| e-connect 12 January 2023 |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This week an urgent fundraising appeal was launched to send more generators to a Ukrainian city which has built ties of friendship with our communities in Bath and North East Somerset.
It follows weeks of hard work by a group of residents, councillors and the Rotary Club of Bath. It has already seen 13 generators delivered to the central Ukrainian city of Oleksandriya, which is located in Kirovohradska Oblast, thanks to funds raised from local donors.
Now the new group, the Friends of Oleksandriya, has launched an appeal to raise funds to send a further 12 generators to maintain warmth, light and power to hospitals, schools and places of shelter in the city, which is similar in size to Bath.
You can find out more about the appeal on our newsroom and you can make a donations on this dedicated GoFundMe page. Thanks must go to everyone who has been involved so far, to provide warmth, light and power to Ukrainian families.
This is in addition to the support Bath and North East Somerset’s communities continues to give to more than four hundred Ukrainian refugees who have sought refuge in our area since the start of the war almost a year ago.
This winter energy bills are impacting on all of us and my thanks again go to all those providing support locally, including things like food pantries and food clubs.
Our message is a simple one “Help is out there”. Our Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050 provides help from a wide range of local partners and we have a comprehensive range of information available on the website.
A special thank you to those who have registered for the council’s warm spaces directory, which currently lists 54 warm spaces. Details of these can be found on the website.
Across our region it is widely acknowledged that our public transport system is not working, especially in more rural areas. Next week I will be joining other council leaders and the West of England Metro Mayor at a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) – which is responsible for public transport in our region. On the table is WECA’s proposals for supported bus services and its plans for a new approach called ‘Demand Responsive Transport’ (DRT).
Ahead of Wednesday’s meeting the mayor has already announced WECA’s plans to launch Demand Responsive Transport later this year. DRT is a shared bus service which can be booked ‘on demand’ via app and telephone. We have fought hard to retain supported bus services within Bath, which we intend to fund with our allocation of the transport levy. However, at the meeting I will be seeking assurance about the introduction of DRT which will replace supported services in rural areas. I will have a further update next week.
Have a good weekend.
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Flood alert update
Continued heavy rainfall is causing flooding in vulnerable parts Bath and North East Somerset as river levels remain high.
You can log flooding issues using Fix My Street or call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41. You can check for service disruptions here.
For the latest update on flooding go to the Environment Agency, and for the latest travel updates across the region go to Travel West. |
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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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Covid and flu vaccination clinics
You can still get your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations at local walk-in clinics this month. Bath City Football Club and the Salvation Army's Bath Citadel are hosting clinics every Monday and Thursday respectively, from 11am-5pm. All are subject to eligibility.
The Bath City clinics are also holding wellbeing conversations and NHS Health Checks subject to eligibility. For more information, visit the NHS website.
Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB
- Monday 16 January, 11am-5pm
- Monday 23 January, 11am-5pm
- Monday 30 January, 11am-5pm
Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE
- Thursday 19 January, 11am-5pm
- Thursday 26 January, 11am-5pm
The clinics are open for Covid vaccinations to anyone aged 5+. For those aged 5-11, the clinic is only open between 3-5pm. Flu vaccinations are open to those aged 18+. All subject to eligibility.
You can also book a vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. To book online, you need to be registered with a GP (or call 119), but you don't need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic. |
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Flu vaccine for children
Parents and carers are still being urged to get two and three-year-olds, and primary school-aged children vaccinated against flu. The vaccine is safe, effective, and painless, and given using a nasal spray. The spray contains weakened viruses that will help your child build up immunity. The vaccine cannot cause flu because the viruses in it have been weakened to prevent this from happening. Parents and guardians should contact their GP surgery to book a flu vaccination appointment.
All age vaccines are currently being offered from 5 Dec 2022 through to 31 January 2023. If you have a vulnerable child and they missed their school’s offer, contact your GP. For all other children if they were absent from school or the consent deadline was missed, contact the Single Point of Access 0300 247 0082 or email. Further information can be found here. |
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Councillors briefed on climate achievements
Council actions to reduce carbon emissions, restore nature and create new and improved green infrastructure in Bath and North East Somerset have been set out in a new report. |
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Generators for Ukraine appeal launched
An urgent fundraising appeal has been launched to send more generators to a Ukrainian city which has built ties of friendship with communities in Bath and North East Somerset. |
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Preventing crime and protecting communities
People are being asked for their views on a three-year plan to help prevent crime and protect communities across the district. |
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New Year rubbish & recycling collections
Recycling and rubbish collection dates in have been changed over the New Year period. |
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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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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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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.
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/ |
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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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