Appeal for the return of unwanted therapy equipment

County residents are being urged to return unwanted therapy equipment to help others in need.

Denbighshire County Council’s Equipment Service is calling on residents to return community therapy and disability equipment that is no longer in use.

The appeal follows a shortage of equipment for the service along with other local authorities and NHS Trusts across the UK.

An amnesty is in operation to help source any unrequired equipment across the county.

The service provides equipment for Social Services and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board services within Denbighshire.

If you have any unwanted equipment, staff will arrange to collect, clean and reuse any that is in a good condition previously provided by the service.

Items in particular demand include raised toilet seats, toilet frames, shower chairs, perching stools, kitchen trolleys, commodes and shower stools.

If you have community therapy or disability equipment that you no longer need to use, please contact the Community Equipment Service to return the items to support the service in helping others.

* Tel: 01745 344675

* e-mail: CESI@denbighshire.gov.uk

Police boss warns the lonely about scammers

A police boss has issued an urgent warning to lonely men and women in North Wales not to be fooled by heartless scammers.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin (pictured) spoke out after it was revealed that cruel fraudsters had duped their targets out of nearly £500,000 last year

Mr Dunbobbin said the region’s police force had received more than 100 reports of romance fraud in 2021.

But he fears it could be “just the tip of the iceberg, with many more lovelorn victims who were too embarrassed or ashamed to contact the police about being swindled.

According to Mr Dunbobbin, the increased isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic had also led to an increase in romance fraud.

One of the cases that came to light involved  a single man aged 57 who was conned out of £150,000 after being groomed over a period of months when he was gradually isolated from family and friends.

The fraudster told him she wanted to renovate a property abroad so that she could sell it to move to the UK so they could spend the rest of their lives together.

The victim was persuaded to send money to the suspect for the work to be completed.

He was persuaded by the scammer that she needed to pretend to be married to claim and inheritance and he was persuaded to pose as her husband.

It ended up with him making “significant payments”  for bogus legal fees to various bank accounts to release the funds to the suspect.

North Wales Police are investigating the case and providing support for the victim.

Tackling fraud is a key priority in Mr Dunbobbin’s Police and Crime Plans which sets out the blueprint for the policing of North Wales.

The commissioner has pledged to bolster the force’s Economic Crime Unit with three extra officers.

Mr Dunbobbin also provides funding for the Victim Help Centre in St Asaph which serves the whole of North Wales.

The centre brings together the support services of North Wales Police, the Witness Care Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the former Victim Support organisation.

The commissioner also revealed that people who fear they have been victims can now call a new hotline, 159, which aims to be a “999 for fraud”.

The 159 number is being trialled by Stop Scams UK, a group of banks and telephone firms and will enable people to speak to their bank instantly about a suspected fraud

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Being a victim of fraud can have a devastating and traumatic impact on peoples’ lives, often leaving them emotionally destroyed.

“The problem is that these scammers are incredibly plausible and have the gift of the gab so it is understandable that people can get taken in, particularly if they are feeling lonely.

“It’s therefore important for people to be on their guard for this kind of crime and not to be fooled by these smooth-talking swindlers whose only interest is fleecing their victims remorselessly.

“Over the past two years it’s understandable that due to the pandemic people have been feeling insecure and lonely which has increased this type of fraud.

“The pandemic has also provided fraudsters with the perfect excuses as to why they cannot meet their victims in person.

“I am  urging anyone who is concerned they may have been a victim to seek help and support.”

If you have been the victim of a fraud you can report it to Action Fraud via the website, www.actionfraud.police.uk or by ringing them on 0300 123 2040 while people who suspect they have been scammed can also call a new hotline by ringing 159.

Winter of wellbeing planned for youngsters in Denbighshire

Children and young people in Denbighshire can get involved in supporting their wellbeing this winter.

Denbighshire County Council is providing a range of free sporting, cultural and play based bilingual activities as part of the Welsh Government’s Winter of Wellbeing Programme.

This winter, the Welsh Government announced funding for a variety of interactive, creative, and play-based activities for a wide range of ages. 

By creating plenty of safe places for free play and physical activity, children and young people alike can come together and have fun while also strengthening their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Events are taking place across the county and include Saturday Morning Family Art Workshops at Llangollen Library.

The workshops offer the opportunity to experiment and have creative fun as a family. 

Artists at the workshops will be:

• Donna Jones on February 26
• Penny Alexander, March 12
• Nerys Jones, March 19

The workshops are for families with children aged between 6 and 11 years old and are at the library from 10am to 12noon. 

* Find out how to get to Llangollen Library

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “We are pleased to be supporting this project and offering a fantastic bilingual programme of events in Denbighshire. The council is working with a number of partners on this project and I would like to thank all those taking part."

All events and activities will have Covid-19 safety measures in place, which attendees will need to follow.

* To book onto one of the events in the county or activities, or for further information on the Winter of Wellbeing, please visit the web page: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/winter-of-wellbeing

MS urges people to have their say about policing

Senedd Member for North Wales Sam Rowlands is calling on his constituents to have their say and help the police prioritise their neighbourhood policing activity. 

The initiative, ‘North Wales Talking’, which is aimed at understanding the crime and disorder concerns of local communities across North Wales, is  a key priority of North Wales Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Mr Rowlands said: “I think it is a great idea to ask local people, who live and work in my Region, what issues matter to them in their communities.

“I know that North Wales is one of the safest places to live, work and visit and I welcome any measures which will help to keep it that way.

“It is also good to see people being given the opportunity to have their say and I urge everyone to take part in the survey.”

The short survey asks people what it is like to live in their areas and what issues matter most to them in their community. There is also an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Feedback via North Wales Talking will enable Neighbourhood Policing Teams, together with partner agencies to tackle the issues raised and have a voice in how Neighbourhood Policing activity is prioritised. You can also choose to register for the North Wales Community Alert, NWP’s  free community messaging system where you will then receive updates from your Neighbourhood Policing Team on the action taken to tackle the top three local community issues.

Superintendent Helen Corcoran said: “North Wales Talking will provide residents the opportunity to tell us what issues matter most to them in their local community. It could be anti-social behaviour that is worrying you, or perhaps you have information to pass on about drug dealing in your local area.

"We want your feedback which we will use to help identify the top three issues in your area that our Neighbourhood Policing Teams will work on over the next few months.

* To take part and be part of the conversation, visit: www.northwalestalking.co.uk Or www.gogleddcymrunsiarad.co.uk for our Welsh survey.

 

Brave Elodie will tackle Llangollen Canal Walk just weeks after operation

* Elodie-Mae Davies at Trevor Basin to promote Llangollen Canal Walk.

A determined teenager will launch the Llangollen Canal Walk to support Hope House Children’s Hospice just weeks after having an operation.  

Elodie-Mae Davies, 15, will send ramblers on their way for the 10-mile walk on Sunday, March 6, which raises money to support and care for seriously ill local children and their families.  

Elodie, who lives with her family in Ruabon, has had heart defects since birth which have led to a cardiac arrest, clots in her lungs and mini-strokes.  

She has been through 10 open heart surgeries and has a pacemaker fitted.  

The doctors recently discovered she has pulmonary vein stenosis and, as a result, Elodie has lost her left lung and only has 83% functionality of her right one.  

This means she requires oxygen 24-hours-a-day to allow her to breath. Last year she raised an incredible £2,500 by walking the virtual Take A Hike event – walking 10-miles spread out over a number of weeks.  

“Hope House gives me confidence and independence,” says Elodie. “I love visiting and seeing all the staff, it’s a big family.” 

Elodie will have to undergo an operation two weeks before the event but is determined to send walkers on their way and will make the trip over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in a wheelchair. 

“We are so lucky to have Hope House in our lives and I don’t know what we would do without them,” says mum Jenna. 

“Elodie just wants to help and give a little something back when and where she can.” 

Returning after a two year break the circular Llangollen Canal Walk, sponsored by Net World Sports, 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 Elodie will be there to start off the Llangollen Canal Walk, especially after she raised such an amazing amount last year.  

“Every walker that takes part will receive a medal designed especially for this event and a goody bag for their efforts. 

“This really is one of the highlights in our calendar, and tickets are selling fast, so book your places today to avoid disappointment.” 

* Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children and can be purchased at www.hopehouse.org.uk/canal 

Latest pandemic updates from Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, are:

• The Welsh Government is investing £366m over the next three years to deliver 125,000 all-age apprenticeships across Wales during this term of government, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has announced at the start of Apprenticeship Week Wales 2022: https://gov.wales/apprenticeship-week-wales-2022-minister-commits-366-million-deliver-125000-all-age-apprenticeships
• An online resource dedicated to helping young people aged between 11 and 25 to access mental health support has been relaunched to include new information and advice: https://gov.wales/new-look-online-support-launched-providing-mental-health-support-young-people
• The First Minister has announced the planned locations of Wales’ first commemorative woodlands to remember all those who have died during the pandemic: https://gov.wales/first-minister-announces-locations-of-wales-commemorative-woodlands
• Find out if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments or participation in a UK-wide antiviral study: https://gov.wales/covid-19-treatments
• Financial and debt advice: https://gov.wales/get-financial-or-debt-advice
• Get your Covid Pass; https://gov.wales/nhs-covid-pass-help-getting-your-pass
• Advice for schools and settings to support children and young people with higher clinical risk and clinically extremely vulnerable adults: https://gov.wales/children-and-young-people-higher-clinical-risk-and-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-adults-guidance
• Covid-19 situational report – 4 February: https://gov.wales/covid-19-situational-reports
• NHS beds, admissions and hospitalisations during the pandemic: https://gov.wales/nhs-beds-admissions-and-hospitalisations-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales show there were 3,382 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, based on PCR tests only, reported in the last 48 hours, bringing the total to 792,667 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic. See also: https://digitalanddata.blog.gov.wales/2022/01/11/chief-statisticians-update-understanding-covid-19-infection-rates-in-wales/

• Nine deaths were reported by Public Health Wales in the last 48 hours. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 6,872.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection/viz/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary   

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 2,514,081 people have received their first dose.

• 2,372,915 people have had two doses of the vaccine.
• To date, 1,849,447 people have had their booster dose of the vaccine.
• https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection/viz/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• For more information about getting your Covid-19 vaccine: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination
• Can you support the vaccination programme? More information for NHS staff and volunteers at: https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/nhs-wales-covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals/

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for up to 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation
• You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result. 

Where to find the latest information

• Wales is at alert level zero: https://gov.wales/alert-level-0
• Our latest Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out the longer-term plan for Wales is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-autumn-and-winter-2021-update  
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• For more information about getting your Covid-19 vaccine: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination
• Can you support the vaccination programme? More information for NHS staff and volunteers at: https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/nhs-wales-covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals/

Businesses now need to apply for latest Emergency Business Fund

Denbighshire County council is reminding businesses impacted by the latest coronavirus restrictions to apply for the Welsh Government's Emergency Business Fund.

Previously during the pandemic some payments were sent to businesses automatically, however businesses now have to apply for the money.

Under the latest support package, further funding is available for businesses in Denbighshire which fall into one of the below categories:

* Retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses who pay Non Domestic Rates are entitled for £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value.

* Sole traders, freelancers and taxi drivers can apply for £500 and businesses that employ people, but do not pay business rates can apply for £2,000 through the Discretionary Fund.

Businesses applying for funding will need to re-register their details through an online process with Denbighshire County Council to receive their payments.

To help businesses gauge the amount they are eligible for in advance, Business Wales has created an eligibility checker which can be found on their website.

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, the council’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “We are working hard with Welsh Government to administrate this fund to all eligible businesses in Denbighshire, so we want to ensure that the application process is clear.

“We are encouraging every eligible business to apply for the funding. Anyone unsure can use the eligibility checker provided on the Business Wales website.”

* To find out more or apply you can visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/emergency-business-fund-january-2022.aspx