A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
As we are all acutely aware, the cost of living crisis is having an impact on everyone – notably at the petrol pumps, in the supermarket and when we pay our energy bills.
I am keen to highlight local support that some families might not be aware of so anyone who needs to seek help and advice can do so before financial problems become a real crisis.
Information is available on the council’s website about free school meals vouchers, the Welfare Support Scheme, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Discretionary Housing Payment, Welcome Cafes and Food Clubs, the BANES Food Finder, the Community Wellbeing Hub, and you can contact Citizens Advice Bath and North East Somerset.
From this week we are writing to residents who do not pay their council tax by direct debit about claiming their £150 energy rebate payment. This can be done online, or help is available for people not on the internet at Bath Welfare, Housing and Advice Service in Manvers Street or Keynsham & Midsomer Norton Library and Information Services. You can also contact Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41.
We have made payments to 43,000 people, who pay by direct debit and I am pleased that residents who do not pay by direct debit will get their £150 in the coming weeks, provided their bank details are verified.
This week, I spoke with Vadym Rystaiko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, about how we can strengthen bonds of help and friendship between us and people and communities in Ukraine. I have been invited to the Ukrainian Embassy to explore forging direct relationships with Alexandria (Oleksanriya) in Ukraine. My thanks go to everyone locally for what they have done to help welcome Ukrainian refugees, whether that is sponsors providing accommodation or the support provided by voluntary and community groups such as Bath Welcomes refugees.
On Monday we raised the Armed Forces Day flag at the Guildhall in recognition of Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 25 and to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. I had the real honour of meeting Stan Ford, from Bath, who is a Normandy veteran.
Have a good weekend.
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Cervical Screening Awareness Week: 20-26 June
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Guidance
It's still important to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and ensuring you stay safe and get your Covid-19 booster dose.
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. If you symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19, here is what you should do. |
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Don't wait for a call or a letter from your GP
If you are 75+, or 12+ with a weakened immune system, DO NOT wait for a NHS letter. Go ahead and book your spring booster, if there's been 182 days (6 months) since their last one.
Find out which vaccinations are available for each age group by visiting the BSW CCG and clicking on 'Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?'. Covid-19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. |
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Upcoming clinics
- Friday 24 June ‒ Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 7 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 8 July ‒ Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath (11-6pm)
- Thursday 14 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 15 July ‒ Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road (10am-5pm)
- Saturday 16 July ‒ Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton way. Keynsham (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 21 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 22 July ‒ Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath (11-6pm)
- Saturday 23 July ‒ Paulton Rovers FC, First4Pools Stadium, Winterfield Road, Paulton (10-4)
- Thursday 28 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
Clinics are open to everyone aged 12+ in Year 8 and above, apart from those marked in yellow. This one is also open to children aged 5+.
Vaccinations available include:
- First and second doses
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12+
- Spring boosters for people 75+, plus people aged 12+ with weakened immune system
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Those aged 12 in year 7 and below, can book their vaccination appointment online 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.
If you plan to attend a walk-in, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open on the day.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, before getting any dose of the vaccine you need to wait: 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18+ or an at risk 12-17 year old; or 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12-17. This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you didn't have any symptoms. If you or your child have had symptoms of Covid-19, but haven't had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Talk to a healthcare professional at the site.
Don't forget, you can still 'grab a cab' to your planned vaccination appointment. The vaccination must be pre-booked and evidence of the appointment must be shown to the taxi driver. Evidence can include a screen shot on a mobile phone or a tablet, or print out.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service. |
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Pledge to strengthen ties with Ukraine
Council Leader Councillor Kevin Guy has been invited by Vadym Rystaiko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, to the Ukrainian Embassy in London to discuss further strengthening ties between the area and the city of Alexandria (Oleksanriya) in Ukraine. |
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Energy rebate payment applications encouraged
Residents who do not pay their council tax by direct debit are being encouraged to apply for the Government’s £150 energy rebate payment. |
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Residents are invited to Keynsham Area Forum
Local groups, organisations and residents in the Keynsham area are invited to the next virtual Keynsham Area Forum on Thursday 23 June at 6pm. |
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Countdown until Queen’s Baton Relay arrives
The countdown is on for Bath to welcome the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay with less than a fortnight to go. |
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Residents’ Parking Zones next steps
People who took part in a consultation for seven new residents’ parking zones in Bath are being thanked for their feedback. |
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Celebrating Armed Forces Day
The Armed Forces Day flag has been raised in Bath to show support for the Armed Forces community. |
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Discovery Card programme relaunched
Find out more about the newly relaunched Discovery Card programme. |
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Simple Pleasures at the Victoria Art Gallery
Mary Fedden: Simple Pleasures will open at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath on 9 July and run until 16 October 2022. |
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Groups invited to organise events for Festival
Community groups, organisations and residents are invited to help shape the programme of events at the council’s Climate & Biodiversity Festival by organising an activity on the theme of ‘taking action for the climate’. |
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Council meeting calendar
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. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too.
For updates on our services visit our website. |
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Green business grants now available
Small and medium-sized businesses across the West of England can get support to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and business operations. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can save companies money on their utility bills.
There’s still time for firms to go green and cut their energy bills – the current funding window for the West of England Combined Authority’s Green Business Grants closes on 30 June. Interested businesses just need to fill out a short ‘book a carbon survey’ form via the Combined Authority’s webpage. |
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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, or email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk. |
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Employment and Skills Drop In at Bath Library
If you need help looking for work, training or even starting your own business, why not pop along to the employment and skills drop in sessions at Bath Central Library, from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. |
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Employment and 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 us now on 0300 247 0050 or email us on EmploymentSkills_Pod@bathnes.gov.uk. 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.
Head over to www.futurebright.org.uk to find out more or give us a call 01225 395555 |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
A web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to residents in Bath & North East Somerset has launched.
Live Well B&NES provides a wealth of 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 |
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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, email: Bath@alzheimers.org.uk. |
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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 available from the Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub.
It is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; HCRG Care Group; the 3SG; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group; and other third sector organisation representatives. The team can 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.
To contact the Hub:
Phone: 0300 247 0050.
Email: cwhbanes@hcrgcaregroup.com
Website: http://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk
Text: 07870 868368
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am until 5pm
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email Council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk |
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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 www.sightsupportwest.org.uk
For more useful information visit the RNIB website: www.rnib.org.uk/ |
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