|
e-connect 8 February 2024
|
|
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Last week Bath welcomed Her Majesty the Queen who, as patron of St John’s Foundation, was here to celebrate its 850th anniversary with a special service at Bath Abbey. It was wonderful to see school children and crowds gather to welcome The Queen to our beautiful city. I was both shocked and saddened to then learn about His Majesty King Charles’ III cancer diagnosis days later. My thoughts are with the King and the Royal Family during this difficult time. On behalf of residents, I wish the King a full and speedy recovery.
Tonight cabinet meets to discuss the council’s budget for 2024-2025. It’s been a very challenging budget process but I am delighted that we are presenting a balanced budget for this coming year. We have done our very best to protect front-line services as well as invest in schemes that make a real difference and help improve people’s lives. An additional £9m is being allocated as growth in Children’s and Adult Services, including funding to meet increased demand, for Special Educational Needs and Disability services and for home to school transport.
We have faced difficult decisions on day-to-day spending due to increasing demand and central government spending restrictions, however we are proposing new, carefully targeted, capital investments be made in residents’ priorities such as housing and transport. We are also proposing to invest in delivering a new Fashion Museum which will contribute to the local economy. You can watch the cabinet meeting on the council’s Youtube channel.
This week I joined Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development (pictured), to see two fantastic projects in Midsomer Norton and Radstock. It was great to see the success of Unit 14 in Midsomer Norton which is a brilliantly versatile community space and a great example of investment in our High Streets. We also met the teams involved with an ambitious three-year project called The Active Way which is all about boosting health and wellbeing by providing free activities such as more cycling, walking and wheeling for residents in the Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Peasedown St John, Radstock, Timsbury and Westfield area.
We are fast approaching the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and I want to highlight a forthcoming local free concert, organised by The Friends of Oleksandriya, where the music of a talented young Ukrainian composer will be performed at Bath Abbey on February 24, at 11.30am. You can find out more here https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/lightfromthedark,
A lot of work continues in our area to support displaced people from Ukraine. We recently announced grants that are now available, from government-allocated funds, for charities and community group to help Ukrainian guests in Bath and North East Somerset.
Finally, congratulations need to go to parks volunteers who picked up awards, including Alice Park Community Garden, the Friends of Henrietta Park and Wild about Weston, in the Your Park Volunteer celebration held in Bristol last week. Well done!
Have a good weekend
|
|
Children’s charity supported by £14,000 donation from Haycombe crematorium metals recycling
The Pied Piper Appeal, which makes a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children, has been awarded a £14,000 donation from Bath & North East Somerset Council.
|
|
Council celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2024
The positive impacts apprentices make to Bath & North East Somerset Council and the area as a whole will be celebrated during National Apprenticeship Week which starts today (February 5).
|
|
Local medical charities supported by Bath Christmas Market donations
Two charities that provide vital medical and healthcare in and around the Bath area have received a total of £3,000 in donations from a Bath Christmas Market stallholder.
|
|
Five new Liveable Neighbourhoods trials in Bath set to go ahead
Plans for five new Liveable Neighbourhood interventions in three Bath areas are set to go ahead from spring 2024.
|
|
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. |
|
| 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 |
|
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. |
|
|
From 12 February, we are introducing new Sensory Explorer Bags for children and young people with additional needs to borrow and use in our spaces, including Bath Housing and Welfare Advice Services and the Mobile Library. Ask staff for more information. |
|
| Bath Central Library is running a creative writing workshop on 10 February at Bath Central Library. To find out more and book your tickets visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/south-western-regional-library-services-cio. |
|
Employment support and skills
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Health, wellbeing and support
|
|
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. |
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
 |
|
Engaged and looking for a venue? Come to our Wedding Showcase 18 February 10.30am-2.30pm Guildhall, Bath. Speak to our registrars & view our suite of rooms, including the newly renovated Abbey Room. Find out more on our Newsroom.
|
|
|
|
