Centenary of Memorial Park marked with commemorative service
More than 5,700 people helped to access benefits, grants, and services
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUCNCIL has helped local residents secure more than £7.5 million in financial support through its network of Hwb advisers.
Over the past 18 months, 5,745 residents referred to the council's support service have successfully claimed a wide range of benefits and grants with the help of the dedicated Hwb team. These include applications for blue badges, council tax discounts, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Universal Credit, free school meals, and uniform grants.
The council says it is committed to ensuring all residents know what support is available and how to access it.
'There is help available, and we want people to know they're not alone,' said Deputy Leader Cllr Linda Evans. 'Many people find the process of applying for support daunting—but our team of friendly Hwb advisers can help every step of the way.'
How to access support
Residents can get help in four ways:
Online via the Claim What's Yours page on the Carmarthenshire County Council website.
In person at Hwb centres in Carmarthen, Llanelli, and Ammanford.
Through Hwb Bach y Wlad, the council's outreach service to rural communities.
By phone, calling the Contact Centre on 01267 234567, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 6:00pm.
Nearly 90,000 people have visited the council's Hwb centres and rural outreach events for advice and support.
Real-life impact
Two recent examples of residents who have benefited from Hwb support include:
Mrs H, a single mother of three, was struggling with bills despite receiving ESA, PIP, and child benefit. After visiting a Hwb adviser, she was awarded additional support including council tax reduction, back payments, a single-person discount refund of £1,200, enhanced PIP, free school meals, a uniform grant, and a blue badge. Her household income increased by £800 a month.
Mr S visited a Hwb after suffering a stroke. With help from advisers, he successfully applied for a discretionary housing payment clearing £600 in rent arrears, received a council tax reduction for severe mental impairment worth £1,440, and was awarded enhanced PIP of £184 a week, a blue badge, a disabled bus pass, and additional income of £400 every four weeks.
A joined-up approach
Cllr Evans added: 'Our three main Hwb centres and the Hwb Bach y Wlad rural service work closely with over 50 partner organisations to provide a truly holistic support network for residents.'
For more information or to speak with an adviser, visit the Claim What's Yours page on the Carmarthenshire County Council website.
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