SUPPORT available for people in rural communities in Carmarthenshire has been extended.

Carmarthenshire County Council has introduced Hwb Bach y Wlad which aims to make it easier for residents in more rural areas to access the services already provided by the council whether online, on the phone or in the customer service Hwbs in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli.

Hwb Bach y Wlad will provide cost of living advice to help residents claim what they are eligible for; waste and recycling advice; consumer and business affairs such as scam awareness, trading standards, licensing and animal health advice; working in Carmarthenshire such as job vacancies, career change advice and training support; and housing first tenancy advice and housing issues.

There will also be targeted support at locations across the county from the council’s Hwb advisors:

  • Llandeilo: Tuesday (running fortnightly) in the library and Thursday (running fortnightly) in the Civic Hall.
  • Llandovery: Tuesday (running fortnightly) in the Youth and Community Centre.
  • Cross Hands: Wednesday (running fortnightly) in Tumble Hall and Friday (running fortnightly from October 6) in the Working Men’s Club and Institute.
  • Cwmaman: Friday (running fortnightly) in the community centre.
  • Laugharne: Wednesday (running fortnightly) in the Memorial Hall.
  • Kidwelly: Monday (running fortnightly) at Princess Gwenllian Centre, and Wednesday (running fortnightly) at CETMA.
  • Newcastle Emlyn: The first and third Thursday of each month in the mart car park and Wednesday (running fortnightly) in the community hall.
  • Whitland: Tuesday (running fortnightly) in the Memorial Hall.
  • St Clears: Tuesday (running fortnightly) in the leisure centre.
  • Llanybydder: Second and last Thursday of each month (mart days) in the rugby club.

Cllr Ann Davies, cabinet member for rural affairs, said: “As a council, we are committed to supporting all of our residents to get the help, support and advice that they need, particularly as we all face challenges as a result of the increased cost of living. We want to encourage everyone to seek support if they need it.

“Hwb Bach y Wlad will enable specialist Hwb advisors to offer wrap around financial and wellbeing support to residents, with tailored packages of support depending on a person’s circumstances. Our Hwb advisors will provide a range of services currently available in our Hwbs in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford.

“Once established, we will look to work with partner organisations to expand upon the support provided in these areas.”

Hwb Bach y Wlad is part of the council’s tackling poverty advisory panel’s priorities to prevent poverty, improve the lives of people living in poverty and help people into work and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.