I WAS pleased to be able to visit Ty Hapus staff at their new base on Barry Island to hear about their current projects and activities and thank staff for all of their hard work.

Congratulations to Ceri Phillips on her new role as service manager and thank you to Ellin Jones for her hard work and dedication in setting up the service. I want to wish her well for her retirement.

Ty Hapus is a service for people affected by dementia and their families

offering unique ‘home from home’ daytime support and respite. Find out more here. 

On the 5th August Ty Hapus will be going on a Seasonal Walk meeting at Barry Band Stand on Barry Island at 10.30am finishing at Ty Hapus for refreshments. Contact enquiries@tyhapus.org.uk to find out about future dates.

As Minister for Social Justice I recently announced that more than 400,000 low-income households in Wales will be eligible to benefit from a £200 payment to help keep their homes warm this autumn and winter.

The Welsh Government is investing £90m in the Welsh Government’s Fuel Support Scheme in recognition of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on those struggling to pay their energy bills.

Previously, around 166,000 households on universal credit, legacy means-tested benefit and working tax credits benefitted from the £200 2021/22 Winter Fuel Payment.

The extension of the fuel support scheme will mean nearly 200,000 more households on child tax credits, pension credits, disability benefits, carers allowance, contributory benefits and those receiving a council tax reduction will now be eligible.

We know a lot of households are feeling anxious and worried about their rising energy bills, so we hope this extension of our Welsh Government Fuel Support Scheme to many more people will provide some comfort in these challenging times.

We know people across Wales are struggling to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, as they see inflation, petrol, essential household items and energy bills all rising.

The Welsh Government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable and doing everything we can to ensure they can get through this difficult moment.