A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This is my last e-connect message before my summer break and next week I’m handing over the reins to the Deputy Council Leader Sarah Warren (pictured with me above).
As a resident and elector, I was shocked to hear about the cyber-attack on the national Electoral Commission which was announced on Tuesday, and which led to names and addresses of people on electoral registers being accessible by what the Commission refer to as “hostile actors”. It is clear there was insufficient protection in place at the Electoral Commission, who have rightly apologised. However, it is vital to our electoral process that we do everything we can to encourage people to register to vote and to have confidence that their data will be safe and secure.
A statement in response to the cyber-attack from Bath & North East Somerset’s Electoral Registration Officer is linked to below, and this provides the reassurance and confidence people need to register to vote so their voice is heard.
Since my last bulletin, I have been interviewed for Heart Radio about our new campaign to tackle violence and aggression against our staff. The vast majority of us treat council staff with respect, but where this doesn’t happen it has a real impact on people who are doing their very best to improve people’s lives in our area. Watch out for our social media campaign and posters where we give some examples of the great things that our staff do on a day-to-day basis but how this can then be impacted by thoughtless or just plain nasty behaviour. The message of the campaign is simple - “most people treat our staff with respect - are you one of them?”
For the rest of summer let’s take advantage of the amazing facilities our area has to offer. “Summer Sundays” see family-friendly fun on Sundays in the city centre throughout August and more information can be found here. Also, our fantastic Roman Baths are open until 10pm (last entry at 9pm) every day through to 31 August. Again, more info can be found here.
Have a good weekend and see you on my return.
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Electoral Commission cyber-attack – statement from Bath & North East Somerset Council
Statement from Bath & North East Somerset Council's Electoral Registration Officer, Will Godfrey. |
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Viral sensation Miu Miu miniskirt named Fashion Museum’s Dress of the Year 2022
A Miu Miu micro miniskirt that took the internet by storm has been named the Fashion Museum Bath’s Dress of the Year 2022. |
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Allotment proposal set for planning application
Land which could support community food growing in Bath will be subject to a planning application. |
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Prevention is better than cure – raising food hygiene standards
New figures reveal Bath & North East Somerset Council’s food hygiene team inspected more than three food business every day last year, in their ongoing drive to raise food hygiene standards and keep residents and visitors safe. |
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Council installs additional bike hangars as part of two-year trial
Twenty bike hangars providing on-street secure cycle parking will be installed in residential areas of Bath and North East Somerset during August as part of a two-year trial to improve travel choices for residents. |
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Nature recovery survey
Planting more trees, creating bee friendly grassland, restoring rivers - there are lots of things we can do to support nature recovery across the West of England.
Complete the online survey by 7 September and tell us which you think are the most important. |
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Community equipment service
Do you have items of community equipment at home that you no longer use?
The council’s Community Equipment service will collect these free of charge. You can arrange collection and discuss other items of equipment that you may have but no longer use by calling 01225 396717. |
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Could you donate unwanted sensory toys for other children to enjoy?
Do you have unwanted sensory toys you could donate for other children to enjoy? Each of our libraries has a sensory space and is welcoming donations of toys which stimulate the five senses. Items in good condition would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries. |
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Community Resilience Day
Community groups, businesses and parish and town councils wanting to prepare for emergencies are invited to join the Bath and North East Somerset Community Resilience Day on September 28 from 9.30am-4.00pm at Keynsham Community Space. It’s a free event run by the council and the Environment Agency and will include talks, workshops and free emergency planning resources. There are 40 spaces available and you can register for the event online. |
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The Triangle
The August issue of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Together Integrated Care System newsletter The Triangle is out now. It looks at how BSW Together is working to address the issue of a rising number of people living with major illnesses in England, as well as work taking place across BSW to help improve outcomes for local people, improve services and offer equal access to good health for all. |
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Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships
A new outdoor exhibition that celebrates 100 years of modern pentathlon and its links with Bath has opened this week at the Vaults next to Bath Railway Station. Bath will host the UIPM Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships from August 19 to 28 and you can read more about the championships here https://pentathlongb.org/2023wch.
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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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Do you have a spare room? If so you could earn up to £500 a month hosting a Ukrainian guest
Due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, we are looking for more hosts for Ukrainian guests – many of whom are already settled here in B&NES (and have jobs and school places already organised). We're mainly seeking hosts who can commit to offering accommodation for a minimum of six months – but we also need hosts who can offer shorter term placements.
Since the Homes For Ukraine scheme started in March 2022, residents have been able to help almost 400 Ukrainian guests find sanctuary and escape the war. The response from the local community has been tremendous, with many people stepping forward to help at this time of need for the people of Ukraine and their country.
All hosts receive a 'thank you' payment of between £350 per month and £500 per month, depending upon the length of hosting and the length of time the guest has been in the UK. Hosts and guests also receive support and assistance from the Homes For Ukraine team – as well as many other teams within the council and across partner organisations.
If you're interested or know of someone else who might be interested in taking part, please email us at H4U@bathnes.gov.uk and we'll answer your questions and explain the steps in the process. You can find out more by visiting https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/homes-ukraine-information-sponsors. |
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Free online Home Fire Safety Check
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is encouraging residents to use the new Online Home Fire Safety Check to keep your home safer from fire risk. The check gives personalised fire safety advice unique to you and your home and takes approximately 15 minutes. Complete the check: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?ref=AVNFRS |
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The Library at Home service
Did you know that if you aren’t able to visit our libraries because of mobility or other issues, we can bring the library to you? Volunteers from our Home Library Service can visit you at home every few weeks to bring books and talking books. The service is available in any part of B&NES but we currently have new volunteers in the Keynsham area to pair with new readers, so if you’d like to register, email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 40 41. |
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Sensory Spaces in our libraries
We have three Sensory Spaces in our libraries for children and young adults with sensory needs. The spaces at Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries are open to everyone as a place to take a sensory break away from the lights and sounds of the main library. You can download a short guide to these spaces and our libraries before, or borrow a copy when you visit us.
Book a visit via Eventbrite - https://bit.ly/SensorySpaceBooking |
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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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We Work For Everyone – free employment support
We Work For Everyone is a free employment support programme for unemployed people age 16+ with a learning difficulty, learning disability or autism. No formal diagnosis is required.
To find out more call 0117 9223330, email weworkforeveryone@bristol.gov.uk or visit https://weworkforeveryone.org/.
The programme supports people in Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. |
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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 and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. Find out more or email the LWB team. |
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES, offering wellbeing groups and courses, befriending, breathing space crisis support, safe space youth group, and affordable 1:1 counselling.
For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team who can help you access the most suitable support for your needs: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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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, visit their website or you can email them. |
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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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