COVID-19
This page contains information regarding COVID-19 and useful resources. We've also included links to (mostly free) activities to keep yourselves occupied at home :)
Please note that the situation around the pandemic is constantly changing - to keep up-to-date, check out Public Health Wales website https://phw.nhs.wales/ and follow their social media pages @PublicHealthWales.
Be cautious of any scams - there's been an increase in dodgy texts, emails and people impersonating police or charity workers etc., stay vigilant and make sure those who may be particularly vulnerable to scammers are aware.
If you live in Blaenau Gwent, are 16+ and looking for work, our Communities For Work, and Communities For Work Plus teams can help.
All of our four Blaenau Gwent Offices remain closed at this time, but we are still here for you. For support, please message us on our Facebook page here with a phone number, or contact one of our Participant Engagement Officers:
Ebbw Vale
Carl Bainton-
07968 382 503
Tredegar
Amanda Newman -
- 07534 326 99
Brynmawr
Anneleise Shepherd -
- 07483 128 057
Abertillery
Aimee Goulding -
- 07483 150 107
For Everyone - activities & services etc
Age Cymru is offering a check-in-and-chat telephone service for the over 70s in Wales who live alone from 23 March 2020.
These are potentially difficult times for many older people, especially those living alone who may not have anyone to share their concerns. Others may just want to have a chat about what they saw on television last night. Hopefully, this initiative will help older people cope with some of the challenges arising from the Coronavirus outbreak.
Anyone over 70 in Wales can register free of charge, to receive a regular telephone call in either English or Welsh. All you have to do is call Age Cymru Advice on 08000 223 444 or email
Free Virtual Tours of Museums, Zoos, Landmarks & More
Dozens of sites offer virtual tours along with learning content, so that you can explore museums, zoos, landmarks and attractions all over the world from your home.
https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/blog/virtual-fun-best-zoo-webcams-and-virtual-museum-tours
Paid-for things they've made FREE – box sets, audiobooks, fitness classes, wellbeing apps and more
To help the millions of people having to stay home, one of the uplifting aspects of the current crisis is a number of companies have made stuff free that you normally pay for, both for kids and grown-ups. A round-up of some of the best freebies can be found here: https://bit.ly/2JdsLXd
Goldies Cymru
Because Goldies Cymru sessions have been suspended, they are holding weekly Goldies Mini Sing & Smile sessions every Thursday on their Facebook page (https://www.goldiescymru.org.uk/), to stop people feeling isolated and help them feel connected.
They want to encourage everyone who can to tune in, join in and sing-along.
If you, or any groups find it difficult to stream Facebook, the videos are being saved and can be forwarded separately. To receive these, please get in touch with Goldies Cymru: rachel@goldiescymru.org.uk / cheryl@goldiescymru.org.uk
Pili Pala Arts Wales
Beth Ryland works with care homes, people over 50 and people living with dementia to promote dance and movement and to show how keeping active can enrich lives.
Because of the situation around Coronavirus, Beth has been putting together daily updates of warm-ups, dances like cha cha cha and salsa as well as seated dances and exercises that people (including kids!) can do at home to keep active and entertained. These updates are available on her YouTube Channel.
190 universities just launched 600 free online courses.
If you haven’t heard, universities around the world offering their courses online for free (or at-least partially free). These courses are collectively called as MOOCS or Massive Open Online Courses.
Follow this link to see the full list of courses: https://bit.ly/2UIPQGD
British Sign Language courses - discounted enrolment from £3 for 20hr CPD certified BSL course, see site for details: