Blaenau Gwent & Caerphilly Care & Repair

23/10/2026

“Thank you so much for the lovely surprise that was delivered to me before Christmas. Believe me it was a bright light on a dark day, it was so nice to think that someone cared for me. So thank you so very much of your kindness & all the goodies. Best wishes to you all for the new year”. (A 90 year old who now believes in Father Christmas) ☺️
It's 63 days until Christmas - we’re delighted to announce the Care & Repair Christmas Gift Box Appeal is back in 2026 🎁 🎅
For many people, Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be a difficult period, especially for people who are feeling lonely or isolated. That’s why, Care & Repair and Age Connects Wales are spreading some seasonal cheer through our Gift Box Appeal.
How you can help:
🎁 Find a shoebox - wrap the box and lid separately in Christmas paper, or you can use a festive pre-printed box.
🎁 Fill with gifts - there are suggestions on what you can include in your shoebox on our website (more info in the link below)
🎁 Attach a label marking whether your gift is for a male, female or generic.
❌ Please don't include personal information about yourself.
Once your gift box is filled with gifts, you can drop it in to us, your local Care & Repair (Unit 1A-1B Foxes Lane, Oakdale Business Park, Blackwood, NP12 4AB) or your local Age Connects Wales office.
For details of other local drop-off points, please click the link: https://careandrepair.org.uk/gift-box-appeal-2026/
Please ensure your gift boxes are delivered by Friday 11 December 2026. We’d love you to join us in spreading some festive cheer this Christmas time.

21/10/2026

Making Your Home Safer 🏠
There are many types of adaptations that can help make your home safer. If you struggle with balance or mobility, one or more of these could make everyday life easier.
🔹 Minor adaptations
These are small, relatively low-cost changes that can usually be fitted quickly, such as handrails, grab rails, and stair rails. Other helpful items include key safes and shower seats.
🔹 Major adaptations
These involve larger changes to your home, such as ramps, wet rooms, level-access doors, stair-lifts or high level toilets. These often take several days or weeks to complete and have a higher cost
Our Care & Repair caseworkers will always do everything they can to help find the funding needed for the work you require 💚
We cannot guarantee that the exact same adaptation will be available in your Borough, as funding, materials, suppliers and contractors vary from region to region.
Contact us on 01495 321091 to find out what is possible in your Borough

20/10/2026

Celebrating 10 Years of Managing Better 🥳
This year marks 10 years of our Managing Better service offering advice and practical help for people over the age of 50 who have hearing loss, sight loss, dementia, or have had a stroke. If you would like a visit from our Managing Better Caseworker please contact us on 📞 01495 321091 ☎️

13/10/2026

During the past year, the Care & Repair movement has helped and supported thousands of older people across Wales to stay safe, warm and living independently in the homes and communities they love ❤
Last year, our Agencies collectively carried out 68,374 individual services to support older people in Wales 🏠
The Impact Report for 2025-26 highlights the difference that practical support, trusted advice and timely home adaptations can make to people's lives.
Watch the latest video to see the impact we've made together.
To download the report, please visit: https://careandrepair.org.uk/ourimpact
If you require our help and support please call us on 01495 321091

06/10/2026

🛠️🏠 Mae Care & Repair Cymru yn elusen sy'n helpu pobl hŷn a phobl anabl i wneud eu cartrefi yn fwy diogel, yn gynhesach ac yn haws byw ynddyn nhw.

Maen nhw’n gwneud gwaith gwych mewn cymunedau ar draws Gwynedd a Phowys, o waith ymarferol fel gwella gwresogi a gosod reilings llaw, i waith cymorth fel helpu pobl i wneud cais am grantiau a budd-daliadau.

Roedd yn anrhydedd siarad yn eu Cynhadledd yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Gweinidog Tai i ddiolch iddyn nhw am eu gwaith, ac roedd yn arbennig o braf gweld wynebau cyfarwydd o Wynedd yno.

🛠️🏠 Care & Repair Cymru is a charity that helps older and disabled people make their homes safer, warmer and easier to live in.

They do fantastic in communities across Gwynedd and Powys, from the practical work such as repairs, improving heating, or fitting handrails, to support work such as helping people apply for grants and benefits.

It was an honour to speak at their Conference as Housing Minister to thank them for their work, and it was particularly good to see familiar faces from Gwynedd there.

01/10/2026

Today we celebrate International Day of Older Persons, and this year's theme, "What's on Your Doorstep?".

At Care & Repair, we see every day how having the right help at home can make a real difference. There are many ways we can support you to adapt your home to ensure you can continue living safely and independently in the home and community you love. If you have difficulties with balance or mobility, the right changes can make a big difference to your daily life.

Minor adaptations such as handrails and grabrails can help you to get in, out and around your home and garden safely and ensures you can enjoy doing the things you love to do. Major adaptations such as installing ramps or widening doorways can ensure you can continue living at home safely and independently for as long as you wish.

Our Care & Repair caseworkers will always do their best to help you find funding for the work you need. We cannot guarantee that the exact same adaptation will be available in your area, as funding, materials, suppliers and contractors vary from region to region.
We can help keep you safe and independent on your doorstep and at home. If you're worried about getting around your home safely, contact your local Care & Repair to find out what adaptations may be available - www.careandrepair.org.uk/gethelp

29/09/2026

Making Your Home Safer 🏠
There are many types of adaptations that can help make your home safer. If you struggle with balance or mobility, one or more of these could make everyday life easier.
🔹 Minor adaptations
These are small, relatively low-cost changes that can usually be fitted quickly, such as handrails, grab rails, and stair rails. Other helpful items include key safes and shower seats.
🔹 Major adaptations
These involve larger changes to your home, such as ramps, wet rooms, level-access doors, stair-lifts or high level toilets. These often take several days or weeks to complete and have a higher cost
Our Care & Repair caseworkers will always do everything they can to help find the funding needed for the work you require 💚
We cannot guarantee that the exact same adaptation will be available in your Borough, as funding, materials, suppliers and contractors vary from region to region.
Contact us on 01495 321091 to find out what is possible in your Borough.

28/09/2026

Contact us on 01495 321091 if you would like to find out more about how Care & Repair can support you to stay safe and independent in your home.

"The difference it has made is incredible. I can have a shower whenever I want.

Before, I couldn't manage stepping over into the bath, so having a wet room has been a blessing."

John, who lives in Swansea, began experiencing problems with his legs, which affected his balance and mobility.

"They got worse and worse and now my balance has gone, and they just don’t work. The muscles have shrunk tremendously."

Because of his balance issues, John was worried about falling. After receiving support from Age Cymru, who helped him claim the benefits he was entitled to, John was put in touch with Care & Repair to make his home safer and reduce his risk of falls.

John said: "Someone visited within a fortnight, and the following week the work began. I had grab rails fitted at the front and back doors, as well as in the bathroom. The one by the bath was a lifesaver."

As John's balance continued to deteriorate, the council fitted a wet room and stairlift in his home. The wet room includes a shower chair and non-slip flooring, making bathing safer and easier.

"The difference it has made is incredible. I can have a shower whenever I want. Before, I couldn't manage stepping over into the bath, so having a wet room has been a blessing."

The stairlift has also had a huge impact on John's daily life.

"I don't know how I managed without it. We don't have a downstairs toilet, and with my mobility problems, getting upstairs was becoming very difficult."

John's story shows how simple, practical adaptations around the home can help reduce the risk of falls and support people to live independently for longer.

If you're worried about falling, the most important thing you can do is talk to someone. Your GP surgery can offer advice and may be able to refer you to local falls prevention services or a Falls Clinic.

🏠 Need help with adaptations around your home? Contact Care & Repair
🚶 Looking for information about staying active? Contact Age Cymru.
🦶 Concerned about foot care, including toenail cutting? Contact Age Connects Wales.

For more information on reducing your risk of falling, visit our website: https://careandrepair.org.uk/campaigns/falls-awareness-week/

23/09/2026

💚We would like to express our thanks to Moose International. No 1 Lodge Tredegar Members Jean Gardener, Keith Jenkins, Gerald Gardner, Pat Hughes, Carol Wiltshire and Geoff Williams
for the warm welcome received today, and your very generous donation of £500 for our Hardship Fund 💚
Our Caseworkers Theresa & Catherine presented a talk outlining our services and Falls Prevention work, which enables older persons in Blaenau Gwent & Caerphilly to remain independent in their homes 🏠
Should any local group be interested in a talk, or if you are interested in finding out more about our services, please don't hesitate to get in touch 📞01495 321091 https://careandrepair.org.uk/how-we-can-help/

23/09/2026

Ensuring your home is safe and suits your needs can help reduce your risk of falling over. Care & Repair can help with adaptations such as grab rails, handrails and steps to help you to live safely and independently at home.
If you’re worried about falling over or getting around your home safely, contact your local Care & Repair on 01495 321091 or click this link to find out more https://careandrepair.org.uk/how-we-can-help/