| e-connect 2 February 2023 |
|
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Detailed papers setting out the council’s proposed budget have been published ahead of our cabinet meeting next week to discuss the council’s spending plans before they go to full Council on February 21.
Our message is clear: the proposed budget aims to protect frontline services despite the unprecedented inflationary costs and spiralling demand the council faces while also ensuring we invest for the future. However, to ensure we maintain our excellent record of prudent financial management we have had to find £14 million of savings and additional income whilst ensuring we protect our vital frontline services.
We have listened to your feedback in our consultation and I want to thank all those who took the time to respond. You can read more about our budget proposals, which have been set out in our newsroom here and you can find all the cabinet report papers on the council’s website.
I want to take this opportunity to highlight specific support for families struggling with food insecurity and the different ways to find help in Bath and North East Somerset from either foodbanks, food pantries, community cafes or community fridges. The Bath and North East Somerset Food finder website lists all the food clubs and pantries that offer affordable food or emergency food parcels. It includes opening times and days covering Monday to Saturday each week. Hopefully it will make it easier to choose the type of food and support that’s needed. And don’t forget help is also available from the council’s welfare support team and the Community Wellbeing Hub.
The breadth and quality of services the council provides is always impresses me, and it was great to learn this week that our Building Control team was recognised by the construction industry at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Excellence Awards. A panel of industry experts awarded Bath & North East Somerset the LABC Team of the Year title. They noted that the teahttps://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2023/m’s customer service was exemplary as well as providing clear, sensible and pragmatic advice and support during the design process – well done to the team.
Finally, you will see we're flying the Rainbow Pride flag over Guildhall. It will fly throughout February in support of LGBT+ History Month 2023, and this year’s theme of #BehindTheLens celebrating LGBTQ+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film.
Have a good weekend.
|
|
Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. This is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. Check the website to see if you’re eligible to register. |
|
Covid and flu vaccination clinics
You can still get your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations at local walk-in clinics this month. Bath City Football Club, the Salvation Army's Bath Citadel and Mulberry Hub are hosting clinics on Mondays and Thursdays, from 11am-5pm. All are subject to eligibility.
Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB
- Monday 20 February*
- Monday 27 February
Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE
- Thursday 9 February
- Thursday 16 February#
- Thursday 23 February
Mulberry Hub, Mulberry Way, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5BU
- Monday 13 February*#
- Monday 20 February
The clinics are open for Covid vaccinations to anyone aged 5+. For those aged 5-11, the clinic is only open between 3-5pm, apart from during half-term (#), when clinics are also open from 11am-5pm for 5-11 year olds. Flu vaccinations are available to those aged 18+ throughout the clinic. All subject to eligibility.
*These clinics are also holding wellbeing conversations and NHS Health Checks subject to eligibility. For more information, visit the NHS website.
You can also book a vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. To book online, you need to be registered with a GP (or call 119), but you don't need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic. |
|
Protecting frontline services despite financial climate
Front line services are being protected in the council’s proposed budget despite unprecedented inflationary costs and spiralling post-pandemic demand. |
|
Timsbury pensioner rogue trader jailed
A trader has been jailed for five years after scamming a number of victims including an elderly couple living in Timsbury, one of whom suffered with dementia. |
|
Improvement works at Queen Square junction completed
Improvement works to a city centre junction have been completed, with temporary traffic signals removed and the junction reopened. |
|
Funding for new Keynsham to east Bristol footbridge
A major project to revitalise the River Avon corridor and create a traffic-free route between Bristol and Bath has taken a step forward with a funding award of £295,000 from the West of England Combined Authority, to develop plans for a new bridge at Somerdale in Keynsham, it has been confirmed. |
|
Free internet access at new council library ‘Hublets’
Thirty self-service tablets which are free to use with a library membership card have been installed at the council’s three main libraries. |
|
Making use of ex-library books
Could you get creative with an ex-library book? This weekend our libraries are launching a competition to recycle books that have come to the end of their borrowing life by turning them into something artistic.
You can collect an entry form at Bath Central, Midsomer Norton or Keynsham Libraries from February 11. More details available here. |
|
Bath and Saltford jobs fairs
Two Jobs Fairs are taking place this month. Bath Central Library is holding a Jobs & Skills Fair on Tuesday 21 February, between 11.30am and 3pm. The event is for anyone looking for work, training or even considering starting their own business. You can find out about live vacancies, training and meet people who can support you on your journey.
Saltford Jobs Fair is being held on Saturday 25 February from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Saltford Hall, BS31 3BY. The fair will be an opportunity to meet employers who are looking for staff, and also other organisations who can offer support. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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 and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. Find out more or email the LWB team.
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/ |
|
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES, offering wellbeing groups and courses, befriending, breathing space crisis support, safe space youth group, and affordable 1:1 counselling.
For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team who can help you access the most suitable support for your needs: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
