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e-connect 23 November 2023
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
It was a real pleasure to wander around Bath Christmas Market last night which held its annual residents’ preview night ahead of officially opening today.
Our Christmas Market team has been working hard to bring more than 200 traders and 36 community groups to the hugely popular event which attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy our wonderful city at this special time of the year.
Among the many traders Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, and I met last night, was Bath born and bred Katie Hanney (pictured) who is based in the city and runs Pattern and Pearl. She has always visited Bath Christmas Market and this year took the leap of investing in a chalet. I wish Katie and all the traders a busy and successful couple of weeks at the market.
As I highlighted last week the city is thriving and it is reassuring to see new shops, bars and restaurants opening which also get a boost from the increased footfall the market brings – including overnight stays benefitting our hotels and guest houses.
With more people in the city there is of course additional pressure on our highways network and we are encouraging people to use public transport, in particular our excellent park and ride services which will be running more frequently during the Bath Christmas Market period.
Last week we held our cabinet meeting and I said I would update you on our budget. Like all councils we are facing challenges due to factors including pressures on our adult and children’s services, inflation and limited income streams. This means difficult decisions will have to be made because we have very little room to manoeuvre but we are working hard to deliver a budget that protects the most vulnerable and delivers our priorities.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the four teenagers from Shrewsbury who sadly died after their vehicle left the road in North Wales. I know that the local community people in Shrewsbury will be very much affected by their deaths and my thoughts are with them.
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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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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. (Next session 7 December.) |
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Saturnalia to Surrealism: Christmas at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery
Make a visit to the Roman Baths a relaxing part of your festivities this winter. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and discover the ancient winter traditions that have inspired our modern celebrations, meet characters from the past, and set off on a family trail themed around the Roman festival of Saturnalia.
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Magical festive season begins in Bath as Christmas Market opens
Visitors are being given a warm welcome to the Bath Christmas Market - a unique festive shopping experience set among the city’s iconic monuments - which officially opened today. |
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Young environmentalists highly commended in council’s Community Awards
Two young volunteers from Bath who clear up rubbish from the River Avon have been celebrated for their exceptional contribution to the environment by Bath & North East Somerset Council as part of its Community Awards 2023/24. |
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Council supports Road Safety Week
Speedwatch groups, hard-hitting road sign messaging and school workshops are under way across Bath & North East Somerset as part of a national Brake Road Safety Week campaign. |
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Community set to benefit from improvement works at Tom Huyton Park in Radstock
A raft of improvements to Tom Huyton Park and Somervale Gardens in Radstock are under way as part of a regeneration action plan for the town centre. |
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Ethnic minority groups asked for views on health and wellbeing services at BEMSCA’s Building Links Day
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who are from ethnic minority backgrounds are invited to discuss their experiences of accessing health and wellbeing services at a drop-in event in Midsomer Norton. |
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Search on for new non-executive chair of council’s housing company
The search is on for a new independent non-executive board chair for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s wholly-owned housing company, Aequus Group. |
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Christmas Memorial Service
Haycombe Cemetery & Crematorium is holding a Christmas Memorial Service on Sunday 10 December at 3.00pm to honour loved ones at this special time of year. You are invited to send a photo of your loved one to be displayed during the service to cemeteries_crematorium@bathnes.gov.uk by 4 December. Tags will be available at the service to write and hang on the Christmas tree and a candle will be lit in their name. The service can be watched live or later at https://watch.obitus.com, username: meyo0761, password: 242991. |
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Employment support and skills
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Achieve
Achieve in B&NES provides a job and course search service for anybody wishing to enter the workplace or progress their career. There are free and funded courses from local providers. |
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We Work For Everyone
Looking for work and have a learning difficulty or learning disability, or you are autistic, we can help. Visit weworkforeveryone.org. |
Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod provides information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment. You can find out more on the achieve website. |
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Health, wellbeing and support
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Live Well B&NES
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. |
Community Wellbeing Hub
The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368 or visit the website. |
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Bath Mind
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
Age UK
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. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital |
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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. |
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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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. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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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, consultations 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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COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+)
COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) at the Salvation Army for those eligible.
Salvation Army, Bath, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE.
6 December 11am - 5pm
Check your eligibility here. Children 5-11 to be booked via the National Booking System. Walk-ins available for all other age groups or book via the National Booking System here. |
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