Posted on: Thursday 9 June 2022
Around 40 unpaid carers have received help and advice about the rising cost of living as part of a series of Carers Week roadshows.
So far, the team from Torfaen Council has visited Ty Glas y Dorlan, in Cwmbran, and Pontypool Indoor Market to offer unpaid carers support with benefits and grants, information about food vouchers and Young Carers ID cards, as well as gardening and grow-your-own tips.
The roadshows have also been supported by the Energy Saving Trust and Gwent Carers Hub, who've been on hand with advice about how to reduce energy bills and details of local support groups.
The roadshow's final stop will be at Blaenavon Medical Practice this Friday, between 10am and 4pm.
Louise Hook, Torfaen Council's Carer Support Worker, said: "We've had a lot of people coming to speak to us because they are concerned about their finances. Earlier today I spoke to one lady who carers for her husband and is concerned about their water bills because they are on a meter, so I told her about Dwr Cmryu's WaterSure tariff which puts a cap on the cost.
"There are lots of schemes and initiatives that can support unpaid carers and we urge anyone who is worried to come to our roadshow on Friday or get in touch."
John, from Pontypool, who cares for his wife, went to the Ty Glas y Dorlan roadshow on Monday.
He said: "“Not being fully aware of what funding is out there to help me within my caring role, I have found today’s event extremely beneficial. With the on-going cost of living crisis, I really hope that more events like this are organised to better prepare and aid carers like me."
Wendy, from Cwmbran, also popped in for general information and the team was able to help Carol, also from Cwmbran, who had questions about her carers allowance and council tax.
Councillor David Daniels, Executive Member for Adult Services and Housing, said: "As a council we are very aware of the impact the rising cost of living is having on people in vulnerable positions, like unpaid carers.
"People caring for elderly, disabled or sick loved ones are likely to be disproportionately affected by rising food, fuel and energy bills and have limited means to increase their incomes.
"The hope is the roadshows will help to let carers know about the financial support that is on offer, as well as wellbeing advice."
So far, Torfaen Council has received 1500 applications for the Welsh Government's unpaid carers grant.
Anyone in receipt Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022 can apply for the one-off £500 payment by visiting our website.
For information about the WaterSure tariff, visit the Dwr Cymru site.
For information about other support for unpaid adult carers in Torfaen, contact louise.hook@torfaen.gov.uk, or follow the Torfaen Adult Carers Facebook page.
For details of support available for young carers, contact rebecca.elver@torfaen.gov.uk, or follow Torfaen Young Carers on Facebook.