COVID Support Hub opens up in Holyhead

A COVID Support Hub is now available in Holyhead that will provide testing kits and support to those living in the community.

From Tuesday, 11 May residents are able to make an appointment with the Citizens Advice Service in the Anglesey town to obtain a Lateral Flow Device (LFT).

LFDs are used to identify people with COVID-19 who are not showing symptoms. Around 1 in 3 individuals with the virus do not have any symptoms, and if left undetected they will continue to spread the virus.

Testing those without symptoms is an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. Each positive case identified can help prevent many more infections.

Anglesey Council Chief Executive, Annwen Morgan, welcomed the new TTP Protect Initiative pilot scheme in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Citizens Advice Ynys Môn.

She said: “This is a ground breaking initiative, which highlights what can be achieved by effective partnership working. The new initiative will support and protect the most vulnerable individuals in our community in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The virus has taken its toll on our Island over the last 12 months, but the situation is now improving significantly. Our aim is to ensure that the scheme, located at the Citizens Advice Ynys Môn offices in Holyhead, can build on the current momentum by providing advice and support which will help people overcome various challenges they face today.”

The opening times will be between 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday by appointment. An appointment can be made by contacting the team at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau on 01407 762278 ( anytime between 9am – 4pm each day).

Jackie Blackwell, CEO of Citizens Advice Ynys Mon said: “This is a really exciting pilot which brings an invaluable holistic service to the heart of our community. We are delighted to be the first of these centres to be set up in North Wales.

“Residents of Holyhead can simply pick up lateral flow tests from our Holyhead office by appointment, and if they have other urgent matters one of our trained advisers will be available to assist. This could range from employment, energy , debt, welfare benefit, digital exclusion, and mental health support.”

The COVID Support Hub is the first initiative of its kind in North Wales, and similar Support Hubs will be developed in other counties over the coming weeks.

Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “It is important that testing is made as convenient and accessible as possible so we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Citizens Advice Service and Anglesey Council to offer this service in Holyhead.

“We would like to encourage as many people as possible to book an appointment to receive a testing kit. As restrictions continue to ease, the routine testing of asymptomatic people will be extremely important to prevent transmission of the virus within our communities.”