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e-connect 11 January 2024
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Many of you will have seen and experienced the flooding along the River Avon and River Chew which impacted our area last week and over the weekend. While we were more fortunate than other parts of the country, these floods nevertheless had a significant impact on Bath & North East Somerset residents, businesses and communities.
Our council teams along with our partners from the police, fire and rescue, health and the Environment Agency worked around the clock in response to the flooding. I would like to extend thanks to all those who were involved in keeping our communities prepared, safe and informed.
Thank you also to everyone who has contributed so far to our budget consultation . It is well-reported that we face some very difficult choices in the light of squeezed budgets and rising demand. This Monday is the last opportunity for you to have your say on our proposals, as the consultation closes at 5pm on January 15, so please do take a look at what we are proposing and give your views. Cabinet then meets on February 8 to discuss the draft budget and then Council meets on February 20 for a final decision to set the budget and Council Tax.
Prior to that we are holding a special cabinet in three weeks to focus on the Local Plan Options document as well as the council’s Economic Strategy and Somer Valley Enterprise Zone.
The Local Plan is an important opportunity for everyone to help shape the places we live, work and socialise in. The Local Plan, when agreed, will guide and manage growth, development and change in our city, towns and villages over the next 18 years.
One of the objectives for the Local Plan is to help deliver much-needed additional housing which is more affordable. Building housing is vitally important to Improving People’s Lives and the options for how we can do that well will be set out before the cabinet on February 1.
Details and information about the Local Plan are on the council's website and you can check here for updates including next steps following the cabinet discussions on the options document https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/local-plan
The council’s Economic Strategy is also being considered on February 1. The new strategy sets our how we need to reshape our economy to deliver higher wages, boosted productivity, greener businesses and more affordable housing. Crucially, it has been developed in conjunction with the key institutions and businesses, such as our universities, who contribute so much to our local economy.
Finally, if you have the chance please go along to Bath Central Library which is hosting a photography exhibition created by young adults in Bath and North East Somerset who have experienced being in care.
The exhibition runs until January 28 and is called Care Leavers Lens. It was organised by the council and Off The Record (BANES) as part of celebrations for national Care Leavers’ Week last October when it was first exhibited at The Egg Theatre.
Have a good weekend
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Save the date - for a wedding showcase at Bath’s Guildhall
Wedding couples are being encouraged to ‘save the date’ this February for a unique showcase event at Bath’s historic Guildhall.
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Search on for new voluntary Chair of Future Ambition Partnership
A partnership of organisations in Bath and North East Somerset which has been set up to help make the area a fair, green, creative and connected place, is on the hunt for a new independent chair.
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Broad Street Place community garden begins to take shape
A scheme to transform Broad Street Place community garden in central Bath is taking a step forward this week with the next phase of improvement works.
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Care leavers’ photography exhibition returns to Bath
A photography exhibition created by young adults in Bath and North East Somerset who have experienced being in care has gone on display at Bath Central Library.
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Government funds secured to improve mobile connectivity in Bath
A £773,132 government grant which would fund an 18-month pilot scheme to test a next generation 5G mobile network in Bath city centre has been awarded to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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Opportunity for local artists at Keynsham MakeSpace
Applications are still open for local artists to take up a residency at Keynsham MakeSpace from 29 January for eight weeks culminating in a solo exhibition, with a £500 grant towards expenses. Artists can apply here until January 16.
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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. |
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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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| Join the Employment & Skills Pod at Bath Central Library on Wednesday 31st January 10am – 12pm for their Skills for Work Volunteering Opportunities drop-in. |
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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, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre. Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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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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Winter illnesses advice
Rising cases of common winter illnesses are putting additional pressure on local health services at what is an already extremely busy time.
People can protect themselves, as well as others, from conditions such as norovirus, flu and Covid-19 by staying at home when feeling unwell and following a good personal hygiene regimen, which includes washing hands with soap and water and catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue.
Those who show symptoms of norovirus, such as sickness, nausea or diarrhoea, should stay home until at least 48 hours after feeling better. This is because people can still be infectious to others once the physical symptoms of the virus have ended.
Vaccinations for flu and Covid-19 continue to be available from many community pharmacies across the region, and those who are eligible can find their nearest vaccine centre online on the BSW ICB website.
People suffering with common winter ailments, including coughs, colds and sore throats, are advised to manage their symptoms at home through rest and with medicines that can be bought over the counter, such as paracetamol. Pharmacists can also provide expert clinical advice on how to treat symptoms. Find your local pharmacy.
NHS 111 is available online at www.111.nhs.uk, and can provide quick advice and guidance to any person with concerns about their symptoms. |
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Covid-19 and Flu booster walk-in clinics
There will be two more opportunities available for you to get your Covid-19 and Flu booster at our walk-in clinics this January, there is no need to book, just turn up.
When: Saturday 13th January 2024, 10am - 4pm
Where: Keynsham Scout Hut BS31 2UF
When: Saturday 27th January 2024, 10am - 4pm
Where: St Chads Surgery, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UN
Check if you are eligible
Covid-19 - Those eligible 5+
Flu - Eligible adults only
- If you are pregnant
- All Health and Social Care Workers
Find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinic - Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB |
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| Are you taking on the 31 days alcohol free with Alcohol Change UK for a total body and mind reset. From clearer skin and a mental health boost to saving money and time – there’s a lot to gain this Dry January. http://dryjanuary.org.uk |
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