Connect Magazine - Autumn 2013

This issue...

Your guide to Autumn days out in the area

The magazine for the people of Bath and North East Somerset | Autumn 2013

WIN £50

in our phot competitio o n on page 6

Wheels in motion

Bath’s cycle circuit proves to be a hit

Your health

How to get active, …and stay active

You’re hired!

New apprentices show their value Brought to you in partnership with:

Plus... All the latest news

including the rollout of high speed broadband and plans for the Colonnades

Autumn 2013

If you have problems reading this magazine, please contact Bath & North East Somerset Council for a braille or larger version on 01225 477495

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @BathnesLeader

I

t was fantastic to see hundreds of people welcome Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy to the Odd Down Cycle Circuit recently.

The popularity of his visit made me realise that I’d noticed more people in recent months cycling either for fun or to get to work.

This is excellent news, because this sustainable form of transport improves health and also reduces the reliance on cars, tackling traffic congestion and air quality.

We’re working hard to promote cycling both as a sport and commuting option.

On p.30 you will find details about the increasingly popular Cycle Circuit, including how you can ride on it. On p.12 there is information on our free bike loan scheme so that people thinking of cycling to work in the future can try before they buy.

Talking of work, I’d like particularly young people and employers to seriously consider the value of apprenticeships.

The Council is taking a positive approach to this important source of work and we want others to do the same.

Some inspirational examples are on p.10.

A subject that has dominated my postbag is the problems caused by gulls.

Whilst we have no responsibility for controlling the wildlife population, the Council is taking positive steps to try and support residents to tackle the problems they cause. Local people are the frontlines in battling the gull menace – some simple actions we can all take are on p.5.

“We’re working hard to promote cycling both as a sport and commuting option”

In this issue...

Newsdesk..................................4 Keeping you up-to-date with the latest news from your community

Bricks and mortar....................7 Snapshots from the latest building projects in the area

Events diary...............................9 The autumn events diary is packed full of festivals, feasts, fireworks and lots more fun

You’re hired..............................10 Discover the benefits of an apprenticeship

A wheelie clever idea.............12 Try before you buy with the Council’s new Loan Bike Scheme

To your health.........................14 Remember to check out the usual round-up of Events on p.9 – there are some excellent ones area-wide.

Autumn is a very busy time for the Leader of a Council – you can follow me every step of the way via Twitter @BathnesLeader

Improving public health, and support for giving up smoking

Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

The Reablement services offer residents greater sense of independence

Recycling matters.....................16 Why we should be recycling more, not less

BANES CCG prospectus.......19 Outlining ambitions for health services in the local area

A bit of extra help.................. 27

is brought to you by...

Connect magazine is distributed to 76,000 households. It is produced in partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council and MediaClash

Apprentice Ben Price earns while he learns a new trade

MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW T: 01225 475800 W: www.mediaclash.co.uk

For advertising enquiries contact lisa.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

Wheels in motion.................... 30 The Odd Down Cycle Circuit is officially open and is already popular with users

Service directory................... 34 Council services at a glance, and how to report leaf litter

Meet the.................................. 38 Visitor Services Assistant Amy Hunt delivers first class service with a smile

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 3

cover photography: sally henderson

Welcome

Newsdesk Newsdesk

Keeping you informed with the latest news from the area

The Colonnades will be transformed in this exciting regeneration project

Going underground The Council plans to bring life back to this once prominent business area

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he Colonnades adjacent to Pulteney Weir has traditionally been a place of business, a lively area and full of people. However, it’s not being used to its full potential. As part of the exciting project to regenerate Grand Parade and Undercroft, the Council plans to restore the Colonnades as somewhere people can enjoy and which improves the commercial prospects of our area in the future.

setting of the Guildhall as well as neighbouring listed buildings, including the Abbey,” said Jane Brown, Chair of the Architecture and Planning Committee, Bath Preservation Trust. Adding value to the city centre is central to the Council’s plans. This means that space within the Colonnades will not simply be leased to the highest bidder; the quality of offer they make for enhancing this unique location will be a deciding factor.

“The Council plans to restore the Colonnades as somewhere people can enjoy” “We welcome the intention to bring the Colonnades back into useful life. This is a fascinating, very complex heritage site and it is essential that the detailed proposals respect the architectural history and enhance the

4 | Connect | Autumn 2013

Sensitivity to the surrounding area is key in this project, which is why the Council has appointed the well-respected local architects and planning consultants Nash Partnership to lead the redevelopment.

The designs for the redevelopment will be on display as part of the public consultation later this year. The opening should take place during the first quarter of 2015, providing the planning applications, which are due to be submitted early in 2014, are accepted.

Rejuvenating the Colonnades is only the first phase of this project. The second phase involves plans to enhance the Bath Markets, including the Guildhall Market, and consider the opportunity for weekend markets on High Street and Grand Parade. To ensure the project is handled correctly the Council is liaising with a number of groups including English Heritage, Bath Preservation Trust, and the Guildhall Market Traders.

This ambitious project, alongside the rapid progress made at Bath Riverside and the plans for the Bath ‘City of Ideas’ Enterprise Area, will indeed make our city an even better place to live, work and visit. For more information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/colonnades n

www.bathnes.gov.uk/latestnews

Don’t feed the animals A new campaign is launched against urban pests

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Big Local community shop Locals are being encouraged to pop into Curo’s Big Local community shop in Westfield to enjoy a coffee, complete a questionnaire and to share their ideas as to how £1 million of the Big Lottery Fund can be used to improve their area over the next 10 years. The shop will open every Wednesday between 9.30am – 2.30pm and will feature a pop-up cafe from local company Coffee and Crumbs. For more information about the Big Local, visit www.myradstock.org.uk

n Use your household food waste container; n Don’t feed animals and birds in parks, open spaces, and on the streets; n Put your food litter in the bin, don’t drop it on the street; and n Report to Council Connect litter hot spots.

A further batch of reusable rubbish sacks were also recently distributed to Bath city centre residents taking the total number in circulating to over 2,000. These are animal proof and prevent them from creating mess. Find out more about how residents can tackle the gull menace.

Go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/gulls n

Community awards Don’t feed me!

photograph: bath news & media group

Better connected High-speed broadband rollout on track

P

Give me SPACE The Council has provided funding for Off The Record advice agency to run a new weekly youth group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people age 13 to 21 years who live in the local area. The group, which is called SPACE, will meet every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at Off the Record, Manvers Street, Bath. For further information email Babs Mcphail at babsmcphail@ offtherecord-banes.co.uk

nnoyed by gulls and animals causing mess across your community? The Council is calling for people to play their part in stopping the number one attraction for nuisance critters – a food source.

John Crowther, Service Manager for Neighbourhood Services, says, “Gulls are clever creatures. They remember easy places to find food and these locations happen to be in town and city centres. We want people to take steps to help limit their access to food.”

The actions are part of the Don’t Feed the Animals campaigns which has the support of Keep Britain Tidy.

lans are on track for ninety per cent of premises in the Connecting Devon and Somerset Programme Area to have access to high-speed broadband – and for all premises to have at least 2mbps broadband – by the end of 2016. “This exciting technology is already available to more than 46,000 homes and businesses in Bath, Midsomer Norton and Radstock,”said Jon Reynolds, BT’s South West regional director. “Whilst the upgrading of the Keynsham and Combe Down exchanges later this year will boost the figure to more than 57,000”, he added.

Furthermore, the commercial rollout of high-speed broadband is going extremely well in Bath.

The Council is committing a total of £865,000 into the project that will deliver a range of benefits to the area. They include:

News round-up

n Supporting the ambitions of the Bath City of Ideas Enterprise Area, creating new homes and jobs for local people; n Giving local firms the opportunity to offer home working as a more viable option; n Quick and convenient access to local public services; n Improving productivity as data can be downloaded and uploaded much more quickly. n

The Chairman’s Community Awards 2013-14, which takes place on 4th February 2014, is now accepting nominations. The Awards recognise people who make a positive contribution to the local community, putting people first and inspiring others to get involved. The three main categories are: Volunteering Award, Education Award and Business in the Community Award.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 13th December 2013. The full detail about the criteria for nominating people/organisations and nomination forms are available at www. bathnes.gov.uk/chairmanawards

Mobile library timetable A more efficient mobile library timetable has been developed to enable the fortnightly service to continue to visit all communities that require it. For instance, in villages with multiple stops, the number of stops has been reduced and the mobile library will stay for longer at the remaining stops. Details of the new timetable are available on www.bathnes.gov.uk/ mobilelibraries or by calling Council Connect on 01225 394041.

A high-speed service photograph: BT Media Image Library

A more efficient service

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 5

Newsdesk

Electoral register

Save time and money by registering electronically

Don’t lose your right to vote

return it without delay. If all details are correct, residents can save the Council money by re-registering electronically, by internet, Freephone or text message. Last year over 32,000 households renewed their registration electronically, but the Council would like to see this figure increase in 2013.

If residents fail to provide the information requested in the form, the Council must by law send out reminder letters, followed up by visits from a canvasser. Each year an average of £25,000 is spent on reminders and canvassers’ visits. Please help the Council reduce the registration costs by responding promptly and go electronic if you can. If you haven’t received the form by Friday 25 October, please contact the Electoral Registration Office.

For details, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ elections Alternatively, email elections@ bathnes.gov.uk or phone 01225 477333. n

Connect competition What area is this?

This is a snapshot of Bath in 1925 when trams ruled the road – there isn’t a bendy bus or bus lane in sight. Can you guess what part of the city is featured? Image provided by Bath Records Office – www.archives.co.uk

WIN

£50!

Residents have until the 20th September to respond to the initial consultation on the Placemaking Plan, a policy document that will influence future development across a range of development sites in local communities.

The Placemaking Plan will also introduce new planning policies on issues such as allotments and local food production, employment land, town and local centre uses, transport and brownfield sites in the green belt. For more details visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ placemakingplan The future of new housing proposed on the edge of Bath, Keynsham, Whitchurch and in the rural areas will be decided by a Planning Inspector. The Core Strategy Examination process resumes in September 2013. For updates see: www.bathnes.gov. uk/corestrategy n

Work in progress

Victoria Hall is taking shape

T

he refurbishment of Victoria Hall in Radstock is underway and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, although part of the building will be open for community use prior to that. The Council intends to inject new life into Victoria Hall by creating a facility that the community can be proud of. As well as housing the Susan Hill School of Dancing, the venue will feature ample function space for local drama, dance and music groups or for events such as film screening, shows and dances.

George Hill, the new Artistic Director at Victoria Hall, has already issued a rally cry to local residents urging them to pull together and make the venue a great success when it reopens.

“I am so excited about Victoria Hall and the potential of this magnificent building”, he said. “I have been speaking to locals that are emerging with wonderful ideas for its uses. These include a craft market, which takes place on the 8th September, art and textile classes and a local children’s choir”, he adds.

Follow our progress on Facebook, on Twitter @vhradstock or via the website www.victoriahallradstock.co.uk n Email George with your suggestions

How to enter Email: Send your answer to connectmagazine@bathnes.gov.uk Post: Send your answer to Connect Competition, Floor 1, Guildhall, Bath BA1 5AW Last issue’s winner: Mrs Robinson from Upper Weston Terms and conditions: Competition open to residents of Bath and North East Somerset only.

Employees of MediaClash and Bath & North East Somerset Council (or relatives) not eligible to enter.

Editor’s decision is final.

6 | Connect | Autumn 2013

photograph: Midsomer Norton, Radstock & District Journal

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n October an electoral registration form will be delivered to homes throughout the area. The Council is encouraging residents to make sure they renew their registration so that they do not lose their right to vote. If the details printed on the form are not correct, residents should make any necessary amendments on the form and

Placemaking plan

The latest ongoing projects in your community

tre St Gregory’s Sixth Form Cen ween St Gregory’s ration bet The New Sixth is a collabo and St Mark’s Church of Catholic Sixth Form College is funded and supported England School. The project bath.org.uk ixth by the Council. www.news

Revamp of Victoria Hall

Our investment is radically improvin g this community facility.

New electrics, toilet facilities, and a boiler amongst other improvements are bringing the build ing up to standard.

New homes at Bath Riverside

An exhibition was recently held at Green Park Station regarding plans for the next phase of the Bath Riverside development. To see the latest news visit www.bathwesternriverside.co.uk or follow @BWRnews on Twitter.

Ralph Allen School

g Centre will specialise A £2.4 million Applied Learnin engineering. A new all in science, technology, and being laid in time for the also is h weather sports pitc September 2013 term.

Keynsham Regeneration

The £34 million regeneratio n project is progressing extremely well. It is on-time and on-budget. Two floors of the Civic Centre car park are due to open in October. www.bathnes.gov.uk /ke ynshamregen

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 07

CALENDAR

events diary Don’t fall short this autumn! Our events diary is packed full of festivals, feasts, fireworks and much more fun Celebrating the best of Bath

2nd November

1st Oct - 31st Oct

26th September

An endangered species

The biggest display in Bath

Walking after midnight

september

n Walk and Draw Bath 8 September – 4 October Artist and educator Andrew Lansley showcases his work to coincide with the opening of Victoria Hall, Radstock.

W: www.andrewlansley.info T: 01761 438885

n Jane Austen Festival 13 September – 21 September Austen enthusiasts can enjoy a series of cultural events throughout the city. Join the Regency Costumed Promenade for the official opening – places are limited.

W: www.janeausten.co.uk T: 01225 463362

n An Evening of Georgian Pleasures 13 September For one night only, step back in time for a special evening of authentic Georgian entertainment. The Holburne Museum

Gardens will be alive with all the delights that made this the place to see and be seen in Georgian Bath. Start 7pm, tickets cost £12/£10. Bring a rug (and a brolly).

W: www.bathspalive.com T: 01225 463362

n Bath Midnight Walk 14 September A sponsored women’s 8km night walk through Bath, in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Care. The route starts and finishes at SouthGate. Pj’s are optional.

W: www.bathmidnightwalk.co.uk T: 01225 721480 n Keynsham Food Festival 14 September This third annual food festival is a unique opportunity for local people and visitors to find out more about the thriving local food scene. From 10am 4pm at Scout HQ, Ashton Way. W: keynshamfoodfestival.co.uk

Bath Children’s Literature Festival The Telegraph Bath Festival of Children’s Literature is the UK’s top festival for children and features

exciting and engaging events for children of all ages. The highlights of this 10-day festival include appearances from the multi-faceted author Charlie Higson, Judith Kerr, Malorie Blackman, Lauren St John and Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre.

27 September – 6 October W: www.bathkidslitfest.org.uk

Feed their imagination

13th September

14th September n Stitches in Time 17 September - 30 November To complement the ever popular Patchwork and Quilting exhibition, which returns in spring 2014, Radstock Museum will be giving local craft groups the opportunity to showcase their work.

W: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk T: 01761 437722 n Priston Festival 20 September – 22 September This popular festival returns with music and family activities throughout the weekend. Join in, dance and sing, or just sit back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable end-of-summer experience.

W: www.priston.org.uk/festival T: 01761 472908 n Avon Wildlife Trust: Can We Save The Red? 26 September A film exploring issues surrounding red and grey squirrels with Richard Brock at the Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Chew Magna. The film starts at 7.45pm and tickets cost £2.50.

T: 01275 332534

october

n Great Bath Feast 1 October – 31 October This month long festival celebrates Bath’s fabulous food and drink scene with a packed programme of foodie events, guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling. Includes demonstrations, tastings, tutorials, high profile guest

Regency related revelry

chefs, book signings and much more.

Events take place throughout the city.

W: www.greatbathfeast.co.uk T: @GreatBathFeast

November

n Bath Rotary Fireworks Display 2 November Enjoy Bath’s biggest public firework display at the Recreation Ground. Gates open at 6pm for 7.30pm display. Tickets are available to purchase from 1 October. n Bath Mozart Festival 8 November – 16 November The 23rd Bath Mozartfest celebrates the music of Mozart through nine days of concerts in some of the city’s most historic and atmospheric buildings.

W: www.bathmozartfest.org.uk T: 01225 463362

Add an event Any organisation or member of the public can add an event to our online calendar. All you need to do is register with us via the website. Events will be searchable by date or category.

Visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ events to begin uploading.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 9

Ben Price from Radstock is reaping the benefits of an apprenticeship

You’re hired Employers and individuals throughout the area are discovering that apprenticeships can tick all the right boxes

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fter doing a Saturday job at George Neville Transport Safety Systems in Radstock whilst at school, Ben Price asked the company if they would take him on as an apprentice. Over the last year he has been working four days a week and studying for a level two qualification in engineering one day a week, with an option to go on to a level three. The apprenticeship has proved to be a perfect choice for him. “I get to work and earn as well as gain a qualification”, said Ben. “This is the best thing I could have done and I’ve had a lot of support and advice at college and at work.”

10 | Connect | Autumn 2013

Playing a part

Apprenticeships come with a host of advantages. People of all ages get an opportunity to learn and earn, and companies can harness talent and gain measurable business benefits. Schemes are run through local colleges, with the process simple and supportive for both individuals and employers.

Increasing the range of local

apprenticeships as part of its strategy for boosting employment in the area is therefore high on the Council’s agenda – and it’s playing its own part too. “We are committed to helping develop the local workforce”, said John Wilkinson, Acting Director for Regeneration, Skills, and Employment.

“By boosting the number of Council apprenticeships we are supporting people into work and starting them on the road to successful future careers”. Working in partnership with local further education providers, the Council has employed 26 apprentices over the past year for roles ranging from heritage and vehicle maintenance to business administration and engineering.

“This is the best thing I could have done and I’ve had a lot of support and advice at college and at work”

Apprenticeships in action...

A specialist asset

The value of an apprenticeship isn’t blown out of proportion

Adrian Dolan, Managing Director for Bath Aqua Glass, was keen to take on an apprentice as a way as nurturing and shaping an individual to suit the business and providing training to a local person.

It was also an opportunity to break new ground in the sector. “An NVQ qualification specifically for glassblowing was all but non-existent, so our idea was to create a new one within our business linked to the City of Bath College”, said Adrian. “Given that there were no assessors for this specialist skill, I took on the role myself.”

Adrian is very keen for people to realise the value of apprenticeships. “Apprentices learn about all the areas of a company and for small business owners this pays huge dividends. Their appreciation of everything that’s involved makes them a greater asset, and by nurturing a skill and a team member, you have someone who is both valued and valuable.”

Laura displays her glass bauble

A winning role

Following three years studying art, dance and psychology at college, Laura Barnes was keen to do something practical work-wise and looked on the Apprenticeships website for ideas.

A glassblower apprenticeship sounded perfect and after applying online she was taken on through the college. Supported by the college and assessed by the company’s managing director, she has gained the newly created NVQ level 2 in glassblowing.

“Because of the competition for jobs, apprenticeships are often the only way in to learn specialist skills like this one”, said Laura. “It’s been a great experience and I’ve learned loads, including getting a good understanding about life, work and things like personal budgeting. A year is just the beginning. I know I can go a lot further and this is a great first step.”

Spreading the word

With the Council increasing its own opportunities, it’s now encouraging businesses and public sector organisations to do the same. “Apprenticeships are a great way for business to meet skills gaps whilst giving people important opportunities and we want employers to make the most of local talent the way that we have”, said John Wilkinson.

George Neville Transport Safety Systems has gained a lot of value by taking on Ben Price as an apprentice. “The college made everything very easy and we get a lot out of the enthusiasm and fresh ideas that Ben brings to the business”, said Richard Spencer, Works Manager. “We also benefit from the information that he gains at college, such as about new legislation, health and safety and work practices. Going down this route has a lot of advantages. It means benefiting from new knowledge, giving a young person a go and being able to train them from scratch to meet the company’s needs.” n

Laura has done so well on the scheme that she won

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for Manufacturing & Engineering Applying the finishing touches

at this year’s Bath Chronicle Apprentices Awards

Find out more Employers: Call the apprenticeships team at local colleges and see the National Apprenticeship Service and Council websites for general information.

Individuals: Find out about apprenticeships and what’s on offer locally on the National Apprenticeship Service website, the Council website or by calling the apprenticeships team at local colleges. A free apprenticeship guide app for iPhone and iPod Touch is also available. n City of Bath College: 01225 312191 www.citybathcoll.ac.uk/apprenticeships nN orton Radstock College: 01761 433161 www.nortcoll.ac.uk/apprenticeships n National Apprenticeship Service: www.apprenticeships.org.uk n Council website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/apprenticeships n Free app: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 11

David Tod, Take Charge Bikes in Bathwick

A wheelie clever idea Commuting to work on a bike solves a lot of problems but is it for you? Here’s your chance to give it a try it for free

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f you like the idea of using a bike to commute to work but can’t decide if it’s right for you, the Council’s free Loan Bike Scheme is just what you need. The scheme gives people a chance to try cycling free of charge before committing to buying. Bikes can be borrowed for up to four weeks and anyone

living or working in the area can take advantage of the offer.

There’s a choice of three bike types: A hybrid bike – a robust road bicycle; an electric bike – to take the hard work out of going up hills; and a folding bike – easy to use on public transport. They have all the necessary safety fittings and come with

“By taking advantage of the free loan, people will be able to see just how easy it can be” 12 | Connect | Autumn 2013

Get freewheeling in three easy steps

1

Contact the Travel West Field Team and ask for a voucher for a loan bike.

Call 0117 3521105 or email travel. roadshow@westofengland.org The team can also arrange free cycle training for you.

2

Call your nearest participating bike shop to make an appointment and check bike availability.

Contact Bike-IT Radstock on 01761 431502 or Take Charge Bikes on 01225 789568. The shops will tell you what you’ll need to bring with you usually ID, proof of address and a returnable deposit of £50 or £100 depending on the bike type.

3

Turn-up and collect your bike.

All the bikes come with lights, lock, panniers and mudguards, and some have an on-board computer for measuring your speed and distance.

www.bathnes.gov.uk/transportandstreets

A great experience!

On the roads...

Stefan Chiffers, Area Traffic Engineer for the Council’s Traffic & Safety Team, hadn’t considered cycling to and from work and to the odd meeting, but when he heard about the Loan Bike Scheme he decided to give it a try.

off. My car journey normally takes me 25 minutes so when I arrived at work 38 minutes after setting off I was very surprised – just 13 minutes difference.

If you factor in finding a parking space then a short walk, there was very little between them.”

He booked an appointment at Take Charge Bikes, opted for an electric bike and cycled off on a brand new KTM mountain bike with a small battery and motor. “Monday morning arrived and the sun was out, which was ideal for my first commute to work and back – a 22 mile round trip.

The panniers on the bike were very roomy and my workbag plus a change of clothes for when I got to work fitted in easily. I put on my high Vis bib, set the bike to sport mode and cruised

“It was a great experience. I felt a lot fitter, didn’t have any parking hassles and I saved money. And it was a far less stressful than driving. I also noticed my surroundings a lot more and got to meet other commuters using the same cycle route as me.”

“A real eye-opener was discovering all the great cycle paths in the area, and my three kids and I – and our bikes – are now having a lot of fun trying them out.”

Get on your bike to work

roomy panniers with plenty of space for storing work kit and a change of clothes.

“We know that swapping a car for a bicycle for the daily commute can seem like a big step. By taking advantage of the free loan, people will be able to see how easy it can be,” said Peter Dawson, Group Manager, Transport and Planning Policy.

“The scheme is part of our efforts to promote and support sustainable forms of transport as much as possible to help tackle traffic congestion, improve air quality and enhance people’s health.”

At a bike shop near you

Running for at least the next 18 months, the scheme is funded by the Council with two local bike shops taking part - Bike-It, Radstock and Take Charge Bikes, Bath.

“We really appreciate being part of the Loan Bike Scheme,” said Lee Phillips, coowner of Bike-It Radstock. “It gives us a chance to tell people about all the benefits of

cycling - both financial and physical - and lets them have a go at using this sustainable, fun mode of transport for work and pleasure.”

David Tod, Managing Director of Take Charge Bikes agrees. “It’s great to give people an opportunity to try different types of bike, including electric ones. Most people don’t realise that they can still get fitness benefits from an electric bike. They take a lot of the effort out of riding up hills but they still need to be pedalled. We are very happy to be involved with this scheme.” n

Find out more

Restoring Victoria Bridge The Council have employed a specialist bridge designer to lead their £3 million restoration of Victoria Bridge. The designer will be sympathetic to the heritage of the bridge, which was built by renowned engineer James Dench in 1836. Work on this 12-month project is scheduled to start in October. To minimise noise and disruption for residents, much of the bridge will be assembled off-site. Plans are afoot to ensure that people can still cross the river safely – this is especially important as the Destructor Bridge is now closed.

Making inroads into the resurfacing programme Work on the Council’s road resurfacing improvement programme is well underway.

So far the Highways team has treated almost 40 stretches of road, covering an area equivalent of 31 football pitches. Some of the recently improved locations include A4 Box Road; Cameley Road, Hinton Blewitt; and Bickfield Lane, Compton Martin. Furthermore, approximately 1790 potholes have been filled in since the start of April; as a result, motorist insurance claims for pothole damage have been slashed.

Kelvin Packer, Service Manager, Highways, said, ”Over five years, we’ve completed hundreds of road resurfacing projects worth £16 million to improve road condition standards, which in turn means spending less money on more costly maintenance when potholes appear – particularly during winter time.” Residents can report potholes to us via Council Connect, including online www.bathnes.gov. uk/reportit For more information about our road resurfacing programme go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/roadsurfaces

For more about cycling, including information, advice and cycle route maps, go to www. travelwest.info/cycle

Making improvements for road users

To your health!

As local authorities across the UK take over responsibility for public health, we look at how the Council is rising to the challenge

14 | Connect | Autumn 2013

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n April this year, responsibility for public health transferred from local Primary Care Trusts to the Council.

With a lot of preparation ahead of time and a strong strategy, communities and individuals are already benefitting from an excellent service. For 43-year old Nikki Windless from Midsomer Norton, juggling a part-time job, being mum to three children and caring for her seriously ill father-in-law were taking their toll. When Nikki’s doctor suggested referring her to the Council’s Passport to Health service to help her manage her weight, low mood and get more active she jumped at the chance. A supported 12-week programme was prescribed at a local leisure centre, which made all the difference, and she has since become a member. “Passport to Health was the best thing for me. I’m still going three times a week and I swim once a week as

For example, more than 2,500 people are claiming incapacity benefit as a result of a mental health concern. One in four people in routine and manual jobs smoke.

As Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health, explains, “The area can be very positive about improvements in health and wellbeing, but we cannot be complacent. Poor physical and mental health costs not only the enjoyment of someone’s life, but can also mean time off work – a financial cost for both individual and employer.”

Community-wide input

A crucial part of tackling these health problems is working across different communities, voluntary groups, public, and private sector organisations.

A plan is already in place devised by these different groups to do just that and make sure

“I had a lot of support from the team with controlling my weight and helping me with my fitness” well”, said Nikki. “I had a lot of support from the team with controlling my weight and helping me with my fitness. I’ve now pretty much conquered my anxieties and depression.”

Nikki also got a lot out of Passport to Health’s Motivation Lifestyle Programme, which helps people make small changes towards better physical and emotional wellbeing.

Better health locally

Nikki is just one of many people who potentially need support with improving their health. Whilst the area has seen declines in many health problems, there is still much work to be done.

the needs of local people are addressed, for example improving information about childhood immunisations or tackling alcohol misuse and combating fuel poverty with practical help.

Dr Laurence explains, “No single organisation can improve the health of local people. So the Council is joining forces with a range of different organisations to work constructively and deliver high quality services to the public which are needed.”

Over the coming months, residents can expect to see a range of public health programmes and information on a range of important issues, like sexual health and injury

Smoke freedom Smoke free play areas

Stoptober

New signs, which have been designed by children and young people, are going up in some 25 parks across the area to encourage people not to smoke around children playing there and be a positive role model for them. The signs send really positive messages to everyone visiting parks and play spaces.

The 23,000 smokers in the area are being encouraged to take on the national ‘Stoptober’ challenge by pledging to stub out their last cigarette on 1st October.

The Council, in conjunction with Sirona Care, will be promoting the campaign locally, with stop smoking teams running support and awareness events across the area on the day. People signing up will get a free support pack including patches, gum, the offer of daily motivational texts and a free mobile phone app to monitor progress.

For free advice and support for giving up smoking visit www.smokefree.nhs. uk/stoptober, call 01225 831852 or email healthylifestyleservice@sironacic.org.uk

Start walking Free Wellbeing Walks are taking place across the area for residents aged 16 and over who are struggling be active.

The 30-minute beginners walks are a great way of taking first steps towards fitness, whether you need a bit of a confidence boost to get started or you want to increase your activity levels again after a break. As well as a taste of physical activity, walking comes with a whole host of benefits – from lifting spirits and helping with weight reduction to improving heart strength and lowering blood pressure.

The walk programmes, which are led by volunteers, are made up of eight walks over a 10-week period. If you’d like to find out how you could take part or volunteer as a walk leader, call 01225 396427 or email getactive@ bathnes.gov.uk

Walking is a great way to stay healthy

prevention. Frontline services are already in place to encourage more walking and support people to stop smoking.

Raising awareness

Increasing awareness and understanding of controversial issues is also an important task.

For example, setting the record straight on measles vaccination with the facts when the issue hit the national headlines recently.

“Communication is key. We have created new, interesting webpages with practical advice about all sorts of health related issues, including measles, smoking and healthy weight. There will also be information on the Council’s other channels, like Twitter and E-Connect (the weekly e-newsletter)”, added Dr Laurence. n

Find out more

Our website contains helpful information and contacts. Go to www. bathnes.gov.uk/ publichealth or email publichealth@bathnes.gov.uk

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 15

It’s far cheaper for the www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices Council to recycle waste than it is to dispose of it

As vital as ever As the amount of rubbish we collect increases, so, in turn, does the need for us to recycle more

R

ecycling rates for the area compare well with the rest of the country, but for the first time the amount of recycling collected from local homes has fallen and black sack rubbish has increased. During the past year we have collected 50kg more rubbish (about the weight of a small adult) per household, than in the previous year.

Carol Maclellan, the Council’s Waste Services Manager, explains why recycling is well worth doing and why we should be doing more.

How much difference can recycling make?

Apart from the environmental benefits of energy and resource conservation, it is cheaper for the Council to recycle waste than process it for disposal. We have to pay approximately £100 for every tonne of black sack waste we take for processing, whereas we can sell most recyclable materials which helps to offset the cost of collecting them. It will cost us around £5.9 million to collect and dispose of waste this year whereas our recycling collection service will cost us

16 | Connect | Autumn 2013

approximately £3.1 million. The more we can recycle, the less it will cost the taxpayer.

Isn’t energy recovered from rubbish?

It is an alternative to landfilling but it does mean the materials are lost forever if they’re burnt to generate electricity. We’re sending more and more black sack rubbish for second chance sorting and recycling in Avonmouth. BUT it’s still far better for the environment and cheaper if you sort and separate as much of your recyclables as possible for our kerbside collection. These are all valuable materials that can be turned into another product – and not ‘waste’ at all.

Top tips to help you recycle more n Order another FREE green box and lid from Council Connect to help you sort your recycling – we suggest you use one to mix your cans and plastic packaging (as they take up a lot of space) and put all the other materials glass, paper etc in the other box. n Buy kitchen caddy food waste liners (bags) online – they are often cheaper www.getcomposting.com n To save room, wash, squash and put the lids back on your plastic bottles to stop the tops spilling on the street. n You don’t need to take labels off cans, windows out of envelopes or staples out of paper – just put them in your green box. n Got a hole or stain on your T shirt?

We can recycle this as long as it is clean and dry so pop it in plastic bag in your green box – it won’t be fit for someone else to wear but we can recycle it into cleaning materials.

Sorting your recycling ensures it is high quality

www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

Local residents make it easy For Emma Gowing and Maxine von Eye, recycling still makes sense “Resources won’t last forever, so it’s a real waste to just chuck things away,” said Emma. “Recycling also costs the Council a lot less, and if everyone recycled as much as possible there would be more money for other services.”

Maxine agrees: “Reusing makes a lot more sense than throwing things away and starting from scratch. The Council can sell recycling material, so as a local tax payer, recycling saves me money.”

Emma’s system for her rural home near Temple Cloud “You don’t need much room or time for recycling. I work long hours and have a very tiny kitchen - it’s just a matter of finding a system that works for you.”

I have suction hooks fixed to the side of a cupboard and hang carrier bags on them – one for cans, plastic and plastic bottles and one for paper and card.

When they are full, I empty them into my green box outside. Bigger cardboard packaging goes straight into my blue bag, also outside.

My food caddy is next to the sink and I empty it into the lockable food waste

There are rumours recyclables end up as landfill

container outside, which the animals around here can’t get into it.”

Maxine’s system for her new-build flat in Bath city centre “My flat is relatively small so my solution is to keep three small containers next to the kitchen bin – one for cans, plastics and glass, one for paper and torn up cardboard and one for residual waste like plastic film. When they are full I simple pop down to the communal bins storeroom and empty them in the right place.

I rinse everything as soon it’s used so that it’s easy to put things clean into my containers. I also squash plastic bottles and cans and break up cardboard so that they take up less space.”

Emma is committed to recycling

Whatever you might read in the news, all the suitable materials you put out for collection through our kerbside recycling collection really are recycled. Because you help us by sorting your recycling we can see what we are collecting. If you put out something we can’t send for recycling we leave it behind so that it can be collected with your rubbish.

This means that all of our material for recycling is high quality. We treat material as close to home as possible, with over 97% of the material we collect being processed in the UK. You can see on our website where all of the materials that we collect, go next for recycling.

tubs, post and trays) mobile phones, foil, household and car batteries, printer cartridges, spectacles textiles and shoes.

If you recycle all of these things then there really is no need to put much out for the bin men at all.

If you need more containers, just contact us to get an extra free of charge. If you don’t have space for extra green boxes then we can give you smaller baskets. Our green boxes have lids so you can stack them neatly if you need to save space or to help stop your materials blowing out of them.

If you use your lockable food waste bin for all your food waste you’ll stop seagulls and animals attacking your rubbish bags for a tasty meal and making the street untidy.

How can you do more?

Zero rubbish – is it possible?

We offer one of the most comprehensive weekly kerbside recycling services in the country and we really need you to use it to its maximum.

You can recycle almost everything from home every week – including food waste, cardboard, food and drink cartons (Tetra Paks), small electrical equipment, paper, glass bottles and jars, food and drinks cans and aerosols, plastic packaging (bottles,

Why not challenge yourself and see how well you can do? Even if you have a large family, what is the smallest amount that you could put out for the bin men if you genuinely recycled everything you could? A carrier bag per week? Less? We’d love to hear from you if you already do this, and if you’ve got some really good tips to help others recycle more too. You can email us, or send your ideas to councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk n

News round up Give and Take day

Saturday 16 November 2013 Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall Church Lane, Farrington Gurney Bristol, BS39 6TY, 10am – 1pm dropoff times from 9am, last donations accepted at 12 noon.

Pop in to our next community swap shop event where you can bring along household things you don’t want anymore and find something you do need all for FREE. All donated items must be in reusable condition and fit into a car. We can’t accept everything so please check what we can’t take on our website.

Your furniture going to good use

We have been working closely with colleagues in the Council’s Welfare Support team on a new project to reuse suitable items of furniture brought into our Recycling Centres.

The project makes furniture available for free to people the Council are helping to set up home or for those trying to keep their place in the community. Although it’s early days, it is exciting to think that a good proportion of the high volume of furniture brought to the sites for recycling will instead directly benefit local residents.

Suitable furniture is being reused

Find out more If you are confused about anything you have read in this article then our website has loads of info about recycling, go to

www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

For a host of good ideas and tips on how to recycle more you can look on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/recycleforbathnes

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 17

18 | Connect | Autumn 2012

Prospectus

Healthier, Stronger, Together

What is the CCG?

By Dr Ian Orpen, Chair, NHS BaNES Clinical Commissioning Group

A

ll local GP practices have come together to form NHS BaNES CCG which is responsible for planning and buying around £213 million-worth of health services for local residents every year.

We have a population of 176,000 people in our area – our role is to look at their health needs, now and into the future, and plan the best way to provide health care within the budget we have.

As GPs, we really know you, our patients, and can plan health care with a stronger focus on your health needs. We also bring clinical expertise to all our decisions about local health care.

Maintaining high quality care for patients will be our top priority. We will listen to our

patients, communities and partner organisations and work with them to deliver the best services possible. You will still go to your local GP for treatment as usual. It is in the background that things are changing, where we GPs have been given the opportunity to get involved in planning and contracting health care from local providers and to look at developing new ways of working to benefit local patients.

We are committed to making it easier for you to access the services you need and will work closely with our partners to ensure this happens. We also need to provide those local high quality services in a sustainable way and through best use of the resources we have.

Our values n We will focus on continually improving the quality of services n We will be credible, creative and ambitious on behalf of our local population n We will work collaboratively and be respectful of others n We will be focussed, committed and hard working n We will be alert to the needs of all our population, particularly those who are most vulnerable n We will operate with integrity and trust

Our mission statement

“We will commission high-quality, affordable, integrated patient-centred care that respects and responds to the needs of our local population”

Working together Structure of the CCG The CCG is made up of the 28 GP practices in Bath and North East Somerset, who form part of a Council of members. The CCG Board is made up of representatives elected by these member practices, supported by a team that brings a range of professional expertise and independence. The Board is committed to being accountable and transparent and holds board meetings in public six times a year.

Copies of the Board papers are available on our website and members of the public can send questions in advance for the Board to answer.

20 | Connect | Autumn 2013

T

he Health and Wellbeing Board is made up of senior officers from Bath & North East Somerset Council, local councillors, members of the CCG, the Director of Public Health, Healthwatch BaNES and the NHS England Area Team, which, among other things, has responsibility for GP contracts.

The Board has looked at the health and wellbeing needs of people in our area through the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) process. This identifies the current and future health, wellbeing and care needs of our local population.

From this, a Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for BaNES has been developed. This is a plan for improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities across our area.

Although many health outcomes are on average better than national outcomes, there are often wide differences between different parts of our area, with the poorest health frequently experienced by vulnerable groups and people living in more deprived areas.

Because of this, when implementing changes to local services and looking at new ways of working, we will work closely with our partners to consider the needs of different communities.

Key themes from the Health & Wellbeing Strategy that the CCG will lead on include: n Reducing rates of childhood obesity n Reducing rates of alcohol misuse n Improving support for people with long-term conditions n Reducing rates of mental ill-health n Enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia n Improving services for older people which support independent living, and dying well

Care & Quality W

e put quality and patient safety at the heart of everything we do and we work with the organisations we commission to provide health services to ensure they do the same.

We believe that our patients, their families and carers want to be safe, listened to, and involved in decisions about their care. The CCG will try to meet these needs and make a real difference to our patients.

Local ownership of improvement initiatives, a willingness to learn from situations where there have been unexpected incidents or

complaints and listening to people who use services and other colleagues will provide the necessary drive to improve care and identify better ways to do things.

We want to make sure health services are provided promptly, safely and effectively.

We will continue to ensure the quality of healthcare services is maintained by building quality measures around safety of services, effectiveness, and patients’ experiences, into our contracts with healthcare providers.

These include measures to reduce healthcare associated infections, improve

“We will ensure that the rights of the patient under the NHS Constitution are promoted and delivered”

communication between primary and secondary care and take on board learning from patients’ experiences.

We are also looking to further improve safeguarding through closer working with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Safeguarding is the work done by local organisations to minimise and manage risk to children and vulnerable adults. In BaNES there is a Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and Local Safeguarding Adults Board; our Director of Nursing and Quality regularly attends these to ensure that the CCG shares responsibility for safeguarding.

We will also reward excellence by linking a proportion of our healthcare providers’ income to the achievement of local quality improvement goals.

We will always take people’s views seriously and have put in place a complaints, concerns and compliments policy which can be found on our website or sent to you on request (please see page 8 of our prospectus for full contact details).

We will ensure that the rights of the patient under the NHS Constitution are promoted and delivered. These include referral to treatment waiting times, ambulance response times, mixed sex accommodation and A&E waiting times.

Supporting people with mental ill-health Mental health is another priority area for the Health & Wellbeing Strategy. Approximately 18% of our local population have experienced mental ill-health which includes depression and anxiety. We will take a key role in coordinated action to prevent suicide and repeated self-harm as well as improving the range of support for people with mental ill health. Plans include developing the way adult mental health inpatient services are delivered, improving mental health services available through GP surgeries and developing more personalised support in the community. This year we are investing an additional £200,000 into psychological therapies including counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other treatments, aimed at tackling common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

“We will work closely with our partners to consider the needs of different communities” www.bathnes.gov.uk | 21

What is the CCG responsible for?

W

ith our budget of £213 million we are responsible for commissioning the following services for local people:

nU rgent and emergency care n Children’s health services

How we spend our budget...

n Out of hours primary care (when GP surgeries are closed) n Maternity and newborn services n Community health services, eg district nurses, community hospitals

Out of hours & local enhanced services 11% Learning Difficulties 2%

Running costs 2% Headroom 2% (Contingency)

Other 0%

Prescribing 11%

n NHS Continuing Health Care* nE lective hospital care, ie planned procedures and operations

Acute services 55%

(Hospital-based services)

n Services for people with Learning Disabilities n Rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy and post-operative care n Mental health services n We are also responsible for meeting the costs of prescriptions written by our GPs. We are not however responsible for services such as GP surgeries, dentists, optometrists – these are commissioned by the Area Team, which is part of NHS England.

28 | Connect | Autumn 2013 22 2012

Continuing Health Care* 5% Community services 12% (Community hospitals, district nurses etc)

Mental health services 9%

* Continuing Health Care is the name given to a package of care that is arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals who are not in hospital who have complex ongoing healthcare needs.

There will be 2.5 times as many people aged 80+ by 2026, compared with 1981

7,021 residents

dependent on alcohol

Hospital admissions for alcohol are 3 x higher for residents in lowest income communities.

By 2025 we expect dementia to increase by

43% men 23% women

Percentage of 16+ adults registered as obese increased from

7.5% in 2008-2009

8.1% in 2011-2012 Diabetes in adults has increased from 4% in 2008-2009 to 4.4% in 2010-2012.

It is expected to increase by 34% from 2005 to 2025

Obesity: 1 in 4

children has an unhealthy weight when they start school...

...by year 6 this has increased to 1 in 3.

73,000

We face many challenges including an ageing population and the associated health needs that brings, including a rise in dementia.

We are also seeing more alcohol-related illnesses, increasing obesity levels and rising numbers of people with diabetes. The CCG’s role is to plan local services to respond to these issues.

people have at least one long-term health condition

Our Challenges

www.bathnes.gov.uk www.bathnes.gov.uk || 23 21

Putting patients first Our Objectives

Meet the BaNES CCG senior team

In response to these challenges, the CCG has set out its strategic objectives. These are the things that we intend to focus on over the next 3-5 years. nR esponding to the needs of an ageing population n Improving quality and patient safety n Promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing n Improving mental health and wellbeing of the population n Improving access and consistency of care n Reducing inequalities and social exclusion The focus of delivering care to people in their homes or as close to home as possible remains of paramount importance. You, our patients, tell us that you would prefer to be in your own home when you are sick, or recovering from an illness or operation.

Hence, our preferred model of service prioritises care close to home and shifts the balance from hospitals to community care.

To help us deliver these objectives, we are

focussing on three areas for improvement: 1. Redesigning our local urgent care system to improve access for patients, and take pressure off the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath. Urgent care is defined as

requiring prompt attention but not life threatening, as opposed to emergency care, which is needed for life-threatening injuries and conditions. We will redesign urgent care services together to make it simpler for patients to get treatment in the right place at the right time and to ensure the best use of public money.

2. Improving services for patients with long-term conditions, with targeted work in the areas of dementia, diabetes and heart failure. There are over 73,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset with at least one long-term health condition, defined as a condition that lasts a year or longer, impacts on a person’s life, and may require on-going care and support. We will work in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, GPs and other local organisations to deliver a co-ordinated response to help people manage their conditions and stay well. We will also offer support to their carers.

3. Supporting the frail elderly and Improving End of Life Care Management across all care sectors, supporting patients to die in their place of

“We are committed to ensuring healthcare services reflect the needs of all patients�

24 | Connect | Autumn 2013

choice. We will plan for fair, good quality, integrated health and social care services to help older people to stay healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. We also want to improve the co-ordination of care for people at the end of their life, and support people to die in their place of choice.

New ways of working

The needs of all patients We are committed to working with local patients and their carers, seeking their views and input into how local health care should be delivered.

We recognise the diversity of our local population and we are committed to ensuring healthcare services reflect the needs of all patients.

We need to know the views of a wide range of groups and individuals when planning and commissioning healthcare or before considering any significant changes to local services.

Engaging with patients and delivering equality, diversity and human rights is embedded throughout our work with particular regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We have a Patient and Public Involvement lay member on our Board whose role it is to ensure public and patients’ views are heard.

This year we will establish a Patient and Public Engagement Group. This will allow members of the public, patients and carers to communicate directly with the CCG’s Governing Body. We want this group to help us develop our plans and also advise us on how we can communicate and engage better with local people.

We will also invite someone from Healthwatch to join the group, to ensure that there is clear communication between the two. Healthwatch is the local consumer voice for health and social care.

It will help plan and shape health and social care services, act as an information outlet for health and social care services, support people in making choices, and act as a consumer champion and advocate for patients.

If you would like to get involved with our Patient and Public Engagement Group, please get in touch with us. You will find our contact details on the back page of this booklet.

To meet our challenges and deliver the best care into the future for patients, we are looking at some different ways of doing things. These are just a few examples of new ways of working that will, or are already, benefitting local patients and carers.

Dementia We are working with partners to test new ways of supporting people with dementia, as well as their families and carers.

These include: Home from Hospital, a service delivered by The Carers’ Centre and Age UK Bath and North East Somerset to help prevent people with dementia going back into hospital through a range of support services to help them at home.

Alcohol Hospital admissions linked to people drinking too much alcohol are rising in BaNES, up by 57% since 2003.

Alcohol-related health problems include liver disease, mouth cancer, high blood pressure, heart problems, road injuries and falls. Behind this is a huge hidden social cost – to families, partners, carers and to our local communities.

We are investing in new services at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) and in the community. Treatment and advice for patients whose illness or injury is linked to alcohol will be provided in hospital, and a support plan put in place that can continue when they are back home.

People in care homes A partnership between GPs and nursing homes is helping older people keep healthier and avoid hospital stays. The new service sees GPs making regular ward round visits to nursing homes. Because of this, since April 2012 the number of nursing home residents (registered with a BaNES GP) admitted to the RUH in Bath has gone down by 40%. There were 289 fewer admissions to the RUH from nursing homes in 2012-13 (439) than in 2011-12 (728).

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 25

Useful contacts Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group St.Martin’s Hospital, Clara Cross Lane, Bath, BA2 5RP W: www.banesccg.nhs.uk E: BSCCG.information@nhs.net T: 01225 831800

Dementia For useful information about dementia and support and care services available locally visit Dementia web Bath and North East Somerset.

W: www.Dementiawebbath.org.uk or call the local dementia helpline on T: 0845 120 4048.

Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset is the new organisation ensuring patients and carers get the best out of local health and social care services.

For more information: W: www.healthwatchbathnes.co.uk E: info@healthwatchbathnes.co.uk T: 01225 232401

A new Handy Guide for people who have been diagnosed with dementia, as well as their families and carers, is now available. It can be also downloaded from the dementia website or you can ask for a copy to be sent to you.

It runs the website - www.wellaware.co.uk which provides information about local health wellbeing and community services.

You can also call free phone 0808 808 5252 for the same service.

Alcohol advice and information Developing Health and Independence (DHI) is a confidential service for anyone who is worried about their own drinking – or that of a partner, parent, child or other family member.

T: 01225 329 411

Carers’ Centre The centre provides information, advice, support and much-needed breaks for the 20,000 unpaid carers in Bath and North East Somerset.

W: www.banescarerscentre.org.uk T: 0800 0388 885 Health and Wellbeing Board You can find out more about the Bath and North East Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment here W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-board

Meeting dates and copies of board papers are available on our website www.banesccg.nhs.uk or you can phone or write to us

Healthier, Stronger, Together 26 | Connect | Autumn 2013

A bit of extra help Local residents can gain a greater sense of independence by using Reablement services

R

eablement services consist of short bursts of intensive support that can help people regain or re-learn skills and build up confidence that they may have lost and which they need in order to be able to carry out everyday living tasks for themselves.

confidence rather than physical inability.

However, with a short period of intensive support and encouragement many people are able to regain abilities that they may have thought were lost forever.

Reablement services are therefore designed to maximise people’s ability to continue living independently in their own

“Everyone using the service will have a Reablement plan that sets out the goals” Simple household tasks can often be unlearned, forgotten, or appear too challenging following an admission to hospital, or following a period of illness or an accident. People can often feel that they are no longer able to do tasks that they once performed for themselves with ease such as: n Getting dressed on their own; n Preparing a meal for themselves; or n Going out n Regaining their mobility This is quite often due to a lack of

home for as long as possible and can be offered to people of all ages who need different amounts of support. Support can include Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists or Health and Social Care Workers visiting regularly in order to help people practise doing daily tasks, or providing equipment that helps people carry out certain activities e.g. an aid to help you get dressed or to call for help, or a minor adaptation in the home such as a rail to help getting into and out of the bath.

Everyone using the service will have a Reablement plan that sets out the goals that the person has and the things that will be arranged to help them. The ambition of Reablement services is for people to get back to doing as much as they possibly can for themselves and help reduce or even remove the need to rely on other people doing things for them.

Reablement is a service the Council and the G.P. Clinical Commissioning Group provide in partnership with Sirona Care & Health to people aged 18 years and over.

Reablement is free of charge and is usually provided for a maximum of six weeks. Over the next twelve months the Council and the G.P. Clinical Commissioning Group will be working closely with Sirona Care and Health and a number of other providers to expand the current local successful Reablement services. n

Find out more Read more about how Reablement may help in Sirona’s article on page 29

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 27

We opened for business on July 22nd offering for sale a range of Sports & Prestige pre owned cars and a full Workshop and Service facility.

Introductory special offer for our Service Department

An Oil Service & Vehicle check for ÂŁ99 inc VAT and 10% off any other work required.

Valid until October 31st 2013

Quality friendly service for all makes of cars with customer waiting area Minerva Bath Sports & Prestige 36 Box Road Bathford, Bath , BA1 7QH

Tel: 01225 850030 www.minervabath.co.uk

Our opening hours are 8am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday. 9am to 5pm on Saturdays

Your needs in mind Integrated Enablement Service is a new initiative that helps people to recover to the best they possibly can without losing their independence

G

reat-grandmother Mabel Bidgood describes her body as having been through the mill over the years. Three heart attacks and severe arthritis are just two of the conditions that have affected the nonagenarian’s life.

Facing losing her independence after breaking an arm, she was referred to a new innovative service run by Sirona Care & Health with Way Ahead Care, a local home care provider.

And the pilot scheme, which aims to help

Mrs Bidgood on exercises to strengthen her muscles and made sure she had a Zimmer Frame tailored to her needs with raised handles so she could use it despite her arthritis.

“I have got nothing but praise for the service,” Mrs Bidgood said: “They have been fantastic.” Helen said: “It meant Mrs Bidgood can walk to the communal areas herself rather than relying on others to help her.”

The majority of those who used the service were able to maintain their independence and a staggering £225,000 was saved in the

“I have got nothing but praise for the service, they have been fantastic” people stay out of hospital, is now being extended after its first set of figures showed excellent outcomes for their service users.

Mrs Bidgood, 94, who worked for the Admiralty during World War Two and in various shops in the city before retiring, was taken to Bath’s Royal United Hospital after breaking her arm. She was then transferred to Paulton Memorial Hospital before moving to the residential home, Cleeve Court in Twerton, Bath, as she was unable to care for herself at home.

Physiotherapist Helen Court, who works for Sirona’s Reablement service, worked with

cost of care, as people were able to avoid hospital or move from a care home to their own home or from a nursing home to a residential home.

Jenny Theed, Operations Director for Sirona Care & Health which runs the scheme with Way Ahead Care said: “The Integrated Enablement Service aims to make sure people recover to the best they possibly can.

“The services focuses on what people can do rather than what they can’t and the idea is to get them into their own home or if they do need to go into a residential setting, to make sure they can retain as much independence as

Mabel Bidgood, pictured with physiotherapist Helen Court, has benefitted from the scheme

possible with staff available for support rather than intensive one to one care.

“The service look at the needs of individuals and is tailored to help them achieve their goals” says Jenny.

Open to patients registered with a Bath GP, the service is provided by an integrated team of skilled and trained staff including occupational therapists, physiotherapists and reablement support workers. n

With a little help from their Friends Keynsham’s League of Friends has presented the town’s Health Centre with a new electronic information board.

The state-of-the-art board details what clinics are on and where each day at the centre to help patients to find their way around.

Sirona is the lead tenant at the centre and Tricia Dyke, NHS Property Services manager, received the board from the Friends. She said: “It is a great addition to the health centre as it tells people simply and easily where they need to go to find the clinic they need.”

Charles Gerrish, on behalf of the Friends, said: “The health centre is on the site of the old hospital and we have always maintained the policy of ensuring money raised by the League was used for the benefit of the population of

Keynsham. This is one of the commitments we have made to improve their access to care.”

Julie Sharma, Sirona’s Business Development Lead, said: “We are very grateful to the Friends for their generosity.

Additions such as the welcome board help with the overall experience of visiting the centre. We are very grateful to the Friends for their ongoing support and we are looking forward to working with them on a number of other initiatives that can improve the range of services we offer.”

In the heart of your community Committed to you Friends’ members Tricia Dyke with League of , Lucy Joll, Muriel rish Ger rles Cha k, noc Hazel Can Brenda Jones and ley der Cal is Den Calderley,

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 29

The Odd Down Cycle Circuit has officially opened and it’s already proving a massive hit with cyclists in the community

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ndy Stewart from the Bath Cycling Club believes that the community is already reaping the benefits of this new development, “It is proving to be the amazing facility we hoped it would be. We’ve had a real mix of people using the

A range of bicycles can be hired at Odd Down Cycling Circuit

30 | Connect | Autumn 2013

circuit – over a hundred riders have taken part in at least one of our coaching sessions.

It was designed to be twisty in order to test and develop bike-handling skills, and it certainly does that. It’s a really fun and safe place to ride.” The circuit, which is a collaborative project between the Council

and British Cycling, is part of the ongoing commitment to the Olympic legacy. Such a circuit is unique to the South West – it provides cyclists with an excellent alternative to the area’s open roads and cycle paths.

Cyclists of all levels will now have the opportunity to train and develop in a traffic-free and dedicated environment.

The Council and British Cycling are working hard with local cycling clubs to ensure they get maximum use of the facilities.

A great local asset

“We are really excited about having a closed road circuit right here in Bath”, said Jonathan Arnold from Velo Club Walcot. “One of the most exciting things to come to fruition is the Sulis Scorpions Youth Cycling Alliance. Working in partnership with the Council, local cycling clubs have formed a new youth cycling alliance whereby we are collectively extending coaching to youths in the locality,” he added. “Another benefit has been that we can host competitive racing.

Previously, club activities were restricted to riding on the roads. That’s fine and remains a core activity, but it does restrict opportunities for youths and less confident adult cyclists to progress.

We would like to thank the Council and British Cycling for their investment not just in money, but also in time, effort and passion”.

photography: SALLY HENDERSON

Wheels in motion

Go by Bike

The circuit is accessible to everyone

Our Go by Bike sessions have been running successfully throughout the summer holidays. We will be looking at your feedback and adjusting the sessions/times accordingly. Current sessions include: MONDAYS Over-50s session: 10:30-11:30am, £1 per person Family sessions: midday - 6pm, £1 per person Adult session (including confident teenagers): 6-8pm, £2 per person THURSDAYS Women’s session: 9:30 - 10:30am, £2 per person Learn to Ride: Midday - 1pm, £1 per person (Build confidence in your child if they are struggling to learn to ride) Family session: 2-4pm, £1 per person In addition, the local cycling clubs run races on Tuesday evenings, which is great fun to watch or take part in. Open sessions take place on Thursday evenings from 6pm – dusk, where everyone (including children, from 6-7pm) can join in regardless if you are a club member or not.

And it’s not just the locals who are impressed with the new facilities – two Olympians have given it their seal of approval. The Olympic and World Champion cyclist Dani King MBE opened the facilities in July following Sir Chris Hoy’s earlier visit where he invited cyclists of all ages to join him for a ride around the circuit. Crowds turned up in huge numbers to cheer on the Olympic heroes. “I was lucky enough to have

Sophie & Bethany Taylor at the official opening

and enjoy the benefits of increased fitness in a safe and sociable environment”, says Jim. “Just turn up on the day, sign in and then get cycling, there’s no need to book in advance – the circuit also offers bikes that can be hired for an additional £1 – from scooters for children to tandems”, he adds.

The crowd enjoyed meeting Sir Chris Hoy A nominal fee is charged for use of the circuit to ensure that it is maintained to its currently high standard The redevelopment of Odd Down Playing well into the future.

Fields, will bring the facility into the 21st If you would like to book a session on Century and replace the tired 1970s building, the Odd Down Cycle Circuit either email which do not meet the technical or league getactive@bathnes.gov.uk or call on requirements of the National Governing 01225 396429.

Bodies of Sport. Providing improved facilities will enable the clubs to attract new members, provide an accredited training centre for sport, a regional centre for schools competition in rugby, football and cricket, as well as national events on the Cycle Circuit and is identified as a key site for the growth of disability sport. n

“It is proving to be the amazing facility we hoped it would be. We’ve had a real mix of people using the circuit” a facility like this close to where I lived, and it played a huge role in my development as a cyclist”, said Dani. “With so many young people being inspired by the success of British athletes, in ten years’ time Odd Down Cycle Circuit may well be hailing future Olympic champions!”

The Council’s cycling development officer Jim Imeson has been working on a project called ‘Go by Bike’, which aims to encourage more young people to cycle. The project is all about “getting local people to use the circuit

Further developments

The cycle circuit is only the first phase of the ambitious redevelopment of Odd Down Playing Fields. The plans over the next 18 months include the provision of: n I mproved grass pitches, to include a new cricket square and three non-turf wickets n 3 G Football and Rugby compliant Astro Pitch nN ew Changing Facilities and Community Space

Find out more For more details about the developments on Odd Down Playing Fields visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ odddown

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 31

Adult abuse.

Don’t ignore it Safeguarding vulnerable adults who are at risk in Bath and North East Somerset

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ost of us know that children can be abused and that Social Services are there to deal with it. However, adults can be and often are abused. People can be especially vulnerable if they have a disability, making them less able to protect themselves.

Abuse of an adult at risk can take many forms and includes sexual, physical, financial, emotional, neglect and discrimination. They can also suffer institutional abuse. This is when a setting, for example, a hospital or care home or a service such as a home care agency, undertakes care of a number of people in a way that causes harm or represents a lack of respect for their human rights.

Abusers could be anyone, including relatives, friends, neighbours, strangers, paid carers or volunteers. Abuse can happen anywhere, for example, in someone’s own home, a care home or a public place. Vulnerable adults at risk need other people, members of the public as well as professionals, to support them in getting something done about it.

In Bath and North East Somerset, all the

32 | Connect | Autumn 2013

agencies involved in caring for vulnerable people, work together to respond in a coordinated way to cases of suspected abuse. We aim to ensure that vulnerable adults can be offered help and protection whilst still respecting their rights as adults.

The Local Safeguarding Adults Board brings together local statutory and independent sector agencies working with vulnerable adults at risk of abuse to ensure services work effectively and in partnership to protect adults at risk.

Facts and Figures

l During 2012-13, over 500 safeguarding adults alerts were raised, representing over a 30% increase on the previous year. l 37% of the alerts were for men and 63% were for women. l 55% were older than 65 years at the time of the alert being raised. l People with a physical disability were the largest group to be referred (55%); however, there was a significant increase in alerts for people with mental health needs and learning disabilities made this year in comparison to last. l Physical abuse is the most common cause of abuse followed by financial abuse.

Survey results A recent survey asked vulnerable adults who had been abused how it felt to be supported by the safeguarding process:

86%

of respondents felt able to express their views throughout the process

90% of respondents said they were listened to

76% of respondents were happy with the outcome of the involvement

85%

stated they were treated with dignity and respect It’s everybody’s business: act now.

Find out more

For more information, see www.bathnes.gov.uk/ stopabuse. If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult please telephone Sirona Care and Health on 01225 396000

If you need a little extra help doing your shopping and household cleaning, the new Clean & Shop service from Curo could be just the ticket

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or many people, being able to keep up with day-to-day household cleaning and doing their shopping is the difference between being able to stay living at home or having to move to residential care.

With the Clean & Shop service, one of Curo’s friendly support professionals can help you with your cleaning and shopping for an hour or two a week.

There are other similar services available, but Clean & Shop is different. Clean & Shop is about working with you to get things done.

Customers like the fact that they build towards getting back the motivation and confidence to do some cleaning and shopping themselves with lots of practical help.

“This is the ideal service for people who are recovering from being unwell or who are adjusting to a new life situation,” explains

Harriet Bosnell, Curo’s Head of Care and Support for Older People. “It is about delivering a tailored service to people so that older people and adults with health problems can keep their home as they would wish and have assistance to choose and do their shopping with us weekly. In fact, it is just what I would want for myself and those I care for when the time comes!”

The Clean & Shop service is available to anyone living in Bath and North East Somerset. It is priced competitively and is also available at no cost for people assessed by the Council as eligible. l

Interested? For more information call Curo on 01225 366135 or visit www.curo-group.co.uk/cleanshop

Case study One of the first customers of Curo’s new Clean & Shop service is 83-yearold Heather Elms who lives in Larkhall, Bath. For the past few years Mrs Elms has had carers visiting to do shopping and cleaning for her and she had not been outside her property for a long time.

Mrs Elms chose the Clean & Shop service so that she could get help to do these tasks with someone, rather than having things done for her. With her Enabling Support Officer, Ayesha Chawdhry, Mrs Elms gets support and encouragement to achieve things that she found difficult or was not confident to do alone.

“It has changed my life,” says Mrs Elms. “I can go out with Ayesha and choose my own shopping now.”

Clean & Shop customer Heather Elms and Enabling Support Officer Ayesha Chawdhry

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 33

photography: © Robert Smith 2013

Clean and Shop

Services Directory Do you need some information about a Council-run service?

Help is at hand with this useful guide...

To be put through to someone who can help, call the Council switchboard on 01225 477000 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk for further information

Council Connect n Bus Passes n Dog Warden Service n Fly Tipping n Garden Waste n Grass Cutting n Graffiti Removal nG ritting of Roads (except motorways)

n Libraries n Parks and Open Spaces nP avements and Road n n n n n n n

Maintenance Planning Enquiries Public Toilets Public Transport Recycling and Waste Road Faults and Potholes Road Safety Street Lighting

For all of the above services, contact Council Connect:

Twitter: @ccbathnes Telephone: 01225 394041 Email: councilconnect@ bathnes.gov.uk Text: 07797 806545 Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 (except Wednesdays 09.30 to 18.00).

Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. At other times, for emergencies or dangerous incidents only, please phone 01225 477477.

34 | Connect | Autumn 2013

Aa n Adoption and Fostering Placements, recruitment of adopters and support services. The team also provides counselling for adopted adults and support in accessing birth records.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adoption T: 01225 394949 Google Search: Bathnes Fostering

Bb n Benefits: Housing and Council Tax Support Visit Council Connect in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton, or alternatively, contact a Benefits Officer by phone or email.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/benefits T: 01225 477777 (option 2 for Benefits) Google Search: Bathnes Benefits n Birth Registration Register a birth, which occurred in the district, at Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DT. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/births T: 01225 477234 Google Search: Bathnes Births n Building Control Contact Building Control for help and advice about the building regulation process and any proposed building projects you have.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/buildingcontrol T: 01225 477517 Google Search: Bathnes Building Control

Cc n Cemeteries and Crematoriums Find out about Council-administered cemeteries, when organising a funeral.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/cemeteries T: 01225 396020 Google Search: Bathnes Cemeteries n Community Meals Service This service provides hot meals to those who have difficulty cooking for themselves.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/mealsonwheels T: 01225 394350 Google Search: Bathnes Community Meals n Council Tax Enquiries For account queries about your Council Tax bill, ranging from online payments to exemptions.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/ctaxguide

T: 01225 477777 (option 1) Google Search: Bathnes Council Tax n Curo Curo is the largest provider of affordable housing in the area and offers a range of high-quality care and support services. Contact us using the details below.

W: www.curo-group.co.uk T: 01225 366000 T: 01225 366111 (repairs) T: 0300 123 2468 (anti-social behaviour) E: hello@curo-group.co.uk (enquiries) E: repairs@curo-group.co.uk (repairs)

Dd n Death Registration Register a death, which has occurred in our district, at the Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or at The Hollies High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/deaths T: 01225 477234 Google Search: Bathnes Deaths n Disabled Car Users (Blue Badges) The UK-wide Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bluebadges T: 01225 477133 or 01225 477134 Google Search: Bathnes Blue Badges n Discovery Card Discovery Card holders receive discounts or free entry for numerous attractions in the area.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard T: 01225 477737 Google Search: Bathnes Discovery Card

Ee n Electoral Registration and Elections For queries on voting rights or other election matters.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/elections T: 01225 477333 Google Search: Bathnes Electoral Registration

Ff n Family Information Service The Service holds up-to-date information about all Ofsted-registered childcare, as well as information about working with children and family support.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis T: 0800 073 1214 Google Search: Bathnes Fis n Fire Service, Avon Get updates on the latest news and incidents in your area and view the work we do within the community.

W: www.avonfire.gov.uk T: 0117 926 2061 (non-emergency)

Hh n Housing Services Support and advice for all of your housing issues.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/housing T: 01225 396296 Google Search: Bathnes Housing

Directory

Jj n Jobs with the Council Up-to-date information about job vacancies, equal opportunities, employment and training initiatives.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/jobs T: 01225 396409 (24 hours) Google Search: Bathnes Jobs

Ll n Leisure Centres Bath Leisure Centre, North Parade Rd, Bath BA2 4ET W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/leisure T: 01225 486905 Google Search: Bathnes Leisure and Sport Culverhay Sports Centre, Rush Hill, Bath BA2 2QL T: 01225 486902 (office hours) T: 01225 480882 (after 5pm) Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street, Keynsham BS31 1HE T: 01225 395164 South Wansdyke Sports Centre, Rackvernal Rd, Midsomer Norton BA3 2UG T: 01761 415522 n Licensing Offers a range of information regarding licensing, including alcohol, cinemas and taxis.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/licensing T: 01225 477531 Google Search: Bathnes Licensing

Mm n MOT Testing We offer vehicle MOTs to members of the public and trade for cars, taxis, and some coaches. Book today!

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath_mot T: 01225 477314 Google Search: Bathnes Mot Testing n Museums and Art Galleries Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/museums T: 01225 477789 Google Search: Bathnes Museums Roman Baths and Pump Room T: 01225 477785 Victoria Art Gallery (closed Mondays) T: 01225 477233 Bath’s Historic Buildings (venue hire) T: 01225 477786 or 01225 477782

Nn n NHS Service, Bath and North East Somerset Find out how to register with your local GP or NHS dentist, plus information on other key services.

W: www.banes-pct.nhs.uk T: 01225 831800

Pp n Parking Services For parking queries, Park & Ride, clamping, fines, permits, Blue Badges, Pay & Display, enforcement of restrictions. Visit the website to download maps.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/parking T: 01225 477133 Google Search: Bathnes Parking n Pest Control The Council offers a comprehensive pest-control service for residents.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/pests T: 01225 477551 Google Search: Bathnes Pests n Police Service, Avon and Somerset Stay informed about what is happening in your area, with regular news updates, as well as useful information about crime reduction.

W: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk T: 101 (non-emergencies)

Rr n Record Office The office holds a wealth of information and archives.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/records T: 01225 477421 (closed Mondays) Google Search: Bathnes Records

Ss n School Admissions We deal with applications and can advise about your right of appeal, as well as home-to-school transport.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/admissions T: 01225 394312 Google Search: Bathnes Schools n Sirona Care & Health Providing community health and adult social services in Bath and North East Somerset. For detailed information on the services we offer, as well as online contact forms, visit our website.

W: www.sirona-cic.org.uk T: 01225 831400 n Social Services Visit the Health and Social Care pages on the website for information and advice.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adultcare T: 01225 477000 T: 01454 615165 (out of hours emergencies about adults or children) T: 0808 800 4444 (emergency housing advice, contact the Shelter England 24-hour freephone advice line) Google Search: Bathnes Social Services

Tt

n Trading Standards The Council is responsible for enforcing a range of consumer legislation including misleading advertisements and counterfeit trademarks.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/trading T: 01225 396753 Google Search: Bathnes Trading n Travel Information (Traveline) Traveline provides timetables and journey planners for bus, coach and rail services in the South West.

W: www.travelinesw.com T: 0871 200 2233 (7am to 10pm - Calls cost 10p per minute from landlines) Google Search: Southwest Traveline

Yy n Youth Services Working with young people aged 11-25 years.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/youthservice T: 01225 396980 Google Search: Bathnes Youth Services

How to...

Report leaf litter Autumn is approaching and leaves will start falling from the trees very soon. Our cleansing officers will be doing their best to clear any fallen leaves as soon as they can.

But if you spot an area with a lot of leaf litter we’d like to hear from you.

Visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ reportit and use our “Street Sweeping” form, which you’ll find under section 3 Your Environment.

Please include a note in the “Other Information” box telling us that the problem is leaves, so we can make sure an appropriate officer goes out with the correct equipment.

If you think that the leaves are dangerous (e.g. they are very wet and slippery) then please call us on 01225 394041 instead.

n Taxis and Private Cars – Complaints If you have a complaint regarding any licensed vehicle, contact the Council Licensing Enforcement Officer.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/taxis T: 01225 477689 Google Search: Bathnes Taxi Complaints

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 35

It’s time to apply for schools Is your child in Year 6?

I

f your child was born between 1st September 2002 and 31st August 2003, that is, those in Year 6, they can transfer to secondary school in September 2014. The closing date for secondary applications is the 31st October 2013.

Apply on line at www.bathnes.gov.uk and click on the Schools, Colleges and Learning link followed by Admissions to Schools.

If you think you may need support to help you make your secondary school application, or to choose the right secondary school for your child, we may be able to help.

For further information call Family Information Service on Freephone 0800 0731214 or local number 01225 395343 You can email fis@bathnes.gov.uk or text 07980 998906.

For further information contact the Admissions & Transport Unit on 01225 394312 or email admissions_transport@bathnes.gov.uk Parents of children with additional needs are able to access support from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Parent Partnership Service.

The Parent Partnership Service (PPS) is impartial and confidential, and aims to help parents make informed decisions about their child’s education and to have the confidence to work with a range of professionals who provide support for their child.

PPS offers impartial information, advice and ongoing support to parents whose children are aged between 0-20 years. PPS can provide you with support on a one-to-one basis or you may wish to attend one of the Parents’ Forum Meetings.

The Parents’ Forum always has a guest speaker on a relevant topic of interest and provides a useful opportunity for you to network with other parents; occasionally you may also be consulted on your continuous views to inform local policy and procedures.

To find out more information, you can phone 01225 394382 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk and go to the Parent Partnership pages using the A-Z guide.

About the Family Information Service (FIS) FIS supports local families by providing up-to-date information on a range of family-related issues, including registered childcare, children with additional needs, out of school activities, leisure activities, Children’s Centre services and play.

The Information Team receives calls to the helpline as well as email requests and texts for information. They possess a wealth of information; from lists of local baby and toddler groups to leaflets about parenting support and safe lifestyle choices for teenagers.

The Outreach Team promotes the work of the FIS and regularly visit Children’s Centres, Schools and other places where families meet.

For further information call FIS FREE on 0800 073 1214 or local number 01225 395343 between 8.45am and 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday. You can email fis@bathnes.gov.uk or text 07980 998906 or find FIS on Facebook at facebook.com/bathnesfis 36 | Connect | Autumn 2013

BATH FARMERS MARKET LTD

at Green Park Station, Bath Every Saturday morning between 9 am – 1.30 pm At Bath Farmers Marker you will find a range of stalls selling, fresh, local,seasonal produce at a fair price including: n Meat – organic and non-organic n Charcuterie n Game and Venison n Fresh and smoked fish, including an Oyster Bar n Seasonal organic and non-organic vegetables/fruit including tomatoes, mushrooms, strawberries and organic asparagus n Various Award winning cheeses – local soft, Cheddar, Goats, Ewes, Guernsey n Milk, Yogurt, Cream, Butter and fresh farm eggs n Award winning Jams/ Marmalades/Chutneys n Various Meat Pie stalls including Quiches, Scotch Eggs

nB reads including speciality breads, cakes, pastries, fruit pies including Gluten Free cakes n Speciality Cakes and Desserts n Apple Juice/Cider/Honey n Specialist Coffees n Rapeseed Oil & Mayonnaise n Homemade Pasta n Vegetarian Stalls n Organic Soups n Sushi n Local Ice Cream n Local Herbalist n Herbs & Plants nV arious Speciality stalls including Handmade Chocolates, Falafels, Fudge and Lavender

Most importantly it is the pleasurable experience of shopping at Bath Farmers Market: ✔ It is leisurely ✔Y ou can interact with the producer of the product and ask questions

✔ Plenty of free tasters ✔ GM free ✔ No unnecessary packaging

Bath Farmers Market Ltd was the first Farmers’ Market in the UK and was established in September 1997. The company was established in response to Local Agenda 21 and one of its aims was to provide a producer-managed marketplace for local producers to sell their own produce to local people.

For more information contact Laura Loxton 0777 969 7278

Meet the...

Visitor Services Assistant Courteous, knowledgeable and helpful; these are just some of the traits that Amy Hunt displays to ensure the Roman Baths remains a must-see attraction with any issues that may occur throughout the day.

What aspect of your job do you enjoy most?

When I’m a VSA I love leading guided tours.

It’s great being able to pass on the fantastic history of the Roman Baths.

As a Supervisor it’s usually not possible for me to lead a tour but I still get to meet some wonderful people. We recently embarked on a new style of customer service training whereby we are able to chat with people queuing for entry and show them interesting objects from the collection.

Top fact...

This year the Roman Baths won Silver Award for Large Visitor Attraction in the national VisitEngland Awards

T

he Roman Baths, which is run by the Council, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and earlier this year they took first place in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards for 2012-13. Visitor Services Assistant Amy Hunt tells us about the latest improvements and the role she plays in making each visitor’s trip to the Roman Baths enjoyable.

Describe your typical workday

I have two jobs within the Roman Baths, visitor services assistant and supervisor.

As a VSA, my day is split into 30-minute sections at different areas throughout the building. This includes welcoming guests, handing out audio guides, creating Discovery Cards, running teaching sessions, leading guided tours, patrolling the site and operating the tills.

As a supervisor I help to oversee the smooth delivery of all front of house staffing and visitor services. This involves writing daily rotas, setting up the tills and then cashing them up at the end of the day, training staff, interviewing new members of staff (with my manager) and dealing

38 | Connect | Autumn 2013

house and a temple, Roman treasures and curses, and 2000 years of history. We also run guided tours and audio tours.

Is the Roman Baths a family-friendly attraction?

Definitely! We offer a children’s audio tour, baby carriers, several fun trails, Roman costumed characters and guided tours.

What improvements have recently been made?

We will shortly have a new tactile model of Minerva’s head for people to touch and see the detail up close. The King’s Bath corridor

“Visitors can expect a friendly welcome from our helpful team when visiting this world class attraction” We now even have members of staff who walk through the museum and are able to have small impromptu interactions about some of our mysterious objects. We have had a great response from this although it’s still work in progress.

now has fascinating display of coins in the form of a timeline. They were all thrown in as offerings to the goddess Sulis Minerva in the Roman period.

Is it free for local residents?

The Great Bath of course! In winter, first thing in the morning when the steam swirls or during July and August when we are open in the evening and the torches are lit.

Yes, with a Resident’s Discovery Card. Just come to us with two forms of ID to create the card, it’s then valid for three years. You will receive discounts at attractions all over Bath. It also entitles you to a discount on drinks in the Pump Room and our new restaurant, the Roman Baths Kitchen.

How do you deal with the multitude of international tourists?

As a front of house staff member I try my best to be friendly and helpful to everyone.

Even if I can’t have a conversation with someone a smile goes a long way and I can perhaps offer them another language on an audio guide or in leaflet form. We actually cater for a large number of languages. We also have staff members who speak quite a range of different languages.

What can visitors expect?

Foremost, visitors can expect a friendly welcome from our helpful team when arrive at this world class attraction. They’ll also discover the natural thermal spring, a bath

What is your favourite part of the Roman Baths?

What events do you run?

We run lots of seasonal events throughout the year. Our next event will be Tunnel Tours, which will be part of the Heritage.

Tell us a secret about the Baths

There are symbols of the Goddess Minerva hidden in the carving of the Gorgon’s head.

Can you find them when you next visit? n

Find out more For information about our programme of events, how to find us, opening times, etc, visit our website at www.romanbaths.co.uk. Also, sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Twitter @RomanBathsBath