A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Key services which provide support to people with social care needs and learning disabilities were this week successfully brought under the direct control of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
I would like to extend a warm welcome the 238 employees, who have transferred from HCRG Care Group, to the council. I also want to congratulate the teams in both organisations who have worked hard over the past two years to ensure residents, who currently receive support, will see continuity of service.
The transfer follows a cabinet decision in May 2022 to not extend the contract with HCRG Care Group. Taking direct control of adult social care services in B&NES gives us greater power to shape how services are delivered and to achieve the best outcomes for people in our care. The move will ensure that services offer value for money, are robust and protect vulnerable people while enabling them to live the best life they can. You can find more information about the care services the council provides on our adult social care and health webpages.
This year we mark a significant and wonderful milestone - 100 years of library services in Bath and North East Somerset. Libraries play an essential role in helping improve people’s lives as well as bringing communities together. Our libraries offer so much and have varied activities and events throughout the year which are accessible to all. Celebrations start this month with a party at Midsomer Norton Library on April 27 from 10am-12noon with more lined up at Bath Central Library in July and at Keynsham Library in October.
Bath Festivals is bringing an excellent programme of exciting and interesting book and music events to the city next month. It’s a great event which celebrates the positive impact that music, literature, and performance have on people’s lives as well as providing another boost for our local economy, bringing people into the city over ten days. You can find out more about the programme and what’s on at https://bathfestivals.org.uk.
Have a good weekend.
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We’ve signed up to the Local Government Association's Debate not Hate campaign following a motion agreed unanimously at Full Council.
The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation. Seven out of ten councillors reported experiencing abuse or intimidation in the last year according to the LGA's 2022 councillor census.
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Consultation feedback incorporated into proposed park improvements
An accessible swing, additional seating and a boules pitch are some of the suggestions from residents that have been incorporated into the revised improvement plans for Staddlestones Riverside Park in Midsomer Norton, following a public consultation.
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World Heritage Day celebrations in Bath
Celebrate World Heritage Day in Bath with free walks, talks and activities for all. This year’s World Heritage Day event will take place at the Guildhall on Sunday 21 April, and will focus on Bath’s landscape setting – one of the key reasons why Bath is a World Heritage Site.
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Toulouse-Lautrec’s Paris comes to Bath this spring
Blockbuster exhibition Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre will open at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath on 26 April.
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Council brings adult social care services back in-house
Key services providing support to people with social care needs and learning disabilities have this week been brought under the direct control of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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B&NES councillors back Debate not Hate campaign
Bath & North East Somerset Council has signed up to the Local Government Association's 'Debate not Hate' campaign.
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Celebrating 100 years of public libraries in Bath and North East Somerset
The first event in a year-long celebration of 100 years of library services in Bath and North East Somerset will take place in Midsomer Norton this month.
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Council supports Climate Hub Springtime Assembly
Ideas about how people can take positive action to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies were shared by a range of community organisations at an event in Bath last weekend (22-24 March).
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Have your say on nature recovery in your area
Add your comments to the interactive map and fill out a survey to help shape the Local Nature Recovery Toolkit, which will set local priorities and map ‘focus areas’ where action to help nature will have the biggest impact.
The toolkit will acts as the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the West of England Combined Authority.
You have until 10 May to take part: https://naturerecoverywest.co.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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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. |
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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 an independent mental health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support. |
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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Bath Community Transport
Bath Community Transport provides accessible transport to community, church and support groups, social clubs, care homes and sport foundations.
Call 01225 832317 for further details or visit https://travelwest.info/community-transport/bath-community-transport. |
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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, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre. Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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| 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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