Date published: 2026-02-04 | Category: Area Forums, Communities and volunteering, Giving people a bigger say
Provision of local services for children and young people is the focus of the next round of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Area Forums.
The forums are open to all and are a chance for residents to have their say on decision-making, ask councillors and officers questions about matters affecting their area and hear from local organisations.
The main theme for February’s public meetings is children and young people, including the early intervention support schemes available in Bath and North East Somerset that help tackle inequalities. Senior officers from the council’s Children’s Services team will be presenting at each forum on the Families First and Best Start in Life services, which offer tailored support to prevent children’s needs from escalating.
Also presenting will be organisations local to the forum areas, including the headteacher and students from Chew Valley School, SENDIAS and Mentoring Plus. Keynsham and District Mencap and Butterflies Haven are also scheduled to attend their nearest forums.
The Area Forums taking place this month are:
- Keynsham Area Forum – 9 February, 6.30pm, online
- Bathavon Area Forum – 10 February, 6pm, online
- Chew Valley Area Forum – 11 February, 6pm, Chew Valley School
- Somer Valley Forum – 26 February, 6pm, online
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “February’s series of Area Forums will be of particular interest to parents, carers and anyone who works with children and young people. The council is committed to supporting children and preventing their needs from escalating, and the forums will explore the local services that are making a difference.
“The Area Forums are always an important opportunity for residents to hear about the services that support our communities and to share your views directly with us. We’d really encourage you to join us, ask questions and take part in the conversation.”
Bath’s Area Forum has been replaced by Bath Community Conversations. These are open to all and take the form of drop-in sessions at community venues. They involve the same partner organisations as the Area Forums and share the same principles.
ENDS