e-connect 1 September 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Help is out there
Over the last week there have been some challenging announcements that will impact on us all. Nationally, we heard last Friday that the energy price cap is rising from £1,971 to £3,549 a year from October. This, alongside wider cost of living pressures, is causing real worry in our communities. Many people are feeling the financial squeeze for the first time and simply don’t know where to turn. So the council and a wide range of local partners have come together with a simple message: ‘Help is out there’.
The Community Wellbeing Hub provides a single telephone number 0300 247 0050 to access help from key local agencies, including Citizens Advice, Age UK and Bath Mind. The Hub can help residents with money matters, bills, benefits, energy costs, food, housing, mental health support, jobs and skills, support for carers and other services. The Hub can be contacted Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
Please pass on the Hub’s ‘Help is out there’ message to friends, relatives, work colleagues and neighbours.
Locally, we have also been hearing about proposed cuts to bus services, from October, including to services in our area. Although at time of writing First Group haven’t published the details, the services expected to be affected include bus numbers 11, 12, 20, 22, 42, 82, 171, 172 and 178.
To be blunt, I am dismayed at the planned cuts and have called for a complete rethink of the ‘broken’ bus system. Bath & North East Somerset Council doesn’t run the bus service, but we understand the needs of residents and businesses and the enormous impact these cuts will have on our local communities.
We recognise the pressures on bus companies, particularly rising costs and driver shortages, but I am urgently calling on Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor, for a co-ordinated, imaginative long-term approach to public transport in our area, that provides local people with the access to the work, health, and leisure facilities they need, and which contributes to our climate emergency goals.
First Bus should also delay any planned changes until suitable alternatives to the cut services are agreed. We are willing to meet with the West of England Combined Authority, operators, and others to help make this happen. We need to provide confidence in an integrated, functioning public transport system.
Despite this really challenging situation for buses and bus users, the council will continue to do its very best to deliver improvements to how we get around our area. At our cabinet meeting on Thursday 8 September we’ll be receiving an update report on our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme. I have stressed throughout that this is very much a 'bottom-up' approach, working with local communities to improve their areas.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so each neighbourhood’s interventions will be different, depending upon the needs and requirements of that community. This initiative demonstrates why it is so important to engage directly with communities to design services ‒ especially on issues such as transport. Local people know their local areas best and can help shape the proposals.
The full agenda for the meeting including the report can be found here and you can also watch it on our Youtube channel.
Find out more about our Liveable Neighbourhoods initiative here, or you can read the full report on the council’s website.
Have a good weekend.
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.
The Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is available and you can call them on 0300 247 0050.
There is also a dedicated Money Matters section on Live Well B&NES. This includes:
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Covid guidance
It's still important to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and ensuring you stay safe and get your Covid-19 booster dose.
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19, here is what you should do. |
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Am I eligible?
Find out which vaccinations are available for each age group by visiting the BSW CCG and clicking on 'Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?'. Covid-19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. |
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Upcoming clinics
Clinics this months:
- Wednesday 7 September ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
- Thursday 8 September ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army (11-5.30pm)
- Thursday 22 September ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 30 September ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
You can get the following vaccinations:
- First and second doses for anyone aged 12+ in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12-15
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Anyone aged 12 in year 7 and below, can book their vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. You do not need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic.
If you plan to attend a walk-in, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open on the day.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, before getting any dose of the vaccine you need to wait:
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18+ or an at risk 12-17 year old
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12-17
This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you didn't have any symptoms. If you or your child have had symptoms of Covid-19, but haven't had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Talk to a healthcare professional at the site.
Don't forget, you can still 'grab a cab' to your planned vaccination appointment. The vaccination must be pre-booked and evidence of the appointment must be shown to the taxi driver. Evidence can include a screen shot on a mobile phone or a tablet, or print out.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service. |
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COVID-19 Health and Wellbeing Questionnaire form
Local charity, Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA), is working with Bath & North East Somerset Council's public health team to understand how the pandemic has impacted on the physical and mental wellbeing of these communities. We want to understand your experiences and how you managed during the COVID-19 pandemic by completing this survey. |
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Help for residents to lower household energy costs
Low-income households without gas heating will be able to apply for funding to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes. |
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New complex care provision offers more support
The council is helping to speed up the flow of patients leaving the Royal United Hospital by providing more support to people who have complex care needs in their own homes. |
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Radstock new town centre regeneration action plan
An action plan to regenerate Radstock town centre is set to be developed thanks to new funding secured by the council. |
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Cabinet considers plans for Englishcombe Lane
Revised plans for the ecologically sensitive development site in Englishcombe Lane in Bath are to be considered by the council’s cabinet. |
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Have your say on local high street improvements
Residents and businesses in two Bath high streets are being asked for their views on a range of improvements to attract footfall and revitalise these local high streets. |
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Demolition work starts on multi-storey car park
Partial demolition of the multi-storey car park at Avon Street starts this week as part of the wider Bath Quays regeneration project. |
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New Keynsham Memorial Park footbridge update
The next steps in providing a new footbridge over the weir in Keynsham Park are under way with a planning application having been made for the existing bridge’s demolition. |
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Cabinet considers programme for new Local Plan
Detailed proposals for the preparation of a new Local Plan are to be considered by the council’s Cabinet. |
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Council calls for reform to ‘broken’ bus services
The Leader and Deputy Leader of the council have expressed their dismay at planned cuts to bus services serving the area and have called for a complete rethink of the ‘broken’ bus system. |
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Council to use low emission thermal road repair
A new carbon-saving alternative to traditional methods of repairing roads is being used by the council to help deliver its commitment to tackling the climate and ecological emergency. |
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Partners’ pledge to act on cost-of-living crisis
Partners from across Bath and North East Somerset have come together to pledge help and support for local people with the rising cost of living. |
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Free wellbeing sessions for care and support workers
People working in care and support roles across Bath and North East Somerset are being offered uplifting creative activities in their workplaces and in our communities to help improve wellbeing. |
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GPs to prescribe walking and cycling in new trial
The council has been awarded £1.5 million from the Department for Transport, following a successful bid by the council and supported by the West of England Combined Authority, for an innovative new Active Travel Social Prescribing pilot scheme in the Somer Valley. |
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Bath Children’s Literature Festival
Europe’s largest books festival for children opens in Bath (23 September–2 October) with more than 100 brilliant events from storytelling to draw-alongs, all hosted in the city’s beautiful buildings. Among the family favourites coming to Bath are Michael Rosen, David Baddiel, Cressida Cowell, current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Richard Ayoade and Dermot O’Leary.
Visit the website for the full programme and to book tickets. |
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Council meeting calendar
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. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too. For updates on our services visit our website. |
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Public health newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events 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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The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books and audiobooks, regardless of your situation. To find out more visit here. Alternatively, you can email. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities. Call now on 0300 247 0050 or you can email us. You can also find out more on the website. |
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step. Read some of the inspiring stories from those who have progressed with their careers with support from their Future Bright Careers Coach. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. It provides useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes
Live Well B&NES has a brand new feature called Unsure where to start? to help Bath & North East residents find the information they need for themselves or a family member who needs care or support. Users of the site select a category (such as money matters & finance, keeping safe, caring for others) answer a few simple questions and are then presented with a range of resources and information relevant to their needs. For more information, email the LWB team. |
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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
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.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs a series of support services for people across Bath and North East Somerset. For more information, email us. |
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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, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you. Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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Support from Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub. The team offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368. You can also email or visit the website.
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email us. |
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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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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. |
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