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e-connect 18 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 the sad news regarding a stabbing which took place in our city on Sunday evening.
At the time of writing this message this is the information we have from Avon and Somerset Police https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2024/01/detectives-seek-witnesses-after-two-men-stabbed-in-bath/.
Council staff have worked and will continue to work closely with the Police in response to this incident. The Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information which could help to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224011708, or complete the Police’s online appeals form.
This week I was proud to meet graduating students of the University of Bath (see picture above). Our students make such a fantastic contribution to the local area and I want to highlight the activities of the Student Community Partnership (SCP) which does such amazing work to support student and permanent residents in coming together and living collaboratively in our community. I’m delighted that we are providing additional funding from the Bath Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) programme of £47,000 to fund the partnership’s valuable work.
It’s particularly important too that rented properties are kept in good repair and that we properly manage HMOs. We recently upped the charges we make to landlords who fail to ensure their private rented homes meet required standards and we also have a handy web page with lots of information about HMOs and how to report issues.
Finally, I want to highlight a ceremony taking place next week which has a very special significance for all those who value the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. The Fragility of Freedom event in Bath will take place at the Guildhall at 5.45pm on Thursday January 25 and is open to all, but booking is essential as places are limited. This event to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2024, which is on 27 January, is being organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with the Bath Interfaith Group.
You can book your ticket on Eventbrite. For alternative ways of booking or queries, please email Equality@bathnes.gov.uk or call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41.
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place every year and remembers the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and in more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
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| More than 20 warm spaces across Bath & North East Somerset are now open and welcoming residents. Live Well B&NES is providing spaces with respect, dignity and warmth. Everyone is welcome. You can find the list of locations here: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/warm-places-list. |
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Guidance for parish and town councils to plan action for nature
New guidance to help parish and town councils plan the action they can take to help protect nature in their areas has been published by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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Bath neighbourhood projects awarded £263k of Community Infrastructure Levy funding
A new all-weather pitch at Bath City Football Club, extended support for the Student Community Partnership and refurbishment of Weston Community Library are among six projects receiving a share of £263,000 from a new round of funding to support local communities.
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Applications open for new Winter Energy Support Fund
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who are on low incomes can apply for a one-off payment of £150 to help with energy costs this winter.
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Community Contribution Fund reopens
Organisations in Bath and North East Somerset that support residents with the ongoing cost of living crisis can now apply for grants of up to £500.
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Liveable neighbourhoods trial results published
Results of three Liveable Neighbourhood experimental trials in Bath and North East Somerset have been published today as part of the next step in decision-making on whether to make them permanent.
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B&NES landlords to be charged more for failure to meet standards
Landlords who fail to ensure their private rented homes meet required standards now face increased charges.
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‘Fragility of Freedom’: Remembering the Holocaust in Bath and North East Somerset
A special ceremony to mark the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, is taking place in Bath on January 25.
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New state-of-the-art public MOT test centre opens at Keynsham Recycling Hub
A new MOT and vehicle servicing centre has opened at Keynsham Recycling Hub, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s purpose-built public household waste and recycling centre.
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Avon Pension Fund sets 2045 net zero goal
Avon Pension Fund has announced an ambitious new goal to be net zero across all its investments by 2045.
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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 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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| Do you own or rent a property in B&NES without gas central heating? If so, you may be eligible for Bright Green Homes funding to install energy saving measures. More information and a link to the online eligibility questionnaire can be found on the council's website: https://www.energyathome.org.uk/. |
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