New digital outreach service launched for rural Carmarthenshire

A new digital outreach service is being launched to help people in rural parts of Carmarthenshire.

It will give them access to the same advice and support which is available in the Hub in Llanelli town centre without having to travel to the Hub itself.
The Hub is a one stop shop which brings together all advice, information, education, voluntary, housing, and employment opportunities in the county.
Experienced advisers, who have extensive knowledge of all the opportunities and services available, are on hand to help.
The new outreach service is known as the hub-spoke and involves customers undertaking a Skype interview with any of the Hub’s support services from a dedicated public access point.
There will be two hub-spokes – one at the Municipal Buildings in Llandeilo, and the other at Llandovery Library.
They are part of a new project - the Carmarthenshire Universal Support Delivered Locally (USDL) trial, which is one of only two in Wales.
The scheme, which is a partnership between local authorities and the Department for Works and Pension, aims to develop the support needed by customers affected by Universal Credit changes to the welfare system.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s anti-poverty champion Cllr Pam Palmer said: “This service will give people in rural areas access to the same expert advice available in Llanelli town centre, without them having to travel there.
“The introduction of Universal Credit is going to be a huge worry for many people and this service will hopefully provide advice and information which will help them.
“It will also give them access to information on training and jobs, and many other opportunities.”
The hub-spoke service is free of charge and customers do not need their own internet access or Skype account.
It is being launched at the Municipal Buildings in Llandeilo on Friday, February 27, from 10am to 12noon, and at Llandovery Library on Friday, March 6, at the same times.
To find out more about the service please contact Project Manager Sian Davies (01267 224902) or to make an appointment please call Yr Hwb on 0800 917 3408.