Date published: 2024-12-12

Thomas Rowlandson, Comforts of Bath - The Artist, 1798.

e-connect 12 December 2024

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The Local Government By-election for the Bath & North East Somerset Council Saltford Ward is taking place on Thursday 16 January 2025. The pre-election period runs from the 3 December until the polling stations have closed on Thursday 16 January 2025. During this period the council’s communications will follow election guidance. Council services will continue as normal but you may see some decisions and consultations are paused.

News

Have your say on B&NES Council spending plans

Views on Bath and North East Somerset Council’s spending plans including Council Tax levels, savings and ways to raise income, are being sought as the council faces escalating costs in its Children’s and Adult services.

Jolly’s House of Fraser, council statement

House of Fraser went into administration in August 2018 and since then the council has been working hard to ensure a secure future for this flagship store at the heart of the Milsom Quarter.

Mirror of Mirth: Satire in Georgian Bath featuring works by Rowlandson and Nixon

Step into the scandalous world of Georgian Bath with Mirror of Mirth, a brand-new exhibition at Bath’s Victoria Art Gallery.

Bath’s Heritage Attractions Celebrate Success at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards

Bath’s heritage attractions have triumphed at the prestigious Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards, with The Roman Baths & Pump Room, Victoria Art Gallery, and Bath World Heritage Centre all earning accolades for their contribution to tourism in the region.

Experience a magical winter at The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery

Make The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery a part of your festive celebrations this winter. Whether you’re seeking a day rich in history, art, family-friendly activities, seasonal shopping, or festive dining, both venues offer a truly magical way to enjoy the season in the heart of Bath.

Your theatre needs YOU

You are invited to take part in a new community production of David Copperfield, written by Mike Akers after Charles Dickens.

No experience necessary - perform on the beautiful Theatre Royal stage - everyone is welcome. Find out how to get involved and register your interest https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/david-copperfield.

Community Awards

Do you know a volunteer, carer, employee or charity who makes an exceptional contribution to your community? Nominations are now open for the Community Awards 2024 which recognise people who make life better for others Find out how to make a nomination: https://newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk/news/nominations-open-2024-community-awards.

Have your say

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.

View and take part in our consultations

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.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

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.

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.

Community Transport

Community transport schemes provide safe and accessible transport for people unable to use public transport. To find further details on community transport schemes visit livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/community-transport.

Public health

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.

It’s not too late to get your winter vaccines. Vaccination continues to help protect against severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths arising from Covid-19 and Flu.

You may be invited by the NHS, but you do not need to wait for an invite to come forwards. If you are eligible, book an appointment by asking your GP practice, visiting a participating pharmacy, booking on the NHS National Booking System or by telephoning NHS 119.