A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
As we move into spring more of us I hope will be getting out and about to sample some of the fantastic cultural facilities our area offers.
Earlier this week I was delighted, alongside Councillor Paul Roper our cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, to visit 44AD (see picture above), which is based right in the heart of the city at 4 Abbey Street.
44AD is a charity which provides opportunities for the community to learn from and enjoy art. It offers affordable artist workshop space, enabling local art to thrive, reach more people and support the local economy.
The council has agreed to a three-year lease extension at £10,000 per year, which is below the market value of £40,000 per year. Without this financial support, the art space would be forced to close. From speaking with Katie O’Brien, 44AD Project Director, I heard how the council’s support will allow for more arts projects which champion the creative expression and ideas of young people, students, graduates and local artists.
Having thriving cultural and arts organisations is a good thing in its own right but it also brings many social and economic benefits and helps more people in our communities to access the arts. Making sure established art spaces such as this one can keep providing affordable, creative workspaces for start-ups and small businesses is key to positioning this area of Bath as a leading arts and fashion destination, linked to our Milsom Quarter Masterplan.
Staying with things the council is doing to help keep our area vibrant and successful, a recent report highlights our achievements in letting our commercial properties. Last year saw 17 lettings, helping our area to thrive and generating income for council services. In addition, we anticipate that the council’s heritage sites including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and the Fashion Museum, will return a £10.4m profit during 2023/24, rising to £12.2m in 2024/25, reflecting the popularity of our city and its attractions. This money will be used to directly support people across Bath and North East Somerset by contributing to the council’s wider activities.
The council is currently consulting on revised plans to build accommodation that will enable people with a learning disability and/or autism to live as independently as possible, but with care and support as needed. If this scheme goes ahead it will reduce the need for out-of-area placements away from family and friends.
You can take part in the consultation on the proposals for 16 units on land to the rear of 89-123 Englishcombe Lane, in Bath. The plans balance the need for community housing with protecting the ecology of the site and I want to thank everybody, including residents and community groups, who have worked with us to develop the scheme to this point.
Finally, I wish the very best of luck to everyone taking part in Sunday’s Bath Half. It is one of the country’s leading half marathons and brings a big economic boost to the city as well as generating funds for many charities. We owe a huge thank you to Andrew and Mel Taylor of Running High Events who have managed the race since 2000 and who are now handing over the reins to London Marathon Events.
Have a good weekend
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| Did you know Community Catalysts can help you set up and run your own small enterprise offering help at home to older people in your community. A project funded by B&NES Council. |
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Works begin on new Market Square in Midsomer Norton
Construction of a new public space to rejuvenate Midsomer Norton town centre and provide space for community events will begin next month.
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Local Plan Options consultation: Farrington Gurney site option diagrams and documents revised
Residents and businesses are being alerted to revisions in the diagrams and descriptions for site options at Farrington Gurney in the Local Plan Options Consultation.
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Council consults on SEND school travel support policy
School travel support eligibility for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bath and North East Somerset is under review
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Future of Bath arts charity secured by council lease
A charity which increases opportunities for the community to learn from and enjoy art is being supported with a rent subsidy by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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Adult support and wellbeing information event in Keynsham
Adults with wellbeing and support needs and their families and carers are invited to a free drop-in event in Keynsham on March 20 to find out about the support available to them in the area.
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Revised plans for supported housing on Englishcombe Lane site to go on public view
Revised plans for much-needed accommodation for adults with learning disabilities on an ecologically sensitive site on Englishcombe Lane in Bath are on view.
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New charter aims to tackle damp and mould in the social housing sector
Providers of social housing in Bath & North East Somerset are being invited to sign up to a new Damp and Mould Charter that aims to improve conditions for tenants living in their properties and ensure a standard of response by landlords when taking action on damp and mould.
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Art exhibition at MakeSpace
View the art exhibition at Keynsham MakeSpace by resident artists Joss Jukes & Fi Smith in partnership with 44AD, 20-23 March 11am to 5pm and 24 March 11am to 3pm. Free entry. To hire the venue visit: https://www.hikeynsham.co.uk/event/keynsham-makespace/
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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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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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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 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 |
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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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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. |
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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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