| Pictured: Visiting the Genesis Trust’s Foodbank warehouse at Oldfield Park are Grainne Moher, Foodbank Manager; Cllr. Kevin Guy; Sir Peter Heywood, Genesis Trust Founder and Trustee; Cllr. Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Transport; and Nick Mayo, CEO of Genesis Trust. |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This evening will see the last Council meeting before the local elections on May 4. I am proud to see on the agenda a proposal for Bath to sign a 'friendship agreement' with the city of Oleksandriya in Ukraine. I have written to Serhii Kuzmenko, the Mayor of Oleksandriya, to tell him of our proposal which aims to strengthen our ties through a formal friendship agreement.
Our communities have been supporting Oleksandriya and the people of Ukraine over the past year in many ways. To date more than 350 people from Ukraine have started a new life in the district with many finding employment, seeing their children settle into local schools and learning English under the government’s Homes 4 Ukraine programme.
And thanks to the people of Bath & North East Somerset generators have been funded through the Friends of Oleksandryia’s appeal to maintain warmth, light and power to hospitals, schools and places of shelter in the city, which is similar in size to Bath. Thank you to everyone for this enormous effort and if you want to consider becoming a host you still can, all the information you need is on our Homes 4Ukraine pages.
We've recently implemented five new RPZs in Bath and these are being welcomed by residents and businesses as the best way to stop their streets being clogged by commuter parking. However, we recognise that there are sometimes concerns, particularly where businesses and organisations have relied previously on unregulated on-street parking for which permits now need to be applied for.
You will see in the photo that myself and Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, met the Genesis Trust this week to discuss potential ways to support staff and volunteers at the charity, once new Residents’ Parking Zones (RPZs) come into force in the Oldfield Park and Snow Hill areas, where the Trust has sites.
We had some very constructive talks which will continue. The council highly values the work of the Genesis Trust and understands the concerns they have about the potential impact of RPZs on their staff and volunteers.
On a recent walk around the city with Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, I was encouraged to see how many new retail and hospitality businesses are moving to Bath. Vacancy rates for retail premises are currently between 3% and 4%, which is significantly lower than the 10.2% average High Street vacancy rate in the UK and data provided by Bath Business Improvement District shows footfall in Bath city centre has also now almost recovered to 2019 levels. This is all good news for our local economy.
There is a similar picture for our heritage attractions, which are expecting to return to pre-pandemic levels over the next financial year. They are showing a strong recovery with the number of people visiting the Roman Baths last autumn higher than anticipated, and visitor spending increasing over the past year in the Pump Rooms and Heritage Services’ retail shops.
Our heritage attractions are not just for overseas visitors. I would encourage residents to sign up for and use their Discovery Cards, which entitle you to many offers, including complimentary visits to The Roman Baths, exhibitions in the Victoria Art Gallery, as well as free entry to Parade Gardens and discounts at other venues in the city.
Next week you will see a change to the newsletter as we enter the pre-election period.
Have a good week.
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| We're encouraging drivers to turn off their engines, when parked and waiting, to help reduce air pollution. Find out about our new anti-idling campaign Kick the Habit. |
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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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COVID-19 vaccination spring programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has confirmed its advice for a 2023 spring coronavirus (COVID-19) booster programme. In January 2023, the committee advised preparations should begin for potential booster programmes in spring and autumn this year, with further details to be announced at a later date.
The committee has since advised that a spring booster dose should be offered to:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- Individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Eligible individuals will be offered the vaccine around six months after their previous dose and NHS England will confirm operational details for the programme in due course. Read more here. |
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Covid and flu vaccination clinics
It’s not too late to get your first and second dose of Covid-19 vaccination, or your flu vaccination. Check the NHS website for Covid -19 vaccination eligibility, or for the flu vaccination, or to find a local walk-in clinic. There are currently no Covid-19 booster doses available to anyone. When they do become available, they will be offered to people who are at increased risk from Covid-19 following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
A walk-in vaccination clinic for first and second Covid-19 vaccinations (boosters no longer available) is being held next Wednesday 22 March, between 11am and 5pm at St Chad's and Chilcompton Surgery, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton. Children aged 5-11 can attend between 3-5pm.
If your school-aged child has missed their flu vaccine, please call 0300 247 0082 to organise how this can be re-arranged. If you have a child who is not yet of school age and they still need a flu vaccination, please contact your GP surgery. |
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Spring events at Roman Baths and Gallery
From family friendly activities to special after-hours opening, there’s lots to keep visitors of all ages entertained at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this spring. |
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New energy bill support scheme alternative fund
Families in Bath and North East Somerset who were unable to benefit from the Energy Bill Support Scheme can now access an alternative fund. |
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Search for grasslands to transform into meadows
Bathscape and Avon Wildlife Trust are looking for owners and managers of grassland in the Bath area that could be transformed into a flower-rich fields to increase the biodiversity of land and restore wildflower meadows. |
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Community wellbeing hub outlet launches at RUH
Additional help and support for patients at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH) is now available thanks to a new ‘outreach base’ run by the Community Wellbeing Hub, Bath and North East Somerset. |
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Council-backed low-cost energy loans available
Homeowners looking to reduce the cost of heating their homes and cut their carbon emissions may be eligible for finance to help spread the cost of home energy improvements through a council-backed loan. |
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Climate and Ecological emergency plans set out
Ambitious plans to tackle the climate and ecological emergency are being presented to the council at its Full Council meeting today, Thursday 16 March. |
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Joint Statement: Council and Genesis Trust Bath
Council leaders and the Genesis Trust have discussed potential ways to support staff and volunteers at the charity, once new Residents’ Parking Zones (RPZs) come into force in the Oldfield Park and Snow Hill areas, where the Trust has key operational sites. |
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New community spaces thriving in vacant units
A project that has breathed new life into unused high street properties is celebrating two years of success. |
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Kick the Habit and reduce excessive idling
Drivers in Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to turn off their engine when parked and waiting in order to reduce air pollution as part of a new anti-idling campaign. |
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Recycling hub first phase work nears completion
Work is almost finished on the first phase of the Keynsham Recycling Hub, which will see the new Reuse and Recycling Centre open later in the spring. |
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Council considers trial of charging cable channels
A decision on whether to run a trial of on-street cable channels that would enable residents to charge electric vehicles safely from their homes is going before a council cabinet member. |
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New business openings in Bath city centre
More than twenty new businesses are opening or expanding in Bath city centre with their success showing how Bath remains a vibrant and popular destination. |
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Sensory Space Open Day
As part of World Autism Acceptance Week from 27 March to 2 April, residents are being invited to come along to a Sensory Space Open Day at Bath Central Library on Saturday 1 April. The event, from 10am to 3pm, is a chance to explore what the space has to offer, and organisers will be holding two free story-time and craft sessions. The sensory room will also be open for visitors to have a look around. The story-time sessions are from 10.30-11am and 1.30-2pm; and the craft activity sessions are from 11am-12pm and 2-3pm. |
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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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Liveable Neighbourhoods newsletter
A new Liveable Neighbourhoods newsletter has been created to keep you up-to-date with the latest developments of this initiative in Bath and North East Somerset. The Liveable Neighbourhoods programme aims to improve residential streets and encourage safe, active and more sustainable forms of travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling. The most up-to-date information about the programme is here. You can sign up to hear more about the programme here. |
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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 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. |
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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. |
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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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