An appeal for the return of unwanted equipment has led to over 100 products worth £2,200 being returned – all of which will be recycled and used to help others.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil Integrated Community Equipment Service is provided in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil Councils and Cwm Taf Local Health Board – and provides some 28,000 items of equipment every year.
These include crutches, shower chairs, adaptable seats, zimmer frames and more, many of which are issued as part of care packages to people of all ages.
However, just 15,000 items are returned to the service each year, prompting concern that residents were not returning equipment when it was no longer needed.
As such, it has joined forces with the Council’s Community Housing and Waste management services to offer innovative and easy ways for residents to hand back equipment they no longer need.
This work has already generated a significant number of returns and it is hoped that even more items will be returned so they can be used by others.
People are urged to continue dropping off unwanted or no-longer-required community equipment items at:
- Bryn Pica Landfill Site, Llwydcoed (CF44 0BX)
- Cymmer Road, Dinas (CF39 9BL)
- Nantygwyddon Road, Gelli (CF41 7TL)
- North Road, Ferndale (CF43 4RS)
- Treforest Industrial Estate (CF37 5TT)
Councillor Mike Forey, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, said: “The Integrated Community Equipment Service provides vital assistance to those in need, offering the equipment and living aides people need to maintain independence after injury or illness.
“It is , therefore, vital that those who have equipment they no longer need ensure they return it to us, so it can be recycled and given to others who are also in need.
“Now, more than ever, we are under pressure to cut the amount of money we spend and we must make sure we secure the return of unwanted items in order to meet those efficiencies, so all resources are used.”
For further information on recycling your community equipment or to find out if the service can help you call Vision Products Community Equipment Service on 01443 239104.
