e-connect 27 June

Date published: 2024-06-27

Voter ID. Remember to check my photo ID.

e-connect 27 June 2024

The pre-election period started on Friday 31 May and will last until the polling stations have closed on Thursday 4 July. During this period the council’s communications will follow strict election guidance. Council services will continue as normal but you may see some decisions and consultations are paused.

To vote in the general election on 4 July, you will need to show photo ID.

Find out what photo ID is accepted: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id.

Please note you can’t you can no longer apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the General Election on 4 July and you cannot use a B&NES Disco️very Card as accepted ID.

News

Free summer holiday activities and food support for children in B&NES

The free B&NES Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) is available for every child and young person in B&NES aged 5 to 16 years old - in Reception up to and including Year 11, who receives benefit-related free school meals. It will run from 22 July to 30 August and every session will include a free meal.

Residents encouraged to report sale of illegal vapes

Bath & North East Somerset Council has been tackling the sale of illegal vapes in the area for several months after residents raised concerns, with illegal vapes having been found and seized at eight premises in the last few months.

New family friendly tree trail at Alice Park in Bath

The first family friendly tree trail in Bath is set to be created at Alice Park following a public vote to identify residents’ favourite trees.

Flag raised to mark Armed Forces Day

The Armed Forces Day flag has been raised in Bath to show support for the Armed Forces community.

Off the Record Bathnes

Would you like to make a difference to the life of a 5–18 year old child or young person living in care? Off the Record Bathnes is looking for Independent Visitors aged 25-years or older to take children and young people out once a month to do a fun activity for a few hours. To learn more and request an application pack, visit www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk/volunteer.

Council meetings

Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.

Follow us online

You can follow us on Nextdoor, X, Facebook and
Instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. Visit our website.

Support

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:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

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

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

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 an independent mental health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support.

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.

Bath Community Transport

Bath Community Transport provides accessible transport to community, church and support groups, social clubs, care homes and sport foundations.

Call 01225 832317 for further details or visit https://travelwest.info/community-transport/bath-community-transport.

Public health

Time is running out to get your Spring Covid- 19 booster vaccination

The NHS Spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme will come to an end on the 30 June 2024. COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system are being offered a spring dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

To check if you are eligible for a Covid-19 spring booster or to book an appointment, go online here or call 119 before 29 June.

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.

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.

A role in early years is a chance to make a difference to young lives and your own career too. Explore the current early years vacancies in B&NES and possible career routes on our website https://shapeyourfuturebathnes.org.uk.