A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Wow what a day at Carnival! As befitting an event marking its 10th year, Bath Carnival, the weekend before last, saw processions, performances and bands galore – all a fun and glorious celebration of our city and our communities.
I am proud of the council’s support for this event, which means so much to our residents and local groups. I want to thank all involved and in particular the amazing Director of Bath Carnival Stu Matson (pictured with me above), the volunteers who made this day so special, and all those who came out to enjoy the spectacle. It was great to see so many families out enjoying the event. The continuing success of carnival reflects a key priority I have as leader - to promote the cultural life of the city and our area for all. Carnival is so much more than an annual event, it reflects the diversity of our area and gives so much back to local communities, creating a real sense of vibrancy. Carnival brings together local schools, community groups, charities and freelance artists in one huge collaboration, reflecting the civic pride we have in our area. Here’s to next year!
Strengthening cultural ties is one of the themes of the Friendship Agreement with the Ukrainian City of Oleksandriya that is being presented to the Council this evening. I am very pleased that we have progressed this agreement and the support we have provided to our Ukrainian guests here in Bath and North East Somerset as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. I look forward to meeting the Mayor of Oleksendriya online shortly to formalise this agreement and to continuing to strengthen our ties with the city and its residents.
With the school holidays about to start our parks provide wonderful free spaces for families to enjoy the rest of the summer. Our parks team and friends groups work hard at maintaining these gems and it has been great to see their efforts recognised with seven prestigious Green Flags Awards - one more than the previous year. Sydney Gardens is a winner for the first time in this year’s national awards which recognise the country’s best parks, alongside Haycombe Cemetery, Henrietta Park, Hedgemead Park, Bloomfield Park, Alexandra Park and Royal Victoria Park.
Wishing all our school children, teachers and school staff a well-earned summer break.
Have a good weekend.
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Summer holiday fun at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery
From arts and crafts to adventures into Bath’s past, there’s lots going on for families at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this summer. Young history hunters can join in with different activities inspired by the museum collections and exhibitions each week of the holidays. |
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Chew Magna High Street resurfacing – please plan your journey
Bath & North East Somerset Council is advising people to plan their journeys between 24th – 28th July as High Street, Chew Magna receives essential resurfacing works. |
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Two residents’ parking zones to come into force
Two residents’ parking zones in Bath are set to come into force - Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road at the end of July and Oldfield Park and Westmoreland at the end of August. |
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Wellsway Keynsham roadworks – please plan your journey
Bath & North East Somerset Council is advising people plan their journeys from 24th July for up to 12 weeks when Wellsway in Keynsham closes to allow Wessex Water to build a new relief sewer. |
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Seven wins for Bath in Green Flag awards
Seven coveted Green Flags of excellence have been awarded to parks and green spaces in Bath - one more than the previous year. |
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Free school meal voucher arrangements for school holidays as funding continues until Easter 2024
Families in Bath and North East Somerset who receive benefit-related free school meals will now continue to be supported with food costs during school holidays until the end of Easter next year. |
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New Radstock footbridge officially open
Children and families travelling on foot between St Nicholas Church School and the Heritage Park housing development in Radstock can now enjoy a more convenient way to do the school run thanks to the installation of a new footbridge. |
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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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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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One of the West of England’s most picturesque bus routes is opening its doors for free next week
Bus operator First West of England is giving passengers the chance to sample the delights of the Mendip Xplorer 376 service over the Mendip Hills for free, all day on Wednesday 26 July.
Passengers do not need to buy tickets, vouchers or codes, but instead simply hop on and off at any stop along the route from when the first service starts just after 5.30am until the end of the day.
Find out more on the First website.
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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
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. |
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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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Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? |
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