Cost of living support and pledges for older residents As we head into the Easter weekend break, I wanted to share a few updates from across Bath & North East Somerset – from how we’re supporting older residents, to help for families feeling the pressure of the cost of living. I was really pleased to attend the Ageing Well conference at the Guildhall on Tuesday, marking the launch of the State of Ageing Report. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from residents and partners about the everyday experiences of older people across our area. I’d like to thank Age UK B&NES and the wider Ageing Well partnership for their work. (Pictured left to right Catharine Brown, St. John's Foundation, Rob Greig Ageing Well Chair, Councillor Kevin Guy, Laura Martin Ageing Well Programme Lead and Nicola Gregson Older People's Voice Chair.) Bath & North East Somerset is an ageing community, and that is something to be proud of. People living longer, healthier lives is a success story but it also brings responsibilities. At the conference, I set out some of the council’s initial pledges to support the Ageing Well programme, including an updated strategy which will help ensure accessible, well-maintained public toilets across B&NES recognising their importance for older residents’ mobility, confidence, and independence. We’re also keen to support young families, particularly those on lower incomes, to enjoy what our area has to offer. From this week families can take advantage of the £1 Roman Baths ticket. The £1 ticket scheme forms part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s wider commitment to making culture and heritage more accessible, especially at a time when many households are feeling the pressure of rising living costs. We want to help more people discover - or rediscover - one of the country’s most remarkable historic sites. So, adults who receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) can use the offer and each eligible adult can bring up to four children aged 6 to 18 for £1 each, while children under six continue to visit for free. Carers accompanying an eligible visitor will also receive free entry. In addition to the new £1 tickets, don’t forget all residents of Bath & North East Somerset can continue to enjoy free entry to The Roman Baths through the local Discovery Card scheme. And getting around is cheaper too, thanks to the Kids Go Free scheme which offers free bus travel for children and young people under 16 during school holidays thanks to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Wishing you a happy Easter Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council | 
Walks take place across Somer Valley, Chew Valley, and Bath (meeting point shared on referral)
Enjoy:
A relaxed walk in nature
Making new social connections
Healthy snacks provided for children
Biscuits provided for adults
Chance to stop, feed and playtime in a local park
To find out more and to get booked on, head to our website or chat to the team
