National Meals on Wheels Week
Many elderly and vulnerable people across the County Borough have celebrated National Meals on Wheels Week – by tucking into their meal which has been freshly prepared by the Council.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council continues to be the only Council in Wales to deliver meals, for seven-days-a-week, to over 1,000 people.
All meals are freshly-prepared locally using healthy ingredients and supplied in recyclable containers with a filmed lid. The Council’s hot two-course meals are delivered to the doorstep, ordinarily by friendly, uniformed staff, between 11.30am and 2.15pm.
But as part of the Council’s recognition of Meals on Wheels week, three residents received a special visit from the Mayor, Cllr Barry Stephens, who personally delivered their meals.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council was delighted to support National Meals on Wheels Week, which aimed to raise the profile and awareness of the vital service it provides to so many residents across the County Borough.
“Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf we continue to provide freshly-cooked meals for our service users, despite tough economic times.
“The provision of Community Meals is vitally important in keeping the vulnerable and elderly within our communities nourished, socially independent, and most importantly in their own homes for longer.
“From April to September this year alone, more than 104,000 meals have been delivered and served to elderly or vulnerable residents living in our County Borough.
“Every weekday, our dedicated Meals on Wheels Team deliver delicious, healthy and affordable hot meals to service users in their own homes, with chilled meals provided on a Friday for the weekend.
“Our service level of providing meals for seven days a week, which is key to maintaining independence and a healthier way of life, has been sustained, despite the financial challenges we face, to ensure it continues to operate and provide a vital helpline for so many residents.”
Meals provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Meals on Wheels Team are healthy and of the highest, excellent quality, with a typical menu including roast beef or turkey, fish and chips, home-made cottage pie and mouth-watering desserts such as apple tart, fruit crumbles and jam sponge.
As well as delivering meals to the doorstep, Community Meals are also available at all of the Council’s Day Centres located across the County Borough.
Residents over the age of 50 can visit these facilities to socialise with other people and at the same time enjoy a hot two-course meal for just £3.30.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Meals on Wheels Team provides a two-course hot meal in the middle of the day, Monday to Friday, with two additional chilled meals delivered on a Friday and clearly labelled for consumption on individual days over the weekend.
The service is available to people over the age of 60 who live in the County Borough. Meals can also be delivered to people under the age of 60 who have been assessed as needing this service because of disability or illness.
Meals can be provided on a short or long-term basis, according to need.
Local authorities are under no statutory obligation to offer meals on wheels and community meals to its residents.
Ø For more details on Council’s Meals on Wheels service, call 01443 744150 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email mealsonwheels@rctcbc.gov.uk
