Council puts series of measures in place to help vulnerable

NEATH Port Talbot Council is reassuring residents that it is ready to work alongside the community and other agencies to help those who need it as coronavirus infections continue to rise.

The NPT Safe and Well initiative will help residents connect with a local community group or local service if they don’t have the support of friends or family.

The initiative will offer advice on how to access help with food shopping, collecting prescription medication, running daily errands or arranging welfare checks on people to make sure they are okay.

Residents who are on the Welsh Government’s shielding list will shortly receive a letter from the council to reassure them of the support that is still available.

The letter will also be sent to those who previously received support through NPT Safe and Well and is open to help new people whose circumstances may have changed.

The food parcel deliveries previously provided by the Welsh Government have now been stopped.

Alternative solutions are in place which include directing people to:

Local businesses that offer delivery services. A list of businesses can be found using the council’s NPT Buy Local directory online – www.npt.gov.uk/ buylocal

Supermarkets that offer online shopping, home delivery and click & collect services

Residents needing help and support will be connected with community support

Food banks and food share schemes if people find themselves in a crisis situation

Where necessary, the council can also provide help and support directly

Residents who need help with collecting medical prescriptions are being advised to contact their local pharmacy in the first instance to enquire about their delivery services.

The NHS 111 Wales directory can be used to find a local pharmacy: 111.wales.nhs.uk/ Localservices.

If this isn’t possible, NPT Safe and Well will match residents to a community group that will be able to collect it for them.

NPT Safe and Well can also help connect residents to local support to help with everyday tasks such as posting mail, walking the dog, or will keep in touch with someone to make sure they are okay.

Councillor Rob Jones, leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “I know this is a worrying time for everyone.

“As coronavirus infection rates increase, the council is working alongside its communities and other agencies to make sure all residents in need of support know where to get help in the weeks to come.

“Working together as part of NPT Safe and Well we can connect residents in need of support with local community groups and businesses that can offer help and advice.”

NPT Safe & Well is a partnership response to the coronavirus pandemic set up by Neath Port Talbot Council, community groups, housing associations and businesses to ensure those who need additional support are able to access it.

For more information about NPT Safe & Well, visit www.npt. gov.uk/safeandwell or call 01639 686868.