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About us

All Wales Forum has been established since 1998 and is an umbrella body made up of a Wales wide alliance of local and regional based organisation and support groups of parents and carers. We are governed by parents and carers, ensuring that our client base has a clear input into our direction of work.

Who do we work with?

We are unique among the Learning Disability bodies in Wales as the only organisation that represents nationally, collectively and solely the views and voices of Parents and family Carers of people with learning disabilities. We share a commitment with our wider alliance partners to work to improve the rights and recognition of family carers supporting loved ones with a disability.

What would we like to accomplish?

Through working together with the network, we want to enable parents and family carers to have an equitable voice and to be empowered to make positive decisions to meet their needs.

How will we do it?

We will identify issues and opportunities at local, regional and national levels where we can come together to raise awareness, discuss solutions and generate innovative community led ideas and assist in the future planning of services and support for both carers and their relatives.

All Wales forum will also work in partnership with Welsh Government and third sector partners to deliver social care projects across Wales to meet the well-being needs of learning disability family carers.

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Below is a list of organisations and authorities who are providing advice, grants and possible funding to support people during the cost-of-living crisis. The list will keep being updated as we come across further support or when details of grants and funding from the Welsh Government are published. Please see the different sections below. If anything is missing, please let us know by emailing gwen@allwalesforum.org.uk . Thank you in advance.

We want to thank NEA Cymru for inviting us to their Energy Crisis Conference 2024, thanks to the contacts made at the event we were able to gather more information that could be useful to families and update this page with more resources to support families.

The sections are:

Helplines

Energy & Water Support

Benefits & Cost Of Living Resources

Support with Debt

Welsh Government Support

UK Government Support

NHS and Local Health Boards Support

Local Support

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These are the groups we are aware of, if you would like us to add a group please let us know at gwen@allwalesforum.org.uk

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Helpline Open During the Festive Season 24

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Helpline Open During the Festive Season 24

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Find different helplines you can access during the festive period, we will also post any relevant opening times.

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Advicelink Cymru is a Welsh Government funded Citizens Advice service, and it 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.

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

Find out more here: https://gov.wales/claim-whats-yours

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Find your local NAS branch for events and meetings

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches

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Free energy saving advice from Carers Trust and Energy Saving Trust

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Free energy saving advice from Carers Trust and Energy Saving Trust

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Carers Trust has teamed up with Energy Saving Trust to produce energy saving advice specifically for unpaid carers.

The advice is in the form of interactive online modules. Carers can sign up and go through the modules in their own time and at their own pace.

Money & Benefits - Housing & Heating Costs | Carers Trust

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Every gas, water and electricity supplier – who you pay your bills to – and your electricity distribution networks, has what is called a Priority Services Register. This register makes sure that, in an emergency situation, such as loss of gas supply, services are able to prioritise those customers who need the support the most.

Who can join the PSR?

Households who:

Have someone aged over 60, or someone under 5 living with them.

Have someone who is living with a chronic medical condition or registered disabled.

Have someone who has any other specific needs, meaning they need extra support, including but not only:

– Blind or partially sighted

– Deaf or hard of hearing

– Speech difficulties or a non-English speaker

– Poor or no sense of smell

Find out more information on the Ofgem site https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register

Or contact directly your energy or water service provider and ask about their PSR.

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The Nest scheme offers a range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, solar panels or a heat pump. This can lower your energy bills and benefit your health and wellbeing.

Find out how you can apply for free home energy efficiency improvements.

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‘Connected for Warmth’ is an award-winning scheme run in partnership with AgilityEco, funded by National Grid that is Helping households to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel bills. As part of the support package, in addition to the installation of an air source heat pump system, the scheme offers energy bill support for applicants suffering with health conditions to help with the running costs of your heating.

Find out more of what is available in your area here – https://www.connectedforwarmth.org.uk/

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While funding lasts, with Evolve Home Energy Solutions you could get cavity wall insulation and loft insulation for FREE if your home is in Council Tax Band A-D! Plus, FREE SMART heating controls, Radbots, radiator reflectors,
LED lightbulbs and draught-proofing are available too.

Evolve is the primary installer for South Wales and the Southwest of England.

Find out more here – https://www.evolvehes.co.uk/connected-for-warmth/

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Charis manages the energy grant and scheme offered by energy companies through Ofgem, check if there are any active schemes in your area and their eligibility criteria. E-On Energy Fund, E-On Next Energy Fund, British Gas, OVO Energy, SSE and others.

https://charisgrants.com/individuals/

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Helping older people to live independently in warm, safe, accessible homes. Running the 70+ Cymru service which offers free Home Energy Assessments for people aged 60 and above in Wales.

https://www.careandrepair.org.uk/en/your-area/

NEW SERVICE

Our Older Not Colder service provides free home energy support to help keep your home warm and your energy bills down.

̲W̲h̲o̲ ̲i̲s̲ ̲t̲h̲e̲ ̲s̲e̲r̲v̲i̲c̲e̲ ̲f̲o̲r̲?̲
To be eligible, you must be living in Wales, be over the age of 60 and own your home or privately rent.

̲H̲o̲w̲ ̲t̲h̲e̲ ̲s̲e̲r̲v̲i̲c̲e̲ ̲c̲a̲n̲ ̲h̲e̲l̲p̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲:̲
A free visit and assessment of your home.
Free advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Guidance for those who are struggling with bills.
Support with accessing the Warm Homes Programme.
Support with accessing benefits that you are entitled to.
Help to apply for grants that can keep your home warm.

Their Home Energy Officers are ready and waiting to visit your home and support you with your home energy needs. Use the form on this webpage to request a free home visit: https://careandrepair.org.uk/oldernotcolder/

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Priority Services

Welsh Water has a priority service for those who may be a parent with a baby, have an illness that requires water, have sight or hearing difficulties or are elderly or disabled.
Welsh Waters Priority Services Register means they can help with:

Reassurance against bogus callers

Bottled water if your supply is interrupted

Alternative ways of getting information

You can join the register by completing the online form on https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/priority-services

Alternatively, you can contact 0800 052 0145 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

They also have advice, information and schemes to support those who are on low income and/or benefits. Thttps://www.dwrcymru.com/en/support-with-bills

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With Water Sure Wales, you can have your water bill capped if you have a person with a disability at home that requires extra use of water.

To be eligible, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit or :

Have 3 or more children under the age of 19 living at your home who you can claim Child Benefit.

Have a member of your household with a medical condition that requires significant use of extra water.

If your condition is not listed on their website, but still requires a significant amount of water, you may provide information in your application.

Please follow the link below, as it will give you information how to apply for this.

Bill Cap - WaterSure Wales tariff | Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

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If your water is supplied by HD Cymru, they can help with keeping bills low, finding the best tariff for you, and managing your payments.

Visit the HD Cymru website for support with paying your water bill

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Free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping them to Understand their bills, manage their energy and water needs and support registering with the Priority Services Register

https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-energy-support/

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British Energy Trust is an independent Charitable Trust. Its mission is to alleviate the detrimental impact of poverty, with a focus on fuel poverty.

https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/

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Essential welfare rights information, advice and tools for advisers. The Fuel Rights Handbook is free to access and they have a section with financial help for families

https://askcpag.org.uk/publications/-231890/financial-help-for-families–what-you-need-to-know–3rd-edition-

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Step Change, the Debt charity have a page dedicated to information and support around the Cost-of-living Crisis and can provide free debt help.

https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/rising-cost-of-living.aspx

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MoneyHelper is a free service offering impartial guidance on money and pensions. They are backed by UK Government and can recommend further support if you need it.

Visit the MoneyHelper website for free guidance

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

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Carers Wales has created a new hub filled with resources to help support you with finances. It includes information on grants and benefits, as well as money and debt management tools and support with energy bills.

https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/money-matters-hub

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Shared Lives Plus Cost of Living Resources

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Shared Lives Plus Cost of Living Resources

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SLP has created a webpage with a roundup of information and resources, including in easy-read, about the cost of living which may be relevant to Shared Lives households.

Resources

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Citizens Advice is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and with benefits, council tax reduction they may be entitled to. Find your local branch at the website link below.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/

For more specific support with your bills click the link

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills

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Turn2us has a benefits calculator and grants search tool to help you find out what support you can get alongside adviser locator tools. They also have information on benefits and information on help with paying energy and water bills.

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/

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Navigating money management and decision-making for adults who have Down’s syndrome: resources for families and carers

Downs Syndrome Association (downs-syndrome.org.uk)

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Cost of Living: Financial Entitlements – Frequently Asked Questions.

The Commissioner has brought together helpful information to answer some key questions about the financial assistance that may be available to older people to help them through this difficult time.

Cost Of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

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You could get up to a 50% Council Tax discount if you are a carer, depending on who else lives in your property.

Find out more about the eligibility criteria by clicking the link - Council Tax discounts and reduction: Carers | GOV.WALES

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Breathing Space (sometimes called the ‘Debt Respite Scheme’) is a free government scheme that could give you up to 60 days’ space from creditors to focus on getting debt advice and setting up a debt solution.

If you apply and are eligible, all creditors are informed and must stop any collection or enforcement activity. You’ll still need to keep making your regular payments if you can afford to.

StepChange can help with applications: https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/breathing-space-scheme.aspx

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The Carers Wales hub provides trustworthy sources of support and tips on what you can do to overcome any debt problems you or someone you know might be facing.

Dealing with debt | Carers Wales (carersuk.org)

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The Welsh Government with this fund is providing two grants.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

A grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel if you:

are experiencing extreme financial hardship

have lost your job

have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment

You cannot use it to pay for ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay.

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

A grant to help you or someone you care for live independently in their home or a property that you or they are moving into.

Use the grant to pay for:

a fridge, cooker or washing machine and other ‘white goods’

home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs

https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf

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School Essentials Grant: help with school cost

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School Essentials Grant: help with school cost

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Families with children in reception to year 11 on lower incomes and get certain benefits can apply for:

£125 per learner and extra funding for your school

£200 for learners entering year 7 (to help with increased costs associated with starting secondary school) and extra funding for your school

Parents and carers can claim once per child per school year.

Parents and guardians can contact their local council to check their eligibility and apply.

The School Essentials Grant opened on 1 July 2024 and will close on 31 May 2025. Parents and carers can claim once per child per school year.

Find out more at the link - School Essentials Grant: help with school costs | GOV.WALES

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Parents and guardians can apply for childcare and early education for up to 30 hours a week if your child is 3 or 4 years old.

Check if you're eligible for the Childcare Offer for Wales | GOV.WALES

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You could get £81.90 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person. If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.

As of October 2024, the number of hours a carer can work in employment whilst receiving Carers Allowance has risen, please check eligibility criteria.

Find out more by clicking the link - Carer's Allowance: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

A major change to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment means that to get the allowance that’s worth up to £300, you must also receive Pension Credit. If you don’t currently get Pension Credit, but think you could be eligible, it’s vital to check now and apply, otherwise you could miss out.

Find out more about Pension Credit and how to apply by clicking the link: Pension Credit: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Resources and Information by Improvement Cymru

The Health Profile

The Health Profile for Professionals - NHS Wales Performance and Improvement

Once for Wales Positive Behaviour Support family resource - NHS Wales Performance and Improvement

Annual Health Check - NHS Wales Performance and Improvement

Learning Disability - NHS Wales Performance and Improvement

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Are you pregnant or have children under the age of four? Do you claim Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit? You could qualify for the NHS Healthy Start scheme to help you buy food, milk and get free Healthy Start vitamins.

Find out if you're eligible on the website: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

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The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service is for patients across Wales who are unable for medical reasons, to make their own way to and from their hospital appointments.

Find out if you are eligible and to book on the link in the post

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) - Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust

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Support with the cost of living for the local authorities within the ABHB area.

https://abuhb.nhs.wales/healthcare-services/staying-well-and-healthy/cost-of-living-support/

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Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area

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Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area

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Emotional and Practical Support for Unpaid Carers living in the CVUHB area.

Emotional and Practical Support for Unpaid Carers - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (nhs.wales)

If you are a carer and your loved one is in hospital -there is support for you. Contact the Carers Lead Tel: 029 21845692 Email: pe.cav@wales.nhs.uk

Carer Factsheets - Support for you

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C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline For Wales

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C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline For Wales

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The Mental Health Helpline service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year

Freephone

0800 132 737

or you can

Email

call@helpline.wales

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Local support and advice around cost-of-living, information and times of local Warm Hubs and more can be find at this link

https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/cost-of-living-advice-and-support/

Click here for Support for carers Blaenau Gwent

From 1/4/24 Adferiad is managing The Gwent Carers Hub Service find out more by clicking the link here.

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support/

Click here for Support for Carers in Bridgend

And here for the Bridgend Carers Centre

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From 1/4/24 Adferiad is managing The Carer Service locally, find out more by clicking the link here.

Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/cost-of-living-support.aspx

Click here for Support for Carers in Caerphilly

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Benefits-and-Grants/Cost-of-living-support/Pages/default.aspx

Carers Services in Cardiff

From 1st April 2024 the way in which unpaid carers in Cardiff access information and advice will change.

Cardiff residents – Independent Living Services: 029 2023 4234

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5pm

Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm

Email: ContactILS@cardiff.gov.uk

This change is a result of the closure of the Care Collective on 31 March 2024.

Unpaid Carers Financial Wellbeing Service

The TuVida Carers Financial Wellbeing Service provides financial support and education to carers.

The service offers both a Financial Wellbeing Service and Direct Grants Scheme,
delivered in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, funded by Welsh Government.

To get financial help from the team, please access the applications and
guidance via their website

or phone: 07860 957621

From SEN to ALN

Are you a parent/carer of a child with an Additional Learning Need?

The ALN Parent Reference Group works with parents and carers regarding the new Additional Learning Needs Act and its implementation.

For more information or to become part of the parent reference group, please contact:

📞07977 291587

https://orlo.uk/QhkIS

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/support-with-the-cost-of-living-crisis/

Adferiad Carers Service

Carers Support West Wales

This services is provided in Carmarthenshire to help Carers maximise their income

Money Matters – Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales

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Screening Information for carers and the people they support

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Screening Information for carers and the people they support

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Carers and care providers play an essential role in making sure that the people they care for feel supported to access screening when invited. Public Health Wales has gathered useful information regarding screening and attending appointments for carers and those they care for.

Carers - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/cost-of-living/

Support For Carers

Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers - Credu

Carers Support West Wales

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Cost-of-Living/Cost-of-Living.aspx

Support for Carers Conwy

Carers Outreach Service

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/benefits-grants-and-money-advice/cost-of-living-support/cost-of-living-support.aspx

Support for Carers Denbighshire

NEWCIS - Supporting unpaid carers across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Cost-of-Living-Hub/Home.aspx

Support for Carers Flintshire

NEWCIS - Supporting unpaid carers across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Costau-Byw/Cost-of-living-help.aspx

Support for Carers Gwynedd

Carers Outreach Service

Dal Dwylo - By Families for Families - Signposting, support and Partnership

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.anglesey.gov.wales/en/Residents/Benefits-and-grants/Cost-of-living-support.aspx

Support for Carers Isle of Anglesey

Carers Outreach Service

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.merthyr.gov.uk/resident/cost-of-living-support-and-advice/

Support for Carers Merthyr Tydfil

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From 1/4/24 Adferiad is managing the local Carer Service find out more by clicking the link here.

Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/CouncilTaxAndBenefits/Cost-of-Living-Support/Cost-of-Living-Support.aspx

Support for Carers in Torfaen

Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/money-matters/

Support for Carers Monmouthshire

Numbers to Call for Carers Assessment

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.npt.gov.uk/33338

Support for Carers Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot Carers Service

The Energy Team - Hwb y Gors

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From 1/4/24 Adferiad is managing the local Carer Service find out more by clicking the link here.

General advice and support- https://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Support-and-Advice/Support-and-Advice.aspx

Cost of Living Support for Newport City Homes https://www.newportcityhomes.com/advice-and-support/cost-of-living/

Newport Carers Network

For support in your caring role contact 01633 656656 or visit www.newport.gov.uk/carers for lots of helpful resources.

If you would like to receive regular carer information from the Community Connectors in the Local Authority, please email community.connectors@newport.gov.uk and ask to join the Carers Network

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/benefits-support-and-grants

Carers Support Pembrokeshire- https://ctcww.org.uk/services/carers-support-pembrokeshire/

Carers Support West Wales

Money Matters Service

This service is delivered for Carers in Pembrokeshire to help maximise their income

https://ctcww.org.uk/services/money-matters/

Pembrokeshire Community Hub

Anyone experiencing financial hardship or who would like information about what support is available in their area, can contact the Pembrokeshire Community Hub on 01437 723660 or email enquiries@pembrokeshirecommunityhub.org

The Pembrokeshire Community Hub has also created an online one-stop-shop on the Connect Pembrokeshire website https://connectpembrokeshire.org.uk/ which has lots of useful information and an interactive map of Warm Welcome Community Spaces across the county.

Sign And Share Club for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing

Email: admin@signandshare.org.uk Call: 07378 611181

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/13329/Cost-of-Living-Hub

Credu Carers Service in Powys

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/ConsumerAdviceandMoneyMatters/CostofLivingSupport/CostofLivingSupport.aspx

Support for Carers in RCT

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.swansea.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp

Support for Carers in Swansea

Swansea Carers Centre

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From 1/4/24 Adferiad is managing The Gwent Carers Hub Service find out more by clicking the link here.

Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/CouncilTaxAndBenefits/Cost-of-Living-Support/Cost-of-Living-Support.aspx

Support for Carers in Torfaen

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Cost Of Living Support Hub https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/Cost-of-Living/Cost-of-Living-Support.aspx

Carers Services in Vale of Glamorgan

Vale Unpaid Carers Hub

The Vale Unpaid Carers Hub is a one-stop-shop for unpaid carers living in The Vale of Glamorgan. The service offers practical and emotional support to unpaid carers, helping people to protect their health and wellbeing and understand their caring role. Their workers provide a listening ear and can link carers into services and support in the local area.

To make a referral into the Vale Unpaid Carers Hub (this can be a self-referral or via social services) please click here to complete the form or call 02921 921024.

valecarershub@tuvida.org

Education for your child with additional needs in the Vale of Glamorgan - Resource for families

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/858793582

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Cost Of Living Support Hub - https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/services/help-cost-living

Support for Carers Wrexham

NEWCIS - Supporting unpaid carers across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham

The Rainbow Foundation - Wrexham is encouraging residents to come forward for support with the cost of living - The Rainbow Foundation, Wrexham is encouraging residents to come forward for support with the cost of living – The Rainbow Foundation

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Warm Wales is a CIC working to tackle fuel poverty by offering free advice and support (gas grants, eco funding) to ensure people across Wales and South-West England have warm and safe homes. They can also support with applications to grant-funded schemes, providing replacement boilers, central heating systems, and insulation to qualifying households; information and advice about smart meters and understanding bills; support to access discount schemes including the Warm Homes Discount

Warm Wales – Get Support

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Blaenau Gwent Unpaid Adult Carers | Facebook

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Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) - FB Group - Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) | Facebook

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Dads Group Gwent – Their aim is to provide a safe place for any dad caring for a child with additional needs, be that physical, developmental or intellectual. In person meet up at Rogerstone - Home | Dads Group Gwent

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Young Adult Carer ROOTS Project is a Bridgend Carers Centre project - Facebook Page

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Bridgend Parent Carers Support and Wellbeing group – Group by Bridgend Carers Centre for people looking after children and young adults with disabilities up to the age if 25 years in the Bridgend County Borough area - Bridgend Parent Carers Support and Wellbeing group | Facebook

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Sparrows ALN Group is a group of parent carers who get together to have events and you can find their FB Group here Sparrows Aln Group | Facebook

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Caerphilly County Carers Group – a FB Group for local carers - Facebook

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Caerphilly County Borough Young Carers Group – FB Group for young carers and young adult carers in the area - Caerphilly County Borough Young Carers Group | Facebook

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Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) - FB Group - Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) | Facebook

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Dads Group Gwent – Their aim is to provide a safe place for any dad caring for a child with additional needs, be that physical, developmental or intellectual. In person meet up in Rogerstone - Home | Dads Group Gwent

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Cardiff & The Vale Parent Carer Federation, group by parent carer for parent carers - Cardiff and Vale Parents Federation - Home

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Cwtch Together - disability play project held in the centre of Cardiff which promotes inclusive play and socialisation for disabled children and their families.

https://www.cwtchtogether.co.uk/

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Autism’s hidden voices – South Wales project that is raising awareness, providing resources and sharing discussions on the challenges that the diverse Autistic community face everyday in the modern multicultural society, also holding swimming session in Cardiff - Facebook

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Ross Moss Cottage - Rumney

‘Moss-Rose Cottage C.I.C’  offers people of working age with ‘invisible barriers’ the opportunity to make connections with others, try new things and support existing local community groups.

Moss Rose Cottage – 'Turning I can't into I can'.

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Carmarthenshire Carers Forum aims to provide carers with a voice and to contribute to the planning and development of service - Carmarthenshire Carers Forum | Facebook

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Carmarthenshire HELP Forum is an unpaid carer, family forum providing an independent voice for their needs and the development of services and support for carers as well as their children - Carmarthenshire "Upaid Carers" HELP Forum | Facebook

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Ceredigion Parents & Carers Forum – FB Group currently monitored and supported by The All Wales Forum - Ceredigion Parents & Carers Forum | Facebook

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ALLSORTS Ceredigion - parent carer’s supporting parent carer’s - FB Group - ALLSORTS Ceredigion - parent carer’s supporting parent carer’s | Facebook

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CC4LD Parent/Carers Group – A Conwy Connect for Learning Disability Group for Parents and Carers of anyone with a learning disability living in Conwy and Denbighshire - CC4LD Parent/Carers Group | Facebook

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Neurodiverse Family Support Group - Peer support group for parents/carers who identify as neurodiverse or who support neurodiverse children.

First Monday of each month, starting November 4th at Douglas Road Family Centre, Colwyn Bay. 10.30am to 12.30pm. If you have any questions contact Shannon Drury on 07354 164104, you can call, text or what's app

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Stand NW Llandudno Support Group - New monthly parent support group

Next meeting Wednesday Nov 27th 9:30pm - 11:30 pm

At: Llandudno Family Centre, Eryl Wen, Eryl Place, Llandudno LL30 2TX

For more information email admin@standnw.org or call: 07425235405

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CC4LD Parent/Carers Group – A Conwy Connect for Learning Disability Group for Parents and Carers of anyone with a learning disability living in Conwy and Denbighshire - CC4LD Parent/Carers Group | Facebook

WCD Young Carers Denbighshire - Facebook group for Young Carers and their families in Denbighshire - WCD Young Carers Denbighshire | Facebook

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Learning Disability Flintshire – FB Group for people with learning disabilities their Parents and Carers to help and support each other - Learning Disability Flintshire | Facebook

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Anglesey Parent Carers - For Parents caring for a child or children with disabilities or additional needs to make connections and share information and advice - Anglesey Parent Carers | Facebook

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Mencap Mon Hub Llangefni - Mencap Mon Hub in Llangefni is a space for our members to get together and try new activities, hold meetings, exhibitions and courses - Facebook

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The Grapevine - The Grapevine is a group for parents & carers of adults with learning disabilities living in RCT & Merthyr. This group supports parents to ensure their child is living a good life and also represents learning disability carers at local & regional levels - Facebook

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Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) - FB Group - Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) | Facebook

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Monmouthshire Parent Carers | Facebook Group

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Dads Group Gwent – Their aim is to provide a safe place for any dad caring for a child with additional needs, be that physical, developmental or intellectual. In person meet up in Rogerstone - Home | Dads Group Gwent

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S.A.N. Support Additional Needs Neath And District – Peer Support Group for families living in Neath and the District with loved ones with Additional Needs - Facebook Group

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West Glamorgan Carers Liaison Forum – The group brings unpaid carers and people who work with unpaid carers together to support the work of the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership - West Glamorgan Carers Liaison Forum | Facebook

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Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) - Facebook Group

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ADHD + Newport (Gwent Peer Parent/Caregiver Support Group) - Ran by families for families, activities in Newport but not no diagnosis needed or geographical limitations - Facebook Group

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Dads Group Gwent – Their aim is to provide a safe place for any dad caring for a child with additional needs, be that physical, developmental or intellectual. In person meet up at Rogerstone - Website | Dads Group Gwent

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Autism’s hidden voices – South Wales project that is raising awareness, providing resources and sharing discussions on the challenges that the diverse Autistic community face every day in the modern multicultural society, also holding swimming session in Cardiff - Facebook

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This Facebook group was set up by parents of autistic children to support other people connected through autism living in Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas - Parent Group : National Autistic Society Pembs | Facebook

There is a new Carers’ Group at Clynfyw farm in Abercych, North Pembrokeshire.

The first group happened on Thursday 23rd January 2025 from 10-12, but you can join them on Saturday 1st February 10-12.

They will then be every third Thursday and every first Saturday of the month.

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Butterflies Friendship Group. Supporting parents of special needs children - group run by Parents who help and support other parents of children with Special Needs - Facebook Group

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This group created by the Behaviour Support Hub based in Pontypridd, South Wales, and provides practical support & advice to parent carers of children with additional needs (with or without a diagnosis) - Behaviour Support Hub Parental Peer Support (Previously CBS) | Facebook

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The Grapevine - The Grapevine is a group for parents & carers of adults with learning disabilities living in RCT & Merthyr. This group supports parents to ensure their child is living a good life and also represents learning disability carers at local & regional levels - Facebook

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Swansea Parent Carer Forum – Facebook Group for the Swansea Parent Carer Forum, a voluntary group of parents of children with additional needs - Swansea Parent Carer Forum | Facebook

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Swansea Disability Forum - A charity looking to assist those in need with inclusion of social events in Swansea, they also organise in person meetings. Facebook Group

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Joining the Dots Parent Carers – Wales – They are collectively an online peer community to support each other, parent-carers, with a child/young person/adult with ANY additional need relating to health, social care or education in Wales - Facebook Group

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West Glamorgan Carers Liaison Forum – The group brings unpaid carers and people who work with unpaid carers together to support the work of the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership - Facebook Group

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Specs Spectrum is a play and support group for ALN children and their parents/guardians. They run every Thursday 4pm till 5pm at the Waunarlywdd community centre - Facebook Group

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Different Abilities - Support Group - A group set up in Barry for any family members or people who work with and encounter people with additional support needs - Different Abilities - Support Group. 😊❤ | Facebook

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Cardiff & The Vale Parent Carer Federation, group by parent carer for parent carers - Website

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Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) | Facebook Group

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Dads Group Gwent – Their aim is to provide a safe place for any dad caring for a child with additional needs, be that physical, developmental or intellectual. In person meet up at Rogerstone - Website

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Wales wide – diagnosis or theme specific

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Wales wide – diagnosis or theme specific

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ALN support groups

ALN Peer Support & Advocacy Cymru CIC – Group to assist parents/carers/family struggling to get the educational support that their child needs in Wales - ALN Peer Support & Advocacy Cymru CIC | Facebook

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Neurodiversity ALN Wales parental support - A safe place for parents to talk and ask for support run by parents with neurodivergent children and long-standing experience of ALN in Wales - Neurodiversity ALN Wales parental support | Facebook

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ALN Reform WALES - An independent inclusive group acting as a "Think Tank" for debate, research and advocacy on important issues for disabled people, cares, their families and the organisations that support us in Wales - ALN Reform WALES | Facebook

Direct Payments

Direct Payments Matching P.A's to Families with extra needs WALES - Direct Payments Matching P.A's to Families with extra needs WALES | Facebook

Tourette’s Syndrome & Tics

Tourettes and tic support Wales – FB Group set up by a parent carer for family carers of loved ones living with Tourette’s and tics in Wales - Tourettes and tic support Wales | Facebook

Wales Wide Carer Groups

Voices Adfocad – Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) developed by, for and with Unpaid carers in Wales - Home (voices.wales)

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Joining the Dots Parent Carers – Wales – They are collectively an online peer community to support each other, parent-carers, with a child/young person/adult with ANY additional need relating to health, social care or education in Wales - Joining the Dots Parent Carers - Wales | Facebook

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Parents Voices in Wales CIC – FB Group by Parents Voices in Wales CIC for parents, carers & families who want to join a positive movement to support public services through collaborative working - Parents Voices in Wales CIC | Facebook

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ARFID Parents/Carers Support Group (previously diagnosed as SED) - ARFID Parents/Carers Support Group (previously diagnosed as SED) | Facebook

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Chinese Autism UK 英国华人自闭症基金会 - Facebook

Resources for Chinese Autistic Families - Parent-carer - Chinese Autism

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Your Space Parents Support - Parent support group for parents/grandparents/guardians or children and young adults with an Autistic Spectrum Condition or related, organised by charity Your Space - Facebook Group

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Learning Disability Families Wrexham LDFW - This group is for learning disabilities families living in the Wrexham area who want to connect, exchange information and have a platform to build a voice locally and nationally. The group is being supported by us at AWF - Facebook Group

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In Wales, you as an unpaid carer have rights. Some of these rights include, but are not limited to, the right to request a carers needs assessment, the right to have a conversation about what matters to you, the right to have your voice heard when decisions are being made about your life and the support you need to improve your health & well-being.

For more information about your rights, please explore the links below:

https://www.gov.wales/carers-rights

Social Services & Well-being (Wales) Act 2014-

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-06/social-services-and-well-being-wales-act-easy-read.pdf

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-05/social-services-and-well-being-wales-act-2014-the-essentials.pdf

https://socialcare.wales/resources-guidance/information-and-learning-hub/sswbact/overview

Charter for Unpaid Carers-

https://www.gov.wales/charter-unpaid-carers

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Jump to content

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act came into force on 6 April 2016.

The Act provides the legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support, and for transforming social services in Wales.

Read the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.

You can also read the content of the Act by using the easy read version and young person's summary.

The essentials document provides an overview of the Act and its wider legal framework.

You can also find information about the regulations and codes of practice and statutory guidance that support the Act.

Read the statement issued by the Minister for Health and Social Services on 1 April 2016 about the implementation of the Act.

Background

The White Paper, Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action, published in 2011, highlighted a number of challenges faced by public services in Wales.

These included demographic changes, increased expectations from those who access care and support as well as continuing hard economic realities.

The Act aims to address these issues and in doing so will give people greater freedom to decide which services they need while promoting consistent, high-quality services across the country.

It will transform the way social services are delivered, promoting people's independence to give them stronger voice and control.

You can find links to all the key primary legislation relating to social care in Wales on the Law Wales website.

Principles

The fundamental principles of the Act are:

Voice and control - putting the individual and their needs, at the centre of their care, and giving them a voice in, and control over reaching the outcomes that help them achieve well-being.

Prevention and early intervention - increasing preventative services within the community to minimise the escalation of critical need.

Well-being - supporting people to achieve their own well-being and measuring the success of care and support.

Co-production - encouraging individuals to become more involved in the design and delivery of services.

How the Bill became an Act

Follow the progress of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill, from when it was introduced to the National Assembly on 28 January 2013 to when it became an Act after receiving Royal Assent on 1 May 2014. Here, you can also find the Explanatory Memorandum, which provides a general explanation of the legislation, including all its different parts.

Children and young people

On 30 June 2015, the Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford issued a written statement detailing how the Act will meet the needs of children and young people.

In this video, filmed at the Family Justice Network Conference in Cardiff in January 2016, Ruth Henke QC gives a presentation on local authorities' responsibilities for looked after children under the Act.

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act came into force on 6 April 2016.

The Act provides the legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support, and for transforming social services in Wales.

Read the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.

You can also read the content of the Act by using the easy read version and young person's summary.

The essentials document provides an overview of the Act and its wider legal framework.

You can also find information about the regulations and codes of practice and statutory guidance that support the Act.

Read the statement issued by the Minister for Health and Social Services on 1 April 2016 about the implementation of the Act.

Background

The White Paper, Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action, published in 2011, highlighted a number of challenges faced by public services in Wales.

These included demographic changes, increased expectations from those who access care and support as well as continuing hard economic realities.

The Act aims to address these issues and in doing so will give people greater freedom to decide which services they need while promoting consistent, high-quality services across the country.

It will transform the way social services are delivered, promoting people's independence to give them stronger voice and control.

You can find links to all the key primary legislation relating to social care in Wales on the Law Wales website.

Principles

The fundamental principles of the Act are:

Voice and control - putting the individual and their needs, at the centre of their care, and giving them a voice in, and control over reaching the outcomes that help them achieve well-being.

Prevention and early intervention - increasing preventative services within the community to minimise the escalation of critical need.

Well-being - supporting people to achieve their own well-being and measuring the success of care and support.

Co-production - encouraging individuals to become more involved in the design and delivery of services.

How the Bill became an Act

Follow the progress of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill, from when it was introduced to the National Assembly on 28 January 2013 to when it became an Act after receiving Royal Assent on 1 May 2014. Here, you can also find the Explanatory Memorandum, which provides a general explanation of the legislation, including all its different parts.

Children and young people

On 30 June 2015, the Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford issued a written statement detailing how the Act will meet the needs of children and young people.

In this video, filmed at the Family Justice Network Conference in Cardiff in January 2016, Ruth Henke QC gives a presentation on local authorities' responsibilities for looked after children under the Act.

Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.

You can find more information about the Act here, including links to a short film that explains the positive impact of the Act, an easy read and young people's version of the Act and an essentials document.

The Act and the NHS

Welsh Government issued a Welsh Health Circular in May 2016 that looked at the implications of the Act for NHS University Health Boards and Trusts.

Welsh Government issued an advice note in July 2017 looking at the implications of both the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 on partnership working within the NHS University Health Boards and Trusts.

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Overview of the Social services and well-being (Wales) Act 2014

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Jump to content The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act came into force on 6 April 2016. The Act provides the legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support, and for transforming social services in Wales. Read the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.

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Call the NHS 111 service if you are feeling unwell and need a telephone health assessment – just dial 111.

https://111.wales.nhs.uk/

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Custom Solutions for Stronger Outcomes

Hope4U’s purpose is to eradicate poverty and improve financial sustainability whilst building a brighter future. Their range of services have been developed to tackle the immediate problems individuals are facing, but also to help with the underlying issues.

They can support individuals with:

Money Management

They offer a range of services to help individuals, discuss good behaviours, explain priorities all to help individuals understand their money better.  They will also check to see if the individual is receiving all the benefits they are entitled too.

Energy Efficiency

Their experts can offer support and guidance to your customers, by carrying out a home energy survey, discussing the findings and giving hints and tips on how to be more efficient going forward, to save money on their energy bills. Their excellent customer focus ensures the highest level of service is delivered.

Unemployment

Their services help people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to gain the skills and knowledge to enter employment.

Visit their website here – https://www.hope4u.co.uk/

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LEAP helps to support as many people as possible who are at risk of going into fuel poverty. Their service is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants.

You may be eligible for the LEAP service is one of the below apply. If you:

Have a low income

Receive tax credits

Receive Housing Benefits

Receive an income or disability related benefit

They can help with:

Leap Appliance

Energy Advice

Boiler Scheme

Visit their website – https://applyforleap.org.uk/

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The telephone Helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact them by email (advice@carersuk.org)

Carers UK telephone helpline will continue to be available throughout the festive period, and will be open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

The number is 0808 808 7777 and is free to call from landlines and mobiles.

Our email Helpline service will be operating a reduced service during the Christmas period and will be closed from 5pm on 20th December and will reopen on 2nd January.