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e-connect 14 December 2023
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
In my penultimate e-connect update of the year, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to their community in 2023. I am proud of our active and engaged communities, whether that is people volunteering, taking part in a public consultation, or simply being a good neighbour. A big thank you also to council staff, who work hard to improve people’s lives, and to staff in our partner organisations.
I particularly want to thank everyone who has been involved in making this year’s Christmas Market a big hit. From cleansing teams, CCTV operators, and event managers, to our partners and our staff behind the scenes, a great deal of work went into the event. It attracted thousands of visitors to enjoy our beautiful city and undoubtedly gave a boost to our local economy.
We are currently finalising our 2024-25 budget proposals and Councillor Mark Elliot, cabinet member for Resources, will shortly be sharing details of our consultation. It will not come as a surprise however, that like every council up and down the country, we are facing very difficult decisions in the light of squeezed budgets and rising demand – this despite managing our finances with caution. A ‘triple whammy’ of reduced government funding, high inflation and increases in demand for services, particularly in children’s services means some tough decisions will have to be made. Please look out on the council’s newsroom for our budget consultation details and have your say.
Finally as we countdown to Christmas please remember there will be temporary alterations to your recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period. You should have received a leaflet in the post with details which can also be found on the council website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/collectionday.
Have a good weekend.
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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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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. |
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Get involved in improving green spaces in the Somer Valley
Residents in the Somer Valley are being offered the chance to play their part in helping to improve biodiversity at five green spaces in the area.
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Benefit-related free school meals
If you receive benefit-related free school meals and had vouchers in October, you'll get an email from us offering a £30 voucher per child towards food costs in the Christmas holidays. Email freeschool_mealvouchers@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 477277 (option 1) for enquiries.
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Recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period
Temporary alterations to the recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period will affect collections that would normally be scheduled from Monday December 25 to Friday January 12. The revised dates can be found on the website. A calendar with the revised dates can be downloaded from the website.
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Employment support and skills
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| Join the Employment & Skills Pod at Bath Central Library on Wednesday 31st January 10am – 12pm for their Skills for Work Volunteering Opportunities drop-in. |
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Health, wellbeing and support
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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. |
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Bath Mind
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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 |
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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. |
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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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. |
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| 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. |
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| If you're eligible for a flu and Covid-19 vaccination you can book at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or call 119. At-risk groups include people aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. |
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| Fostering is a richly rewarding experience. Providing care and support to a child or young person who needs it can be really fulfilling. It's hard work, but its worth it. We asked one of our foster carers what they thought about fostering at Christmas, and here was their heart-warming response. To find out more visit https://fostering.bathnes.gov.uk. |
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