A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
With a current UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office Level 3 heat-health alert and temperatures set to rise further, we all need to take heed of safety warnings and health advice and where we can, check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.
We know particular stretches along the River Avon attract visitors keen to cool off and unfortunately people get into difficulty because of the hidden dangers in open water. The safest advice is not to enter the water at all, but if you do please follow Avon Fire and Rescue guidance. And if you are driving to popular areas, please follow parking restrictions for the safety of others and to allow for an ambulance or fire engine to pass.
Because of the high temperatures our waste and recycling teams are starting early at 6am and our highways teams are starting at 7am so crews can make the most of working in the cooler mornings.
Local health services are currently under pressure with rising Covid-19 cases. The RUH is experiencing a high rate of Covid-19 and has also reintroduced face masks in clinical areas. This is a reminder to us all about taking precautions where we can and reducing the spread of Covid. Getting vaccinated, letting fresh air in, and good hand hygiene. Wear a mask if you are coming into close contact with someone at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from Covid-19 or other respiratory infections or if you are in crowded and enclosed spaces. And if you have Covid symptoms, stay at home if you can and don’t visit vulnerable people.
This week we launched a consultation asking you to help decide which neighbourhood projects should receive community funding from the latest round of new applications for the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Every one of the projects will help improve people’s lives in different ways and you can have your say on them. The consultation closes on 22 July and details of the projects can be viewed here.
Tonight cabinet meets to discuss the council’s financial position and to consider a report on changes in the way local health services are organised. You can watch the meeting on our Youtube channel.
Last weekend Bath enjoyed its fabulous carnival and a huge thank you should go to everyone who helped organise and made it so special. This weekend the city will be extra busy again as it plays host to Michael Buble, who starts his UK tour with an open air concert at the iconic Royal Crescent on Friday and Saturday.
Have a great weekend.
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There is a weather warning for this weekend. Remember, in hot weather:
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
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Covid guidance
It's still important to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and ensuring you stay safe and get your Covid-19 booster dose.
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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Am I eligible?
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?'. Covid-19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. |
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Upcoming clinics
- Friday 15 July ‒ Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road (10am-5pm)
- Saturday 16 July ‒ Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton way. Keynsham (10am-5pm)
- Friday 22 July ‒ Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath (11-6pm)
- Saturday 23 July ‒ Paulton Rovers FC, First4Pools Stadium, Winterfield Road, Paulton (10-4)
- Thursday 28 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
You can get the following vaccinations:
- First and second doses for anyone aged 12+ in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12-15
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Clinics marked in yellow are also open to children aged 5-12. Anyone 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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Targeted Lung Health Checks coming to area
A new scheme to help diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage and help save more lives is coming to Bath and North East Somerset from July 25. |
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Council to receive moving traffic enforcement powers
The council is set to enforce moving traffic restrictions, such as yellow box junctions, banned turns and driving in formal cycle lanes to help make roads safer and tackle congestion. |
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Have your say on funding for community projects
Residents in Bath are being asked to help decide which neighbourhood projects should receive community funding from the latest round of new applications. |
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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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Tap on Tap Off on First buses
From Sunday 17 July passengers using First buses can Tap on, Tap Off for adult fares across the West of England. Tap On, Tap Off uses contactless payments to cap the adult bus fares so you will never pay more than the Day ticket for each day you travel in your chosen zone, no matter how many journeys you make. For more details follow this link. |
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Free weekly creative writing class at library
If you're looking to improve your writing skills, a new free weekly creative writing class will run every Saturday from 6 August to the 8 October, in Bath Central Library. The ten-week class is open anyone over the age of 18 and suitable for writers of any experience level, you can book your place here. |
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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 here, 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.
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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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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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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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
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.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs a series of support services for people across Bath and North East Somerset. For more information, email: Bath@alzheimers.org.uk. |
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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.
It is 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. 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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