CARERS RIGHTS DAY 2009

GWENDA THOMAS URGES CARERS TO BE ‘IN THE KNOW’ REGARDING THEIR INCOMES AND PENSIONS

Gwenda Thomas AM said: ’Carers fulfil a vital role in society, and the NHS and social care system would just not be able to cope without them. Unfortunately this role is often understated, Neath carers may not be getting all the help they are entitled to, and it is vital that they do so. I was pleased to introduce recently a Carers’ Legislative Competence Order, which will enable the Assembly Government to bring forward legislation on carers.
This legislation will focus on the provision of information and improving joint working between agencies to ensure that there is more effective engagement with carers.
This improved information and aid for carers will help to ensure that they receive benefits which they are entitled to, for example Carer’s Allowance or their pension rights, and enable them to plan for their financial future’.

Beware of Telephone Scams Press Release

Gwenda Thomas AM today warned of unscrupulous scammers preying on her elderly and vulnerable constituents by tricking them into divulging their bank details over the telephone.

‘I have received several calls from worried members of the community asking me to warn others of these scams. Criminals posing as staff from well known organisations are using ploys such as out of date insurance for Sky Box installations, help with debt management and promises of refunds from overpaid Council Tax bills.’ stated Mrs. Thomas.

Mrs. Thomas strongly advised, ‘If you receive a call from any organisation asking for bank details please wait for confirmation by post or ring the official telephone number on your bill, account or policy to confirm that they are indeed genuine.’.

‘If you are concerned that you have already given your details to one of these bogus callers, please contact your bank immediately to ensure that your bank account is in order.’

Surgeries

Surgeries for 2011

Banwen and Onllwyn Surgery: Thursday 24th February, 5-6pm, at The Dove Workshop

Surgeries for 2010

Gwenda Thomas AM will be holding her monthly constituency surgeries on the dates below;

January
Saturday 30th- Neath Neath Library- 10.30am-12noon


February
Saturday 13th- Resolven Resolven Library-10.30am to 12noon


March
Saturday 20th- Pontardawe Constituency Office- 10.30am to 12noon


May
Saturday 15th- Cwmllynfell Cymllynfell Millennium Hall- 10.30am to 12noon


June
Saturday 19th- Resolven Resolven Library- 10.30am to 12noon


July
Saturday 10th- Glynneath Glynneath Library- 10.30am to 12noon


September
Saturday 25th- Neath Morrisons, Angel Street, Neath- 10.30am to 12noon


October
Saturday 16th- Pontardawe Constituency Office -10.30am to 12noon


November
Saturday 20th- Neath Neath Library -10.30am to 12noon

SURGERIES FOR 2009;

Gwenda Thomas AM will be holding advice surgeries throughout the constituency for 2009 on the following dates;

January

SATURDAY 10th - Industrial Club, LOWER BRYNAMMAN - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 10th - Memorial Hall, CWMLLYNFELL - 11am-11.45am

February

SATURDAY 21st - Bryncoch Community Centre, BRYNCOCH NORTH - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 21st- Caewern Community Centre, BRYNCOCH SOUTH -11am-11.45am

March

SATURDAY 14th - Tonmawr Community Centre, PELENNA - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 14th - Community Centre, CIMLA - 11am-11.45am

April

SATURDAY 25th - Neath Day Centre, Orchard Street, NEATH - 10am-10.45am

May

SATURDAY 9th - Community Centre, RESOLVEN - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 9th - Community Centre, LONGFORD - 11am-11.45am

June

SATURDAY 20th - Town Hall, GLYNNEATH - 10am-10.45am - TO BE CONFIRMED

SATURDAY 20th - Welfare Hall, Cwmgwrach, BLAENGWRACH - 11am-11.45am

July

SATURDAY 11th - Community Centre, ABERDULAIS - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 11th - Community Centre, CILFREW - 11am-11.45am

September

SATURDAY 19th - Community Centre, SEVEN SISTERS - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 19th - Community Centre, CRYNANT - 11am-11.45am

October

SATURDAY 10th - Community Centre, RHOS - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 10th - Community Centre, ALLTWEN - 11am-11.45am

November

SATURDAY 14th - Trebanos Hall, TREBANOS - 10am-10.45am

SATURDAY 14th - Ynysmeudwy Hall, PONTARDAWE - 11am-11.45am

December

SATURDAY 12th - Community Centre, GWAUN CAE GURWEN - 10am-10.45am

Gwenda will also be available for appointments on Fridays at the Constituency Office.

Bydd Gwenda ar Gael Hefyd am Apwyntiadau ar ddydd gwener yn y swyddfa etholaeth

SURGERIES FOR 2008:

Gwenda Thomas AM will be holding the following advice surgeries throughout the constituency during 2008.

SATURDAY March 8th - Melin Advice Centre, Briton Ferry Road, MELIN - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY April 12th - Neath Day Centre, Orchard Street, NEATH - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY May 10th - Tonna Community Centre, TONNA - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY June 14th - Rhos Community Centre, RHOS - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY July 12th - Ystalyfera Community Centre, YSTALYFERA - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY September 20th - Glynneath Town Hall, GLYNNEATH - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY October 11th - Neath Day Centre, Orchard Street, NEATH - 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY November 15th - Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Centre, GWAUN CAE GURWEN- 10:30am-12pm

SATURDAY December 6th - Seven Sisters Community Centre, SEVEN SISTERS- 10:30am-12pm

Appointments to see Gwenda Thomas AM personally on Fridays can be made through the constituency office. Please contact the office on 01792 86993 to arrange an appointment.

Please also feel free to contact my office if you require any help or assistance where my staff will be more than pleased to assist you. Details are available on the "Get in touch" page above.