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e-connect 30 November 2023
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
The Federation of Bath Residents’ Associations (FOBRA) held its annual winter reception earlier this week and I was delighted to have been invited along (pictured). FOBRA plays an important role in the life of the city. It was good to attend the event on Tuesday evening and reassure members that the council listens to its concerns as well as its contributions to improving life in Bath for all residents.
Walking to the event, I again had the opportunity to wander through the Christmas Market, which has already attracted huge numbers of visitors to our wonderful city.
Early data suggests that last Saturday’s footfall saw a 20 per cent increase in the number of visitors compared to last year and looking around that is borne out seeing both busy market stalls and shops, cafes and restaurants.
This weekend we anticipate just as many visitors, including rugby fans heading to watch Bath take on Exeter at the Rec. We are encouraging visitors coming into the city to use public transport – please check GWR for any train disruption - or if driving to use one of our three Park and Ride sites. There are more frequent Park and Ride buses at peak times and you can find information about them on the Travel West website.
While many are out enjoying this time of year for others it is especially challenging. No one needs to sleep outside in bad weather or go hungry. Bath & North East Somerset Council and Homeless Partnership agencies work together throughout the year to ensure anyone rough sleeping has an offer of accommodation in severe weather.
If you or anyone you know is concerned about someone they have seen sleeping rough you can alert the partner services via the StreetLink website or by calling 0300 500 0914 so that the person can be connected with local support. If the person is under 18, please contact the police.
We also have a co-ordinated a directory of warm spaces which can be found here: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/warm-places-list.
Finally, it is great to see Bath starring in yet another blockbuster movie. This week saw the premiere of Wonka featuring iconic locations such as Parade Gardens and Bath Street.
Bath and North East Somerset continues to be a magnet for film makers, who are assisted by the council’s experienced Film Office team to make sure filming in public spaces runs smoothly with the minimum of disruption to residents and businesses. The team also promotes the district as a film and TV location which is great for our local economy and for tourism growth.
Have a good weekend.
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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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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. (Next session 7 December.) |
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Council to use 250 tonnes of gritting salt during cold snap
More than 250 tonnes of gritting salt is set to be spread on Bath & North East Somerset highways during the current period of cold weather.
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Support for rough sleepers in B&NES
Organisations across Bath & North East Somerset are offering help to people who sleep rough or who at risk of becoming homeless this winter – and all year round.
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Bespoke accessible play unit opens at Bath’s Royal Victoria Park
An inclusive play unit that has been specially designed for children who use wheelchairs has been installed in the centre of Royal Victoria Park in Bath.
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Bohemian Paris comes to Bath: Major Lautrec exhibition to open in April
Blockbuster exhibition Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre will open at Victoria Art Gallery in Bath next spring.
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Christmas Memorial Service
Haycombe Cemetery & Crematorium is holding a Christmas Memorial Service on Sunday 10 December at 3.00pm to honour loved ones at this special time of year. You are invited to send a photo of your loved one to be displayed during the service to cemeteries_crematorium@bathnes.gov.uk by 4 December. Tags will be available at the service to write and hang on the Christmas tree and a candle will be lit in their name. The service can be watched live or later at https://watch.obitus.com, username: meyo0761, password: 242991. |
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| Join us for an audience with Liz Lawler, international bestselling author from Bath, on December 9 from 2pm at Bath Central Library. |
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Employment support and skills
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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. |
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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. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital |
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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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COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) are available at the Salvation Army for those eligible.
Salvation Army, Bath, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE.
6 December 11am - 5pm
Check your eligibility here. Children 5-11 to be booked via the National Booking System. Walk-ins available for all other age groups or book via the National Booking System here. |
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| 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. |
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December 1 is World AIDS Day which celebrates the strength, resilience, and diversity of the HIV community, while honouring the activists and campaigners who’ve driven change since the 1980s.
Many people with HIV do not know they're infected and can go undiagnosed for a long time, causing further health issues.
Free, friendly, non-judgemental and confidential testing, treatment and advice for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is available at Riverside Clinic: https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/sexualhealth. |
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