Welsh borough spends £500m on place shaping community projects and care

Over the past 4 years, Caerphilly Council has made a significant investment into facilities and services to ensure it can create a caring culture for communities.
 
Investment of up to £500m to date has been spent on Place Shaping projects, and a significant amount has been invested into services for older residents and those considered vulnerable, and has provided upgraded and improved facilities to enable them access to the best standard of care.

£500,000 has been invested in raising the standards of 6 care homes in key locations across the county borough. Centres have seen bespoke visitor pods installed, enhanced rooms and bathroom facilities, upgraded internet infrastructure and external improvements.
 
The borough says that air quality has also been significantly improved in Hafodyrynys. The 23 homes along the main route were purchased at 150% of market value to support residents to relocate, the properties are set to be demolished in an attempt to reduce the Nitrogen dioxide levels.

 
The borough has also invested in services for looked after children with the purchase and refurbishment of an existing building to create a state-of-the-art facility in Bargoed; now home to the MYST Therapeutic Fostering Team. Working with partners in Welsh Government more than £1m has been invested into this scheme which supports children with complex needs to be cared for and thrive in loving family homes.

Cllr Shayne Cook, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Housing, said: ‘These investments are a snapshot of the extensive work that has been taking place across the county

‘We are fully committed to supporting all residents with a particular focus on those with more complex needs and our oldest residents. It is important that we continue to seek new opportunities to improve and evolve our services ensuring they are fit for purpose for the future.’

He added: ‘Our ongoing and planned investments are making a real difference to people’s lives and we are fully committed to Creating Caring Communities.’
 
Residents will be asked to play a vital role in helping to shape the proposals, by identifying the missing pieces of the jigsaw to ensure that the council is targeting its investment where it is needed most. 

In related news, every 18-year-old leaving care will be offered £1,600 a month under the Welsh government’s new basic income pilot.

Photo by Eddie Reed