A message from Cllr Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Council
I am taking over Kevin’s duties this week as he is taking a summer break. One thing I know he will be pleased to hear is that the Oleksandriya City Mayor has recently signed the Friendship Agreement between our own council and Oleksandriya City Council in Ukraine. We have been thanked for our support and hope expressed for fruitful cooperation and friendship between our communities. I am sure that Kevin will keep you updated on the progress of this agreement.
As well as serving as Deputy Council Leader my portfolio also includes Climate and Sustainable Travel, and if we are to meet our net zero aims we need to do everything we can to make it easier for people to use public transport. So I very much oppose the proposed railway ticket office closures being rushed through by central government without proper consultation. This week saw rail users and other residents gather at Bath Spa Railway Station to express their opposition to these closures and to the fact that the ticket office is currently closed due to safety issues.
The absence of ticket offices impacts on the elderly and vulnerable - as well as those of us who just need to speak someone to buy a ticket. We always need to remember too that our area is visited by millions of tourists a year and a closed ticket office is not a good welcome for people arriving into our city.
Shifting to more sustainable transport such as trains and buses, walking, wheeling and cycling, is key to meeting our net zero aims. But there are also many other things we can do - some of them very small - that can make a big difference. On our website you can find out what we mean by the Climate and Ecological Emergencies, what we are doing to address them, and how you can help.
How individuals make a difference to tackling the climate and ecological emergency is also a key topic being discussed at the Volunteer Fair that 3SG is holding on 1 September to help celebrate, promote and inform local volunteers. More information on this event can be found below.
Finally, I just want to say a huge well done to all the young people across our area who are collecting their exam results today. Whatever the outcome, there is a lot of support and advice available and there is more information on this below.
Have a good weekend - the fantastic news that the Lionesses have got through to the Women’s World Cup Final has given us all a much-needed boost!
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Oldfield Park and Westmoreland Residents’ Parking Zone to go live with more visitor bays
More short-stay visitor parking is to be included in the Residents’ Parking Zone (RPZ) in Oldfield Park and Westmoreland in Bath when it launches on 29 August following requests from ward councillors, local businesses and residents. |
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Frome Road Radstock roadworks – please plan your journey
Between 21 August – 2 September, Frome Road, Radstock receives essential resurfacing, footway and drainage improvement works. |
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Well done to A-level students receiving results today in B&NES
Thousands of young people across Bath and North East Somerset will find out their A-level results today (August 17). |
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Putting Volunteering on the map in B&NES
Charities in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) will come together to help celebrate, promote and inform local volunteers - past, present and future.
The Volunteer Fair takes place on Friday, 1st September from 11am - 4pm at the Apex Hotel, Bath (BA1 2DA). Entry is via Charles Street for the Conference Centre, rather than the main hotel entrance. All welcome to this free event!
For more information on 3SG, membership and its forthcoming events, visit: 3sg.org.uk |
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Community Resilience Day
Community groups, businesses and parish and town councils wanting to prepare for emergencies are invited to join the Bath and North East Somerset Community Resilience Day on September 28 from 9.30am-4.00pm at Keynsham Community Space. It’s a free event run by the council and the Environment Agency and will include talks, workshops and free emergency planning resources. There are 40 spaces available and you can register for the event online. |
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Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships
The UIPM Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships begin on Saturday, August 19 and run until August 28 at the University of Bath. The event features top athletes from around the globe competing in show-jumping, swimming, fencing, laser shooting and running in a 90-minute format. You can read more about the championships and buy tickets here https://pentathlongb.org/2023wch
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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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Do you have a spare room? If so you could earn up to £500 a month hosting a Ukrainian guest
Due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, we are looking for more hosts for Ukrainian guests – many of whom are already settled here in B&NES (and have jobs and school places already organised). We're mainly seeking hosts who can commit to offering accommodation for a minimum of six months – but we also need hosts who can offer shorter term placements.
Since the Homes For Ukraine scheme started in March 2022, residents have been able to help almost 400 Ukrainian guests find sanctuary and escape the war. The response from the local community has been tremendous, with many people stepping forward to help at this time of need for the people of Ukraine and their country.
All hosts receive a 'thank you' payment of between £350 per month and £500 per month, depending upon the length of hosting and the length of time the guest has been in the UK. Hosts and guests also receive support and assistance from the Homes For Ukraine team – as well as many other teams within the council and across partner organisations.
If you're interested or know of someone else who might be interested in taking part, please email us at H4U@bathnes.gov.uk and we'll answer your questions and explain the steps in the process. You can find out more by visiting https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/homes-ukraine-information-sponsors. |
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Free online Home Fire Safety Check
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is encouraging residents to use the new Online Home Fire Safety Check to keep your home safer from fire risk. The check gives personalised fire safety advice unique to you and your home and takes approximately 15 minutes. Complete the check: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?ref=AVNFRS |
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The Library at Home service
Did you know that if you aren’t able to visit our libraries because of mobility or other issues, we can bring the library to you? Volunteers from our Home Library Service can visit you at home every few weeks to bring books and talking books. The service is available in any part of B&NES but we currently have new volunteers in the Keynsham area to pair with new readers, so if you’d like to register, email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 40 41. |
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Sensory Spaces in our libraries
We have three Sensory Spaces in our libraries for children and young adults with sensory needs. The spaces at Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries are open to everyone as a place to take a sensory break away from the lights and sounds of the main library. You can download a short guide to these spaces and our libraries before, or borrow a copy when you visit us.
Book a visit via Eventbrite - https://bit.ly/SensorySpaceBooking |
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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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We Work For Everyone – free employment support
We Work For Everyone is a free employment support programme for unemployed people age 16+ with a learning difficulty, learning disability or autism. No formal diagnosis is required.
To find out more call 0117 9223330, email weworkforeveryone@bristol.gov.uk or visit https://weworkforeveryone.org/.
The programme supports people in Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod has been relaunched in Bath & North East Somerset by B&NES Council and West of England Combined Authority to provide information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment.
We are running a series of events across B&NES during September and October with a range of local organisations attending. Please see the details below and use the links to sign up or drop in on the day. We look forward to seeing you there.
Thursday 21st September - Pod Launch – Bath Central Library, The Podium BA1 5AN
Monday 2nd October - Keynsham Training & Jobs Fair – Keynsham Library, Civic Centre BS31 1FS
Tuesday 24th October - Midsomer Norton Training & Jobs Fair – Midsomer Norton Library, High St BA3 2DP
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, visit their website or you can email them. |
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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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