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e-connect 09 November

Date published: 2023-11-09


Cllr Kevin Guy with Poppy seller volunteers

e-connect 9 November 2023

A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

As the nights draw in, we are making preparations for the key events that mark this time of year. As a veteran, Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday events have particular significance to me, as they do to many of you.

I was especially pleased yesterday to visit a ‘pop up' Poppy shop in New Bond Street, which is being used as a temporary base, where I met volunteer Poppy sellers (pictured) who are all doing a marvellous job supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.     
 
There are a wide range of Remembrance events taking place across Bath and North East Somerset this weekend so people can pay their respects. As well as in Bath, there will also be events across our whole area, including in Bathford, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Peasedown St John, Pensford, Saltford, Radstock, Stanton Drew and Westfield, and more information can be found here

Yesterday the council held its annual Community Awards ceremony at the Guildhall led by the Council Chair, Councillor Sarah Moore. It is our way of thanking and acknowledging the many people who support their communities and are often unsung heroes.
 
Congratulations to all the award winners, who were presented with certificates and who have had trees, planted by Curo and More Trees for BANES at Whiteway Green in Bath, as a lasting tribute to their outstanding contributions to their communities.

You may have seen that councils are starting to prepare their budgets for next year. We are receiving an update on our finances at tonight’s cabinet meeting and you can watch live on our YouTube channel.

Like all other councils we are under tremendous financial pressure, particularly in the area of social services where we are seeing costs and demands rising, with an increasing number of children in care for example.  I want to reassure residents that we have the capability and expertise to manage this situation. We’ve managed our finances very capably and cautiously, with well-controlled spending and no high-risk investments. We remain focused on delivering services, supporting the most vulnerable in our community and delivering on our priorities, and we will of course be providing further updates on our budget plans as they develop.  

Have a good weekend

 

COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) 

 
COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) at Bath City Football Club and Salvation Army for those eligible.

Bath City Football Club, High Street, Twerton, BA2 1DB.
23 November 2023 11am - 5pm


Salvation Army, Bath, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE.
6 December 11am - 5pm


Check your eligibility here. Children 5-11 to be booked via the National Booking System. Walk-ins available for all other age groups or book via the National Booking System here.
 
News
 

Community heroes celebrated for their commitment to others


Ten individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to other people’s lives in Bath and North East Somerset have been presented with a prestigious award to mark their achievements
 

Next phase of consultation for Bath’s Liveable Neighbourhoods


Plans for five new trial Bath Liveable Neighbourhood schemes under Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders are being set out in Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Forward Plan
 

Ambitious new economic strategy for Bath and North East Somerset goes before councillors


A framework for how we will improve the local economy for the benefit of everyone has been set out in a report that is set to go before the Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 14 November
 

Have your say on the location of polling stations for future elections


Residents and community groups are being invited to have their say on polling districts and the location of places to vote as part of a review that closes on 20 November
 

Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday events in Bath and North East Somerset


People wishing to pay their respects are being reminded about events taking place across Bath and North East Somerset to commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11 and Remembrance Sunday on November 12.
 

Council meetings


Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.

Follow us online


Follow us on TwitterFacebook and
Instagram; subscribe to YouTube,
read the latest releases on our
Newsroom and we're on Nextdoor, too. Visit our website.
 
Support
 

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.
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
 

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs.
 

Employment support and skills

 

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.

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.

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.
 

Health, wellbeing and support

 

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.

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

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.

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, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday.

Public health newsletter


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.

Smoke Free Generation Consultation 
If you would like to take part in the Smoke Free Generation Consultation it runs until December 6 please visit here.
For more information visit  Action on Smoking (ASH) https://ash.org.uk/
 
 
You can report a problem in your area with FixMyStreet: https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk 
 
 
B&NES Council Twitter
B&NES Council Facebook
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LinkedIn
YouTube
B&NES Council Website
 

 

Date published: 2023-11-09


Cllr Kevin Guy with Poppy seller volunteers

Date published: 2023-11-09


Date published: 2023-11-09