| e-connect 17 November 2022 |
|
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
It was a great pleasure to attend the Federation of Bath Residents’ Association (FOBRA) annual winter reception this week and meet residents’ group representatives.
FOBRA represents a wealth of residents’ associations across the city that we always want to work closely with and listen to. It was good to be able to report back to residents about the progress we are making on Liveable Neighbourhoods, which will see work starting shortly on three trial schemes designed to improve residential neighbourhoods.
We are also bringing an update on the Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme to an online meeting of the Bath Area Forum on 21 November where people can find out about our collaborative work with communities and hear the latest update on schemes.
A great deal of conversation at the FOBRA reception centred around budgets – we are facing significant challenges and as I write this details of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement are emerging. This will have significant implications for the council and I'll keep you updated on the impact it will have on our services and how we will prioritise our spending while balancing the needs of residents and local businesses.
I was very pleased to see this week the announcement by bus operator The Big Lemon that it will be running the number 11,12 and 20 bus services in Bath. It is really welcome news and I look forward to working with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which is the transport authority for the area, on further initiatives to improve transport in Bath and North East Somerset.
It won’t have escaped anyone that Bath and our town centres are starting to feel festive and the countdown to Christmas has begun. Work is currently under way to build the fantastic Bath Christmas Market and by this time next week it will be in full swing. There is a special preview evening between 5-7pm on Wednesday 23 November for residents giving everyone a chance to see what’s on offer and make use of discounts if you hold a Discovery Card.
Have a good weekend.
|
|
Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.
The Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is available and you can call them on 0300 247 0050. There is also a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can print out and display a cost of living poster to help promote the help and support available. |
|
Autumn Covid booster campaign
It’s not too late to have your Autumn Covid Booster Vaccination.
The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) are also asking people to pay particular attention to the current eligibility:
- anyone aged 50 or over
- anyone aged 12 years or over with a weakened immune system, or living with someone who is
- frontline health and care workers
- pregnant women
Bath racecourse are not always able to offer walk-in Covid-19 appointments. To avoid disappointment and potential long queues, they are encouraging people to book an appointment via the National Booking Service. Please be patient if they are struggling to book an appointment, as more appointments are being added regularly so people should keep trying. |
|
Upcoming local clinics
- Thursday 17 November ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
- Thursday 24 November ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army (11-5)
- Thursday 7 December ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses, including the new autumn booster.
Anyone who is eligible can book their vaccination appointment online (new appointments are added frequently) or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. You do not need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic.
Check your eligibility here for first and second Covid-19 vaccinations, and here for the Covid-19 booster vaccinations. |
|
Flu vaccine for two and three-year-olds
If your child was aged two or three-years-old on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020), they are now eligible for a free flu nasal spray vaccine. The children's nasal spray flu vaccine is safe and effective. It's offered every year to children to help protect them against flu. Please contact your GP surgery to book a vaccine appointment. Visit the NHS website for more information. |
|
Countdown to Bath Christmas Market begins
With one week to go until the return of the internationally popular Bath Christmas Market, residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to a special preview evening on November 23. |
|
£100 Homes for Ukraine sponsor top-up
Sponsors who continue to provide accommodation beyond six months for Ukrainian refugees in Bath and North East Somerset will get an extra £100 a month of Government money. |
|
A367 emergency road closure – plan your journey
People are being advised to plan their journeys this weekend following the closure of the A367 near Dunkerton to allow emergency repairs to take place. |
|
Liveable Neighbourhoods update at Bath Area Forum
Residents in Bath will be able to hear an update on the Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme at their next area forum. |
|
Applications open for Warm Spaces funding
Local charity, voluntary or community organisations running a Warm Space in Bath & North East Somerset are now able to apply for a £250 grant from the council’s Community Contribution Fund. |
|
Work to start on Liveable Neighbourhoods trials
Three new schemes designed to improve residential neighbourhoods will be launched this month as trials under Bath & North East Somerset’s community-led Liveable Neighbourhoods programme. |
|
Night-time closures as A4 Upper Bristol Road
Residents and motorists in Bath are being notified of final works to finish the cycle lanes that are part of the A4 Upper Bristol Road active travel scheme. |
|
Boundary Commission consultation
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is redrawing constituency boundaries in order to rebalance the number of electors represented by each MP, and a final consultation on proposed new constituencies is now open.
A new revised map of constituency proposals, which takes into account feedback sent in by the public on the initial proposals, has been published on the consultation website.
Send in your views before the closing date of 5 December to have your say on new parliamentary constituency boundaries. |
|
The Triangle now available to download
The latest edition of The Triangle, the newsletter about the work of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Together, our local Integrated Care System (ICS), is now available online. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Openstorytellers’ Sensory Book Club
Openstorytellers’ Sensory Book Club is for people with learning disabilities and complex needs, who enjoy a multi-sensory journey through exciting stories from classic books. They use props, costumes, sensory stimulation, music, and movement to bring stories to life.
If you need additional support, please bring your support person with you – they can come for free.
Winter dates:
Wednesday 23rd, 30th November, 7th - 14th December
4th January, 11th January, 18th January, 25th January
10.15am – 11.30am Midsomer Norton Library The Hollies, High St, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP
Booking is essential. £5 per session – or £35 if you pay all sessions up front.
To find out more and book a place, please contact Leah on 07761 732 487 info@openstorytellers.org.uk |
|
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 (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes
Live Well B&NES has a brand new feature called Unsure where to start? to help Bath & North East residents find the information they need for themselves or a family member who needs care or support. Users of the site select a category (such as money matters & finance, keeping safe, caring for others) answer a few simple questions and are then presented with a range of resources and information relevant to their needs. For more information, email the LWB team. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
