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Hefin David is the Labour Senedd Member for the Caerphilly constituency.

It is that time of year again. Although it can be lovely – a time to reflect and be around loved ones, it can also be a time of increased stress, pressure and isolation. 

With that in mind, I have shared a list of support options below, for those who are struggling financially and emotionally, but also those who would like some company.

I will also share these details to my Facebook page, so they can be easily accessed should you need them over the coming weeks and months.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support this year and to wish you a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Hefin.

Support agencies

• Discretionary Assistance Fund – Welsh Government emergency payments for food, energy or white goods. 

Visit: gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund or call: 0800 859 5924

• Fuel Bank Foundation – Support in getting fuel and avoiding having your supply disconnected.

Contact: help@fuelbankfoundation.org for referral partners in your area.

• Caerphilly Foodbank – Connect Life Church, Crescent Rd, Caerphilly, CF83 1AB

Visit: caerphilly.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/how-to-get-help/ 

• Homelessness Prevention – There is funding available through the local authority to help prevent or quickly relieve homelessness for individuals and families.

Visit: caerphilly.gov.uk/services/housing/homeless-or-at-risk/housing-advice 

• Help to Stay – Support for people struggling with their mortgage payments.

Visit: gov.wales/help-stay-wales-guidance-applicants-html 

• Benefits Entitlement – Citizens Advice Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

Visit: citizensadvice.org.uk/wales or call 0800 702 2020, or call Advicelink Cymru on 0808 250 5700

• Mental Health Support – NHS 111 Press 2.

Available 24/7 across Wales. It can be accessed by anyone, of any age, requiring urgent mental health support for themselves or on behalf of someone else. You can access the helpline for free. Call 111 and press option 2

• Cost of Living support info – Welsh Government.

Visit: gov.wales/get-help-cost-living 

• School Uniform – Caerphilly Uniform Exchange. 

Purchase or donate new and pre-loved school uniform for the new term, at a highly reduced rate. Based in Lansbury Park and catering for schools across the borough. Visit caerphillyuniformexchange.co.uk/ 

• Social Isolation/Wellbeing – Thriving Communities

Lots of events and sessions going on, including a Christmas day get together with dinner.

Visit thrivingcommunitiescic.org/ 

• Family support – Toybox Project

Access or donate new pre-loved toys in Bedwas.

Visit toyboxproject.co.uk/ 

• Domestic Violence support – Llamau, Caerphilly Business Park 

Visit https://www.llamau.org.uk/faqs/accessing-llamaus-domestic-abuse-services