Taking pride in our communities

There’s been another positive step forward this week for communities in Twerton and Whiteway with the news that a new Neighbourhood Board will manage the Pride in Place £20m investment programme. Applications for the role of independent chairperson and positions on the Board will open soon and there’ll be a series of events starting on February 27. We have written to all addresses in the area - if you get a letter, please spare a few minutes to find out how you can get involved.

Another source of local pride over the past week has been Team Bath’s Olympic gold triumphs in Milano Cortina. Matt Weston has become the first British man to win gold in skeleton, as well as first Olympic mixed team skeleton champion with team mate Tabby Stoecker. Congratulations Tabby and Matt.

On a more sombre note, on Tuesday (February 24) it will be four years since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. We continue to defend democracy and stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people. We will be hosting a commemorative gathering at The Guildhall on Tuesday to provide a space for reflection and remembrance.

As a gay man, I know how powerful it is to see our experiences recognised and respected. LGBT+ History Month continues until the end of February and this year, five LGBT+ historical figures are being highlighted for the theme of ‘Science and Innovation’. The Month is a time to celebrate progress, remember those who paved the way, and reaffirm our commitment to making our communities places where everyone can live openly and with pride.

I am looking forward to joining the Lunar New Year community celebration on Saturday (February 21) at Percy Community Centre, organised by the Hong Kong BN(O) Volunteer Team. It’s been an extraordinary week for the beginning of cultural traditions, with Ramadan, Lent and Lunar New Year all overlapping within 24 hours. I send my best wishes to all of you who celebrate.

Have a great weekend,
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Meet local authors and publishers at Bath Central Library

Join us for a vibrant day of shopping and celebrating books as part of the Festival of Libraries!

Meet a fantastic group of authors and publishers selling their books. Explore a wide range of genres including children’s, teen, adult fiction, and local interest titles.

📍 Location: Bath Central Library
📅 Date: Saturday 21 February
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
💰 Cost: Free, drop in anytime!

News

Ukraine war 4th anniversary remembrance events in Bath

Residents are invited to come together at Bath Guildhall on Tuesday 24 February to mark four years since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, in an evening of remembrance, reflection and solidarity.

Next phase for £20 million Pride in Place in Twerton and Whiteway

Pride in Place is bringing up to £20 million of funding to Twerton and Whiteway to help improve opportunities for everyone over the next ten years.

Further consultation on proposed changes to parking charges

Councillors have agreed to further consultation with local residents about proposed changes to parking charges.

Have your say

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 Nextdoor, X, Facebook,
Instagram and Bluesky; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. Visit our website.

View and take part in our consultations

Support

Cost of living

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health), support services and organisations and paying for care and support, planning for future care costs and the Warm Spaces directory.

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.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

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 local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

Health, wellbeing and support

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or visit the website.

Livewell B&NES

Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to families, adults needing care or support and parent carers with a child/young person with additional needs (SEND), living in B&NES.

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.

Repairs and home energy support - all in one place

Repair Cafes are friendly community events run by Share and Repair, where volunteers help fix broken household items, share practical skills and reduce waste. Alongside the repairs, you’ll also find a Home Energy Cafe - a free drop in space offering practical advice on reducing energy bills and improving home comfort.

Find full details and more upcoming dates in our events calendar: bathnes.gov.uk/communityenergynetwork.