A message from Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group,
Bath & North East Somerset Council
The awfully sad news of the death of 18-year-old Ben Moncrieff in Bath city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning has cast a shadow over our communities.
Our thoughts go out to Ben’s family at this difficult and incredibly upsetting time, and we join the police in asking that the family’s privacy be respected.
A 15-year-old male has been charged with Ben’s murder and possession of a bladed article and has appeared in court.
The council works closely with Avon and Somerset Police and our other partners. We are making available CCTV footage to help the police with their investigation. Officers with the Neighbourhood Policing team have also been undertaking reassurance patrols in Bath city centre.
I would like to emphasise the police’s message that that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. In addition, the police are reminding the public that juvenile defendants are automatically legally entitled to anonymity and it is an offence to publicly name or identify them while reporting restrictions are in place.
It is difficult, given this awful tragedy, for me to also write about the King’s Coronation on Saturday and our local elections on Thursday 4th May. The Coronation was a magnificent national occasion and I would like to thank all those who took part in local events to mark it. My thanks also go to everyone who participated in the local elections, including voters and the staff and others involved in organising the election and conducting the count.
I am obviously pleased with the result, which saw my own Liberal Democrat group secure an overall majority on the council for the second election running. The full results of the election can be found on our website. I would like to congratulate all those councillors who were elected on May 4th. Serving our communities across Bath and North East Somerset is a great privilege.
The leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council will be elected at the Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday 25th May, when the cabinet will also be announced.
We will of course be setting out our plans in this e-connect newsletter and through all the other channels which the council uses to keep in touch with residents, including social media and our newsroom.
Thank you all for reading, and have a good weekend, especially if you are attending one of the many events lined up for this year’s fantastic Bath Festivals, which starts tomorrow (12th May) and continues until Saturday 21st .
Councillor Kevin Guy
Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrat Group |
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Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is from 15 to 21 May. This year's theme is anxiety. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.
- Follow us on social media where we will be sharing information and support on reducing anxiety throughout the week.
- There are methods we can use to cope with feelings of anxiety and it’s all about finding what works best for you.
- Check out Bath Mind to see ways in which they are raising awareness throughout the week across B&NES. You can get involved, learn more and donate.
Use the Hashtag #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and tag us in your activities.
Twitter: @Bathnes
Instagram: @Bathnescouncil |
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The Bath Festival 2023
Bath’s biggest FREE party kicks off tomorrow at 5pm (12 May) as the city centre bursts into life, with hundreds of singers and musicians performing in more than 30 venues.
To help you plan your evening Bath Festivals has a flyer which includes a map of the venues and a programme of who is playing where. You can also find programme details on the Bath Festivals website: bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival/whats-on-party-in-the-city/. |
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Seasonal booster dose of Covid-19 vaccination
The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
You may be offered a seasonal booster if you:
- are aged 75 or over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system
Find out more here: Getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine |
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Time is running out to get your 1st and 2nd doses of Covid-19 vaccination
The offer of a first and second dose of the Covid vaccine will come to an end for many people on 30 June. Everyone who was aged five and over on or before 31 August 2022 is eligible. Book now to make sure you get both jabs before the offer ends.
If you haven’t had the first or second dose of the Covid vaccine, please come forward for them. You’ll need to wait several weeks between doses.
Find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-1st-and-2nd-dose-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/
Check your eligibility at www.nhs.uk. Go online here to book or call 119. |
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Enjoy the countryside and be tick aware
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You could be exposed to ticks whenever you are outdoors and enjoying the countryside. Ticks prefer dense vegetation or long grass in woodland, grassland or even some urban parks and gardens.
You can prevent tick bites by sticking to paths, avoiding brushing against vegetation, wearing light clothing so they are easier to spot, using insect repellent and performing regular tick checks.
Some tick bites can result in infection so it is important to remove ticks as soon as possible. Ticks can be removed safely with tweezers or a tick removal tool.
If you have been bitten by a tick or recently spent time outdoors and develop flu-like symptoms, contact your GP or dial NHS 111.
For more information visit the Council’s Public Health webpage for tick awareness.
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Voter ID election data released by Bath & North East Somerset Council
Data reveals that 99.8% of Bath and North East Somerset electors who voted at the polling station on Thursday 4 May showed their photo ID and were able to vote. |
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A Service to Remember Special Babies
Haycombe Cemetery, the RUH Spiritual Care Team, and Bath SANDS invite anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby to attend A Service to Remember Special Babies on Saturday 13th May at 2pm at Haycombe Cemetery. For more information contact narinder.tegally@nhs.net |
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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. |
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Business advice
Are you looking for an opportunity to get expert advice on your business? The West of England Combined Authority is supporting Be the Business with this year’s cohort of advisory boards. If you are an SME based in the West of England, you can get the opportunity to access a fully funded advisory board that can help you to develop and grow your business, completely free of charge.
Find out more and register your interest online. |
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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 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. |
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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. |
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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, visit their website or you can email them. |
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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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