| e-connect 15 December 2022 |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
It’s got very cold – the council is expecting to spread approximately 500 tonnes of gritting salt during the current period of severe cold weather. But the cold snap combined with the cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on our residents. Our message is clear ‘Help is out there’.
The Community Wellbeing Hub offers help and support on 0300 247 0050. This week we’ve also been publicising the online Warm Spaces directory we have been compiling. Our Warm Spaces include libraries, halls, churches and many other spaces all pledged to welcome anybody needing somewhere warm. You can go to a warm space for any reason, and they have agreed not to tell anyone that you needed to access one.
A full list of Warm Spaces in Bath and North East Somerset can be found here. My thanks go to all those involved.
I would also like to thank residents who have given to the Community Contribution Fund, and we have used some of this funding to help support local Warm Spaces, as well as other important local projects. We appreciate that with the increasing costs of living, it will be impossible for many people to spare any money. However, we know that some residents will be looking for a good cause to donate to this Christmas and so we would be grateful if you would consider the Community Contribution Fund. Every penny will go directly towards helping people in your local community to keep warm this winter.
Donations can be made here.
We are also inviting residents to have their say on our draft financial plans for next year. These set out the changes the council is proposing to balance its budget for 2023-24, as required by law. Although we are going into this budget in a stronger position than many other councils, we still have some difficult decisions to make in the light of spiralling costs, social care pressures and the challenging economic climate. We’re currently asking for views on savings and income generation proposals that are being put forward as well as asking whether residents support an increase in Council Tax by 4.99% in preference to further budget reductions to vital frontline services. It is important to note that B&NES even with this increase would still maintain one of the lowest levels of Council Tax in the whole of the South West.
To take part in the consultation on the draft budget proposals please go to the website. The consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 20 January 2023.
Our magical Bath Christmas Market has drawn to a close. Thank you to everyone who has helped the Market rebuild after a three-year break. As Christmas draws nearer, though there is plenty more festive fun to discover in the city. All the #BathAtChristmas events can be found on the Visit Bath website and on the Bath BID website.
Have a good weekend.
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.
The Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is available and you can call them on 0300 247 0050. There is also a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can print out and display a cost of living poster to help promote the help and support available. |
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Offering a warm space or service?
Are you an organisation offering a warm space or service? If you're seeing an increase in delivery and need help or support to find volunteers, please contact Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG). 3SG has played a major role in recruiting and coordinating volunteers for local vaccination hubs, food deliveries and support. To see how we can support you, please email us. |
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Increased infections in children
There are a number of infections currently circulating, including scarlet fever. These cases are currently above seasonal expected levels.
There's more information about scarlet fever and invasive group A strep here. More information on scarlet fever can be found on the NHS website, including photos. |
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Not too late to get vaccinated
It’s still vital that eligible people come forward for their flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS this winter. COVID-19 and flu spread quicker in winter and can cause serious illness. And protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time and flu viruses can change every year. So, if you’re 50 or over, in an at-risk group or pregnant, for your best protection, boost your immunity now with the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster. Find out if you’re eligible for the flu jab and book now.
You can still grab your first, second or booster doses. Eligible people can book their vaccination appointment online (new appointments are added frequently) or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online, but you don't need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic. Check your eligibility here for first and second Covid-19 vaccinations, and here for the Covid-19 booster vaccinations. |
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Flu vaccine for children
Parents and carers in particular are being urged to get their two and three-year-olds, and primary school-aged children vaccinated against flu. It can be a very unpleasant illness for children and is not the same as a common cold. Not only can it lead to serious health issues such as bronchitis and pneumonia, it can also spread easily to vulnerable people including babies and elderly family members.
The vaccine is given using a nasal spray, which is both safe and effective, and painless. 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 primary school age flu vaccines have now been offered in schools, and secondary 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, they can contact their GP to avoid delay. 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.
Visit the NHS website for more information. |
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City Centre Security road closures update
Two Bath city centre roads will temporarily close as work gets under way to install anti-terrorism security measures aimed at protecting the public. |
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Free school meals vouchers for Christmas holidays
Families in B&NES who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals will receive vouchers worth £30 per child to help towards food costs in the Christmas holidays. |
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Consultation launched on draft budget proposals
Residents are being invited to have their say on the council’s draft financial plans for next year. |
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Council set to spread 500 tonnes of gritting salt
The council is expecting to spread approximately 500 tonnes of gritting salt during the current period of severe cold weather.
Watch a video about 'how we grit' here. |
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Consultation launched on HGV plans
Proposals to vary Bath’s Clean Air Zone Charging Order which could result in Euro VI HGVs over 12 tonnes which enter the charging scheme area receiving a charge, are being consulted on. |
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Bath Christmas Market a resounding success
The 20th Bath Christmas Market has drawn to a close following 18 magical days that saw a busy time for traders and increased footfall on weekdays and evenings. |
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First new social rent properties in 30 years ready
The first affordable homes for social rent owned directly by the council in nearly three decades are being advertised to potential tenants. |
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Support for Warm Spaces needed this Christmas
A local support fund that has already helped many vital community projects, is now supporting Warm Spaces in the area. |
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Bath Residents’ Parking Zones launch in New Year
Seven new residents’ parking zones are set to be introduced in Bath next year following extensive public consultation. |
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Christmas & New Year rubbish & recycling collections
Recycling and rubbish collection dates in Bath and North East Somerset will be changed over the Christmas and New Year period. |
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Grants to help with energy and living costs
People on low incomes are invited to apply for grants of up to £300 to help with energy and living costs from a new scheme launched by Bath & North East Somerset Council today (December 1). |
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Age UK Loneliness Bus visits streets near you
On Friday 16 December from 4pm and Sunday 18 December from 5.30pm, Age UK B&NES, Santa, singers and special guests will be visiting streets in Bath and Keynsham that are at high risk of loneliness with their Christmas Bus. Residents are invited to sing and wave along. There are some stops on the way so check out the routes.
The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Rob Appleyard, and the Chair of Keynsham Town Council, Andy Wait will be among some of the special guests. |
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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 (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes
Live Well B&NES has a brand new feature called Unsure where to start? to help Bath & North East residents find the information they need for themselves or a family member who needs care or support. Users of the site select a category (such as money matters & finance, keeping safe, caring for others) answer a few simple questions and are then presented with a range of resources and information relevant to their needs. For more information, email the LWB team. |
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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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