| e-connect 14 September 2023 |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Like all local councils we provide a really wide range of important services, many of which are under increasing pressures because of huge funding gaps in local government.
The council is always looking at ways to improve services and address the important issues you raise while managing these budget challenges.
One of the concerns residents raise with me is the quality of the local environment. So, in addition to the day-to-day work of our highways and cleansing services we invested an additional £1million in Neighbourhood Services in our Clean and Green programme.
The Clean and Green teams provide more street cleaning, weed removal, free graffiti removal for domestic properties, more gully emptying and respond to councillor and residents’ reports. We have some great before and after photos to show the difference we are making – take a look in the team’s regular newsletters.
You can make reports on Fix My Street which is an amazing map-based technology online system that the council uses to make reporting highways and cleansing issues easy for you. You can click on the map and see what has been reported in your area and what is being done about it, whether that’s a cracked paving slab or dumped rubbish. Thousands of incidents have been reported using Fix My Street and successfully actioned by the council’s teams. For other issues please go to our Report It pages or speak to Council Connect.
I’m delighted to report that have just announced £115,000 of funding for Somer Valley community projects to support active lifestyles and improve wellbeing. The funding will be available under the Willson Grant scheme as part of The Active Way. The grant scheme has been named in tribute to Jenny Willson, a Bath & North East Somerset Council employee who sadly passed away this year. Jenny championed health and wellbeing initiatives and was instrumental in the development of the successful bid for national funding through Active Travel England and the West of England Combined Authority for The Active Way. Applications for grants open on September 18.
Looking ahead there may be possible disruption to waste, recycling and garden waste collections due to Unite industrial action within our Waste and Recycling service starting from Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September. This industrial action is in relation to the local government national pay award. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. A full statement with advice on what to do with your waste and recycling is on our newsroom.
Have a good weekend.
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Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations
Vaccinations have begun for people most at risk of falling seriously ill. Care home residents and housebound people will be visited. Other eligible groups including people aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women will be contacted directly from September 18 to book an appointment. https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations-for-flu-and-covid-19-start-today-for-those-most-at-risk/ |
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New £115,000 funding for Somer Valley community projects to support active lifestyles and improve wellbeing
A new fund to provide residents in the Somer Valley with more opportunities to boost their physical and mental wellbeing will open for applications on September 18.
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Third drop-in event for SEND parents and carers in B&NES
Parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) are invited to a drop-in event in Bath this month to find out what support is available in the area for their family. |
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Possible disruption to waste, recycling/garden waste collections
We are advising of possible disruption to waste, recycling and garden waste collections due to Unite industrial action within our Waste and Recycling service starting from Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September. This industrial action is in relation to the local government national pay award. |
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Support for Bath’s Postal Museum
Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting the Trustees of the Bath Postal Museum as they assess the future of the museum after its recent closure.
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Help shape library and information services in B&NES
Residents visiting Bath and North East Somerset’s Libraries Information and Advice centres will be asked for their feedback on how they use the services in a new survey running for three weeks from today (September 11).
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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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Employment support and skills
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The Good Employment Summit
Join West of England Combined Authority at the inaugural Good Employment Summit on 18 October at The Bristol Hotel, Prince Street from 10am-4pm to celebrate the Good Employment Charter.
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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.
We’re running a series of events across B&NES during September and October with a range of local organisations attending.
Thursday 21 September - Pod Launch – Bath Central Library, The Podium BA1 5AN
Monday 2 October - Keynsham Training & Jobs Fair – Keynsham Library, Civic Centre BS31 1FS
Tuesday 24 October - Midsomer Norton Training & Jobs Fair – Midsomer Norton Library, High St BA3 2DP |
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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 here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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. |
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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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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. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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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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You can report a problem in your area with FixMyStreet: https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk.
We’ve fixed more than 200 issues in the past month. |
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