A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Great communities are what makes places special and through our annual community awards we celebrate the best of Bath & North East Somerset - incredible individuals, volunteers, and organisations who go above and beyond to make a difference.

Last year I was fortunate to attend the award ceremony in the Guildhall and listen to some of the amazing stories from the award winners. Among them were Ransford Ras Habakkuk Graham, who arrived in 1967 as one of the Windrush children. He has since dedicated himself to community work for the black community and was awarded the Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year. The Forget Me Not Club based in Twerton, which provides a small, friendly club to support older people living with dementia picked up the Charity of the Year title.

We all know heroes in our communities, so please get your nominations in for the 15th annual B&NES Community Awards. Full details and categories – including Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, and Charity of the Year – are available on our website. Let’s shine a light on those who make our area stronger and more connected.

This evening the cabinet meets to discuss a range of important issues, including Adult Social Care services, which are undergoing a significant transformation, already leading to a dramatic drop in waiting times, as well as the progress we are making on climate and ecological emergencies. The council and partners have led on a huge amount of positive action, from electrifying council fleet and halving emissions from our own buildings, to making it easier for people to walk, wheel and use public transport. Cabinet, which starts at 6.30pm, can be watched live online via our webcast service.

Finally, I’m excited to share that preparations for the Bath Christmas Market begin this weekend. The market opens with a special residents’ evening on November 26 before it officially starts on November 27 and runs until December 14, marking its 25th anniversary. This event is a highlight of the festive season, attracting visitors from near and far and providing a huge boost to local businesses. Thank you in advance for your patience during the build period and during the market.

Have a great weekend.

Community Resilience Day

Flooding, severe weather, power cuts - are you prepared for an emergency? Our Community Resilience Day will give you ideas and help you prepare for and respond to emergencies to protect your family & community. Find out more and sign up https://CommunityResilienceDay.eventbrite.com.

News

New B&NES Council occupational health centre officially opened

Visitors at a new occupational therapy assessment centre in Midsomer Norton learned how equipment and adaptations make a difference to promote independence at home.

Nominate your local heroes for the 15th annual Bath and North East Somerset Community Awards

A spotlight is once again shining on people in Bath and North East Somerset who go above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of others with the launch of the Community Awards for 2025/26.

Council invests in prevention and wellbeing of residents

Bath & North East Somerset Council has appointed four community partners to help deliver a range of health and wellbeing services for residents from January 2026.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit The Roman Baths

Celebrate the festive season at one of the UK’s most atmospheric landmarks. From torchlit afternoons and choir performances to steaming waters and festive drinks, The Roman Baths promises an unforgettable winter experience.

Have your say

Council meetings

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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Instagram and Bluesky; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. Visit our website.

View and take part in our consultations

Support

Cost of living

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

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.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

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

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

Employment support and skills

Achieve

Achieve in B&NES provides local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

Health, wellbeing and support

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or visit the website.

Public health

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.

Warm spaces

Warm Spaces are back in B&NES. Local spaces offering respect, dignity, connection and warmth. Warm Spaces are welcoming venues where people can go to stay warm, feel safe, and meet others during periods of cold weather, high energy costs, loneliness or isolation. To find a full list of local Warm Spaces, plus a handy map visit: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/warm-spaces-directory