| e-connect 1 December 2022 |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
With our fantastic Bath Christmas Market in full swing, our city centre is full of people enjoying the festive atmosphere and, of course, supporting our local economy. Walking around the market it’s great to see our city so vibrant and thriving, and listening to lots of positive feedback from stallholders and visitors.
As well as supporting jobs and businesses, we’re also making progress in greening our area and making it easier for people to walk and cycle. As an example of the progress we are making, new separated cycle lanes opened this week on the Upper Bristol Road. New types of bus stop have also come into use that operate by the cycle lane running between the bus stop and the pavement.
Pedestrians have priority at the bus stops and people using the cycle lane must stop to allow bus passengers to get on or off the bus. I’d encourage everyone to watch our video about how the bus stops work and take extra care while we are all getting used to it. Ultimately, fewer journeys by vehicle will benefit our health in the long term by improving air quality.
Keeping with buses, I was delighted to meet Colin Morris the Operations Manager of Big Lemon buses at the start of the first journey of their 11 service from Bathampton to Bath Bus Station at 7.20am on Monday (see picture above). I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing Big Lemon services to our area. They are also running the 12 (between Bath Bus Station and Haycombe Cemetery) and 20 services (University of Bath to Twerton).
As it gets colder, people rightly ask about help for people who sleep rough or are at risk of becoming homeless. The council works closely with partners to offer support with this, not just during the winter, but all year round.
I want to reassure everyone that if you are at risk of homelessness or already sleeping rough there is a room available if needed. There are also places opening their doors during the day where people can stay warm and have a hot drink.
Anyone concerned about someone they have seen sleeping rough can alert the partner services via the StreetLink, website or by calling 0300 500 0914 so that the person can be connected with the wide range of local support services on offer. If the person is under 18, people need to contact the police.
I would like to thank all the partners involved in this support, including Julian House, DHI, and the Genesis Trust.
As I’ve highlighted before the council has also co-ordinated a directory of warm spaces, which can be found here.
Warm spaces is an incredible example of our communities pulling together. The work of volunteers across Bath & North East Somerset plays a huge part in making our area so special and I was delighted to see so many volunteers and organisations getting the recognition they deserve through our Community Awards. This year the awards were extra special because people had trees planted in their name to honour their invaluable contribution to our communities.
Finally, I want to highlight a project that shows how thinking in new ways can improve people’s lives. Farrans, the contractor working on the new Keynsham Recycling Hub is also contributing to the local community as part of a Social Value Delivery Plan developed with the council. They have promoted job and apprentice opportunities with several residents taking up roles alongside three apprentices. Farrans staff are also working closely with local schools as well as supporting schemes such as local litter-picks.
Have a good weekend.
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.
The Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is available and you can call them on 0300 247 0050. There is also a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can print out and display a cost of living poster to help promote the help and support available. |
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Offering a warm space or service?
Are you an organisation offering a warm space or service? If you're seeing an increase in delivery and need help or support to find volunteers, please contact Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG). 3SG has played a major role in recruiting and coordinating volunteers for local vaccination hubs, food deliveries and support. To see how we can support you, please email us. |
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Some Covid-19 vaccination centres to close
A number of Covid-19 vaccination centres in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will either close or temporarily close over the coming weeks. More information on the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board website. |
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Not too late to get vaccinated
As we head into winter, it’s vital that eligible people come forward for their flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS.
COVID-19 and flu spread quicker in winter and can cause serious illness. And protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time and flu viruses can change every year. So, if you’re 50 or over, in an at-risk group or pregnant, for your best protection, boost your immunity now with the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster.
Find out if you’re eligible for the flu jab and book now. |
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Walk-in Covid-19 and flu vaccination clinic
- Thursday 8 December ‒ Bath City Football Club (11-5.30pm)
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses, including the new autumn booster.
Anyone who is eligible can book their vaccination appointment online (new appointments are added frequently) 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.
Check your eligibility here for first and second Covid-19 vaccinations, and here for the Covid-19 booster vaccinations. |
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Flu vaccine for children
Parents and carers are being urged to get their two and three-year-olds, and primary school-aged children vaccinated against flu this winter. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children and is not the same as a common cold. Not only can it lead to serious health issues such as bronchitis and pneumonia, it can also spread easily to vulnerable people including babies and elderly family members.
The vaccine is given using a nasal spray, which is both safe and effective, and painless. The spray contains weakened viruses that will help your child build up immunity. The vaccine cannot cause flu because the viruses in it have been weakened to prevent this from happening. Parents and guardians should contact their GP surgery to book a flu vaccination appointment.
The School Age Immunisation Service is visiting all primary schools before the end of this term. Parents will receive an email via the school and are asked to complete an electronic consent. If the team have already visited the school and the child was absent or a consent had not been received, the vaccination can still be accessed by contacting the School-Age Immunisation Team on 0300 247 0082 or by email at vcl.immunisations@nhs.net. Further information on the programme can be found by visiting the website.
Visit the NHS website for more information. |
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Annual road resurfacing programme completed
Approximately 16.5km of highway has been resurfaced across Bath and North East Somerset this year as we have completed our resurfacing programme. |
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Energy rebate support for more than 9,000 residents
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who are on a low income or receive benefits and are eligible for council tax reduction will soon receive an extra payment to help towards their energy costs. |
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Emergency drainage works to Upper Bristol Road
People are being advised to plan their journeys to Bath over the next few days as emergency works take place along Upper Bristol Road. |
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Recycling Hub contractor supports local economy
Apprenticeship opportunities, skills training and community support are being provided by the contractor working on the new Keynsham Recycling Hub as part of a deal with Bath & North East Somerset Council. |
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Help available for rough sleepers
Local help for people who sleep rough or are at risk of becoming homeless is being offered across Bath and North East Somerset – not just during the winter, but all year round. |
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Charlton House Community Resource Centre
Read our statement on Charlton House Community Resource Centre. |
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Update on A4 Upper Bristol Road improvements
New separated cycle lanes that are part of a vision to help more people leave the car at home for short journeys in and around Bath have opened at A4 Upper Bristol Road today (November 25). |
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Queen Square junction reopens for Christmas
A city centre junction which has undergone improvement works has reopened to ease traffic over the Christmas period. |
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Christmas at the Roman Baths and Pump Room
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, the Roman Baths and Pump Room are getting festive with a host of seasonal food and drink, Christmas shopping and family activities. |
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Boundary Commission consultation
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is redrawing constituency boundaries in order to rebalance the number of electors represented by each MP, and a final consultation on proposed new constituencies is now open.
A new revised map of constituency proposals, which takes into account feedback sent in by the public on the initial proposals, has been published on the consultation website.
Send in your views before the closing date of 5 December to have your say on new parliamentary constituency boundaries. |
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Help starting a business or becoming self-employed
Running a business is challenging but very rewarding. If you think you would benefit from receiving start-up help and guidance from an experienced adviser, join a free workshop that will provide you with all the help you need to get your business off the ground. Register for one of two workshops below:
Both workshops are delivered by Cool Ventures as part of B&NES Council’s Universal Business Support programme, and are free to attend thanks to funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council and the Department for Business Innovation & Industrial Strategy. |
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Home Fire Safety Visits
Avon Fire and Rescue Service offer advice and guidance on how to reduce the risk of fire within the home, and in some cases (for the most vulnerable members of our community), will carry out a free Home Fire Safety Visit. This is a free pre-arranged visit to your home to carry out a fire safety assessment and provides you with advice on how to stay safe from fire. To find out more, have a further look at vulnerabilities AF&RS support and request a visit on the 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 here. Alternatively, you can email. |
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Go Citizen
An online study resource for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test, is available from our libraries. It includes an online version of the latest official study materials licensed from the Home Office, the people who write the handbook plus hundreds of practice test questions in the same format as the official test. Member of the library you can use this resource for free. |
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Driving Test Theory Pro
A highly realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory tests for all vehicle categories is now available from Bath and North East Somerset libraries. You can take a mock UK driving theory test that includes all the official test questions from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and an online version of the Highway Code. As a member of the library you can use this brilliant resource for free. More information on the 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 & 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 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. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or 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 from Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub. The team 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. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368. You can also email or visit the website.
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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