A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Our staff do a great job in sometimes very challenging circumstances. So I was proud to attend our Staff Recognition event at the Roman Baths this week. It was fantastic to see both individual staff and council teams gaining awards for the work they do to improve people’s lives. It was also an opportunity to grasp just what a wide range of services the council delivers, with awards for teams delivering support to children with special educational needs and care leavers to our parks, food safety and highways staff.
A good example of what the council does to improve lives of local residents is our FREE Discovery Card.
In the last year more than 30,000 local people have signed up to enjoy the benefits – including free entry to the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and Parade Gardens – as well as access to exclusive discounts at visitor attractions, restaurants, spas and other experiences across the region.
Again, the Discovery Card is FREE to apply for and available to all residents of Bath & North East Somerset, including students at Bath’s universities.
I want every resident to be able to access and enjoy the benefits of the Discovery Card and would encourage anyone not yet subscribed to visit our website to sign up.
You can sign up for a Discovery Card online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard and then pick it up at a variety of locations across Bath and North East Somerset. Cards can either be provided digitally to be displayed on a mobile device, or as a physical card which is recycled and recyclable.
For more information on how to sign up, or become involved as a partner business, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard.
Have a good weekend.
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Positive response to B&NES support for Ukrainian refugees
A survey of Homes 4 Ukraine hosts across Bath & North East Somerset shows more than 80 per cent of families asked intend to stay in touch with their guests and have been either very satisfied or satisfied with the support they’ve received from the council. |
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Vulnerable young people to benefit from free summer camps and activities
There is still time for children and young people who go to school in Bath and North East Somerset and are in receipt of benefit related free school meals to book onto a range of free summer holiday activities. |
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Councils urge West of England Mayor to fund Number 94 bus
Council transport leaders from Bath & North East Somerset and Wiltshire have jointly written to the West of England Mayor Dan Norris urging him to fund the Number 94 service between Trowbridge and Bath. |
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Consultation on emission-based parking charges goes live
A public consultation on proposals to introduce parking charges based on vehicle emissions in council-owned car parks in Bath is now live. |
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New library dropboxes
You told us that you want to be able to return library books even when we’re closed – so we’ve installed new drop boxes at Bath Central Library and Keynsham Library, as well as the one already in place at Midsomer Norton Library. If you can’t return a book during opening hours please pop it in the box and our team will return it for you. Thank you for returning items on time as somebody else may be waiting for them. Find all our library locations and opening hours here: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/search-reserve-renew-and-return-library-items. |
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NHS strike action
Junior doctors in some NHS trusts, including at the RUH, are taking strike action from today (July 13) until 7am on Tuesday, July 18 due to a national dispute between the Government and unions. The RUH is advising patients to attend for appointments and procedures unless you hear from them. The RUH emergency department remains open 24 hours a day for life-threatening emergencies. Read more information about the strike action. |
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Have your say at an Area Forum
There is one remaining Area Forum in the current series. Area Forums are open to all and bring together public services, local organisations and residents to help improve communities. There are five forums in Bath and North East Somerset which are supported by the council. The remaining forums is:
- Bath Area: 18 July 2023 5.30pm - Bath City Farm Community Café, Kelston View, Bath BA2 1NW
You can find more information and meeting dates for all the forums on the council website.
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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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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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Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? |
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