e-connect 8 September 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
On behalf of the people of Bath and North East Somerset I share deep concern for Her Majesty The Queen as it is announced, at the time of writing, that she is under medical supervision. Our thoughts are with the Queen and her family.
Earlier today the Government announced its plans to tackle the energy crisis. A typical energy bill will be capped at around £2,500 annually until 2024. Businesses will get support, with bills capped for six months.
While this announcement provides some stability for households and businesses, it still remains a sharp rise which will have massive impact on bills. This, alongside wider cost of living pressures, is causing real worry in our communities. Many people are feeling the financial squeeze for the first time and simply don’t know where to turn. Help is out there. If you need to talk to someone, The Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050 will give you access help from key local agencies, including Citizens Advice, Age UK and Bath Mind. The Hub can help with money matters, bills, benefits, energy costs, food, housing, mental health support, jobs and skills, support for carers and other services.
Please pass on the Hub’s ‘Help is out there’ message to friends, relatives, work colleagues and neighbours. The council has also set up a dedicated cost-of-living web page.
I am also very concerned about the impacts of increased energy prices and inflation on our local businesses, just as we were starting to see our area bounce back from Covid, as seen at our Roman Baths, which welcomed 100,000 visitors in August for the first time since 2019.
Tonight at cabinet I will be appointing Councillor Mark Roper to a new, dedicated, cabinet role which will focus on supporting our local economy. The new position will be responsible for economic development, regeneration, the renewal of our high streets and inward investment, including events. It will also cover leisure provision on open spaces including Entry Hill, the Approach at Lansdown and Odd Down. You can contact Mark here.
Another thing that will impact on local people is the withdrawal by First from 9 October of the 178, the 22 and the 42 bus services in our area, alongside many other changes that will affect local communities.
To be blunt, I am dismayed at the planned cuts and have called for a complete rethink of the ‘broken’ bus system. Bath & North East Somerset Council doesn’t run the bus service, but we understand the needs of residents and businesses and the impacts these cuts will have on our local communities.
We recognise the pressures on bus companies, particularly rising costs and driver shortages, but I am urgently calling on Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor, for a co-ordinated, imaginative long-term approach to public transport in our area, that provides local people with the access to the work, health, and leisure facilities they need, and which contributes to our climate emergency goals.
First Bus should also delay any planned changes until suitable alternatives to the cut services are agreed. We are willing to meet with the West of England Combined Authority, operators, and others to help make this happen.
At cabinet this evening we will discuss an update on our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, which has involved many residents in co-design workshops – thank you to everyone who has got involved so far. We will also discuss plans for Englishcombe Lane, the first steps towards a new Local Plan, and the transformation of adult community health and social care services, children’s health services, and some public health services following a decision by the council and by the Governing Body of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG) in May not to extend the contract for these services, which are currently operated by HCRG Care Group. As is always the case you can watch the meeting here or on our Youtube channel.
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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 Money Matters section on Live Well B&NES. This includes:
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Autumn Covid booster campaign
The autumn Covid booster campaign is now under way in England, with care home residents and housebound patients among the first to get vaccinated.
Many people will get a new vaccine which tackles both the original Covid virus and the recent Omicron variant.
Who will get an autumn booster?
The dose will be offered to:
- adults aged 50 and over
- people aged five to 49 with health conditions which put them at higher risk – including pregnant women
- care home staff
- frontline health and social care workers
- carers aged 16 to 49
- household contacts of people with weakened immune systems
The NHS National Booking System is now open for those people aged 75 and over, people who are immunosuppressed, and health and social care workers are now eligible to book appointments, which are available from on-site clinics from Monday 12 September.
Appointments will be made available for other groups in a staged process, updates can be found on the NHS website. |
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Covid guidance
It's still important to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and ensuring you stay safe and get your Covid-19 booster dose.
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19, here is what you should do. |
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Upcoming clinics
Clinics this months:
- Thursday 22 September ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 30 September ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
You can get the following vaccinations:
- First and second doses for anyone aged 12+ in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12-15
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Anyone aged 12 in year 7 and below, can book their vaccination appointment online 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.
If you plan to attend a walk-in, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open on the day.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, before getting any dose of the vaccine you need to wait:
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18+ or an at risk 12-17 year old
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12-17
This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you didn't have any symptoms. If you or your child have had symptoms of Covid-19, but haven't had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Talk to a healthcare professional at the site.
Don't forget, you can still 'grab a cab' to your planned vaccination appointment. The vaccination must be pre-booked and evidence of the appointment must be shown to the taxi driver. Evidence can include a screen shot on a mobile phone or a tablet, or print out.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service. |
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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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Roman Baths & Pump Room comes third in Which? survey of historic UK attractions
Following a busy summer where visitors exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2019, the Roman Baths & Pump Room has come third in Which?’s survey of the best historic attractions in the UK. |
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Work starts on better cycling and pedestrian paths
Works to improve routes for walking, wheeling and cycling along Beckford Road in Bath will start next week (September 12). |
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Upcoming roadworks in Keynsham
The council are advising people to plan their journeys ahead of time if travelling through Keynsham later this month, as resurfacing works it’s carrying out are followed by utility works by Hawkfield Homes. |
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Improvements to be made at Bath crossing
The council will undertake improvement works to the junction between Gay Street and Queen Square in Bath’s city centre. |
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New street trees project
More trees could be planted in streets across Bath and North East Somerset to improve the local area and help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. |
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A37 at Pensford to close for resurfacing works
The council are advising people to plan their journeys between 16-19 September as the A37 through Pensford will be closed to allow essential resurfacing works to take place. |
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Heritage Open Days 2022
Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open up their doors this September for Heritage Open Days (9-18 September). |
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Bathscape Walking Festival programme
Walkers of all abilities will find something of interest in this year’s expanded programme for the Bathscape Walking Festival. |
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Positive engagement with Liveable Neighbourhoods
Resident feedback from initial community engagement workshops forms part of a Liveable Neighbourhoods update report, to be presented to cabinet tonight (Thursday 8 September). |
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Funding available for SEND activities and clubs
Providers that deliver activities to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) outside the school day can apply for funding for their activities and clubs from October. Providers are invited to an event on Teams on 27 September at 10.30am to find out more. To register email. |
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Bath Children’s Literature Festival
Europe’s largest books festival for children opens in Bath (23 September–2 October) with more than 100 brilliant events from storytelling to draw-alongs, all hosted in the city’s beautiful buildings. Among the family favourites coming to Bath are Michael Rosen, David Baddiel, Cressida Cowell, current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Richard Ayoade and Dermot O’Leary.
Visit the website for the full programme and to book tickets. |
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Council meeting calendar
Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too. For updates on our services visit our website. |
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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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