A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
I am joining our communities today in expressing my heartfelt condolences and shock at the death of 16-year-old Charley Bates from Radstock.
Charley died on Sunday 31 July in The Street. One person has been charged and three arrests have been made as part of Avon and Somerset Police enquiries.
Charley’s death has shocked the community. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say I cannot imagine the pain Charley’s family must be going through. His is an absolute tragic loss of a young life.
Charley’s family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time. I have no doubt they will be receiving support and compassion from those around them, including specially trained police officers.
We know there is a huge strength of feeling in the community. The police have worked at great pace and continue to provide reassurance in and around Radstock. Young people are being offered support by school staff where Charley was a Year 11 pupil and youth workers are out in the community.
Youth Connect South West has set up a drop-in for any young person affected by Charley’s death and they are there to speak to. Please go to the Youth Connect website where you can find the latest information on the help they area providing.
The police investigation continues. If you have any information, please call 101 and give the reference 5222182800.
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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 5 August ‒ Bath City Football Club, Twerton (11am-6pm)
- Friday 19 August ‒ Bath City Football Club, Twerton (11am-6pm)
- Saturday 20 August ‒ Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton way. Keynsham (10am-5pm)
- Friday 26 August ‒ Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Rd (10am-5pm)
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
- 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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Nominations open for Community Awards 2022
Nominations have opened for people to champion individuals, businesses or organisations who deserve recognition for their positive contribution to Bath and North East Somerset. |
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Bath road closure for City Centre Security scheme
Residents, businesses and Blue Badge holders are being advised about the full closure of Cheap Street as part of the Bath city centre security improvement works. |
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Library events aim to spark children’s curiosity
There’s a science and technology theme to many of the events at local libraries this summer with sessions on crafting Robots & Rockets and Helicopter & Robot Arms. |
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Cleveland Bridge update
Cleveland Bridge could reopen to two-way traffic following its repairs, if a monitoring system is installed, says an independent report by engineers. |
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Views wanted on trial traffic restrictions
People are being asked to share their views on through-traffic restrictions in four trial locations to help tackle anti-social driving and speeding in residential streets. |
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Bathscape launches Circuit of Bath walking trail
The Circuit of Bath takes in river, canal, meadows, woodland and peaceful valleys and provides a beautiful walk in any season. |
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York Street to close for security scheme
Bath’s York Street will close under Traffic Regulation Orders from today (Thursday August 4). |
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Six prestigious Green Flag awards for Bath
Six of Bath’s parks and green spaces are set to fly the flag for excellence in national awards announced today. |
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Cost of Living Crisis
In response to the concerns and difficulties experienced by some families in B&NES around food insecurity and fuel bill increases, we have set up a dedicated Money Matters section on Live Well B&NES. This provides a wide range of information and signposting, including:
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Employment & Skills drop-in
People looking for work, training or starting their own business, can visit a drop-in every Tuesday over the summer at Bath Library, where residents can pop in for support and advice (11am-1pm). A range of organisations will be there:
If you want to know exactly which organisations will be there on each week email us. |
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Bath Children’s Literature Festival
Europe’s largest books festival for children opens in Bath (23 September–2 October) with more than 100 brilliant events from storytelling to draw-alongs, all hosted in the city’s beautiful buildings. Among the family favourites coming to Bath are Michael Rosen, David Baddiel, Cressida Cowell, current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Richard Ayoade and Dermot O’Leary.
Visit the website for the full programme and to book tickets. |
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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. Alternatively, you can email. |
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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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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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Public Health Newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter. |
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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 you can email us. 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 the Future Bright website to find out more or give us a call 01225 395555. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. It provides 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
Live Well B&NES has a brand new feature called Unsure where to start? to help Bath & North East residents find the information they need for themselves or a family member who needs care or support. Users of the site select a category (such as money matters & finance, keeping safe, caring for others) answer a few simple questions and are then presented with a range of resources and information relevant to their needs. For more information, email the LWB team. |
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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 us. |
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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
Website
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 us. |
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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 the website.
For more useful information visit the RNIB website. |
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