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Council News
 Employability Bridgend’s ‘Summer of Fun’ events are a hit with local families
Employability Bridgend’s ‘Summer of Fun’ events are already proving popular with local families, with over 150 children attending the first one held at Bryngarw Country Park last week.
The ‘Summer of Fun’ will be running throughout the school holidays, entertaining children as well as highlighting what the Employability Bridgend team can offer adults.
Maesteg Welfare Park and Bryngarw Country Park will be hosting free activities throughout the summer months. Arts and crafts, games, nature bingo and quiz challenges are just some of the activities available to the children, aged four to 11 years, without the need to book.
The employability programme is designed to help those aged over 16 years who are unemployed, need more hours, a second or new job. It sources vocational qualifications, volunteering opportunities, as well as provides an opportunity to develop personal qualities.
Information about the summer events can be found on the Employability Bridgend Facebook page
Anyone seeking free training and support to find work or a new job can contact the team on 01656 815317 or email employability@bridgend.gov.uk
 Temporary increase to the business mileage reimbursement rate
Employees are advised that the authority has agreed a temporary increase to the mileage allowance reimbursement rate. The rate will increase from 47 pence per mile to 50 pence per mile.
This temporary change, supported by Corporate Management Board and Trade Union representatives, is effective from 2 July 2022. It will be implemented for authorised mileage claims for July, which will be included with the August salary.
This interim arrangement will be reviewed by 30 September 2022. The review will determine whether the revised rate remains in place or reverts to the agreed Collective Agreement rate.
 Electoral Registration Canvassers Wanted
The electoral team are looking for people to act as Electoral Registration Canvassers.
This involves delivering canvass letters to all properties in an allocated area and collecting a response from those non-responding properties at a later stage.
The areas currently available are:
- Blackmill
- Nantymoel
- Ogmore Vale
- Evanstown
- Caerau – Nantyfyllon Area
For more information and application forms please email electionstaff@bridgend.gov.uk
Please note: Forms will need to be collected on 19 August 2022.
Employee Health and Wellbeing
Care First
The service supports employee health and wellbeing through offering a selection of useful resources and contacts which includes:
Counselling Service
Care First counsellors are available 24/7 to offer support, advice and counselling online or via telephone to all staff. All counsellors are professionally qualified and accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Care First ‘Lifestyle’
This is an online resource offering information and advice on issues such as debt, nutrition, pregnancy and managing stress.
Care First ‘Zest’
All BCBC employees can access the Care First ‘Zest’ mental health app which includes a range of interactive tools, helpful tips and visual and mental exercises to support mental health and wellbeing.
To find out more, visit the Care First website
Enter bcb001 as your username and bridgend1234 as your password.
Also available from Care First is My Possible Self
Care First also continues to provide three webinars each week. With a new topic related to health and wellbeing covered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Extreme hot weather advice
We are already experiencing hot temperatures and an amber weather warning has been issued for parts of England and Wales from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 August.
Currently, Bridgend County Borough is outside of the area covered by the warning, although it is always possible that warnings issued will be upgraded or adjusted to include a broader area.
Staff are being encouraged to look after themselves whilst working in these conditions.
Public Health Wales have provided advice on keeping you safe in this weather:
 ‘Altruistic August’
Action for Happiness ‘Tip of the Day’:
Share an encouraging news story to inspire others
You can find out more about Action for Happiness on their website. There, you’ll also find a full calendar of tips, a free 10-day coaching program and the Action for Happiness app, where users share the calendar actions each day and support each other in putting them into practice.
 Give blood and save lives this Summer!
The need for blood has never been more important. Can you help? Welsh Blood Service need more people from the Bridgend area to sign up as donors to help patients across Wales. Appointments are available in Bridgend at the Heronston Hotel (CF35 5AW) on:
Appointments are available in Porthcawl at the Trinity Church Centre (CF36 3DT) on:
Please be advised that if you have recently had a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must wait two days before making a blood donation.
Book your appointment to help save lives today.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
 Learning and Development
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There are a whole range of training opportunities available to all staff, further information on all of the courses can be found on the Learning & Development Website. You can logon by using your 5-digit payroll number and the word ‘password’ as password.
There are also a range of fully funded qualifications available. Just click here to access the list and logon using the same details as above.
To book on any of the workshops or for further queries on funded qualifications, please e-mail learninganddevelopment@bridgend.gov.uk
Please consider the training diary below when planning your learning and development journey:
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We are interested in sharing staff stories, achievements and plans here at Bridgenders, so please contact us with your news.
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