about taking your first steps towards a job or looking for a new role, Employability Bridgend can help you. We take a holistic approach to support offering one-to-one mentoring and access to free training, identifying your specific needs, and building the skills and confidence you need to achieve your personal goals.

Employability Bridgend provides:

free training including life skills, non-accredited and vocational qualifications.

employability support including job search and interview techniques.

Access to volunteering placements

wellbeing activities and support

CV development including volunteering placements.

basic skills including literacy and numeracy.

We may also be able to provide support for work-related costs subject to eligibility, such as:

transport to work until you are paid

clothing, for example work shoes.

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Employability Bridgend helps people aged 16+ who are both unemployed and employed with all aspects of employability. Our team offers a range of services from mentoring, to training, volunteering, and finding employment. Whether you are thinking about taking your first steps towards a job or looking for a new role, Employability Bridgend can help you.

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Employment- What I need to know/ Cyflogaeth- Beth rydw i angen gwybod:

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Employment- What I need to know/ Cyflogaeth- Beth rydw i angen gwybod:

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The halfway point between Cardiff and Swansea, Bridgend has always been a region of much attention and dedication when it comes to supported employment. A neighbouring county to our head office in Rhondda Cynon Taf and easily served by our Llandarcy office a few miles down the M4 motorway, Bridgend and it's surrounding areas continue to be a location of great significance for ELITE. We have developed strong ties with institutions like Bridgend College, BAVO and The Princess of Wales Hospital over many years - this has allowed ELITE to provide both services to jobseekers and employers across Bridgend County.

Bridgend hosts one of our unique Project SEARCH locations enabling young adults to achieve work-based experience and skills in an educational environment. If you would like to find out more about how ELITE operates within Bridgend then feel free to get in touch.

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ELITE Supported Employment working in Bridgend Bridgend The halfway point between Cardiff and Swansea, Bridgend has always been a region of much attention and dedication when it comes to supported employment. A neighbouring county to our head office in Rhondda Cynon Taf and easily served by our Llandarcy office a few miles down the M4...

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Barnardos Employment, training and skills support

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Barnardos Employment, training and skills support

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In partnership with employers, schools, colleges and charities, we train and support over 3,000 young people every year through 20 specialist services. We provide courses, support and careers advice, whether you're interested in construction qualifications or a hairdressing apprenticeship.

If you're a young person looking to enter employment, we work with you on an individual basis to find the best training and employment opportunities in your area.

And then, once you are in training or work, we give you ongoing support to make sure it's all working out for you. From help with application forms to interview techniques, Barnardo's is there to offer support every step of the way.

As well as providing specific qualifications, employability skills, and career advice and guidance, we also offer apprenticeships programmes.

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In partnership with employers, schools, colleges and charities, we train and support over 3,000 young people every year through 20 specialist services. Read more.

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OoWS Flyer

Journey Towards A New Chapter

The Out of Work Service (OoWS) provides both mentoring and employability support for people who are in recovery from substance misuse and/or suffer from mental ill-health.

We work with employers to offer opportunities such as training, placements, skill development and most importantly employment.

Young Persons Guarantee

The service forms part of the Young Person's Guarantee to ensure there is no 'lost generation' in Wales. It enrols people aged 16-24 who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

Those aged 25+ who have not been looking for work or have been unemployed for longer than 12 months are also eligible.

Support At Your Own Pace

Our experienced peer mentors have lived experience of recovery and mental health and know the difficulties that come with it, that is why our support plan is built with small steps in mind.

Service Information & Eligibility

This Service Is Available to; Those Aged 25 and Over:

Cwm Taf Region;
Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil & Bridgend.
Who have been unemployed for more than a 12-month period

or are economically inactive (not claiming benefits).

Those Aged 16-24:
Who are not in employment, education or training.

This service is for;

Those who are struggling to find employment because of their mental health or are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and wish to receive mental health support with the hopes of finding employment later down the line.

Other Services Offered By Us

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Out of Work Service | Peer Mentoring & Employability Support

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Is Your Mental Health Keeping You Out of Work? The Out of Work Service Wales Supports Those Who's Mental Health Is Preventing Them From Reaching Employment | Mental Health Support Wales

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Our Hubs

Currently established in three locations across South Wales, we collaborate with local businesses, community groups, and government bodies who share our dedication to professional growth. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming hubs near you!

Hapi Community Hub

Trem y Cwm

Masefield Way

Rhdydyfelin

Pontypridd

CF37 5HQ

​

RCT@workingwardrobe.org

Appointments available on request.

Call 02920 249098 to arrange.

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Our Hubs Currently established in three locations across South Wales, we collaborate with local businesses, community groups, and government bodies who share our dedication to professional growth. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming hubs near you! Hapi Community Hub Trem y Cwm Masefield Way Rhdydyfelin Pontypridd CF37 5HQ ​ RCT@workingwardrobe.org Appointments available on request.

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Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages/ Tariffau cymdeithasol: Pecynnau band eang a ffôn rhatach

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Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages/ Tariffau cymdeithasol: Pecynnau band eang a ffôn rhatach

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Support for starting a business | Free Enterprise programme

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We've helped over 90,000 young people start a business - and you could be next. We work with 18- to 30-year-olds in the UK to turn your big ideas into reality.

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Quickstart Bridgend/ Quickstart Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

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Quickstart Bridgend/ Quickstart Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

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The Quickstart Bridgend project aims to support short term, paid work placements across the county borough with a view to participants gaining a permanent job within their host business at the end of that period. Participant training will also be supported during this time.

We are currently finalising the details of this exciting new project and expect the delivery period to run from May 2024 to January 2025.

Conditions

Placements will be at least 25 hours per week.

The jobs must not replace existing or planned vacancies; not be seasonal, and/or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or reduce their working hours .

Placements will need to be in excess of 16 weeks and up to 24 weeks and be concluded by 31st January 2025.

Applicants for the paid job placement will need to be above 18 years of age but there is no upper limit to age.

The minimum wage from 1st April 2024 for those aged 21 years and over is £11.44 and for those aged 18 to 20 years is £8.60.

The wages paid out will be in retrospect via a claim process so those companies involved will need to have the cashflow to pay out before being reimbursed and to pay out the relevant contributions to HMRC before being reimbursed by the Quickstart Bridgend project.

We will in the main consider companies who currently employ from 10 to 250 employees and in exceptional circumstances we could consider those businesses who employ less than 10 subject to satisfying the condition of probable ongoing employment at the end of the paid placement.

It is the aspiration that employers can interview a range of applicants and choose the one that best suits their company using their usual processes. However, all applicants will be referred via Employability Bridgend. This is so the applicants can be supported before the interview and if required during and after the job placement so that the opportunity provides them with the best experience during their time with the host employer.

Register an interest

As part of our preparations, we want to understand the level of interest from employers across the county borough.

Employers can now register their interest to host a job placement via our online Expression of Interest form:

Please note: Completing this Expression of Interest does not guarantee that you will be able to host a placement as we are expecting a lot of interest.

This project is in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

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The Quickstart Bridgend project aims to support short term, paid work placements across the county borough with a view to participants gaining a permanent job within their host business at the end of that period. Participant training will also be supported during this time.

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Your options post 16 education/ Eich opsiynau addysg ôl-16

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Your options post 16 education/ Eich opsiynau addysg ôl-16

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My Neighbourhood

Use your postcode to find local councillors, facilities, school catchment areas and more.

Find facilities in my area

Cardiff Council

www.cardiff.gov.uk

My Neighbourhood

Use your postcode to find local councillors, facilities, school catchment areas and more.

​​​Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people who are of working age and on a low income, and is administered by the Department of Work and Pension. In Cardiff, from February 2018 it combines and replaces the following benefits and tax credits for most working-age people who need to make new claim for:

Housing Benefit

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Income Support

Child Tax Credits

Universal Credit will not replace Child Benefit. Find out more about Child Benefit on the central government website.

If any of the following applies, you will be unable to make a claim for Universal Credit.

You and your partner are pension age

You're staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing

When will Universal Credit affect you?

Universal Credit is being introduced gradually, starting with those who need to make a new claims, but eventually everyone in receipt of these benefits will have to claim Universal Credit.

If you are already claiming one or more of these benefits, you will not be affected until the Department of Work and Pensions contacts you.

However, if you are claiming them and your partner moves in with you and she/he is claiming Universal Credit, you will have to claim Universal Credit together.

How to claim Universal Credit

Where can you go for help?

If you don't have access to a computer or the internet you will be able to access a computer at your local Job Centre Plus or your local Hub.

You can also contact the Universal Credit Helpline for more information and advice on:

Welsh language: 0800 012 1888

If you are already in receipt of Universal Credit, but are still struggling to cover your housing costs, you may be able to claim Discretionary Housing Payments.

For help getting back to work and getting online, you can visit the Into Work Service​ page. ​​

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Use your postcode to find local councillors, facilities, school catchment areas and more. Find facilities in my area www.cardiff.gov.uk Use your postcode to find local councillors, facilities, school catchment areas and more. ​​​Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people who are of working age and on a low income, and is administered by the Department of Work and Pension.

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Every local Citizens Advice is now closed - you can't get face to face advice.

You can still get help by calling our national phone line or by talking to an adviser online.

Our Help to Claim service

Our Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment.

Help to Claim is a dedicated service from Citizens Advice. It's free, independent, confidential and impartial. Our trained advisers can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment.

You can read our online advice on Universal Credit at any time.

Call our national phone line

You can contact an adviser through our free national Help to Claim phone service:

England: 0800 144 8 444

England textphone: 18001 0800 144 8 444

Wales: 08000 241 220

Wales textphone: 18001 08000 241 220

Scotland: 0800 023 2581

Advisers are available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Call the Wales number if you'd like to speak to an Welsh language adviser.

Ask for a translator if you need to get advice in a different language. An adviser can use a translation service to speak to you in your chosen language.

If you need a British Sign Language interpreter, call the textphone number. An adviser can arrange for an interpreter to translate for you over a video call.

Talk to us online

Chat lets you talk to a trained adviser online about your Universal Credit application process. Chat is usually available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It's not available on public holidays. If no advisers are available we'll remove the chat button from this page.

If you want to chat to an adviser about any other issue, you can talk to us on our main chat page.

To connect you to the right adviser, we'll ask you for a few details, including your postcode. Read our privacy policy to find out how we store and use your personal information.

Some 'ad blocker' software can stop chat working. If you use an ad blocker, make sure to add 'citizensadvice.org.uk' as a trusted site.

Find your nearest Citizens Advice

Enter your postcode or town to get contact details and opening hours for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Complain about the Help to Claim service

You can use our complaints procedure if you want to complain about our Help to Claim service.

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Every local Citizens Advice is now closed - you can't get face to face advice. You can still get help by calling our national phone line or by talking to an adviser online. Our Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment.

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Money Manager for Universal Credit/ Rheolwr Arian i hawlwyr Credyd Cynhwysol

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Money Manager for Universal Credit/ Rheolwr Arian i hawlwyr Credyd Cynhwysol

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MoneyHelper is the new, easy way to get clear, free,
impartial help for all your money and pension choices.
Whatever your circumstances or plans, move forward with MoneyHelper.

Continue to website Do not show this message again for The Pensions Advisory Service

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Money Manager for Universal Credit claimants

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MoneyHelper is the new, easy way to get clear, free, impartial help for all your money and pension choices. Whatever your circumstances or plans, move forward with MoneyHelper. Continue to website Do not show this message again for The Pensions Advisory Service

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Communities for work Plus/ Cymunedau am Waith a Mwy

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Communities for work Plus/ Cymunedau am Waith a Mwy

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What is Communities for Work Plus?

Communities for Work Plus provides specialist employment advisory support and intensive mentoring for people with the legal right to live and work in the UK. You must be aged 20 years old or over, living in Wales and not in education, employment, or training, and have a complex barrier to employment.

Communities for Work Plus can provide support to help to build your confidence, gain some work experience, learn new skills or re-write your CV. Communities for Work Plus will help you as an individual and will meet with you in your local community.

What are the benefits of Communities for Work Plus?

Communities for Work Plus is a voluntary programme, offering help, support, guidance and training in relation to finding employment, through 1-2-1 advice from a team of dedicated mentors.

How does it work?

You will have your own mentor who will meet you at a convenient venue, local to you. They will find out what help you need when they meet with you and will agree next steps. There is no obligation to join Communities for Work Plus, it's entirely up to you and you can decide whether Communities for Work Plus is for you following your meeting with your mentor. If you decide to join Communities for Work Plus, your mentor will arrange to meet or contact you on a regular basis to ensure you are getting all the help you need to enable you to start work.

I'm interested in Communities for Work Plus. What do I need to do?

Contact a Working Wales adviser who will discuss your needs with you.

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Jobs Growth Wales/ Twf Swyddi Cymru Plws

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Jobs Growth Wales/ Twf Swyddi Cymru Plws

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Jobs Growth Wales+ is a training and development programme for 16-19 year olds that gives you the skills, qualifications and experience you need to get a job or further training.

It's a very flexible programme which is designed around you. So, Jobs Growth Wales+ is a good option whether you want just a little help or more support.

Jobs Growth Wales+ is a Welsh Government programme included in the Young Person's Guarantee.

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Whether you are finding your way in the world of work, or taking steps towards a career change, an apprenticeship could be for you.

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you will gain work experience, learn new skills, and get a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage.

Find out more about apprenticeships:

Get in touch to discuss your options or click on the links below to find out more.

About apprenticeships

Apprenticeships in Wales are open to a wide range of people. They can give you a fair and equal chance to kick-start your career. There are many types of jobs in different industries available. Learn more:

Real life stories

Discover how these people changed their story through an apprenticeship:

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Bridgend Youth Matters/ Materion Ieuenctid Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

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Bridgend Youth Matters/ Materion Ieuenctid Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

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Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations

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Bridgend Youth Matters is a network of third sector providers whose work focuses on children and young people, including for example, voluntary youth clubs. It is open to any voluntary or community group who work with young people aged 11-25 and enables members to discuss the issues of young people, share good practice and work together to develop opportunities for young people.
Are you an organisation based within Bridgend County Borough who provides support services or activities for young people aged 11 plus?

Bridgend Youth Matters is open to any voluntary or community group who works with young people aged 11-25. It enables members to discuss the issues of young people, share good practice and work together to develop opportunities for young people.

It helps ensure that young people throughout Bridgend County Borough are well informed and supported to access a broad range of quality services that enable them to take full advantage of life opportunities in their local communities.

By becoming a member of Bridgend Youth Matters you will have access to training and funding opportunities and share the issues, views and needs of young people within your services.

For further information, contact BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or E: bavo@bavo.org.uk

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Bridgend Youth Matters - Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations

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Bridgend Youth Matters is a network of third sector providers whose work focuses on children and young people, including for example, voluntary youth clubs. It is open to any voluntary or community group who work with young people aged 11-25 and enables members to discuss the issues of young people, share good practice and work [...]

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Housing First and housing for youth/  Tai’n Gyntaf a Thai Gyntaf ar gyfer Ieuenctid

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Housing First and housing for youth/  Tai’n Gyntaf a Thai Gyntaf ar gyfer Ieuenctid

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Bridgend Housing First and Housing First for Youth Project

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Adferiad are providing community-based support for individuals with complex needs across the county borough of Bridgend.

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Leaving school is a big but exciting decision to make. At Bridgend College, you can take the next steps in your independence, while still having lots of support around you, both inside and outside of the classroom.

We have plenty of options available to ensure you're making the right choice for you. Below is a list of subjects for you to explore, but if you can't find what you need you can always explore by interest instead. You can also get in touch with our careers team, .

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Leaving school is a big but exciting decision to make. At Bridgend College, you can take the next steps in your independence, while still having lots of

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Grants and funding | Who else can help | The King's Trust

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These organisations offer grants to help young people into entrepreneurship, education, training and employment. Find out how you can get funding and support.

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Welsh Government Learning Grant, funding for Further Education/ Grant Dysgu Llywodraeth Cymru, cyllid ar gyfer Addysg Bellach

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Welsh Government Learning Grant, funding for Further Education/ Grant Dysgu Llywodraeth Cymru, cyllid ar gyfer Addysg Bellach

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How and when to apply for Welsh Government Learning Grant, Further Education | Student Finance Wales

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If you're new to the Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG FE) for academic year 2024 to 2025, you'll need to fill in the application form. There are guidance notes to help you fill in the form.

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Benefits and Entitlements- Young Parents/ Budd-daliadau a Phethau i’w Hawlio-  Rhieni Ifanc

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Benefits and Entitlements- Young Parents/ Budd-daliadau a Phethau i’w Hawlio-  Rhieni Ifanc

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Additional support options

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Early Help

Bridgend County Borough Council's Early Help Team is a voluntary service which supports families to get the right help at the right time. The Early Help Team can provide services such as parenting support, wellbeing and resilience support and housing and employment support. Find out more here.

Baobab Bach Community Pantries

Baobab Bach provides affordable food, recipe ideas, nutrition advice support and wellbeing for communities. Find out more here.

Cost of living support

If you are struggling to pay your bills due to the rising cost of living and need support - Bridgend County Borough Council has information about local food banks, warm spaces and financial support here.

Family Information Service

Bridgend County Borough Council's Family Information Service provides free, impartial information and advice on a variety of services for children and young people (from birth to twenty five years old), parents and families. Find out more here.

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Early Help Bridgend County Borough Council's Early Help Team is a voluntary service which supports families to get the right help at the right time. The Early Help Team can [...]

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At Home-Start Cymru, our primary focus is to support families through whatever challenges they may be facing. We understand that every family is unique, and we provide essential support to hundreds of families each year. Our comprehensive range of services aims to make a positive difference in the lives of parents and children across Wales.

Here's how we support families:

1. 1-1 Home Visiting Support:
Our dedicated volunteers provide crucial one-on-one support to families in the comfort of their own homes. With compassion and empathy, they offer practical assistance, a listening ear, and non-judgmental guidance to help families navigate their individual situations.

2. Peer Support Groups:
We facilitate peer support groups, creating a safe and welcoming environment for parents to connect, share experiences, and receive mutual support. These groups foster a sense of community and allow families to learn from one another's journeys.

3. Specialised Support Services:
In addition to our core services, Home-Start Cymru offers a wide range of specialised support services tailored to meet specific needs. These services cater to diverse areas, encompassing 18 local authorities across Wales. We strive to address the unique challenges faced by families and provide valuable resources to support their well-being.

Our commitment to supporting families remains unwavering as we continue to expand and enhance our services. We firmly believe that every family deserves access to the assistance they require to thrive and overcome obstacles.

If you know a family in need or if you require our support, please reach out to us at info@homestartcymru.org.uk. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and provide the necessary support or guidance.

Thank you for standing alongside Home-Start Cymru as we work tirelessly to empower families.

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Home-Start Cymru | Family Support Charity | Home

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We are a Welsh family support charity, currently providing services to single parents in 18 local authorities.

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There are three Early Help hubs in Bridgend. They are located in the following parts of the county:

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Parenting: Give it time/ Magu Plant Rhowch amswer Iddo

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Parenting: Give it time/ Magu Plant Rhowch amswer Iddo

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Education Maintenance Allowance/ Lwfans Cynhaliaeth Addysg

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Education Maintenance Allowance/ Lwfans Cynhaliaeth Addysg

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Education Maintenance Allowance, funding for Further Education | Student Finance Wales

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If your circumstances change during the academic year, you'll need to update your application. Changing your application may affect how much student finance you can get.

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Youth Employment Programmes/ Help i ddod o hyd i waith i hawlwyr Credyd Cynhwysol 16 i 24 oed

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Youth Employment Programmes/ Help i ddod o hyd i waith i hawlwyr Credyd Cynhwysol 16 i 24 oed

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You can get extra help to find work through the DWP Youth Offer if you are:

While you are on the Youth Offer, you will continue to receive Universal Credit in line with the agreements made in your Claimant Commitment.

The Youth Offer has 3 different types of support:

Youth Employment Programme

Youth Hubs

Youth Employability Coaches

You will agree the best option for you with your work coach at the start of your claim or later as your work coach gets to know you.

Youth Employment Programme

The aim of the Youth Employment Programme is to help prepare you for work, increase your chances of moving into a job and refer you to the most appropriate support. This could include:

The programme lasts for 13 weeks and you will work with your work coach at jobcentre.

Employment and Skills review

Following your Claimant Commitment meeting, you will have an employment and skills review with your work coach. At the review, you will

discuss your skills and the types of job you would like to do

identify any work-related training you need

get support to develop and improve your CV, covering letter, interview skills and job search activities

Work search reviews

During your time on the Youth Employment Programme, you will have reviews with your work coach by phone, face to face or online for continued support and coaching.

You will get support to meet your individual needs and deal with any personal barriers to work you may have. Your work coach may refer you to other local support and local job opportunities, for example:

DWP Youth Hubs

Your work coach may refer you to extra support for up to 6 months from a Youth Hub work coach.

Youth Hubs are located with other organisations to provide access to more services in one location. They support you looking for work by helping you develop your skills and other activities such as writing a CV and interview skills.

DWP is opening Youth Hubs in England, Scotland and Wales.

Some Youth Hubs offer a drop-in service for all young people who need support to find work, including those not claiming Universal Credit.

Contact your local jobcentre to find your nearest Youth Hub.

Youth Employability Coaches

Your work coach may refer you to a Youth Employability Coach if you have complex needs or other barriers stopping you finding a job. They are based in jobcentres and provide support for up to 6 months to help you move into work.

They can also provide 6 weeks support while you are in work when you have started a job.

Travel and childcare costs

If you attend training or work experience, you may be able to claim travel and childcare costs. Speak with your work coach about this.

Help finding work online

The jobhelp website has information on looking for jobs, help with CV's, applications and interview support. It includes links to some national recruitment exercises and information to help people aged under 25 find work.

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Help to find work for Universal Credit claimants aged 18 to 24

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You can get extra help to find work through the DWP Youth Offer if you are: While you are on the Youth Offer, you will continue to receive Universal Credit in line with the agreements made in your Claimant Commitment.

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Food Shopping Tips/ Cynghorion Siopa am Fwyd

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Food Shopping Tips/ Cynghorion Siopa am Fwyd

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Recipe Videos, Tik Toks, BBC Good Food and lots of information on simple ways to cook and where to shop!

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Need to access a foodbank voucher?

Important - Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. In order to get help from our foodbank, you will need a voucher issued by local agencies. - Find out more

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Need to access a foodbank voucher? Important - Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. In order to get help from our foodbank, you will need a voucher issued by local agencies. - Find out more

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Cycle routes near you/ Llwybrau Beico Gerllaw

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Cycle routes near you/ Llwybrau Beico Gerllaw

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We're updating the signage on the National Cycle Network

When you're out on the Network, please be aware that the signage you see may not reflect recent changes to our online mapping.

We're working hard with our volunteers and partners to update these signs.

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Find a route on the National Cycle Network

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Browse the hundreds of routes on the National Cycle Network and find the perfect walking and cycling route for you.

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Benefits of exercise/ Manteision ymarfer corff

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Benefits of exercise/ Manteision ymarfer corff

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What happens inside your body when you exercise?

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Save money by applying for mytravelpass to get discounted travel for all 16-21 year olds across Wales. Receive 1/3 off your travel with mytravelpass.

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Up to date travel arrangements and route maps

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Up to date travel arrangements and route maps

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South & West Wales - Route Maps

Welcome to your First Cymru route maps. Here, you can find bus routes, in order to plan your journey across the region more effectively and in advance.

If you'd like to plan your journey, buy tickets and track your bus, please download the award-winning First Bus app.

But if you'd like a PDF version of your network, or maybe you'd like to print one to keep handy, please check below.

Swansea

Carmarthenshire

Neath Port Talbot

Pembrokeshire

Bridgend

Vale of Glanmorgan

Cardiff

Rhondda Cynon Taf

Powys

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South & West Wales - Route Maps Welcome to your First Cymru route maps. Here, you can find bus routes, in order to plan your journey across the region more effectively and in advance. If you'd like to plan your journey, buy tickets and track your bus, please download the award-winning First Bus app.

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Keeping my money, possessions and myself safe/ Cadw fy hun, fy arian a'r eiddo sydd gen i yn ddiogel

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Keeping my money, possessions and myself safe/ Cadw fy hun, fy arian a'r eiddo sydd gen i yn ddiogel

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One-to- one workshops/ Gweithdai un-i-un

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One-to- one workshops/ Gweithdai un-i-un

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We can run workshops for young people on any of the topic areas covered in our resources.

In the one-to-one workshops we are able to go into more depth on an issue, providing guidance based on the individual's needs.

For more information contact Bethan Wilson, Development Officer, Children in Wales. gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

Gallwn ni gynnal gweithdai i bobl ifanc ar unrhyw rai o’r meysydd pwnc sy’n cael sylw yn ein hadnoddau.

Yn y gweithdai un-i-un byddwn ni’n gallu edrych yn fanylach ar rywbeth, a rhoi arweiniad ar sail anghenion yr unigolyn.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â Bethan Wilson, Swyddog Datblygu, Plant yng Nghymru. gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

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Council Tax Reduction/ Gostyngiad i'ch treth gyngor

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Council Tax Reduction/ Gostyngiad i'ch treth gyngor

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Council tax reduction helps people on low incomes to pay their council tax.

You are eligible if you are claiming job seekers allowance or income support, or if your income is below a certain level.

You are also eligible if you are receiving universal credit.

You can check your eligibility in the My Account form 'Apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction'.

Please note that you are not entitled to withhold council tax payments while your claim is being assessed.

If you are awarded a council tax reduction, a breakdown will explain the calculation and your duty to notify the Council Tax Team of any changes.

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Learn about the council tax reduction, and see how to apply for it.

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Welsh Water Customer Assistance Fund/ Cronfa Cymorth Cwsmeriad Dwr Cymru

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Welsh Water Customer Assistance Fund/ Cronfa Cymorth Cwsmeriad Dwr Cymru

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How does it work?

If you're successful in your application, we'll set up a monthly, fortnightly or weekly payment plan for your current year's charges.

Once you have made payments for 6 months, we will pay off 50% of your previous arrears.

If you make payments for a further 6 months, we will then pay off the rest of your previous arrears.

Example of instalments

This is just an example - customers may have different instalments to the below.

Based on £550 of debt, and a £400 bill for the current year:

Your weekly instalments would be £7.69 (£400 bill ÷ 52 weeks)

We pay the first 50% (£275) of your debt after 26 weeks.

We pay the second 50% (£275) of your debt after 52 weeks.

If you keep up with payments, over the year you would have paid your bill and we would have cleared your debt.
This is a one-off opportunity. If you fall into arrears again, the Customer Assistance Fund Debt Support scheme would not be offered.
Are you eligible?

You may be eligible if:

Your water account is for a domestic property where you currently live.

You owe more than £150.

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Customer Assistance Fund Debt Support scheme | Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

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If you're successful in your application, we'll set up a monthly, fortnightly or weekly payment plan for your current year's charges. Once you have made payments for 6 months, we will pay off 50% of your previous arrears. If you make payments for a further 6 months, we will then pay off the rest of your previous arrears.

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Cold Weather Payment/ Taliad Twydd Oer: Trosolwg

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Cold Weather Payment/ Taliad Twydd Oer: Trosolwg

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Cold Weather Payment - what you'll get, eligibility and how to find out if your area is due a payment

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Warm Home Discount/ Cynllun Gostyngiad Cartrefi Cynnes

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Warm Home Discount/ Cynllun Gostyngiad Cartrefi Cynnes

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You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it's a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

You'll usually get the discount automatically if you're eligible. You only need to apply if you're on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply.

If you might be eligible, you'll get a letter by early January 2024.

If you do not get a letter and you think you're eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 2024.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you're eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

Eligibility

There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live.

If you live in England and Wales

You qualify if you either:

If you live in Scotland

You qualify if you either:

Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters

You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you'll get the discount if you're eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

Park (mobile) homes

You apply a different way if you live in a park home.

Apply for the Park Homes Warm Home Discount.

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The Warm Home Discount Scheme could take £150 off your winter electricity bill - eligibility, how to get your discount, deadlines.

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Advicelink Cymru is a Welsh Government funded Citizens Advice service designed to help people who are most in need of advice services, particularly those who would not usually seek advice.

In 2020, Advicelink Cymru helped almost 62,000 people with over 264,000 problems. In total, more than 9 in 10 clients reported that the service helped them find a way forward and more than 9 in 10 would recommend the service to other people.

Advicelink Cymru offers quality assured advice on welfare benefits, debt, employment, education, housing, immigration and discrimination.The service aims to help people access the right advice, at the right time and make it easier for them to access services again if they need further help-whether that's about the same issue or something new.

reach out to clients proactively, often through partners, to get advice service interventions to those most in need of them before they are in crisis

work seamlessly so the client's journey is as simple as possible

provide regionally based services with national consistency

deliver quality-assured advice with wraparound support for clients from partners. Partner support could be practical, emotional, clinical or social

People in Wales can access the service Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm through our Advicelink Cymru number: 0800 702 2020.

Relay UK - if you can't hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 08082 505 720.

You can contact our Specialist Employment and Discrimination helpline if you have a problem at work and/or think you are experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination and are worried about your rights and what you can do on 0808 278 7921. Calls are free and lines are open 9am - 5pm excluding bank holidays

For advice if you have rent arrears and are a private rented sector tenant

You can contact our Private Rented Sector Debt Helpline for advice on maximising income, managing debt and receive support to help you negotiate with your landlord on freephone 0808 278 7920. Lines are open 9am - 5pm excluding bank holidays

Partnership approach

Advicelink Cymru is managed by Citizens Advice Cymru. Funding is sub-granted to individual local Citizens Advice offices and a broad range of local and national partners, who deliver advice services.

As well as advice partners our access partners are experts in engaging specific groups and communities across Wales. They help us reach the people who need our services most and provide wraparound emotional, clinical and social support services.

Find out more about our partners' work here:

Further information

With our network of advice partners, we'll try out new ways to reach people who haven't accessed advice before or have specific advice needs, and we'll learn as we go. We're gradually engaging new partners over time and we'll update this page as new organisations come on board.

Find out more about the service by downloading the impact we're having in Wales report.

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A new service in Wales helping people access the right advice when they need it. Find out more about how we are delivering this service.

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Here at NYAS, we've launched a new fund to support young people aged 16-25 who have left local authority care in England or Wales.

Open to young people who have previously received support from NYAS, it is our hope that the Knapman Fund will go a long way towards enhancing the future life chances of children leaving care.

A staggering 40% of care-leavers are not in employment, education or training, yet children in care are expected to live independently from as young as 16. Often these children don't have access to the same financial and family support systems as many others their age.

This is why we've created the Knapman Fund in memory of Trisha Knapman. Our first employee in 1985, she continued to work for NYAS for 35 years, during which time she made a key contribution to our development. Trisha passionately supported the work of NYAS until she passed away in 2021.

The fund provides grants of up to £500 for young care-leavers. The grant will allow care-leavers to put money towards initiatives or goods that will enable them to access education, find employment, or support their independence.

Trisha's family said, "Trisha would be delighted that a legacy in her name has been established to support the young people that she cared for throughout her career in helping them make a significant step out of supported living as they move on with their lives as young adults. As a mothering gift towards useful items and development to further individuals, this fund epitomises Trisha's caring nature."

Whilst not intended to replace grants, funding or any other types of financial support and services available to care leavers from statutory or voluntary organisations, we hope the Knapman Fund will help to fill a gap in support for care-leavers. If you are a young care-leaver already receiving financial support, you are still eligible for the fund if you find yourself with less money than you need.

Rita Waters, Group CEO of NYAS said, "NYAS believes that every young person who leaves care should have the same 'life chances' as their peers who are supported and living with their birth parents. This is why we've created the Knapman Fund in memory of Trisha Knapman, to provide funds to applicants where such provision is likely to contribute to individuals' continued personal development and improve their quality of life in ways which are important to them."

The Knapman Fund is now open for applications. For further information and to make an application, click here.

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The Knapman Fund: a brand-new fund for young people leaving care

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The Knapman Fund: a brand-new fund for young people leaving care

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If you have submitted an application in May 2020, due to restrictions implemented relating to the Covid-19 virus, we ask you to to please bear with us during these challenging times. As a small team, we are working hard to request and receive relevant references and supporting information for the Trustees, and to purchase and organise deliveries where grants have been agreed and goods can be ordered. If we have not yet contacted you please be assured we will do so as quickly as we can, given the current situation.
The Capstone Foster Care group, has historically made donations to charities that work to assist disadvantaged young people to help them get started in adult life. The creation of The Capstone Care Leavers Trust has enabled young people who have been in local authority care to benefit from financial support not available elsewhere.

Many young people who have been in 'Care', either in Local Authority foster care placements or in children's homes, are expected to live independently from as young as 16 years old. They do not have access to the same financial and family support systems that most young people experience, when able to continue living in the parental home as young adults. So many care leavers begin their adult lives with no family support at all, no-one to rely on, and minimal financial resources.

Typically, we would consider awarding grants for:-

It is not however, the intention, or responsibility of the CCLT to replace grants, funding or any other types of financial support and services available to care leavers from statutory, or voluntary organisations. These areas of support must have been thoroughly explored before we are able to consider an application for a grant.

All information that you provide to us will be treated confidentially and will only be shared with third parties relevant to the decision making process. We will monitor outcomes of grants we make, in order to help us evaluate our effectiveness and improve our service for care leavers in the future.
Please Note: The Capstone Care Leavers Trust (CCLT) is a charity in England and Wales. As such its Trustees are free to make, or refuse grants within its officially registered areas of operation. A refusal is usually made with regret and often with explanation and/or advice. We are prepared to listen if you have got evidence that we have got something wrong. However, the Trustees' decisions, usually communicated through the Manager, are final.

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If you have submitted an application in May 2020, due to restrictions implemented relating to the Covid-19 virus, we ask you to to please bear with us during these challenging times. As a small team, we are working hard to request and receive relevant references and supporting information for the Trustees, and to purchase and organise deliveries where grants have been agreed and goods can be ordered.

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Solutions Centre Bridgend/ Y Ganolfan Atebion, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

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Solutions Centre Bridgend/ Y Ganolfan Atebion, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

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Gwasanaeth sy'n cynnig cyngor, cefnogaeth a chymorth wedi'i deilwra ar gyfer pobl sy'n ddigartref neu'n wynebu anawsterau tai yw y Ganolfan Atebion

Amseroedd Agor

Mae'n rhedeg sesiwn galw heibio yn y boreau (Llun - Gwener, 9:20am - 12:00pm) a sesiwn apwyntiadau yn unig yn y prynhawniau.

Polisi drws agored Llun

Gwener 9:30am- 12:00pm

System apwyntiadau fwy ffurfiol

1:00pm - 5:00pm yr un diwrnodau

Ein cefnogaeth

Gall y Ganolfan Atebion helpu pobl i:

Ddod o hyd i lety priodol

Rheoli ôl-ddyledion rhent a dyledion eraill

Hawlio unrhyw fudd-daliadau y mae ganddynt hawl iddynt

Chyfeirio pobl at asiantaethau perthnasol eraill

Mae'r ganolfan hefyd yn cynnig cyfleusterau cawod, peiriant golchi dillad a pheiriant sychu dillad, a mynediad at ffôn a chyfrifiadur. Yn ogystal, cynigir fwyd a dillad mewn argyfwng, cyfeiriad post a chyfleusterau cyfnewid nodwyddau.

Gall ein gweithiwr atebion hefyd fynd i syrjeris mewn cymunedau lleol ym mwrdeistref Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr pan fo angen.
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y prosiect, neu i ofyn am wybodaeth am atgyfeirio, cysylltwch â ni.

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Y Ganolfan Atebion, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr - The Wallich Cymraeg

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Mae'n rhedeg sesiwn galw heibio yn y boreau (Llun - Gwener, 9:20am - 12:00pm) a sesiwn apwyntiadau yn unig yn y prynhawniau.

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Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out which welfare benefits you may be entitled to.

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About Us | Lads & Dads | Bridgend, South Wales

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Learn more about Lads and Dads. Here we explain our history, why we exist and what our mission is. Lads and dads is a men's mental wellbeing and support group operating out of Bridgend in South Wales.