RCT Food Distribution Centre
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Sobell Leisure Centre has been transformed into the Council’s Food Distribution Centre during the COVID-19 Coronavirus national emergency.
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 2,700 people have contacted the Council requesting support and assistance with such things as shopping, collecting medication, loneliness and dog walking.
“There are many individuals in communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf who need assistance at this time, and the Council is doing all it can to help these people.
“Residents currently need support in different ways – It can be from a voice at the end of a telephone to collecting medication from pharmacies, providing vital food supplies or even caring for beloved pets.
“The Council’s Food Distribution Centre is now a hive of activity, with staff and the voluntary sector working together to provide care and support to those who need support at this time.”
The Council is proactively contacting all individuals on the ‘Shielded’ list, registering those individuals with the Welsh Government food parcel scheme.
For those not on the ‘Shielded’ list, who have special dietary requirements, or are unable to make their own meals, or cannot rely on support from family or friends, these people are being supported directly by the Council.
In order to co-ordinate food distribution across the County Borough, the Council has set up a Food Distribution Centre which is jointly run by volunteers from Council staff and the community.
Located at Ynys, Aberdare, the main hall – which is usually used for various sporting activities – has had specialist protective flooring laid and a vast shelving layout installed.
Thousands of items of food are now stocked on the shelves and are being delivered daily to those in need.
To date, the Council and its partner agencies have received support from over 1,000 volunteers, across the County Borough, who are willing to help and carry out all types of duties.
The Council’s Food Distribution Centre at Sobell Leisure Centre is NOT open to the public. The premises are used by Council staff, its partners and volunteers, all adhering to the social distancing guidelines to prepare food hampers, which are then distributed across the Rhondda Cynon Taf network.
