Coronavirus update 26 May 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
As this week’s e-newsletter goes out we will be preparing to take a decision at cabinet tonight on a contract for health and social care services operated by HCRG Care Group Ltd.
We will be considering options on the extension of a contract which covers the delivery of 51 health and social care services to residents which was awarded to Virgin Care Services Ltd in April 2017. As commissioners the council, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG), were informed in December that Virgin Care Services Ltd had been sold to Twenty20 Capital Limited.
Alongside my cabinet member Councillor Alison Born I want thank health and social care staff, who are providing key services, for the patience they have shown as we have sought the information we needed before making a decision on the future of the contract and to reassure staff and residents that high quality services which meet the needs of our local communities is our priority.
You can watch the cabinet meeting on the council’s Youtube channel.
In addition to this evening’s meeting and as this newsletter goes out, an extraordinary meeting of West of England Combined Authority Committee (WECA) will have been held about the future of some bus services across the West of England.
You may be aware of threats to bus provision due to funding. At the meeting I will be proposing WECA extends existing supported bus service contracts that are so vital for people’s access to work, leisure and health, for one year. This is to allow time for the completion of a review and the allocation of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding in things like bus priority and improved ticketing. This will help us deliver the sustainable, high-quality bus network that you expect from us.
You will see from the picture above that I was delighted to join other partners earlier this week to celebrate the opening of Bath City Farm’s new farm shop and cafe. This scheme received a contribution from the Bath neighbourhood portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is administered by the council. You can find out more about this fund here and more about the excellent work which Bath City Farm does here. I wish Bath City Farm all the very best for this excellent new venture.
Another project to benefit from the levy is the is the new Safe Space Centre which supports the wellbeing and recovery of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and trauma. Charity VOICES was granted £47,214 from the levy to provide services responding to Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). I am especially pleased that residents alongside the council chose to support this essential work.
Finally, it’s wonderful to see the preparations in Bath as well as in our towns and villages for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations next week. You can find out more about events and the lighting of our buildings to mark the occasion on our newsroom.
Have a good weekend.
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Guidance
Covid-19 is still with us, so it's important we all consider how we can continue stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. If you symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19, here is what you should do. |
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Boosters and vaccinations
Find out which vaccinations are available for each age group by visiting the BSW CCG and clicking on 'Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?'. If you are 75+, or 12+ with a weakened immune system, DO NOT wait for a NHS letter. Go ahead and book your spring booster, if there's been 182 days (6 months) since their last one. Covid-19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. |
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Upcoming clinics
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses this month:
- Thursday 2 June, Bath Citadcel Salvation Army, Green Park, Bath (11am-5:30pm)
- Tuesday 7 June, Bath City FC, Twerton Park (11am-6pm)
- Thursday 9 June, Bath Citadcel Salvation Army, Green Park, Bath (11am-5:30pm)
- Saturday 18 June, Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton Way (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 21 June, Bath City FC, Twerton Park (11am-6pm)
- Friday 24 June, Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road, Bath (10am-5pm)
You can get:
- First and second doses for 12-years-old in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12+
- Spring boosters for people 75+, plus people aged 12+ with weakened immune system
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Those aged 12 in year 7 and below, can book their vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. You do not need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic.
If you plan to attend a walk-in, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open on the day.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, before getting any dose of the vaccine you need to wait: 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18+ or an at risk 12-17 year old; or 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12-17. This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you didn't have any symptoms. If you or your child have had symptoms of Covid-19, but haven't had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Talk to a healthcare professional at the site.
Don't forget, you can still 'grab a cab' to your planned vaccination appointment. The vaccination must be pre-booked and evidence of the appointment must be shown to the taxi driver. Evidence can include a screen shot on a mobile phone or a tablet, or print out.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.
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Free school meal vouchers for eligible families
Families in Bath and North East Somerset who are eligible for free school meals will be provided with supermarket vouchers to cover the upcoming school holidays by the council. |
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Consultation reminder for Residents’ Parking Zones
People living in and around seven proposed residents’ parking zones ‒ to help create healthier and safer streets linked to Liveable Neighbourhoods plans ‒ are being reminded to have their say. |
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Village hall CIL funding for building improvements
Freshford Village Memorial Hall has been granted £50,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding by the council to improve its energy efficiency and ensure the long-term viability of the building. |
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Safe Space Centre selected for community funding
A project that will support the wellbeing and recovery of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and trauma has been chosen to receive funding from Bath and North East Somerset Council. |
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Find out about Milsom Quarter Masterplan
Residents and businesses wanting to learn more about an ambitious 20-year vision to transform the Milsom Quarter area of Bath into a fashion destination for the South West are invited to drop into an in-person information session in June. |
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New birth registration office opens in Bath
Parents of babies born in Bath and North East Somerset can now register the birth and find out about support for bringing up children throughout their younger years all in one place, thanks to the opening of a second register office in Bath. |
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New £1.6m Chew Valley Trail opens
A new 2.7km all-weather path allowing more people to take in the beautiful sights of Chew Valley Lake has now officially opened. |
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Half-term activities to celebrate Jubilee week
This May half-term, families can enjoy a programme of special craft activities to celebrate the Jubilee week at the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery. |
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Afternoon of crime fiction
An afternoon of crime fiction is being held at Bath Central Library on Saturday 28 May between 2-4pm. Andy Griffee, author of Johnson and Wilde crime mystery series, will be talking about crime fiction's current popularity. Andy will explore its many sub-genres and talk about why he chose to set his own books on the UK's canals and waterways.
Tickets are free, but please book your place. |
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Mobile Library routes to change
From Monday 6 June, there will be changes to the Mobile Library Routes which will provide better access for residents. In preparation for this, the van will be off the road for the week commencing Monday 30 May 2022.
Have a look and see when you can visit the Mobile Library here. |
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Recycling & rubbish collections
Please help our crews by sorting your recycling to help speed up collections. Keep missed boxes out and we’ll get to them as soon as we can. Please be patient – our crews will get to you. Updates can be found here. |
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Council meeting calendar
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. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too.
For updates on our services visit our website. |
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The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books and audiobooks, regardless of your situation.
To find out more visit the website, or email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk. |
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Employment and Skills Drop In at Bath Library
If you need help looking for work, training or even starting your own business, why not pop along to the employment and skills drop in sessions at Bath Central Library, from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. |
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Employment and Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities.
Since launching in March 2021, the Employment & Skills Pod has supported over 150 BANES residents with their job, business and training goals.
Call us now on 0300 247 0050 or email us on EmploymentSkills_Pod@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also find out more on the website. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
A web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to residents in Bath & North East Somerset has launched.
Live Well B&NES provides a wealth of useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered - make sure you’re included! It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes |
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step. Read some of the inspiring stories from those who have progressed with their careers with support from their Future Bright Careers Coach.
Head over to www.futurebright.org.uk to find out more or give us a call 01225 395555 |
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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset are starting two new specialised Dementia Groups, which are now running weekly in Midsomer Norton & Bath.
These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Staff are trained in Maintenance Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which helps concentration, confidence, memory and wellbeing.
You can find out more here or call 01225 466135. |
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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, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you.
Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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Support available from the Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub, including those people who are isolating due to testing positive for Covid-19 or being in contact with someone who has Covid-19.
A collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; HCRG Care Group; the 3SG; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group; and other third sector organisation representatives. The team can offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight.
To contact the Hub:
Phone: 0300 247 0050.
Email: cwhbanes@hcrgcaregroup.com
Website: http://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk
Text: 07870 868368
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am until 5pm
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email Council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk |
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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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Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. Since lockdown this has been either online or over the phone. Now following careful planning, some Covid-secure face-to-face support sessions are resuming on an appointment only basis.
Your Community Sight Loss Adviser will be available at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath on the first Wednesday each month and at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on the fourth Thursday each month.
To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email For more information on the full range of services visit www.sightsupportwest.org.uk
For more useful information visit the RNIB website: www.rnib.org.uk/ |
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Local agencies and useful links
We have been working closely with local agencies and if you would like to find out more about their work please look on their website: RUH, Avon and Somerset Police, Curo, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG.
- Public Health England updates a daily dashboard: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ It includes deaths that have occurred in all settings where there has been a positive Covid-19 test, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
- Latest information on coronavirus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS information on coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ |
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