A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
We have a rich and diverse arts scene across Bath and North East Somerset and it was a real pleasure to go along recently to a new exhibition space which has opened in Twerton to encourage new and emerging artists.
The space at 106 High Street provides free residency for local artists who might not otherwise be able to access studio space and is part of a fantastic Vacant Unit Action Project which is supporting local high streets. Thank you to the team who hosted our visit.
From Monday 31 July people in Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road will need a permit to park in the latest residents’ parking zone to go live. Five other zones have been successfully introduced following extensive consultation. The zones aim to tackle anti-social driving and commuter parking in residential streets and to improve people’s health and local environment as part our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.
Signs for the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland residents’ parking zone have also gone up ready for when it comes into force from Tuesday August 29. We have met and are working closely with the community, to ensure that scarce parking space is allocated fairly and proportionately, prioritising residents but also ensuring visitors have the allocation they need to continue to support this vibrant area. You can find out more about the scheme on our residents parking zone webpages.
As a council the services we provide are many and varied and staff do a great job in sometimes very challenging circumstances, so it is very distressing when we learn about unacceptable behaviour towards them. Examples of unacceptable behaviour over the past year have included one worker being driven at, a female colleague followed back to her workplace and threatened with physical violence and another member of staff threatened with a hammer. Staff also report being sworn and shouted at, being trolled on social media and receiving persistent aggressive calls, visits or emails.
So, you may see posters appearing at our offices, depots and in our libraries as we raise awareness of the violent and aggressive behaviour staff frequently have to face by a minority of people. I am happy to say that most people treat council staff with respect and I know they value the many services the council provides. As an employer the council is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment and safe systems of work for all staff because we all deserve to be safe at work and to be treated with respect.
Have a good weekend.
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Council signs Friendship Agreement with Ukrainian city council
Bath & North East Somerset Council has committed to further developing its relationship with the Ukrainian city of Oleksandriya by signing a Friendship Agreement. |
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Council calls out violent and aggressive behaviour towards staff
Unacceptable behaviour towards Bath and North East Somerset Council workers by a minority of the public is being highlighted in a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the violent and aggressive behaviour staff frequently have to face. |
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Ho! ho! ho! Charities benefit from Bath Christmas Market
Two local charities have been helped thanks to a generous Bath Christmas Market stallholder who donated £2,000 of his profits to good causes. |
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New artists' space and gallery opens in Twerton High Street
An artists' residency and exhibition space has opened in Twerton High Street, Bath, as part of a project to support local high streets. |
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Summer Reading Challenge
Looking for a way to keep children active over the summer break? This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, #ReadySetRead! will inspire children to keep their minds and bodies active with physical play and reading.
Head to your local B&NES library or join online summerreadingchallenge.org.uk |
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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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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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Love Parks week
LoveParks week is from 28 July - 6 August. You’ll find many beautiful parks and green spaces to enjoy across Bath, Keynsham, The Somer Valley and our rural communities. These range from historic Georgian pleasure gardens, to outdoor sports pitches for all ages, to peaceful and secluded hilltop parks with stunning views of the world heritage city of Bath, and beyond.
Find a green space: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/find-park-or-green-space |
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