A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
As the evenings draw in and temperatures start to drop, I am concerned that the choice between heating and eating is very real for many in our community. I have one simple message: help is out there. The Community Wellbeing Hub (0300 247 0050) allows people to access support from a wide range of local agencies such as Citizens Advice, Age UK and Bath Mind. They can offer support on energy costs, money matters, bills, benefits, and much more.
You can find out more information (including a poster about the Community Wellbeing to print and share) on our dedicated cost-of-living web pages.
The council is also taking the lead on warm spaces. It is establishing a Warm Welcome package for its libraries and is working with local organisations to create a map of warm spaces that can help households struggling to meet the costs of energy to heat their homes. Details of the map will be announced shortly.
We have opened Cleveland Bridge to two-way traffic with an 18-tonne weight limit. We’ve removed the traffic signals and monitoring and enforcement equipment, ANPR cameras have been fitted to capture any HGVs flouting the weight limit. Throughout the work we have kept businesses and residents regularly informed of the works and I want to add my thanks, especially to those businesses and residents near the bridge, for their patience during this complex refurbishment of a 200-year-old structure.
During October Bath and North East Somerset Black History is being marked. Bath Record Office has an online exhibition featuring stories of black people who lived, worked or visited Bath from the 18th century.
I’m looking forward to visiting Fairfield House, the former home of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I at 2 Kelston Road on Sunday. It is offering Historical Guided Tour Public Open Days every Sunday during October and beyond. You can find details on their website.
The Roman Baths Museum, in collaboration with Fairfield House, will also have a temporary exhibition displaying objects that belonged to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who lived in Fairfield House from 1936-1941. This free exhibition starts on October 24.
Finally, I’d like to applaud Bath Philharmonia, which is once again giving Bath and North East Somerset residents the fantastic opportunity to enjoy orchestral concerts for free. People can claim up to four free tickets to one of its concerts at The Bath Forum from now until next July which should be music to many people’s ears.
Have a good weekend.
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.
The Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is available and you can call them on 0300 247 0050. There is also a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can print out and display a cost of living poster to help promote the help and support available. |
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Next Monday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme is ‘making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.
Find out how you can support WMHD |
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Autumn Covid booster campaign
The autumn Covid booster campaign is now under way in England.
The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) are also asking people to pay particular attention to the current eligibility:
- anyone aged 65 or over
- anyone aged 12 years or over with a weakened immune system, or living with someone who is
- frontline health and care workers
- pregnant women
Bath racecourse is not currently offering walk-in Covid-19 appointments. Instead, they are encouraging people to book an appointment via the National Booking Service.
Please be patient if they are struggling to book an appointment, as more appointments are being added regularly so people should keep trying. |
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Upcoming clinics
- Thursday 20 October ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
- Saturday 29 October ‒ Bath City Football Club (12:30-5pm)
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses, including the new autumn booster.
Anyone who is eligible can book their vaccination appointment online (new appointments are added frequently) or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. You do not need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic.
Check your eligibility here for first and second Covid-19 vaccinations, and here for the Covid-19 booster vaccinations. |
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Volunteer drivers needed to help housebound patients
Banes Enhanced Medical Services (BEMS) have been asked to carry out Covid vaccinations for a number of housebound patients across Bath and North East Somerset, and are looking for volunteer drivers to support vaccinators from Monday to Friday (9am-5pm).
Volunteers are required to have a full driving licence and use their own vehicle to transport the vaccinators, with BEMS covering the mileage. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum shift of four hours.
BEMS, BANES Enhanced Medical Services (BEMS+), is a GP Federation, that works across the community to provide high quality community based clinical services and supports local General Practices to provide these services.
If you are interested in this role email Roxie Minney or call 01225 560805.
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COVID-19 Health and Wellbeing Questionnaire form
Local charity, Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA), is working with Bath & North East Somerset Council's public health team to understand how the pandemic has impacted on the physical and mental wellbeing of these communities. We want to understand your experiences and how you managed during the COVID-19 pandemic by completing this survey. |
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New prospectus for Bath and North East Somerset
A celebration of Bath and North East Somerset and the ambition for the district in the future is captured in a new prospectus launched today (October 6). |
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Share views on health and wellbeing services
Residents and health professionals in Bath and North East Somerset are being asked to help shape the way health and wellbeing is supported across the area over the next 10 years. |
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Take an e-scooter to the University of Bath
Students and residents can now take advantage of an easier commute up Widcombe Hill, after the West of England’s e-scooter trial was extended to cover the University of Bath’s Claverton Down campus. |
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Council reaffirms opposition to fracking
The council’s cabinet member for Planning and Licensing Councillor Tim Ball has re-affirmed the council’s opposition to fracking within the council’s area – and also those of neighbouring authorities. |
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Midsomer Norton Town Hall construction under way
The future of Midsomer Norton Town Hall is one step closer to being secured as construction works for the first phase of the Town Hall Transformation Project have now begun as part of grant-funded initiatives within the town centre. |
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Bath and North East Somerset Black History marked
Objects belonging to one of the most influential statesmen of the 20th century ‒ Emperor Haile Selassie, who lived for some years in Bath ‒ are going on show this month. |
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Grant funding to improve greenspaces
Ambitious plans to improve wildlife habitat and create accessible greenspace for local communities to enjoy will go ahead thanks to a £923,246 grant. |
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Council publishes A4 Link and Ride feasibility study
A feasibility study into a potential Link and Ride bus service along the A4 between Chippenham and Bath has been published today (4 October). |
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Cleveland Bridge reopens to two-way traffic
Traffic signals and local traffic management have been removed from Cleveland Bridge, which now has a weight monitoring system in place. |
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How you can help transform a young person’s life
People in Bath and North East Somerset are being asked to consider if they could open their home to a child or young person in need of a stable family. |
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Autumn tree sale weekends coming up
Autumn tree sale weekends are being held in Midsomer Norton on 15 and 16 October, and in Bath on 12 and 13 November, to help reach our target to plant 100,000 trees in Bath and North East Somerset by May 2023. A variety of species will be on sale to suit different garden sizes, with trees in 10 litre containers available for £10, and trees in 5 litre containers only £5. Up to five trees can be ordered. Trees for Midsomer Norton go on sale tomorrow (7 October) at 5pm. Trees for Bath go on sale on 4 November at 5pm. More information is available here. |
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Discover orchestral concerts for free
For the second year running, Bath Philharmonia is offering up to four free tickets to one of its concerts at The Bath Forum between 1 October 2022 and 31 July 2023, to every household in Bath & North East Somerset. Individual tickets can be booked at Bath Box Office and full details on the concerts and terms and conditions for this special offer can be found online. |
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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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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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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 (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes
Live Well B&NES has a brand new feature called Unsure where to start? to help Bath & North East residents find the information they need for themselves or a family member who needs care or support. Users of the site select a category (such as money matters & finance, keeping safe, caring for others) answer a few simple questions and are then presented with a range of resources and information relevant to their needs. For more information, email the LWB team. |
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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, email us. |
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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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