The Torfaen Community Support Hub is part of the council’s response to the Government’s Shielding Scheme and Test, Trace and Protect strategy in order to safeguard our most vulnerable residents.
With shielding paused from the 16th August 2020, the demand for support through our Community Support Hub due to the effects of Coronavirus has significantly reduced at this time. As a result of this we have reduced the capacity of the team who were the first point of contact for requests for help.
However, some staff continue to be available to provide guidance and help to individuals who need emergency support and will ensure that they are connected with services that are still operating across the borough.
Both volunteers and those that need support can apply to participate in the scheme by downloading our Community Support App and provide some basic information, which will be securely stored and managed.
Residents who sign up to the app for support will be able to make requests for:
- Collection of medication
- Shopping for food and other essentials
- Someone to chat with to help counter isolation and loneliness
Staff will be able to provide help to access support and assistance where possible and put people in touch with agencies who can help.
How do I sign up?
In order to use the Torfaen Community Support App please Register for Torfaen Community Support here.
Once accepted, you will be sent a link which will enable you to log in to the web version of the App, or download and log into the Mobile App from either the Apple or Google stores. Following these steps helps keep the App safe and secure.
What about residents who are unable to use the website or mobile app?
In recognition that not all vulnerable people have access to digital services, or lack confidence in using them, our council’s customer care team have been mobilised to take calls from vulnerable people that need support. Support can be requested by calling 01495 762200.
Our customer care team will be able to provide information, advice and guidance and pass requests for help on to the Community Support Hub to ensure all have access to support. Proactive welfare checks have also been made to anyone in receipt of social care services who received a letter from the NHS.
How does this scheme fit in with other initiatives?
We are aware that many community groups are already operating in the borough to provide similar types of support to vulnerable people known to them. The scheme is not trying to replace those arrangements and where possible we will look to coordinate support alongside them.
For example, where there are local arrangements with pharmacies to collect and deliver prescriptions at a certain time we may eventually be able to pass on relevant requests we have received from scheme users to the community group.