e-connect 13 June

Date published: 2024-06-13

e-connect 13 June 2024

The pre-election period started on Friday 31 May and will last until the polling stations have closed on Thursday 4 July. During this period the council’s communications will follow strict election guidance. Council services will continue as normal but you may see some decisions and consultations are paused.

To vote in the general election on 4 July, you will need to show photo ID.

No photo ID? You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Find out what photo ID is accepted and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you need to: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id.

Please note you can’t use a B&NES Disco️very Card as accepted ID.

News

Free live performances in our libraries

We're working with Frome OpenStorytellers to put on some free live performances of T.S Eliot’s 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'. These performances are for adults aged 16+, with learning difficulties. Performances are multi-sensory and include music, touch and smell. Book a place for Midsomer Norton, Keynsham or Bath Central Library here: https://bit.ly/PracticalCatsStorytelling

Green Open Homes Bath calls for volunteers to open their homes

Organisers of this year’s Green Open Homes events are looking for people to open their doors to visitors and demonstrate how they've made their home more energy efficient.

Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) is organising events in communities across Bath and North East Somerset and is looking to feature a broad range of properties. Anyone who has modified their home is encouraged to get in touch – from people who have installed energy efficiency measures in a listed property to those with inexpensive tips for small, modern rental flats.

The event takes place on 12 and 13 October. Find out more and register your interest: https://greenopenhomesbanes.org/

Devonshire Tunnel

The council has engaged contractors to resolve flooding in the Devonshire Tunnel. Preparatory works will begin in the coming weeks which are not expected to affect people using the tunnels. We are working closely with Sustrans to keep disruption to a minimum whilst works are under way. Please check on X @sustransSouth for updates.

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

You can follow us on Nextdoor, X, Facebook and
Instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. 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:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

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. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

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 an independent mental health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support.

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.

Bath Community Transport

Bath Community Transport provides accessible transport to community, church and support groups, social clubs, care homes and sport foundations.

Call 01225 832317 for further details or visit https://travelwest.info/community-transport/bath-community-transport.

Public health

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.

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, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre. Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday.