Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations in the May elections.
The deadline to register to vote for the May elections is Monday 17 April. You can check if you are on the electoral register by calling 01225 477333 or emailing elections@bathnes.gov.uk.
Voters who don’t have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper form. They can also apply for the certificate in person at the Guildhall in Bath; Bath Housing, Welfare and Advice Services; Keynsham Library and Information Service; or Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the May election is 5pm, Tuesday 25 April. |
|
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. |
|
COVID-19 vaccination spring programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has confirmed its advice for a 2023 spring coronavirus (COVID-19) booster programme. In January 2023, the committee advised preparations should begin for potential booster programmes in spring and autumn this year, with further details to be announced at a later date.
The committee has since advised that a spring booster dose should be 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
Eligible individuals will be offered the vaccine around six months after their previous dose and NHS England will confirm operational details for the programme in due course. Read more here. |
|
Covid and flu vaccination clinics
It’s not too late to get your first and second dose of Covid-19 vaccination, or your flu vaccination. Check the NHS website for Covid -19 vaccination eligibility, or for the flu vaccination, or to find a local walk-in clinic. There are currently no Covid-19 booster doses available to anyone. When they do become available, they will be offered to people who are at increased risk from Covid-19 following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
If your school-aged child has missed their flu vaccine, please call 0300 247 0082 to organise how this can be re-arranged. If you have a child who is not yet of school age and they still need a flu vaccination, please contact your GP surgery. |
|
This week is World Autism Acceptance Week.
A Sensory Space open day is being held at Bath Central Library on Saturday 1 April. The event is a chance to explore what the space has to offer, and there will be free story time and craft sessions for people to take part in. The story time sessions are at 10.30 to 11am and 1.30 to 2pm. The craft activities are 11 to 12pm and 2 to 3pm. |
|
B&NES progress on addressing gender pay gap
A new snapshot of pay across the council has been published. |
|
Free school meal vouchers for Easter holidays
Families in Bath and North East Somerset who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals will this week receive vouchers worth £30 per child to support food costs during the upcoming Easter holiday. |
|
A4 Saltford roadworks – please plan your journey
The council is advising people to plan their journeys between 3-11 April as a section of A4 between Saltford and Bath will have two-way signals in place to allow Wales & West Utilities to make essential repairs. The works will take place over school half term, when the volume of traffic on the highway is lower than normal, however delays are still expected. |
|
Roman Baths and Pump Room scoop tourism awards
The Roman Baths and Pump Room has won two awards at the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards: Silver in the Wedding Venue of the Year category and Bronze for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism. |
|
WESTlink ‒ update from the West of England Combined Authority
WESTlink is a new type of bus service being introduced by the West of England Combined Authority. It will operate from April 2023 in the vast majority of the West of England, outside of Bristol and Bath city centres. It runs without a fixed timetable or route, which is booked 'on demand' by users through a mobile app, web app or by phone.
Passengers can get on or off at existing bus stops (over 1,800) as well as at a number of virtual bus stops which will be created at easy to reach places, so that passengers can travel to their local towns or link to major bus and rail services for their onward journey.
For more information see here:
Webpage: westlink.app
Web App: WESTlink
Mobile App: search ‘WESTlink’ in iOS or google play app stores
Phone: 01174578561 |
|
Urban Garden
Spring is in full swing and there’s lots on offer at the Urban Garden, a social enterprise at Bath’s Royal Victoria Park which reinvests all profits into training to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of local adults. Now on sale is a new range of seasonal outdoor plants grown in partnership with the council’s parks team. There’s 20% off your next purchase if you sign up to the newsletter on The Urban Garden homepage. The Urban Garden is open Thursday to Saturdays, 10.30am to 5pm and 11am to 4pm on Sundays. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
