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e-connect 16 May

Date published: 2024-05-16


Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
 
e-connect 16 May 2024
Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council with Dave Joyce director of the Lux project.

A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

At the start of this week I had the great pleasure of visiting the LUX Youth Project at the Roundhill Hub in Bath and meeting Dave Joyce the project’s director (pictured).

The charity does excellent work with young people from Bath, Peasedown St John and Timsbury and last year received £52,389 from the Bath Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund. The Roundhill Hub is a fantastic community asset and I’m pleased the money has been used to improve kitchen and toilet facilities, making a much more comfortable and modern space for everyone using it.

The council’s overriding purpose is to improve people’s lives and one of the ways we seek to do this is by supporting local groups like the LUX Youth Project when we allocate Bath CIL funds.

We are now in the process of asking you which of eleven new projects should receive the next round of CIL funding. Giving People a bigger say is one of our core policies which helps shape our work so I would encourage you to have your say and help us to decide where the funding would best be used. The consultation runs until May 28.

It has been concerning to read about a community project which was impacted by the winter floods. Cleveland Pools has recently confirmed it remains closed and says there is no timeline yet when it will reopen. This is very disappointing to learn especially after so many people have worked so hard on the pools’ restoration over many years. We hope the trustees will keep all of us updated as they work towards a solution.

I am delighted to report that council-owned land, previously used for informal parking in Keynsham, will be developed to provide ten affordable, energy efficiency apartments. They will be owned directly by the council and will help meet the demand for social housing in the area. This delivers on our pledge to build the right homes in the right places and will improve availability of affordable housing which is accessible to local jobs and services.

The properties in Dane’s Lane are part of the B&NES Homes programme, which has already delivered more than 50 units of accommodation, including supported housing and temporary accommodation with much more in the pipeline.

Take care and have a good weekend.

 

It's officially #FosterCareFortnight! This years theme is #FosteringMoments, so we asked our foster carers what moments have stuck with them throughout their fostering journey. Find out more at fostering.bathnes.gov.uk and follow us on X twitter.com/FosteringBANES.

 
News
 

Plans for social housing in Keynsham get the go ahead

Council-owned land that was previously used for informal parking in Keynsham will be developed to provide ten affordable, energy efficiency apartments that will be owned directly by Bath & North East Somerset Council, to help meet the demand for social housing in the area.

 

May half-term at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery

Families are invited to enjoy a fun-packed day out at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this May half-term.

 

Youth project in Bath awarded more than £52,000 community funding

Young people in Bath and North East Somerset who are supported by the LUX Youth Project are benefitting from improved facilities following a community funding award of £52,389.

 

New recruitment campaign to increase early years workforce

A new drive to increase the number of early years education and childcare practitioners available to families in Bath and North East Somerset is under way.

 

Devonshire Tunnel

We are working with Sustrans on drainage solutions to resolve flooding in the Devonshire Tunnel. This could take some time, please check on X @sustransSouth for updates.

 

Council meetings


Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.

Follow us online


You can follow us on NextdoorXFacebook and 
Instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. Visit our website.
 
Support

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.

Help with the cost of living.
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
 

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

 

Employment support and skills

 

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.

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.

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.

 

Health, wellbeing and support

 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Public health

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.
 

Specialist Covid-19 spring booster clinics for immunosuppressed children under 18 years-old are running in various locations during half term.

If they are under five years, please contact PALS ( scwcsu.palscomplaints@nhs.net) who will contact the vaccination team to discuss the vaccination with you. There is no need to contact your GP.

 
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Date published: 2024-05-16


Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Date published: 2024-05-16


Date published: 2024-05-16