news.wrexham.gov.uk

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Featured posts

  • Public Health Wales urges eligible people in Wales to have their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations

    Public Health Wales urges eligible people in Wales to have their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations

    Guest Article – Public Health Wales

    Public Health Wales is urging all eligible people in Wales to have their free NHS flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines when the NHS in Wales begins its biggest ever national winter vaccinations programme.

    As the global pandemic continues, the impact of COVID-19 on the nation has been significant, but flu (also known as influenza) can be serious too. The chances of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 or flu are greatly reduced by vaccination, as are the risks of spreading these viruses.

    Vaccination is particularly important for those who are older, pregnant, or have a health condition and are more vulnerable to complications as a result of the infections. It is also very important that frontline healthcare workers and those who work in care homes or providing care in peoples own homes get their vaccines to help reduce spread.

    Dr Christopher Johnson, Consultant Epidemiologist and Interim Head of Public Health Wales’ Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme explains: “It is well known that having a flu vaccine every year is one of the most effective ways to protect against flu. Likewise the COVID-19 booster vaccination extends the protection against infection in individuals in those eligible groups that completed their primary course of the COVID-19 vaccinations earlier this year.

    “The process is simple and effective. For most eligible groups the flu vaccines are available from either General Practice or Community Pharmacy. Separate arrangements are in place for infants, school-age children and NHS and social care staff. Most COVID-19 booster vaccinations will be offered at the existing mass vaccination centres, with invitations issued by local Health Boards.”

    Work in social care and be the lifeline your community needs.

    Those eligible for free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines are set out in advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The groups for each are similar but are not exact matches. The full JCVI recommendations are available online for flu and the COVID-19 booster programme.

    To encourage uptake of these vaccines, Public Health Wales has launched a campaign based on the theme of ‘help keep your life open’ as a result of having the vaccines when offered. It features a new TV and radio advert as well as social media and digital content and runs from 28 September, with the TV advert first airing from 4 October.

    Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, said: “Health and social care services continue to work hard to protect us and our loved ones from the challenges of the pandemic. We are concerned about a perfect storm of both flu and COVID-19 this winter, and are doing everything to prepare.

    “This year we are extending our flu vaccination programme to include all those over 50 years old and between years 7 to 11 in the schools programme. Our Covid 19 booster programme has already begun to be rolled out and I strongly urge those who are eligible to have their vaccines as soon as possible to help protect themselves, their families and their community.”

    Flu and COVID-19 viruses spread easily, and can be very serious for older people, young children, pregnant women and those with health conditions.

    “Thankfully last year the flu season was mild,” continues Dr Johnson, “but most years it results in outbreaks in care homes and hospitals, and we generally see hundreds of people being admitted to hospital or intensive care units with flu. We also know from our experiences with COVID-19 just how devastating its effects can be.

    “I would therefore reassure those who are eligible but miss their appointments for any reason not to panic. Appointments can be rearranged by contacting the organisation that issued your original invitation and requesting a new date,” he concludes.

    To help stop flu and other viruses spreading, remember to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.’

    For more information how vaccines protect you, and about the symptoms of flu and COVID-19, visit phw.nhs.wales/vaccines

    If you’re looking for a new career and want to help people in your community, a job in social care could be the right move.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Care_Jobs_in_Wrexham”]FIND LOCAL CARE JOBS[/button]

  • Do you receive or provide care and support services? If so please read on…..

    Do you receive or provide care and support services? If so please read on…..

    Care

    The North Wales Population Needs Assessment is currently being updated in order to ensure it is able to plan for the future needs of anyone receiving or providing care in the region.

    We want to know about the support you get, how well it’s working and what matters to you.

    In order to do this there’s currently an online survey for you to fill in which will be used to update the plans.

    Care and support includes help with day-to-day living because of physical or mental illness or disability for people of all ages. It includes children and young people with experience of foster care or adoption as well as unpaid carers who provide support to family or friends.

    Please complete the survey by 11 October, 2021.

    Complete the online survey here

    If you would prefer to answer the questions over the phone, please contact Eluned Yaxley on 01824 712041.

    If you would like to contact us using a British Sign Language interpreter, you can do so using the InterpretersLive! service, provided by Sign Solutions. Alternative versions in EasyRead; Children and young people’s and printable versions are also available for your convenience.

    If you’re looking for a new career and want to help people in your community, a job in social care could be the right move.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/care-for-wrexham-work-in-social-care-and-be-the-lifeline-your-community-needs/”]FIND LOCAL CARE JOBS[/button]

  • Top up your hours as a part of the most special day of people’s lives…take a look at this job

    Top up your hours as a part of the most special day of people’s lives…take a look at this job

    Jobs can be interesting for a variety of different reasons, but there’s something about this opportunity, which particularly makes it stand out from the crowd.

    That’s because we’re looking for Casual Ceremony Officers to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies across the county borough.

    Let’s face it, there’s not too many jobs where you get to work around some of the most important moments in people’s lives, but in this case you can.

    It’s a casual role, and successful applicants will be expected to cover some weekends and bank holidays, as well as weekday ceremonies, as and when required, during busy months.

    You can work it around your current part-time, or even a full-time position. We’d particularly like to hear from current Wrexham Council staff who are looking to top up their hours.

    APPLY TO BE A CASUAL CEREMONY OFFICER

    Training and support given

    Sounds like a lot of responsibility? Don’t worry, training and support will be given to ensure that you have the skills and confidence to be able to officiate at ceremonies, as well as delivering excellent customer service at all times.

    What we’re looking for

    Successful applicants will have excellent attention to detail in order to accurately record information, have excellent time management skills and be articulate.

    Clear handwriting and some experience of working directly with the general public is also desirable.

    Flexibility, attention to detail and accuracy are also key factors to this post.

    Interested? You can find out more about the role here.

    Or if you’ve read enough and are ready to apply, please click the button below.

    The closing date is Sunday, October 10.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://saas.zellis.com/wrexham/wrl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01004754&language=gb
    “] APPLY FOR THE JOB [/button]

  • Open Weekend at Wrexham Waterworld

    Open Weekend at Wrexham Waterworld

    Wrexham Waterworld will be having an open weekend on the 2nd and 3rd  of October.

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    If you’ve not visited one of our leisure centres for a while, the open weekend will give you a chance to view the facilities at Waterworld, and get advice and information on what is on offer across our 9 sites.

    During the weekend Waterworld will have free gym access, a weight lifting technique workshop, circuit training taster sessions using the Omnia multi gym and fantastic annual and monthly membership offers.

    We’ll also have a 2 for 1 offer on all our Costa coffees!

    Since re-opening in May we’ve seen an extremely encouraging amount of people return to our sites and we are still seeing the whole community wanting to get active and meet new people.

    Our Learn 2 Swim programme is proving very popular with younger and older individuals and although popular we do have some space available to learn this essential life skill.

    ……and if your age between 12-16 years of age there are some free gym sessions right the way through to Christmas at Waterworld, Chirk, Gwyn Evans and Queensway Leisure Centres. Follow this link for more information

    Cllr John Pritchard, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty, said: “It’s encouraging to hear that so many people are taking advantage of our leisure facilities. With the nights drawing in, participating in activities at our leisure centres is a great way of keeping active during winter.”

    Andy Harris, Area Manager at Freedom Leisure “please come down and join in the fun at Waterworld’s open weekend. There is really something for everyone and it’s a great opportunity for all the family to get active during the weekend”
    Booking a Covid-19 vaccine appointment is now easier than ever.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/”] BOOK ONLINE [/button]

  • Update from the Local Resilience Forum around the current situation with fuel

    Update from the Local Resilience Forum around the current situation with fuel

    Drivers across North Wales are being reminded that there is no fuel shortage and no need to panic buy.

    Representatives of all the emergency services, local authorities, health providers and other key agencies across the region have met to review the impact of the panic buying on vital service provision to local communities.

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    Concerns about a shortage of fuel have led to an increase in the number of motorists visiting filling stations. In some places this has caused queues and road congestion, which as well as causing delays to other road users could also potentially impact on critical and emergency services.

    All key services have plans in place to deal with fuel shortages and currently the situation is not impacting how agencies across North Wales are providing services to local communities. We are however asking people to be sensible and not panic buy.”

    Local authorities have also had reports of care workers receiving verbal abuse on forecourts.

    Superintendent Mark Williams said: “Although we have not had official reports of this, anecdotally we are aware that some key workers have been verbally abused. This is totally unacceptable and I would appeal to people to be patient and considerate. If you are at a filling station and can see emergency services or care workers waiting to buy fuel, please consider allowing them to fuel up first so that they can carry on keeping the community safe and responding to emergencies.”

    Booking a Covid-19 vaccine appointment is now easier than ever.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/”] BOOK ONLINE [/button]

  • Wrexham firms offered carbon cutting workshop as part of the Race to Zero

    Wrexham firms offered carbon cutting workshop as part of the Race to Zero

    Businesses in Wrexham are offered the opportunity to attend carbon reduction workshops and practical net zero advice on 4 October 2021 at Glyndwr University between 1pm and 4pm as part of the run up to COP26.

    The workshops will be provided by Planet Mark – a leading sustainability and net zero certification group that usually works with companies like Centrica and Charles Trywhitt – and forms part of the UN-backed Race to Zero and Together for Our Planet campaigns.

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    In the UK, the Race to Zero effort is being coordinated by Kwasi Kwarteng’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) department working with Local Authorities, Planet Mark, the Institute of Directors, and others. It is the Government’s flagship campaign to raise awareness among the business community about the urgent need for firms to cut their carbon emissions.

    The Tour stop at Glyndwr University on 4 October at  is part of the Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour, which will see Planet Mark’s fully electric powered carbon battle bus visit 30 towns and cities across the UK. The Tour began in Cambridge and will finish in Glasgow for COP26.

    August’s hard hitting IPCC report showed just how dire the climate crisis really is. The study said: “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans and land.” Businesses and organisations in Wrexham, and across the UK, must therefore be encouraged to take action now to reduce their carbon emissions and help create a healthier planet and society.

    At the event Planet Mark’s team will demonstrate to businesses how they can set their own credible carbon reduction targets and implement plans to achieve them in line with the Race to Zero’s rigorous minimum criteria.

    The event will empower local firms and their employees to become part of a greater national effort to protect our environment by demystifying what is needed to achieve net zero. It will also highlight the good work many companies are already doing to address their carbon output.

    Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark, says: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Wrexham businesses on this Zero Carbon Tour flagship event as part of the Together For Our Planet campaign in the build up to COP26. We look forward to gathering in-person and online with the Wrexham business community to talk about how they can, no matter their size,  contribute to the fight against climate change by committing to net zero carbon. Through the critical Race to Zero we can all play a part in our planet’s future”.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said, “This is a huge opportunity for Wrexham businesses to find out how they can contribute to reaching ambitious and challenging Zero Carbon targets. I know many will be keen to be involved and encourage as many as possible to take advantage of this unique opportunity in the run up to COP26.”

    You can find out more about Race to Zero here.

    Businesses can sign up to the event on 4 October through Eventbrite.

    Booking a Covid-19 vaccine appointment is now easier than ever.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/”] BOOK ONLINE [/button]

  • “Read Now’ Titles from BorrowBox

    “Read Now’ Titles from BorrowBox

    Did you know Wrexham Libraries offer a service where you can download 10 eBooks and 10 eAudiobooks for free for 21 days via the BorrowBox App?

    Borrowing digital content has never been simpler, smarter or more convenient. BorrowBox digital content is available any time from work, home or anywhere 24/7.

    Book your Covid-19 vaccination appointment online.

    You can reserve or borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks and 10 eBooks at a time.  This month’s featured ‘Read Now’ titles include The Adventures of the Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda Owen, The Foundling by Stacey Halls, Buried by Lynda La Plante and Robin Hood by Robin Muchamore.

    To try one of these books or to choose any other e-book/e-audio books please visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online services link.

    Booking a Covid-19 vaccine appointment is now easier than ever.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/”] BOOK ONLINE [/button]

  • Football Gets a Further Boost as New Pavilion for Rhos Aelwyd FC Opened

    Football Gets a Further Boost as New Pavilion for Rhos Aelwyd FC Opened

    There’s been a further boost for young footballers in Wrexham following the official opening of a new pavilion in Ponciau Banks, home to Rhos Aelwyd Football Club.

    The £200,000 project means the club can prioritise youth and junior football which has already grown by 4 teams since the summer of 2019 and builds on the strong partnership overseeing football development across the county borough.

    Into the future the club are keen to take over the running of the facilities which will then give them greater freedom to apply for further grant funding.

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    The club will also be part of the 3G sports facility at Ysgol Grango.

    You can read more about that here.

    “Football remains high on the agenda here”

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said, “It was a pleasure to be at the opening of this new facility and to hear in person what it will mean to young people in the area.

    “We have been working hard for the last few years to develop football hubs across Wrexham and this investment is a major step forward for this community.

    “Football remains high on the agenda here. Wrexham AFC is now under new management and their future is looking very bright, the County Borough Museum is set to be the home of the Football Museum of Wales and the hub work that we have been doing means that Wrexham will continue to be the spiritual home of football for many years to come.”

    “Excellent new pavilion”

    The pavilion was officially opened by Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive who said, “The pavilion was officially opened by Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive who said: “The FAW is proud of its partnership with Wrexham Council which has led to the development and funding of this excellent new pavilion that will provide essential changing and meeting rooms for Rhos Aelwyd FC and the wider community.

    “I am delighted to see that through football, the club can engage further with more girls and young people across this great community.

    “Supporting clubs to manage and improve their own facilities is a key part of our future facilities strategy for Wales and I look forward to working with more clubs and partners across the country to make this happen.”

    The Pavilion Project saw investment of £200,000 with Sport Wales funding of £70,000; Enovert Community Trust grant funding of £70,000 plus County and Community Council funding.

    Booking a Covid-19 vaccine appointment is now easier than ever.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/”] BOOK ONLINE [/button]

  • Recycling Top Tips! Be Mighty. Recycle.

    Recycling Top Tips! Be Mighty. Recycle.

    Recycling everything you can is mightier than you think! In Wales, we’re ahead of the game when it comes to recycling and we’re currently the world’s third best recyclers. But we need your help to get us to number one by recycling more of the right things more often, together.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “In Wales, over 92% of us recycle regularly, but with half of us still not recycling everything we can, we need to step it up and recycle more of the right things more often. If each of us re-used or recycled just one more thing each day, it would make a huge difference.”

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    Become a mighty recycler and help tackle climate change. By doing something mighty today, you can help get Wales to number one in the world at recycling!

    Here are a few tips to recycling everything you can:

    1. If it’s plastic and bottle shaped, recycle it

    Most of us recycle. In fact, over 88% of us recycle plastic bottles such as drinks bottles, cleaning products and toiletry bottles. Don’t forget to empty, crush and replace the lids before recycling. Trigger sprays can be left on cleaning bottles.

    2. Put plastic pots in their place

    For pots, tubs and trays, just give them a quick rinse before recycling them; remember to remove the plastic film. There’s no need to get every spot of food off, and dishwashing them is a step too far – and a waste of energy!

    3. Recycle aerosol cans from every room

    Aerosol cans are made from recyclable metal and can be recycled again and again without losing quality. Don’t forget to recycle your empty hairspray, deodorant, shaving gel and household aerosols such as polish or air fresheners.

    4. Recycle all your food waste

    Whilst 90% of us recycle our food waste, some food waste still ends up in the rubbish bin. Don’t forget used tea bags & coffee grounds, eggshells, bones and peelings can all be recycled.

    5. Crush those cans

    If you crush your empty cans that will save room in your recycling bin and make them more efficient to transport. Scrunch foil items loosely together to help them get through the sorting process without getting lost.

    #RecycleWeek #BeMightyRecycle

    Lighting it green again for Recycle Week

    Booking a Covid-19 vaccine appointment is now easier than ever.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/”] BOOK ONLINE [/button]

  • A KNIFE Dragon will be used as a weapon for education

    A KNIFE Dragon will be used as a weapon for education

    Coleg Cambria, North Wales Police, Wrexham Council and other stakeholders have joined forces to construct a three-metre ‘Knife Dragon’ using weapons safely handed in at local police stations as part of regional amnesty campaigns.

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    The sculpture is under construction at the college’s Bersham Road site, where students and staff will spend the next year welding and fabricating submitted items – including blades and knuckle dusters – onto a steel frame.

    Inspired by the 20ft ‘Knife Angel’ designed by artist Alfie Bradley, unveiled in 2017, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology and Site Lead at Bersham Road Karl Jackson said: “This statue will form the centrepiece for multi-agency work that will inform and educate in an effort to maintain low instances and reduce occurrences of knife crime in the area.

    “For several years we have been in discussions with North Wales Police and Wrexham Council about designing and constructing an artwork that will help raise the profile of knife awareness campaigns.

    “Our concept is that of a dragon protecting a child; the dragon will be welded by our skilled tutors and learners, and I’m sure will look incredible on completion.

    “It will be placed on a concrete plinth of Welsh stone slate in front of the Institute of Technology, with red, white, and green up-lighting to represent the dragon sitting amongst the remnants of a Welsh Castle.”

    He added: “The sculpture will be based at the college but – in partnership with the council and local knife crime group – it can be moved and transported to spread the message and help educate people as to the dangers of carrying weapons and the devastation knife crime can cause.”

    Wrexham Town Inspector Luke Hughes said the area experiences a low level of knife crime, adding: “Wrexham is a particularly safe place where knife crime isn’t as big a problem as it is in other parts of the country.

    “However, through the very nature of offences involving knives, it only takes a single act to cause devastation. In a moment of madness, the lives of so many people can be changed in an instant.

    “As such, it is particularly important that we can create opportunities to highlight knife crime and what we can do to prevent it.

    “In recent months we have taken more than a hundred knives off the streets of Wrexham in our local amnesty.

    “The ‘Knife Dragon’ offers a way in which we can work with our partners on a project that just might prevent another tragedy. Made with weapons we have seized from our own streets; they will never again be in position to harm anyone.

    “We all have a responsibility to educate anyone who may think it acceptable to carry a knife. The consequences for doing so can be catastrophic.

    “This project serves as a reminder that as a community we can protect our most vulnerable by working together to raise awareness and educate anyone who might otherwise make the wrong choices.”

    Wrexham’s Lead Member for Communities Collaboration and Partnerships, Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “North Wales and Wrexham are very safe places to live and work.

    “We work closely with local and national organisation in efforts to curtail instances of crime. Knife related crime doesn’t just impact on the victim and their immediate family, it also impacts on the wider community.

    “We are proud to be part of this project, and hope that the dragon will bring about discussion on how and why these weapons have no place in our communities.”

    North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “North Wales is one of the safest areas in the UK in which to live and work and my focus remains on keeping our communities safe.

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    “This is an issue about which I will never be complacent, and this sculpture will send out a powerful message about the dangers of knife crime. The more we can do to raise awareness the better.”

    For more information, email karl.jackson@cambria.ac.uk or visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

    If you have concerns about knife crime, call North Wales Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, visit www.fearless.org/en/give-info.

    In 2020, the young people of the Senedd yr Ifanc conducted a questionnaire with the hope of gaining a view of the knife crime issues within Wrexham. The previous consultation gave the young people of the Senedd a view of the knife crime, however they felt they needed a clearer picture in Wrexham. Therefore the Senedd yr Ifanc would like run a similar questionnaire again.

    This questionnaire is completely anonymous; we would like you to answer the question openly and honestly. This consultation is aimed at young people aged 11-25.