Latest round of Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund opens

The third round of the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund has opened for applications.

Businesses and organisations which have not previously received support under the fund are now eligible to apply, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has confirmed. 

Earlier this month, the Deputy Minister announced a further £15.4 million would be made available to cultural organisations in Wales who continue to be severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Impacted sectors including music venues, heritage sites, event venues, suppliers and organisers, independent local museums, community and independent libraries, galleries and independent cinemas who were previously supported via the Welsh Government’s CRF were contacted by letter during the week commencing January 17. 

The Welsh Government has already made payments of £2.2m to more than 88 applicants. It is expected most payments to those who have applied through this process will be made next week. 

New entrants for CRF 3 can today apply from the Business Wales website, where further details and application forms are available. Applications will need to be returned by Friday February 11. 

To be eligible, businesses from the events, creative and heritage sectors will have to provide evidence that they have experienced at least 50% reduced turnover between December 2021 and February 2022 compared to the same period in 2019/20. 

Dawn Bowden said: “We are fully aware that these impacted sectors continue to face new pressures.

"The innovation and resilience which has been demonstrated by the people and organisations which make these sectors so vibrant has been remarkable. 

“We want to ensure that the sector continues to play a part in our recovery from the pandemic and in bringing people together once more. 

"The Welsh Government is also aware of the impact the pandemic is having on our creative freelance community and we have doubled (to £1,000) the Emergency Business Fund grant award available for qualifying sole traders and freelancers who do not pay rates." 

This third round builds on the previous two phases of the Cultural Recovery Fund which have provided £93 million and has supported business, organisations and individuals in the key cultural sectors.

Could you offer care and support in Denbighshire?

Could you offer help at home to people in your neighbourhood?

An initiative is now up and running across Denbighshire which means you can get free professional advice to help you work for yourself offering care and support.

Many people in the area are looking for support at home.

Join a free online event on Thursday February 24 to find out more in a relaxed setting.

Learn about the support you can get, ask questions and hear about others who have already set up.

A number of people from a range of backgrounds are already in the process of setting up in Denbighshire.

They are offering various services, from help with washing and dressing, cooking, cleaning, support with hobbies and more.

Nick Hughes, who is leading the project for Community Catalysts, said: “Lots of people in Denbighshire need some extra help to live the way they want to, perhaps because they are older, disabled or have a long-term health condition. 

"We can help you set up as self-employed offering care and support. You don’t need to have a professional background in care or know how to run a business – you just need to know what good care looks like.”

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Community Catalysts to help provide more support to the older and disabled population. This is a fantastic programme which can really help caring entrepreneurs bring their own ideas to life for caring and supporting people and I look forward to seeing those with great initiatives take up the worthwhile guidance given through this partnership.”

The project is being run by social enterprise Community Catalysts and funded by Denbighshire County Council.

* To find out more about the process of setting up and to ask any questions, come along to a free online event on Thursday February 24 at 12pm or 6.30pm.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/offer-care-and-support-in-denbighshire-tickets-256129870337

You can also contact Nick Hughes, Denbighshire Community Catalyst on nick.hughes@communitycatalysts.co.uk

Empty homes matching service for Denbighshire

Empty home owners can take advantage of a free matching service with potential developers.

Denbighshire County Council is running a matching service to put empty property owners in touch with potential investors to increase the chances of the property being transformed into a home.  

There are potential investors ready to take forward opportunities.

It is part of the council’s work under its Corporate Plan to reduce the number of empty properties in the county and to create more housing for residents.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The council has been working hard to ensure that empty properties are brought back into the market and can be used as homes for residents.

“Selling a property through this scheme can save empty home owners money on estate agency fees and Council Tax, if the property has been empty for more than six months, as well as ongoing maintenance costs of the property.

“There are a number of property developers who are signed up to the scheme and who are looking for opportunities throughout Denbighshire.”

* If you are an empty home owner looking to sell your property or a potential investor please get in touch at strategichousing@denbighshire.gov.uk and we will provide you with further information.

Dementia network meeting planned for February 9

Dementia Aware Denbighshire Network has a meeting via Zoom on Wednesday February 9, between 10am and 12 noon. 

The aim of the network is to proactively lead and facilitate initiatives to improve the awareness of dementia with the aim of making Denbighshire a 'safe, supportive and inclusive place for everyone'. 

The network is open to all individuals, organisations, voluntary and community groups and businesses operating in Denbighshire, people living with dementia and their families and carers, alongside representatives of Third Sector organisations and social enterprises, town and community council members, Denbighshire County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Speakers for this session include Owen Phillips from CADR and Gwenno Davies from the North Wales Dementia Centre as well as updates from the local dementia action groups and Dementia Friendly Communities.

* People can book a space at the meeting using this link.

Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment is doubled to £200

The Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment will be doubled to £200 as the cost of living rises, Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt announced today.

The £100 one-off payment, which was launched in December, is now being extended to support eligible households with rising energy bills and costs.

It is part of the Welsh Government’s bespoke Household Support Fund, which is providing £51m of targeted support for families and the most vulnerable in society.

Announcing the increased support for households, Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: “Right across Wales, people are seeing their bills rise and wages are being stretched like never before. From energy bills, to prices at the pumps and the costs of everyday essentials.

“We know some people are facing the incredibly difficult decision about whether they heat or eat. We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, which is getting worse.

“Our £51m Household Support Fund targeted support at families across Wales. We know these initiatives are working and making a real difference to the lives of low income households.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce we’re going to extend support to households by doubling the Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment. We’re increasing the £100 payment to £200 and this will be available to new applicants and retrospectively paid to those who have applied already.”

Local authorities will process new applications from eligible households. To be eligible for the payment, one member of the household must be in receipt of certain welfare benefits. Further details are available on local authority websites, which will be updated to reflect the increased payment.

Councils have contacted people they believe are eligible. If they have not yet made an application, these can be submitted until February 28.

People who have already received a £100 payment under the scheme do not need to anything – they will receive a further £100 payment in the coming weeks.

Ms Hutt added: “We are determined to do all we can to support our people with the bills they are facing, and this will go a long way to do just that.

"I want to pay tribute to our local authorities for swiftly processing these payments. We all know they’ve been under tremendous pressure during the pandemic – time and again, they have stepped up to the plate and delivered for our communities.

“This additional £100 increase will go some way to helping the most vulnerable in our society to pay their fuel bills during this difficult time and I’m determined to do all we can to continue to support the people of Wales through the cost of living crisis.”

Llangollen Canal Walk returns after two-year break

The popular Llangollen Canal Walk in aid of the Hope House and Ty Gobaith children's hospice returns after a two-year break next month.

The walk takes place on Sunday, March 6 will see walkers take in the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, beautiful canal-side scenery and wildlife.

The 10-mile walk will begin at the Trevor Basin in the morning, then taking in five miles of stunning scenery up to the Poachers’ Pocket and returning over the world-famous aqueduct.

For those who would prefer to complete a 10-mile walk virtually on a route of their choice then tickets are also available for that option too.

Fundraiser Cat Dowdeswell said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring our ever-popular Llangollen Canal Walk back in 2022 for its 11th year – two years after we were able to last hold this event.

“This really is one of the best local walking routes, is manageable for walkers of all abilities, and of course families. You can even bring the dog if you like, as long as they are kept on a lead.

“We can’t wait to see you all there again, what a way to welcome in the spring.

“Tickets are likely to go quickly for this one so make sure you sign up online.”

The event has been sponsored by Wrexham-based Net World Sports.

Lois Jones, marketing executive at Net World Sports, said: “We are thrilled to once again be sponsoring the Llangollen Canal Walk for 2022. It’s a fantastic event that brings together members of the community as they participate in the 10-mile walk.

“We’re sure this year will be another huge success in raising the crucial funds needed for all the Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith families who need our support.”

* Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children and you can sign up to the event by visiting the Hope House Hospice website.

Commissioner's plan to boost policing numbers approved

A police boss is beefing up frontline policing in North Wales with 82 new officers, 10 extra PCSOs and more than 40 additional police staff.

The pledge from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin (pictured) came after his funding plans for the coming year were unanimously signed off by a watchdog body.

His proposal for a 22p a week increase in the price of policing the region was given the go-ahead by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel yesterday.

The 3.68 per cent rise will cost Band D householders an extra £11.25 year – around the price of two portions of fish and chips.

According to Mr Dunbobbin, it will pay for a raft of new measures including an increase in drug driving tests to improve road safety and save lives, which is one of the commissioner’s strategic priorities.

Other initiatives include ramping up the fight against child abuse, domestic abuse and cybercrime.

Mr Dunbobbin says he is also delivering on a promise in his election manifesto to put more bobbies on the beat.

The force’s pioneering drone unit, which has saved three lives since it was founded last April, will be expanded with two additional pilots.

A further 10 officers and police staff will be dedicated to working with perpetrators of domestic abuse to change their behaviour with the aim of reducing re-offending, as well as bringing offenders to justice and safeguarding victims.

At the same time, he says, safeguarding victims will be central to the force’s approach and a new panel will be established so that the voices of victims can be heard.

The commissioner believes that bolstering Neighbourhood Policing Teams will help provide reassurances for all communities of North Wales, and in particular our elderly and vulnerable.

Meanwhile, he is strengthening the Economic Crime Unit with three more officers to help stem the rising tide of cybercrime, including online fraud.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “I am grateful to the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for their support for my proposals.

“I have worked closely with the Chief Constable and his senior team to draw up the measures which will now be enshrined in my Police and Crime Plan which sets out the blueprint for policing North Wales.

“I will be scrutinising the force to ensure that the plan is implemented in full and I take my responsibilities very seriously in this regard.

“There will be a renewed focus on road safety because far too many people are dying or being seriously injured on our highways.

“That’s why there will be an increased use of roadside drug testing because if you drive under the influence of drugs it’s an accident waiting to happen.

“In addition to robust enforcement, there will be a campaign to educate and raise awareness among road users.

“Roads policing also has an important role in cracking down on serious and organised crime as we step up our fight against the vicious County Lines drugs gangs.

“We will also be increasing the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras which are a highly effective way of identifying cross border criminals and other lawbreakers.

“As somebody who has a background in the IT industry, I am also pushing hard for the increased use of technology in a number of areas.

“As well as saving lives, expanding the drone unit will support policing operations and crime prevention initiatives particularly for communities in rural areas.

“We will also be establishing a dedicated digital contact team to broaden the available ways that people can use to get in touch with North Wales Police.

“Cybercrime is growing at an alarming rate across the world and we have seen a 50 per cent increase in its prevalence in recent times.

“As a result, I am providing funding for three extra officers to join our successful Economic Crime Unit so we can tackle this growing menace in all its forms.

“The crackdown on cybercrime will include tackling child sexual exploitation, targeting grooming offences, and online scams. 

“I am also passionate about the importance of good, old fashioned neighbourhood policing which is the bedrock of North Wales Police.

“Ensuring our officers are out and about providing a visible presence in our communities is particularly reassuring for elderly and vulnerable people.

“As well as nipping any minor issues in the bud, they are also the source of valuable intelligence as we tackle more serious criminality.

“That’s why I am investing in recruiting an extra 10 Police and Community Support Officers, building on the investment of the Welsh Government in paying for an additional 20 PCSOs across North Wales.

“Having more bobbies on the beat will increase opportunities to gather intelligence and combat hidden crimes such as modern-day slavery.

“I believe the 22p a week increase represents great value for money and it’s designed to strike the right balance between financial prudence and making North Wales an even safer place for the people who live and work here and visit the region.”