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e-connect 04 January 2024
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
In my first e-connect message of the New Year, I’d like to say a little bit about what we have planned in 2024 to continue to improve people’s lives in Bath and North East Somerset.
Coming up straightaway, as I set out in my last message of 2023, is the need for the council to set its budget. A consultation on our savings, income and Council Tax proposals is under way in advance of a detailed budget being presented to our cabinet and Council in February. As with other councils, we’re facing some tough decisions to balance the books but we are working really hard to ensure that we can continue to focus on our priorities into 2024 and beyond.
Crucially, we need to deliver our aim of the ‘right homes in the right places’. We’ve made a strong start, as I mentioned in my last e-connect following my visit to the site in Lower Bristol Road where work has started on eight new affordable homes for social rent, being developed in partnership with Aequus Construction Limited (ACL) - the council’s wholly owned development company. I’ll be keeping you updated on the progress we are making on delivering this key priority for local people.
Another key priority is increasing travel choices and the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on 11 January will receive an update on our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme. The report sets out what we have achieved so far and our future plans really clearly and if you are interested in reading it you can find it here.
We will also continue to prioritise a cleaner, greener Bath and North East Somerset. Our Keynsham Recycling Hub, a purpose-built public household waste and recycling which we opened in April last year, added a reuse shop in October and now a new MOT and vehicle servicing centre has also opened which residents and businesses can use. Requests for MOT bookings can be made on the council website, by contacting mot_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk or by calling 01225 477314.
I look forward to keeping you updated in 2024 and wish you all a very Happy New Year.
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Liveable Neighbourhoods update goes before councillors
A detailed update on an ambitious scheme to improve residential streets and encourage safe, active and more sustainable forms of travel in Bath & North East Somerset is set to go before councillors.
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Homeowners use grant funding and expert advice to improve the energy efficiency of their properties
Residents wanting to save money and cut their carbon emissions are taking advantage of expert advice and funding schemes to install a range of energy saving and low carbon technologies in their homes.
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The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists at Victoria Art Gallery
Take a trip down memory lane and discover the books that defined a generation in The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists at Victoria Art Gallery in Bath.
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Bathscape walks included in programme of events for wellbeing festival
Residents are being given the opportunity to improve their mental and physical wellbeing by joining a guided walk during the ReBalance Bath festival
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Temporary closure of Batheaston footpath
High water levels in recent weeks have caused the partial erosion of a riverbank footpath in Batheaston, forcing it to close due to safety concerns
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. This is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. Check the website to see if you’re eligible to register. |
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| For people struggling to afford broadband or phone services, there are social tariffs available. Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has a webpage with more information about social tariffs including eligibility requirements and how to apply Social tariffs - Connecting Devon and Somerset |
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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. |
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Employment support and skills
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Achieve
Achieve in B&NES provides a job and course search service for anybody wishing to enter the workplace or progress their career. There are free and funded courses from local providers. |
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We Work For Everyone
Looking for work and have a learning difficulty or learning disability, or you are autistic, we can help. Visit weworkforeveryone.org. |
Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod provides information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment. You can find out more on the achieve website. |
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| Join the Employment & Skills Pod at Bath Central Library on Wednesday 31st January 10am – 12pm for their Skills for Work Volunteering Opportunities drop-in. |
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Health, wellbeing and support
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Live Well B&NES
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. |
Community Wellbeing Hub
The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368 or visit the website. |
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Bath Mind
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
Age UK
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset run specialised Dementia Groups in the district. These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Find out more here or call 01225 466135. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital |
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Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email. For more information on the full range of services, visit the website. For more useful information visit the RNIB website. |
Domestic abuse
Southside provides help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse. The working hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4pm Fridays. Local support services can be found here. |
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Do you look after someone else?
If you support someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre. Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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| To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events, consultations and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter. |
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Winter illnesses advice
Rising cases of common winter illnesses are putting additional pressure on local health services at what is an already extremely busy time.
People can protect themselves, as well as others, from conditions such as norovirus, flu and Covid-19 by staying at home when feeling unwell and following a good personal hygiene regimen, which includes washing hands with soap and water and catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue.
Those who show symptoms of norovirus, such as sickness, nausea or diarrhoea, should stay home until at least 48 hours after feeling better. This is because people can still be infectious to others once the physical symptoms of the virus have ended.
Vaccinations for flu and Covid-19 continue to be available from many community pharmacies across the region, and those who are eligible can find their nearest vaccine centre online on the BSW ICB website.
People suffering with common winter ailments, including coughs, colds and sore throats, are advised to manage their symptoms at home through rest and with medicines that can be bought over the counter, such as paracetamol. Pharmacists can also provide expert clinical advice on how to treat symptoms. Find your local pharmacy.
NHS 111 is available online at www.111.nhs.uk, and can provide quick advice and guidance to any person with concerns about their symptoms. |
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Covid-19 and Flu booster walk-in clinics
There will be two more opportunities available for you to get your Covid-19 and Flu booster at our walk-in clinics this January, there is no need to book, just turn up.
When: Saturday 13th January 2024, 10am - 4pm
Where: Keynsham Scout Hut BS31 2UF
When: Saturday 27th January 2024, 10am - 4pm
Where: St Chads Surgery, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UN
Check if you are eligible
Covid-19 - Those eligible 5+
Flu - Eligible adults only
- If you are pregnant
- All Health and Social Care Workers
Find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinic - Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB |
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Recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period
Temporary alterations to the recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period will affect collections that would normally be scheduled from Monday December 25 to Friday January 12. The revised dates can be found on the website. A calendar with the revised dates can be downloaded from the website.
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