| e-connect 8 December 2022 |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Rising inflation and, in particular, the huge hike in energy bills has impacted on all of us and has seen real pressure on the council’s finances. It is against this backdrop of uncertainty that the council’s budget is being addressed.
I will have a fuller update on our spending plans shortly when we launch our 2023-24 budget consultation. I want to stress that while we are going into this new budget in a stronger position than some other councils because we have managed our finances well, we still have some difficult decisions to make. This is in light of spiralling costs, social care pressures and the ongoing economic climate.
This week sees a sharp drop in temperature and for many it means turning up the heating and the heating bill. I want to remind you that help is out there. Our Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050 provides help from a wide range of local partners and we have a comprehensive range of information available, as well as a growing list of warm spaces. A special thank you to those who have registered for the council’s warm spaces directory.
Over the past six months our investment in a Clean and Green programme has been helping to spruce up neighbourhoods across Bath & North East Somerset this year. The council’s Clean and Green teams have visited every ward in B&NES, completing 25 action weeks responding to requests from councillors and residents on a range of problems from graffiti removal and litter picking to gulley clearing. I want to thank all the organisations and volunteers who are helping us to keep B&NES clean and green.
It has been a difficult year for bus users, with First making a number of reductions that impacted our communities. The launch last week of Big Lemon buses (pictured), which run 11 service from Bathampton to Bath Bus Station, 12 service (between Bath Bus Station and Haycombe Cemetery) and 20 service (University of Bath to Twerton) is a boost, but we need more provision. Along with neighbouring authorities we met the West of England Combined Authority Mayor, Dan Norris this week to consider the region’s public transport, including the concept of an innovative new Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service. DRT enables registered users to ‘book’ a shared transport service for a time that suits them, rather than using a fixed bus route or timetable, either in advance or on demand using an app or call centre. Following Monday’s useful discussions, the final proposals are due to be presented to the West of England Combined Authority Joint Committee on Friday 16 December which I will report back on.
Finally, if you haven’t been yet The Bath Christmas Market runs until Sunday. It has been a huge hit with visitors and attracted thousands of shoppers to our wonderful city. Once again, the weekend it is expected to be extremely busy, not only do we have our fantastic market but Bath RFC take on Glasgow Warriors at the Rec – bringing more people into the city – and then later many will be watching the World Cup as England take on France.
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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The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Find out how @Voices_Charity can help here.
Southside also 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. Support services can be found here.
#16DaysofActivism |
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Increased infections in children
There are a number of infections currently circulating, including scarlet fever. These cases are currently above seasonal expected levels.
There's more information about scarlet fever and invasive group A strep here. More information on scarlet fever can be found on the NHS website, including photos. |
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Not too late to get vaccinated
It’s still vital that eligible people come forward for their flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS this winter. 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.
You can still grab your first, second or booster doses. Eligible people 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, but you don't 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 in particular are being urged to get their two and three-year-olds, and primary school-aged children vaccinated against flu. It 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.
All primary school age flu vaccines are carried out in schools from September to 16 December 2022, and secondary age vaccines will be offered from 5 Dec 2022 to 31 January 2023. If you have a vulnerable child and they missed their school’s offer, they can contact their GP to avoid delay. For all other children if they were absent from school or the consent deadline was missed, contact the Single Point of Access 0300 247 0082 or email. Further information can be found here.
Visit the NHS website for more information. |
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Winning best dressed chalets at Christmas Market
The very best Christmas chalets radiating the most stunning and festive charm at Bath Christmas Market have been announced ahead of its final weekend. |
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Investment in Clean & Green team
A boosted graffiti removal service and increased routine street cleansing, funded by the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s one-off investment in a Clean and Green programme, has been helping to spruce up neighbourhoods across B&NES this year. |
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Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary People
Covid and its impact on people in Bath & North East Somerset has been brought to life in a series of personal memories from nine people set out in the annual B&NES Director of Public Health report. |
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Capturing Life: A Century of the New English Art Club
Opening on 21 January at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, Capturing Life: A Century of the New English Art Club will showcase work by past and present members of the New English Art Club, an elected society of contemporary painters inspired by the visual world. The exhibition runs until 11 April 2023. |
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Library hosts pop-up with energy advice experts
Residents wanting to reduce their bills or insulate their homes will be able to get guidance from trained energy experts at a monthly pop-up event in Bath. |
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Christmas & New Year rubbish & recycling collections
Recycling and rubbish collection dates in Bath and North East Somerset will be changed over the Christmas and New Year period. |
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Grants to help with energy and living costs
People on low incomes are invited to apply for grants of up to £300 to help with energy and living costs from a new scheme launched by Bath & North East Somerset Council today (December 1). |
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Accessibility Mentor at Great Western Railway
Do you or someone you know have challenges using trains? Great Western Railway has an Accessibility Mentor who works with groups and individuals (including children) who might have some challenges using the trains, taking them on short train trips to help them get over any fears or practical challenges. It might be around wheelchair use, sensory disabilities or other mobility and physical access concerns. To find out more, email: robin.owen@gwr.com or call 07894 819231. |
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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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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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