| e-connect 16 February 2023 |
|
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Giving People a Bigger Say is a council priority, and we are preparing for our next round of Area Forums where we want to hear your views and concerns. The forums are an important way for our communities to come together, address local issues, and share information. They are also a chance for you to have your say about the public services that affect you. The first event is Bath Area Forum on Monday February 20, where the Local Plan, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Homes for Ukraine scheme will be discussed.
Public transport and the West of England Mayor’s Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) scheme are also on the agenda at the Area Forum and Parish Liaison meetings. We are arranging for West of England Combined Authority officers to attend to ensure they can answer people’s questions. It is an issue of concern for many of our residents. At our cabinet meeting last week we received questions and public statements on the issue of buses. While we are limited in what information we can share on the DRT scheme, we will do so when we are able to ‒ to help make the scheme a success.
I have written to the Mayor this week asking for more information regarding how the DRT scheme will be delivered across North East Somerset; when exactly it will be introduced; how the app will work; progress on securing vehicles and recruiting drivers; and other key information; including his plans to raise public awareness of the new service.
I have also pressed the Mayor to confirm funding for the vital, new bus services using the £50m Bus Service Improvement Plan fund he has at his disposal. These are ‘lifeline’ bus services that are needed, and which will complement, not compete with, the ‘Westlink’ demand-responsive minibuses. These routes were identified as needed by transport officers and tendered. The Mayor has not publicly announced which routes he will fund.
It is almost one year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and it is hard to comprehend what Ukrainian families have faced and continue to face. So many people across Bath and North East Somerset have helped in many ways over the past 12 months. To date residents have welcomed more than 350 Ukrainian guests under the government’s Homes 4 Ukraine sponsorship scheme. This support is very much still needed for new Ukrainian guests arriving ‒ as well as for several Ukrainian families who are already here in B&NES, but are nearing the end of their initial sponsorship and need to find a new hosts due to their existing hosts being unable to continue.
Along with our partners Developing Health and Independence, Bath Welcomes Refugees and the Department for Work & Pensions, we are organising a drop-in event at the Guildhall on Thursday February 23 where you can find out more about the scheme and talk to our Homes4Ukraine team. If you're interested in becoming a host, you will be warmly welcomed at the drop-in.
I’d also like to highlight a fundraising ‘Concert of Warmth and Light for Ukraine at Bath Abbey. It is on Friday 24 February at 7pm. To find out more visit the Friends of Oleksandriya, who are organising the event.
Have a good weekend.
|
|
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.
Support is also available for those who need a little extra help paying their water bills. If you’re struggling, and want more information and advice about the support that’s available, visit the Wessex Water website. |
|
Covid and flu vaccination clinics
Although the autumn booster is no longer being offered, you can still get your first and second Covid-19 vaccinations, as well as your flu vaccination, at local walk-in clinics this month. Bath City Football Club, the Salvation Army's Bath Citadel and Mulberry Hub are hosting clinics on Mondays and Thursdays, from 11am-5pm. All are subject to eligibility.
Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB
- Monday 20 February*
- Monday 27 February
Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE
Mulberry Hub, Mulberry Way, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5BU
The clinics are open for Covid vaccinations to anyone aged 5+. For those aged 5-11, the clinic is only open between 3-5pm. Flu vaccinations are available to those aged 18+ throughout the clinic. All subject to eligibility.
*These clinics are also holding wellbeing conversations and NHS Health Checks subject to eligibility. For more information, visit the NHS website.
You can also book a vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. To book online, you need to be registered with a GP (or call 119), but you don't need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic. |
|
Five Bath residents’ parking zones to go live
Five new residents’ parking zones have been installed and are set to go live from Monday February 20. |
|
Spring day courses for adults at Roman Baths
The Roman Baths is offering two unique day courses for adults this spring, perfect for anyone looking to learn new crafting skills. |
|
Get involved in the Chew Valley Area Forum
Residents in the Chew Valley will have another opportunity to have their say on public services in their community at the Area Forum meeting on February 23. |
|
Give your views on Keynsham neighbourhood issues
People in Keynsham are invited to give their views on the way public services are provided for their community at the next Area Forum meeting on February 22. |
|
Have your say at the Bath Area Forum
Residents in Bath are invited to join the discussion on how public services shape the future of their communities at the next Bath Area Forum meeting on February 20. |
|
February half-term fun at Baths and Gallery
Families are invited to enjoy a fun-packed week at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this February half-term. |
|
Free chair yoga sessions
Come along to a free chair yoga session with the therapeutic yogi, Elizabeth on 22 February at Bath Central Library. Four sessions are being held at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm. All ages and abilities are welcome, and free tea and coffee will be provided. You can book a free ticket here, but drop-ins are also welcome on the day. |
|
Roots to wellbeing
If you're feeling disconnected from others, from nature, or from feeling calm, why not come along and reconnect at Roots to Wellbeing. Come along to Brickfields Park for two hours every Tuesday afternoon (12:30-2:30pm) and spend reconnecting with others and with nature. Sessions are free and lunch, refreshments and transport are all provided. They're also full accessible and suitable for all mobility levels. Sign up here, or email Sara for more information. |
|
Bath and Saltford jobs fairs
Two Jobs Fairs are taking place this month. Bath Central Library is holding a Jobs & Skills Fair on Tuesday 21 February, between 11.30am and 3pm. The event is for anyone looking for work, training or even considering starting their own business. You can find out about live vacancies, training and meet people who can support you on your journey.
Saltford Jobs Fair is being held on Saturday 25 February from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Saltford Hall, BS31 3BY. The fair will be an opportunity to meet employers who are looking for staff, and also other organisations who can offer support. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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.
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/ |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
