A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Today’s Bank of England announcement on the interest rate rise, coupled with rising household bills, is once again going to impact on many families across Bath and North East Somerset who continue to see their budgets squeezed.
It is distressing that more and more people, including working families and pensioners, need help with the cost of living as a result of rising food prices and energy bills. Sadly, figures we released this week, in addition to the need for a new support fund which we have just launched, show the depth of need in our communities.
Our message though, throughout this cost-of-living crisis, is that help is out there and this is thanks to a strong network of supportive partners across Bath and North East Somerset who are working to support our communities. These partners include foodbanks, food pantries, Citizens Advice B&NES, Bath Mind, Age UK B&NES, Village Agents, St. John’s Foundation and all the organisations involved in the Community Wellbeing Hub.
I’d like especially like to highlight a new Discretionary Fund which is a one-off payment to help with energy, bills, and other living costs. To qualify residents must have a permanent B&NES address, be over 18 and on a low income, not have sufficient money to pay for essentials and not have savings over £2,000.
The council is using its allocation of the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund to finance the scheme, which means that the number of awards that can be made are limited. Applications will be assessed in order of receipt. If this applies to you or someone you know you can find more information here https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-discretionary-crisis-fund or call the Welfare Support Scheme on 01225 477277 (Option 1).
Across the district we have many great people giving their time for others and I want to take the opportunity to say thank you. Firstly, to Shared Lives households who open their homes and provide brilliant support for people from their local community who need some extra help. The Shared Lives Service needs more households to provide care and is urging people to consider becoming paid carers like the families in this video.
I’d also like to echo the thanks of our chair Councillor Sarah Moore, who had the honour last week of presenting Honorary Alderman and Alderwomen titles to 12 former councillors, who between them clocked up more than 200 years’ service to the people of Bath and North East Somerset.
Earlier this week we raised the Armed Forces Day flag in Parade Gardens in recognition of Armed Forces Day, which is this Saturday, to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. It was an absolute honour to be joined by Normandy veteran Stan Ford, from Bath.
Have a good weekend.
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Windrush Day 2023
Calling all storytellers and those with connections to the Windrush generation! We invite you to share your invaluable experiences and connections with us. Whether you have personal anecdotes, family ties, or cultural narratives to contribute, your stories play a vital role in preserving and honouring this significant chapter of history. Please join us in celebrating the heritage and contributions of the Windrush generation by sharing your unique perspectives.
Share with us here https://forms.office.com/e/YTd0TqCFKX |
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The RUH has put together a short film to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to the establishment of the NHS.
It includes interviews with members of the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA), who talk about the memories of arriving in England, as well as interviews with RUH staff.
Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/4FXq0SWyvZU |
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Council sets out new health and wellbeing strategy
A new seven-year strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Bath and North East Somerset and address inequalities has been launched. |
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Help is out there – cost-of-living support in Bath & North East Somerset
The extent of support for Bath and North East Somerset residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis over the past year has been revealed today – as the council launches additional one-off payment support with its Discretionary Crisis Fund. |
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Shared Lives – get paid to provide a unique caring service
A unique service that has been supporting adults with care needs in Bath & North East Somerset for more than 20 years is looking for more households who are willing to share their home with a person from their local community who needs some extra help. |
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Handover of restored Stothert & Pitt crane to Bath & North East Somerset Council
The oldest known surviving crane built by Bath engineering company, Stothert & Pitt, has been officially handed over to Bath & North East Somerset Council. |
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Pop-up climate hub comes to Bath
A ‘climate hub’ will pop up in a vacant unit in Bath city centre this weekend offering fun activities and information about how people can help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. |
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New look for Keynsham’s Temple St as improvement project completed
The latest phase of improvements to Temple Street in Keynsham to make it more attractive and engaging for residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy has been completed. |
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Search for B&NES homeowners willing to showcase their energy efficient homes
Residents who have added energy efficient features such as solar panels, heat pumps and water recycling to their home are being invited to showcase their property as part of the Green Open Homes B&NES weekend in November. |
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Lane closures planned as council maintains A roads
Drivers are being advised about a series of lane closures on Bath & North East Somerset Council A roads as part of maintenance works. |
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Former B&NES councillors awarded honorary titles
A special ceremony to honour Bath & North East Somerset Councillors who between them have devoted 211 years of their lives to public service has been held at the Guildhall. |
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COVID-19 vaccination spring programme
and local Covid-19 vaccination clinic
The 2023 spring coronavirus (COVID-19) booster programme is being offered to:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Those eligible can book their vaccination on the National Booking Service or NHS App.
The last date for the public to book spring boosters will be 30 June 2023.
The offer of a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will also come to an end for many people on 30 June. After this date, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
There will be a Covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE on Thursday 29th June 2023.
First and second doses are available for anyone 5yrs+ and Covid-19 Spring Boosters are also available for anyone 75+ years or immunosuppressed.
Walk-in (no appointment needed) for 12+ 11-3pm. Children 5+ invited after 3pm with an appointment only. Check your eligibility at www.nhs.uk. Go online here to book or call 119.
Find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-1st-and-2nd-dose-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/ |
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COVID-19 vaccine to be offered to children aged six months to four years in clinical risk groups
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that clinically vulnerable children aged six months to four years should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine.
Although young children are generally at low risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, infants and young children who have underlying medical conditions are over seven times more likely to be admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units.
The full range of clinical risk groups are defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book.
The JCVI does not currently advise COVID-19 vaccination of children aged six months to four years who are not in a clinical risk group.
NHS England has since confirmed it will begin offering vaccinations to those eligible in England from mid-June. Parents should wait to be contacted before coming forward.
Read more in our news story. |
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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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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 two Sensory Spaces in our libraries for children and young adults for sensory needs. The spaces at 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.
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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Pride month
We are flying the Rainbow Pride Flag from the Guildhall in Bath throughout June to celebrate Pride month and as a symbol of support to all LGBTQ+ people across Bath & North East Somerset. |
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