A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
We held our Council Annual Meeting last night to appoint the leader, cabinet, chair and vice chair of the council following the recent local elections. The full details of all the cabinet appointments including four new roles of cabinet project leads are on our newsroom.
After winning an historic second term I have wasted no time in establishing the new cabinet and setting our direction, building on what we have achieved over the previous four years and now ploughing ahead with the massive mandate you have just given us at the ballot box.
We want to use the mandate we received to continue to improve people’s lives. We are ambitious for Bath and North East Somerset. Over the next four years we want to see the right houses built in the right places; we want to become an exemplar council for climate action; and to extend transport choices and improve local environments through our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.
We will continue to focus our efforts on supporting a thriving local economy. Looking after our vulnerable children and adults, as well as ensuring support for mental health and wellbeing, will also be a key focus of this administration.
Giving peopIe a bigger say has been a priority over the last four years resulting in many consultations where we have listened to communities and partners and amended plans as a result. I would like to thank South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for rectifying incorrect information this week about consultations we carried out on the Upper Bristol Road cycle scheme and the Southlands through-traffic restriction trial, which form part of our Liveable Neighbourhood programme. You can read the full statement here on our newsroom.
On 27th and 28th May Oleksandriya, a city in central Ukraine that we are increasingly forging links with will celebrate its city days. To show our continued support for Ukraine and our links with Oleksandriya we will be flying their flag this weekend above the Guildhall.
With a warm Bank Holiday weekend forecast I hope you will be able to get out and enjoy our parks and wonderful green spaces – at the same time please remember, if you are out meeting friends and family for picnics, to please take your litter home with you and better still recycle it. It’s great for the environment and it helps to keep our parks looking lovely for everyone to enjoy.
Have a good weekend |
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New cabinet for Bath & North East Somerset Council
The new leader and cabinet members, who will steer the majority-led Liberal Democrat council for Bath & North East Somerset, have been named. |
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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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Statement on incorrect FOI information from South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Read the full statement on our newsroom. |
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Local author events in B&NES libraries
Come along to our libraries for a crime conversation with local authors Jeff Dowson and Stephen Timmins to celebrate National Crime Reading Month.
We’ll be holding events in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries from 1 June. To find out more and to book your free ticket, visit our libraries Eventbrite page. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/crime-conversations-2195409 |
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Seasonal booster dose of Covid-19 vaccination
The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
You may be offered a seasonal booster if you:
- are aged 75 or over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system
Find out more here: Getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine |
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Time is running out to get your 1st and 2nd doses of Covid-19 vaccination
The offer of a first and second dose of the Covid vaccine will come to an end for many people on 30 June. Everyone who was aged five and over on or before 31 August 2022 is eligible. Book now to make sure you get both jabs before the offer ends.
If you haven’t had the first or second dose of the Covid vaccine, please come forward for them. You’ll need to wait several weeks between doses.
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/
Check your eligibility at www.nhs.uk. Go online here to book or call 119. |
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Measles
The UKHSA is investigating increased cases of measles in England since January 2023.
The risk to the UK population remains low, but the UKHSA is asking people to be alert to signs and symptoms and ensure that they or their children have received two doses of the MMR vaccination.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.
To find out more about childhood vaccinations, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/ |
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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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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
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. Alternatively, you can email. |
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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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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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