Connect issue 31 highres

This issue‌

Your guide to Christmas days out in our area

The magazine for the people of Bath and North East Somerset | Winter 2016/17

Proud of...

Celebrating community pride at its very best

Rising to the budget challenge Brought to you in partnership with:

Plus... All the latest

news including how to report flooding and winter weather

Win ÂŁ50

in our phot competitio o n on page 6

Welcome

Winter 2016/17

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

W

elcome to the Winter 2016 issue of Connect magazine.

With Christmas fast approaching, you can find details about a host of events taking place across our area to help you get into the festive spirit (on page 8).

We’re also geared up for whatever the weather brings this winter – you can catch the latest news (page 4) on how our Highways Team are showing “true grit” to help keep our roads moving – no matter how severe the climate becomes.

Whether or not we have a white Christmas this year, you can be sure of a green Christmas by following our recycling advice on page 24, to ensure your wrapping paper, empty bottles and even your Christmas tree are put to good use once you’ve finished with them.

For even more goodwill, check out our “Bursting with pride” feature on page 12 to discover how local groups and individuals are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live, along with suggestions of how you can also get involved in similar good causes.

“Local groups are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live” Finally, we’re looking ahead to the new year with plans to address the budget challenges the Council faces. On page 10 you can find out about the savings we’ve managed to achieve so far, while doing our best to protect frontline services, and how you can help us.

Councillor Tim Warren Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

In this issue...

Newsdesk............................... 4 All the latest news from the area, including your chance to win £50 in our competition

Proud of................................... 6 Joy Fraser tells us how Family Matters works with the Council to help vulnerable people

Events diary..............................8 A host of events across the region to help you celebrate the festive season

Rising to the challenge .........10 The Council has already made substantial savings and can do more with your help

Bursting with pride................12 Groups and communities who have made a difference to their local communities

Making a difference ..............19 Sirona care & health recognise the hard work of their staff at a fifth anniversary celebration

Waste & Recycling................ 24 All you need to know to help you recycle this winter, plus important changes for 2017

Ways to feel good ................. 26 The Wellbeing College has courses and activities to cheer up the winter months

Stay well this winter ............. 28 Advice for staying healthy this season and making the best use of your NHS

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.

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

Services Directory ............... 34 Our handy two-page guide to all the services available from B&NES Council

Proud of ................................. 38 Age UK B&NES Chief Executive tells us about the Hub in a Pub at Chew Stoke

For advertising enquiries contact patwhite@mediaclash.co.uk www.bathnes.gov.uk | 3

Newsdesk Newsdesk

Keeping you informed with the latest news from the area

Severe weather can cause flooding: it’s best to be prepared

Be ready for floods

It might not happen but it is always best to be prepared for flooding

T

here is always the possibility that severe weather conditions might cause flooding this winter, in which case it is best to be prepared. The first priority is protecting life, if there is a risk to life or someone is in danger, telephone the emergency services on 999.

Bath & North East Somerset Council works closely with the Environment Agency and the Emergency Services to plan for and respond to flooding events that may threaten life, safety and property.

Is your home at risk of flooding?

You can find out your flood risk by lookingat the Environment Agency’s flood maps for rivers and surface water. www.environment-agency.gov.uk Similarly, The National Flood Forum can advise on things like finding flood insurance, or ways you can make your home more flood resilient. www.nationalflood forum.org.uk

4 | Connect | Winter 2016

How to report flooding

If your home or business has f looded, it’s important to let the us know so that we can investigate the cause and then do something about it.

You can report it in a number of ways: complete an online form at www.bathnes. gov.uk; email councilconnect@bathnes. gov.uk; Tweet @ccbathnes; call 01225 394041 or text 07797 806545.

If you know the precise cause, please contact the relevant organisation. n Watercourse flooding This occurs when water overoverflows the banks of a river, stream or ditch To report it: contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60. n Surface water flooding This is caused by rainwater, which runs across the surface of the ground and pools in low-lying areas To report it: contact the Council via Council Connect.

n Sewer flooding/burst water mains This happens when the pipes in the network are blocked or when there is heavy rainfall and the sewers cannot cope To report sewer flooding: contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4 600 To report a burst water main: contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4 600 or Bristol Water on 0800 801 011. n

Did you know?

A third of flood-related deaths in the UK involve drivers taking unnecessary risks. Do not drive through flood water!

www.bathnes.gov.uk/latestnews

Better planning for all

F

ollowing last year’s campaign to gather people’s thoughts on the approach and priorities for a Joint Spatial Plan, the four West of England councils are keen to get communities involved in drawing up plans which will steer development in the West of England over the next 20 years.

This Plan sets out updated housing and jobs targets, along with potential locations to accommodate development.

One of its key objectives is to make the most of brownfield land before greenfield locations are identified for development. The joint Transport Vision will provide more detail on the transport improvements needed to address current transport issues and support new growth.

Your input so far has helped influence the emerging plan. We need your local knowledge to help steer future development proposals to the most appropriate places.

For full details, plus planned events across the area and how to make comments, visit www.jointplanningwofe.org.uk/ The Council is also reviewing its Core Strategy and is seeking your views on the scope of this review. The Joint Spatial Plan will

Keynsham High Street The Council is looking at options for a trial highways scheme along Keynsham High Street, which will make the High Street more attractive, support local businesses, improve the pedestrian environment and improve traffic flow. The Council has been working with local members to finalise the design in November to complete the consultation, design and build for the trial to start in April.

Blooming marvellous Make sure you have your say provide the context for the review by setting the revised housing numbers for B&NES up to 2036 and an affordable housing target. The Core Strategy Review will allocate strategic sites at locations identified in the Joint Spatial Plan, and other development opportunities will be identified and allocated. This is also an opportunity to look again at other policy areas such as renewable energy and what is needed to support additional development.

Local involvement at an early stage makes a better plan. So visit the website for details: www.bathnes.gov.uk/corestrategyreview Please let us have your views no later than Monday 19 December. ■

All ready for winter

T

he Council is ready to act should temperatures plummet this winter.

The storage facilities are at full capacity, with some 1,300 tonnes of salt, and there is a nine-strong fleet of gritting vehicles on standby to spread it.

Over 38% of the road network in B&NES is salted by the Council. Th is amounts to more than 260 miles of highway, ensuring maximum support to homes and businesses throughout the area, and this is 8% higher than the national average. There are also more than 400 grit bins available so the public can have access to salt.

News round-up

visitors to get around our area, whatever the weather.

At this time of year, the Council is also very grateful to members of its Snow Warden Scheme, the initiative which encourages people in the local community to volunteer to help clear snow and ice the Council can’t get to with its vehicles.

There is more info on the website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/gritting. For updates on services, you can follow www.twitter.com/bathnes ■

Round-the-clock support

Communities across Bath and North East Somerset, including Midsomer Norton, Keynsham, West Harptree, Radstock, Westfield, Paulton and Bath, won a slew of South West in Bloom Awards this year.

Details of all the winners can be found on http://southwestinbloom.org.uk/news/ Results-for-2016-Competition.aspx

School meals success

Food, glorious food

Schools across the region celebrated National School Meals Week this autumn.

The Council’s school meals service, which recently achieved the Silver Food For Life Catering Mark, is asking local food suppliers to get involved in a new school food contract.

To find out more, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ foodcontract or call 01225 477273.

Get your running shoes on!

Make 2017 the year you get fit, with courses offered by Try Active: Run Start (up to 5km) and Run Strong (up to 10km). Course fee includes a reserved place in the 2017 Chew Valley 10k race. For details, visit www.tryactive.org.

Stanton Drew clarification

In the event of heavy snowfall, the Council is able to operate the gritting fleet around the clock.

Kelvin Packer, Group Manager for Highways and Traffic says: “The Council is committed to making it easier for residents, businesses and

In our last issue (Autumn 2016, page 11), we illustrated a piece about Stanton Drew Parish Council with an image of Stanton Drew Parish Church. We understand that there is no connection and apologise for any confusion.

Set to cope with icy weather

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 5

Proud of...

Family Matters volunteers Family Matters works closely with B&NES Council to support vulnerable families in the area. Chairperson Joy Fraser tells us about the work they do What sort of families do you help?

There may be no adult in work, the children may be not in school, there may be crime or anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, substance abuse, mental health problems – it’s people who are struggling to cope.

Nearly all our families come through B&NES Connecting Families team, and their key workers will already have been working with them for some time.

What happens when you take over?

Top facts...

Family Matters currently has 25 volunteers working with vulnerable families, including Syrian refugee families, across the Bath & North East Somerset region

How did Family Matters start?

This project came out of Bath Christian Action Network (Bath CAN) contacting the Council over how the faith community in Bath could help deliver services to make life better in local communities. It took a year to set up and we went in under the wing of the Genesis Trust, so we have charitable status through that. We trained our first volunteers in 2013, and in the spring of 2014 they started to work with the first families.

We try to empower people to make changes for themselves. Our volunteers are there to listen, but they may also get involved with practical things, such as helping clean the place up. Over an activity like that the conversation can reveal much deeper issues, so it is very much a befriending role.

Can you tell us about your work with Syrian refugees?

B&NES has taken five families under the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme.

These families remain the responsibility of Connecting Families, so our volunteers work very closely with the key workers and do things like helping the families with their English and taking them to appointments.

They also help them find volunteer positions so they can eventually become employable.

Do the volunteers get any training?

They all have training, which covers safeguarding, lone working, health and safety, and issues like that. And we also talk a

Connect competition Name the location?

Do you recognise this city centre location? If you do then please enter our competition.

This photograph was kindly provided by the Bath Records Office (www.batharchives.co.uk)

6 | Connect | Winter 2016

lot about family and parenting, listening skills – all the things they’re going to need.

It seems to be working because none of the families we’ve worked with have been referred back to Connecting Families, and they are delighted about that.

What’s a typical working day like?

My main role is to raise the profile of the project so we can get more volunteers, so I spend a lot of time talking to churches and faith groups. We have a management committee, so I have to make sure the meetings happen, and we hold a support meeting for volunteers once a month so they can share any worries they might have.

What’s the best part of the job?

Hearing the stories coming back from the volunteers about how they’re getting on with their families. Also working alongside people who’ve lost their confidence, and then seeing their confidence growing again so they can make the decisions they need to change their lives. That is really, really rewarding. ■

Find out more To find out more, or to volunteer, visit www.

GenesisTrust.org.uk or call 01225 463549.

WIN

£50!

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: Marie White, Paulton ANSWER: The Vineyards 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.

CALENDAR

events diary Christmas is coming and our area is buzzing with shows, events, exhibitions and markets to make the festive season sparkle

17 & 18 December

Until 3 January

Until 18 December

Good tidings from the American Museum

Christmas fun for children

DECEMBER

■ Bath on Ice Until 3 January Get your skates on for a magical day out for all the family on Bath’s annual ice rink.

10am-9pm daily except Christmas Day at Royal Victoria Park, Bath BA1 2NR. www.bathonice.com 07496 053136 ■ Paradis Palm Court Trio

Saltford Santa Dash 4 December This fun run in aid of charity takes place in Saltford every year and this year’s charity is Butterflies Haven, which supports local families affected by autism.

The Mini Santa Dash (up to age 11) starts at 10am and the Adult Santa Dash (12 years and over) at 11am from Saltford Sports & Social Club ground, Wedmore Road, Saltford BS31 3BY. Entry fee £5 or £13 to include a santa suit.

For more details, visit the website www.saltfordsantadash.webs.com

8 | Connect | Winter 2016

2 December This month the Trio perform Advent and Christmas songs. From 12.30 to 1.30pm at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ. Free. Refreshments available. www.midsomernortoncommunity trust.co.uk; 01761 419133

■ Midsomer Norton Christmas Event 2 December Dressing the town Christmas Tree at 6.30pm in the Hollies Gardens, High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP. Followed by mince pies, carols, Nativity and craft stalls in the Methodist Church. www.midsomernortoncommunity trust.co.uk; 01761 419133

■ Saltford Christmas Market 3 December Stock up on unusual gifts from among the crafts, toys, books, home-made preserves and bric-a-brac on offer and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a warm

Get your skates on!

Avon Valley Santa Special 3 & 4 December Enjoy a festive steam train ride with a visit from Father Christmas and your own special present, plus a mince pie and a festive biscuit while you enjoy the rolling countryside. From 10.30am at Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton BS30 6HD. Tickets from £12.

Book in advance. For additional dates and booking details, visit www.avonvalleyrailway.org 0117 932 5538

mince pie in the café Plus Santa’s Grotto.

From 10am to 3pm at Saltford Hall, Wedmore Road, Saltford BS31 3BY. www.saltfordhall.co.uk 01225 874081

■ Make your own Christmas Wreath Workshop 3 December Spend the afternoon learning how to create a festive wreath which you can hang on your front door this season.

From 2.30 to 4.30pm at No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR. Tickets £30, to include all materials, hot drinks and a mince pie. For more details visit www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk 01225 428126

■ Bishop Sutton Film Club 3 December Free feature film, from 6.30-9pm at The Link, The Street, Bishop Sutton BS39 5UU. Free. For details of tonight’s film and of forthcoming features visit www.bishopsuttonpreschool.org.uk 07843 276593 ■ Only Men Aloud 4 December Welsh vocal group Only Men Aloud, perform traditional Christmas favourites with their trademark wit and musical panache. At Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EP. 8pm. Tickets £27. www.komedia.co.uk/bath 0845 293 8480

■ Christmas Fair 4 December Find a special gift for that special person at this Christmas market. 11am-4pm at The Wellsway, Harptree Hill, West Harptree BS40 6EJ. Free. www.thewellsway.co.uk 01761 221382 ■ Aladdin 8 December to 8 January Coronation Street’s Bill Ward and Gemma Naylor from Go!Go!Go!, star in this season’s pantomime. At the Theatre Royal, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1ET. www.theatreroyal.org.uk 01225 448844 ■ Chew Valley Christmas Fayre 10 December Stalls selling Christmas gifts and produce and lots of crafting activities for children.

From 1pm to 5pm at Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5XD. Adults £1, children free. www.bishopsuttonpreschool.org.uk 07971 330577

■ The Nutcracker 11 December The Royal Ballet performs the classic Christmas story. Recorded live at the Royal Opera House. 2-4.45pm at Victoria Hall, Church Street, Radstock BA3 3QG. www.victoriahallradstock.co.uk 01761 438885 ■ The Bath Camerata Christmas Concert 17 December An annual feast of Christmas music old and new. 7.30-9.15pm at Christ Church, Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RH. Tickets £15 or £7.50 for under-25s. For details visit www.bathcamerata.co.uk 01225 463362 ■ Stamping for Christmas 17 & 18 December Children can decorate their own cards and gift tags using stamps and ink. At the Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT. Free, no need to book. www.victoriagal.org.uk 01225 477233

■ Christmas at Claverton Until 18 December Featuring traditional American toys and games. Tues-Sun, 12noon-4.30pm at the American Museum in Britain, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7BD. Adults £11, children £6.50 and families £28.50. www.americanmuseum.org 01225 460503 ■ Christmas with the Rat Pack 19 & 20 December Experience the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas in the Fifties and Sixties. At the Dragonfly Theatre, Writhlington School, Knobsbury Lane, Radstock BA3 3NQ. Tickets £19.50, concessions £18.00. www.radstocklive.com 01761 502222

For Christmas shopping – it’s a wrap

Bath Christmas Market Until 11 December Still looking for a present for that special person? You’re bound to find something among the sparkling chalets packed with beautiful local handmade gifts which light up the streets around Bath Abbey every year. Plus mulled wine, mince pies and carol singers to get you into the Christmas spirit as you shop. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

JANUARY

■ A History of Fashion in 100 Objects Until 1 January 2019 One hundred star pieces from the Museum’s world-class collection, celebrating fashion from the 1600s to the present day. At the Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH. 10.30am to 5pm. www.fashionmuseum.co.uk 01225 477789

■ Social Life in 17th & 18th Century New England 19 January Judi Grant, former Design and Textiles teacher and currently a guide at the American Museum in Britain, presents this talk for Paulton History Society.

From 7.30pm at Wesley Hall, Park Road, Paulton BS39 7QQ. Entry £2. www.yourpaulton.org

■ Eddie the Eagle 5 January Film about the British ski-jumper who became famous at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Starts at 7.45pm, doors at 7.15pm. At Keynsham Community Space, Market Walk, Keynsham BS31 1FS. £5. www.keynshamfilmworks.co.uk info@keynshamfilmworks.couk

■ Burns Night 21 January Celebrate in one of Bath’s historic venues, with a drinks reception around the Roman Baths, poetry readings and supper in the Pump Room Restaurant.

From 7pm. Tickets £60. To book, email events.bath@searcys.co.uk 01225 444477

■ Midsomer Norton Wassailing 14 January Traditional Crowning of the Wassail King and Queen from 12noon in the Assembly Room, Town Hall, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HQ, followed by singing to the apple trees in the town centre to encourage a good harvest for the coming year. www.midsomernortoncommunity trust.co.uk; 01761 419133

The Radstock Museum Christmas Fair

10 December

A great opportunity to find unusual Christmas gifts, with a variety of stalls throughout the Museum and seasonal music to put you in the festive mood. From 10am to 4pm at the Radstock Museum, Waterloo Road, Radstock BA3 3EP. Free. www.radstockmuseum.co.uk 01761 437722

FEBRUARY

■ NT Live: Amadeus 9 February Peter Shaffer’s play broadcast live from the National Theatre. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm at the Assembly Room Theatre, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, The Island, BA3 2HQ. Adults £12, under-18s £10. www.midsomernortoncommunity trust.co.uk; 01761 419133

■ Keynsham Farmers Market 11 February Local producers gather on the second Saturday of each month. At Market Walk, High Street, Keynsham BS31 1FS. For details of other markets, visit www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk 01934 837285 ■ NT Live: Saint Joan 16 February Gemma Arterton stars in Bernard Shaw’s play. Broadcast live from the National Theatre at the Assembly Room Theatre, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, The Island, BA3 2HQ. Adults £12, under-18s £10.

Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm. www.midsomernortoncommunity trust.co.uk; 01761 419133 ■ Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre 25 February Top quality magic shows every Saturday upstairs at the Ale House Pub, 1 York Street, Bath BA1 1NG. At 7.30pm.

Tickets £10. To book in advance visit www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

Add an event Any member of the public or organisation or 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 your event.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 9

Projected Funding Gap of English Councils by 2019/20 60

Expenditure 55

£ Billion

50

45

40

Funding

35

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2015/16

2014/15

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

30

Source: Local Government Association

Budget Special

Rising to the challenge The Council is on its way to delivering £12m of savings in the current financial year, whilst doing its best to protect frontline services. It will have to save a further £37m over the following three years

P

roviding the most needed services drives everything that we do, however, like most Councils throughout the country, we are facing immense fi nancial challenges.

The Government has been reducing local authority funding for some years and the cost of delivering services has gone up, with many Councils cutting a large number of jobs and services as a result.

At the same time people are living longer and the population is growing, which means that demand for services has increased, putting even more pressure on overstretched resources.

Despite the challenges, we have adapted and become more efficient and innovative, but we need to do more. With your help, we can.

What we have achieved

We’ve already done a lot to ensure that we save money whilst protecting services.

For example, we’ve reduced our offices from 12 to 5, saving £1m every year, and energy efficiencies at our new Keynsham

10 | Connect | Winter 2016

offices mean saving 80% on electricity and 90% on gas.

Other initiatives include sharing waste treatment facilities with other nearby Councils, saving local taxpayers around a further £400,000 over the next 3 ½ years; delivering a new IT strategy, which has already saved £1.6 million; and reducing costs and providing better value for money by relocating staff and public services from four locations to the Bath One Stop Shop and sharing it with other public, charity and voluntary sector organisations.

The challenges ahead

Although we’ve made great progress, as public sector cuts continue to have an impact, we’ll have to make difficult choices about where we target our resources.

We will need to deliver better integration of health and social care, work towards the delivery of more academies, encourage greater use of digital services (such as paying online and reporting issues), and for the community to do more to help themselves.

What’s clear is that even the greatest possible efficiencies will not be enough, due to the scale of the savings we need to make: we need to take a different approach to providing services if we are to achieve the best for all of us and minimise the impact on the most vulnerable people in our community.

Delivering services in a different way

Up and down the country, councils are stepping up to the challenges by changing their relationship with residents, local communities and local businesses – and we are doing this too.

We need to deliver services differently and work in partnerships with local people and businesses to help them continue to play an increasingly important role in their local communities.

Th is could simply be a matter of recycling more or giving up some spare time. If everyone in the area gave an hour, for example, we’d have over 100,000 hours of community service in the bank.

www.bathnes.gov.uk/budget

“We need to take a different approach to providing services” The way forward

We all need to embrace change and recognise we’re in this together. We’ll have a better picture of what needs to be done when the Government announces funding allocation after the Autumn Statement, and we’ll publish the details in January 2017.

What we do know, though, is that whatever our new budget brings, by building on our joint strengths, we can and will thrive. However, what is certain, is that there are still some tough decisions that will need to be made. ■

Raising new income Our efforts to ensure that we continue to deliver much needed services despite the funding pressures also includes finding ways to generate new income.

One of these ways is maximising underusedCouncil assets. We are doing this by converting them into private residential properties for rent.

Other examples of raising new income include: more effective use of the Council’s commercial property estate; more money raised by our Heritage Services; and the retention of business rate income.

The more economic growth we get in Bath and North East Somerset – the better equipped we are to face the budget challenges together.

What we’ve already done well together Here are examples of some of the projects that will achieve both savings and service improvements by working together ■ YOUR CARE YOUR WAY The Council and CCG have endorsed the award of a seven-year contract to Virgin Care to provide community health and care services.

This builds on the strengths of current services and identifies local people’s priorities for improvement – as we strive to meet the rising demand from our ageing population.

■ SEND PROGRAMME PILOT SCHEME Twelve families with children with special needs were offered personal school transport choices. The families were happier, we saved £97k over a year and the scheme may extend to another 70 families.

■ PAULTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY We invested in a new library and over 70 volunteers are enabling it to stay open for 39 hours a week, rather than the previous 14 hours.

■ DOING MORE VIA THE WEBSITE By focusing on delivering more efficient and user-friendly pages via the website (including mobile-friendly), the Council is making it easier for people to report issues and pay for services.

More income to be raised through herit

age

What you can do to help The ways you can help your community and the Council save money – and benefit everyone ■ RECYCLE MORE It costs far less to recycle waste than it does to dispose of it at landfill sites, so recycling more will save us money whilst helping the environment .

■ GIVE UP SOME OF YOUR SPARE TIME Even a few hours of your time helping a local cause, community project or local organisation will have a positive impact. See www.vol-centre.org.uk for ideas.

■ BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR Offer help to older neighbours, for example with their shopping, gardening or walking their dog, and check that they are warm enough in colder weather.

■ VOLUNTEER FOR A LOCAL CHARITY As well as making a valuable and rewarding contribution, you could learn new skills and meet new people. Visit www.vol-centre.org.uk to find out more.

■ LOOK AFTER YOUR OWN ENVIRONMENT Helping out in your neighbourhood – such as the Snow Wardens – can make a big difference and it encourages your neighbours to do the same.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 11

Bursting with pride

The Save The Packhorse campaign helped to unite the local community

Local groups and individuals are already rising to the challenge to make a difference to where they live and in helping the community they are also helping us. It’s community pride at its very best! Here are five examples…

A

t Bath & North East Somerset Council we realise the huge role that community pride has to play in our residents’ lives.

We are extremely proud of our community groups and volunteers, as they are responsible for making such good things happen in their local area. The hard work and dedication of these individuals is what makes our region such a wonderful place to live and work in – and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

We are committed to promoting the impact that these groups and individuals have had within our local region, whether that’s on our website, in the local press or on social media, and we were delighted to have received many examples of local people doing their bit following our call out in the last issue of Connect – thank you to

12 | Connect | Winter 2016

everyone who got in touch with us via email to share such remarkable stories.

Following on from our request, we have picked out five examples that we think demonstrate what having community pride is all about, to help promote the good work of individuals and groups who show pride in their community. ■

Get connected Find information on the Council’s website www.bathnes.gov.uk under ‘volunteering’.

Want to volunteer?

t Bat h and Nor th East Somerse Volu nteer Centre is an independent cha rity provid ing free serv ices to both volu nteers and organi sations across the loca l area.

If you wou ld like some adv ice or to fi nd out more about the volu nteerin g opportu nities ava ilable, simply visit the Volu nteer Centre’s website or view the volu nteerin g opportu nities advertised on the Cou ncil’s website under ‘Volunteer ing’.

www.bathnes.gov.uk/community

Support your community

Proud of...

Bright ideas for B&NES schools

Voulnteer Centre B&NES ■ W: www.vol-centre.org.uk/ T: 01225 338 105

Quartet Community Foundation ■ W: quartetcf.org.uk/ T: 01179 897 716

St John’s Hospital ■ W: stjohnsbath.org.uk/ T: 01225 486400

Local Giving ■ W: localgiving.org/rdp/banes/ T: 01225 486400

Avon Local Councils Association ■ W: www.avonica.org.uk T: 07496 514 035

Big Local ■ W: localtrust.org.uk/ T: 02035 880 565

B&NES Funding Bulletin ■ W: www.bathnes.org.uk/ T: 01225 396539

Bath: Hacked and Transition Bath community groups have joined forces to run an energy efficiency project with a number of schools in Bath & North East Somerset, called Energy Sparks.

Energy Sparks has been awarded national funding to get the project started and will be drawing on the expertise of the two community groups to create an interactive website for school pupils to monitor the schools energy use, and help the school management teams budget their energy cost and identify savings.

One of the features the team are keen to include is a gaming element, to allow schools to earn points and awards for different actions and activities.

“We want to help schools become more energy efficient. This will save them money and also benefit the environment. We plan to do this by giving them better access to their energy usage data, presenting it using simple, easy-to-understand visualisations that the whole school can access and use,” says Leigh

Helping schools beco me more energy efficient Dodds from Bath: Hacked.

“The website will also allow pupils and staff to record their attempts to reduce consumption and see how this impacts usage.”

Energy Sparks are looking for primary schools who want to pilot the newly created website from January 2017. Schools are asked to sign up

by Friday 2 December by emailing sustainability@bathnes.gov.uk and in January will be given a short introduction to the website and a ‘Testers Pack’ for the pupils.

Proud of...

Volunteer drivers help patients SWAN Transport (part of SWAN Advice Network) works across the whole of the region, with a team of volunteer drivers who use their own cars to assist and support people to access outpatient appointments at the Bath Royal United and St Martin’s hospitals, as well as their local doctors’ appointments.

SWAN helps individuals directly and relieves busy carers by making it easier for their loved ones to get to appointments; averaging 1,200 journeys per year.

This helps combat loneliness and isolation for those living alone, particularly if they cannot access conventional public transport. Not only does this save missed apppointments,

which cost the NHS money, it also means that resources can be used elsewhere. Passengers are enabled to use their local community health facilities and to attend appointments.

Speaking of the service, Sarah Oughton, Transport Coordinator for SWAN Transport said: “We regularly receive lots of lovely comments from the members of the public that we assist – people say that the drivers are always friendly and helpful, and that they are grateful to know that they can pick up the phone and talk to understanding people, at a time that can be quite stressful.”

Members of the public can make direct telephone enquiries and register with the scheme at no cost. SWAN then

Barry Hobbs, volunteer driver asks for a suggested donation to cover running costs for any journeys that are booked.

For more information, give them a call on 01761 439548.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 13

Proud of...

Community pub saved by campaign Located in South Stoke, The Packhorse was a traditional British pub, one of the oldest in our area. It closed in May 2012, which caused upset among many local people. Despite it being sold, the pub remained empty for several years, and as a result a community action group was formed with the aim of purchasing it and restoring it to its former glory.

As part of a campaign called “Save the Packhorse”, individuals were invited to purchase shares with the aim of raising £525,000 to buy the pub. In September this year, the group was delighted to announce the purchase was complete and it now belonged to the community. So far, thanks to the fantastic support received from local people, they have more than 280 investors who have contributed £700,000.

A spokesman for the action group said: An impressive 280 investors contributed “We are eternally to the cause to save The Pac kho rse grateful to and totally inspired by the hundreds of investors and volunteers in our local community who are helping us to save this unique and historic pub.”

Community assets such as this can help reduce loneliness and isolation which may, in turn, impact on people’s health and wellbeing. To see another example of this positive action, go to page 38.

Volunteering at Christmas Would you like to do something amazing this Christmas, and give up your time to support patients and their relatives? Friends of the RUH have around 300 volunteers who give their time to help patients, visitors and staff at the hospital on a regular basis, and are responsible for providing support and assistance in the following ways: ■ Hospital guides – showing people around the RUH and helping them get to where they need to go ■ Ward volunteers – chatting to patients and providing them with teas and coffees ■ Volunteers who repair patient’s sticks and crutches ■ Volunteers who work in the hospital shop and the coffee shop If you enjoy working with people, there should be a volunteering opportunity that suits you – whether you like the idea of working in a shop, prefer to be outdoors gardening or simply having a chat, Friends of the RUH has something for everyone!

In order to become a volunteer for Friends of the RUH, you must be over 16 years old and, as long as you are fit enough to undertake the role, there is no age limit. You can commit as much time as you like, and all that is asked is that volunteers commit to coming to the RUH once a week. Many volunteers arrange a regular day or time to support the charity, and the charity works on a rota system to manage the time that people give. Free car parking is also provided for all volunteers at the RUH, all training is provided and you will be given ongoing information and support throughout your time with the Friends.

14 Connect | Winter 2016

This Christmas, Friends of the RUH are looking for volunteers to bring some festive cheer to patients, at what can potentially be quite a lonely and isolating time, especially if family and friends don’t live close by and are unable to visit.

Whether you visit with people? you enjoy working Do the wards over the Christmas period and serve teas and coffees to patients, or help run the gift trolley that goes out on Christmas Eve, you can be assured that you will be making a huge difference to patients, and you’re bound to bring a smile to many faces.

“Friends of the RUH are looking for volunteers to bring some festive cheer to patients” If you’d like to give up some time and get involved in supporting Friends of the RUH this Christmas, please call 01225 824046 to speak to a member of the Volunteer Services Team. For more information, you can also visit their website: www.friendsoftheruh.org.uk.

www.bathnes.gov.uk/community Proud of...

Proud of...

Running for a good cause

Dishing up community benefits

GoodGym is an innovative alternative to the traditional gym, and helps you get fit by doing good.

It consists of a group of runners who combine regular exercise with helping our communities.

It’s achieved by people undertaking physical tasks which benefit the community and keep them fit.

You can run in a pack to work on a community project and/or support older people in the community by doing one-off missions or committing to a weekly social visit as part of your running programme. GoodGym members get the help of a qualified trainer and support to achieve your goals.

Something they have been working on is helping to tackle loneliness among older people: over a million people aged 65 and over admit to always or often feeling lonely, and 17% of those living alone see family and friends less than once a week.

As one person describes it: “With aging you lose a lot of friends.

It’s really sad, and it does affect your quality of life. Loneliness is difficult to cope with.”

GoodGym is committed to making a contribution to improving quality of life for older people. As it says on their website (www.goodgym.org): “From Southdown to Larkhall we run the streets helping those most in need. We’re always up for welcoming new runners, so if you’re in the area come and join in.”

Bath College, The Volunteer Centre and Business in the Community (the Prince’s Responsible Business Network) came together to host the first Bath Soup event in November at Bath College. The aim of the event was to bring together people with a desire for a better community.

Everyone in attendance paid a minimum of £5 and the purpose of the evening was to watch five people pitch an idea, Dragons’ Den-style, to improve their local community.

Everyone received a bowl of soup to eat, plus a chance to chat and mull over the pitch they wanted to vote for, with the winner receiving all the cash raised on the night.

More importantly, this is an opportunity to bring together people who share a desire for a better community.

To find out more information about the Bath Soup Project and how to get involved go to the website www.vol-centre.org.uk.

The Bath Soup team: helping the community

Proud of...

Who are you proud of?

If you’ve been inspired by someone who has been making a positive difference in the community then we would like to hear from you.

wi GoodGym: Running

th a purpose

Let us know who you would like to nominate and why, and we will feature them in the next issue of Connect.

Email connectmagazine@bathnes.gov.uk with the subject ‘Proud Of…’

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 15

Get your home ready for winter Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Energy at Home Scheme can help you make your home warmer, healthier and more efficient.

With the weather getting colder it’s time to think about getting your home ready for winter. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Energy at Home Scheme is here to help.

GRANTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

We provide a free telephone advice service to help you with any home energy related queries you may have such as: ● how to get a better deal on your energy bills ● how to get the most out of your heating system ● how to tackle damp, mould and condensation ● which energy saving measures may be

appropriate for your home

● which grants and extra support you may be

eligible for

There are grants currently available to help towards the cost of improving your home’s insulation including solid wall, cavity wall, loft and room-in-roof insulation. The level of grant available is subject to the findings of a home energy assessment. The assessment costs £25 unless you are eligible for a free one.

Additional help for heating and insulation measures may be available for those on a low income and meeting eligibility criteria.

The Energy at Home Scheme has been running for 2 years offering advice to over 2,000 people, and has helped more than 300 households access grant funding to help them install energy saving measures.

All grants available through the Energy at Home Scheme are subject to availability and eligibility.

In partnership with

Speak to one of our friendly energy advisors today Freephone 0800 038 5680 advice@energyathome.org.uk | www.energyathome.org.uk

Making a difference The hard work and dedication of Sirona’s staff are celebrated at a ceremony marking the organisation’s fifth anniversary

The Community Equipment Service

The Paediatric Audiology Service Maggie Dance and the staff at Cleeve Court

T

he fantastic work of our staff that go above and beyond on a daily basis will be our legacy in Bath and North East Somerset, chief executive Janet Rowse said at Sirona’s annual awards ceremony.

The event was marking five years of the not-for-profit social enterprise and recognised individuals and teams whose work made a difference to the lives of others.

Sirona care & health specialises in providing high quality community health and social care services and nominations for the awards came from the public and staff.

Janet said that, although some of Sirona services will be transferring to a new provider in April 2017, it was a night to celebrate how staff make a difference to the lives of hundreds of people day in, day out.

She said: “It is important that we don’t let the outcome of the your care your way procurement for a Prime Provider of services from April next year cloud our view about all the things that we have achieved in our first five years because that will be the legacy we leave behind in

David Purdon, Felic ity

Hudd, Alison Griffiths

B&NES and it is the foundation from which we will continue to grow.”

Occupational therapist Mark Greenwood received the Chief Executive’s Award for Taking it Personally from Janet for his dedication to the care of a couple living in Bath and for giving up his day off to be with the husband throughout the day of his wife’s funeral, ensuring he could attend all aspects of the day and return home safely.

He had not been out of the house for two years before that day.

The Sirona Stars were special awards given by the Board to mark Sirona’s fifth birthday to recognise achievement, dedication, team working and the outstanding care given to those who use Sirona services across Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The winners, announced by chairman Simon Knighton, non-executive directors Dusty Walker and David Purdon and Janet, were: ■ Maggie Dance and the team at Cleeve Court Community Resource Centre, Bath, for their amazing work with people with dementia and achieving the Dementia

Simon Knighton, David Purdon, Janet Rowse, Cathy Daffada, Dusty Walker

Matters Butterfly Accreditation

■ Felicity Hudd and Alison Griffiths on

behalf of the Emergency Preparedness Resilience Response Service for their response to the Bath Bomb ■ Alistair Walter and the Community Equipment Service for achieving a nationally recognised Quality Mark, ISO certification 9001 ■ Dr Adrian Dighe and the Paediatric Audiology Service named best in the country for newborn hearing screening and ■ Cathy Daffada for her work in South Gloucestershire in setting up an innovative rehabilitation service enabling more people to be cared for in their own homes.

This year the awards, which were held at the Assembly Rooms in Bath, were sponsored by CFH Docmail and Sicon.

Committed to Excellence www.bathnes.gov.uk | 19

Colleague of the Year: Winner: Administrator Natalie Pearce, Downend.

Shortlisted: Sandra Brooks, Bath; Karen Horler, Somer Valley; Claire Ramster, Midsomer Norton; Robert Maisto, Bath and Teresa Williams, Bath.

Leadership: Winner: Head of Adult Speech and Language Therapy Victoria Cooper, BaNES and South Glos. Shortlisted: Nicholas Wood, South Gloucestershire and Chiquita Cusens, North East Somerset; Craig Adams, Bath; Cathy Daffada, South Glos; Simon Allen, BaNES; Sarah Elliott, South Glos.

Team of the Year: Winners: Carrswood Day Service, Bath, and Frailty Service, South Glos. Shortlisted: Switchboard/Reception at St Martin’s Hospital, Bath; Connections Day Service, Midsomer Norton; Cleeve Court Community Resource Centre, Bath; Complex Health Needs Service, BaNES; Emergency Preparedness Resilience Response Service across Sirona.

Colleague of the year Winners: Natalie Pearce pictured with Clive Bassett, Sirona’s Finance and Commercial Director

The Leadership Award

Learner of the Year

Learner of the Year: Winner: Nurse Rachel Taylor, Bath. Shortlisted: Jordon Newberry, Bath; Daniel Whitchurch, Kingswood.

Rising Star: Winner: Administrator Courtney Davis, Kingswood. Shortlisted: Katie Rademaker, Active Ageing Service Rebecca Brockway, Patchway; Kate Ellison, Severnvale; Courtney Davis, Kingswood and Nicola Dunford, Sirona HQ. “I Think They Deserve It” award: Winner: Community Neuro & Stroke Team and Maxine Read, the Mental Health Reablement Team. Shortlisted: physiotherapist Catherine Atkinson, Bath; the District Nursing Team, St Mary’s Surgery, Timsbury; Lorraine Perdicchia and Maria Parsons, Cleeve Court.

Chief Executive’s Award for Taking it Personally: Winner: Mark Greenwood from the Bath Reablement Team. Shortlisted: Janette Welsh, Bath; Social Worker Molly Caradine in Keynsham; Sirona’s Community Equipment Service in Norton Radstock; Paediatric Audiology Service, Bath, Hazel Roddan, Yate; Barbara Waldron, Bath.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community: Winner: Patricia Lysaght for setting up tea dances in Bath. Shortlisted: Simon Allen and Julie Harrington for their work with Somer Valley FM in Radstock, and Amy Perrin, The Marmalade Trust. ■

20 | Connect | Winter 2016

Winner: Victoria Cooper with Jenny Theed, Operations and Nursing Director

Winner: Rachel Taylor receiving her award from Liz Richards, Sirona’s Human Resources Director

Chief Executive’s Award for Taking it Personally Winner: Mark Greenwood, from the Bath Reablement Team, pictured with Sirona’s Chief Executive Janet Rowse

Team of the Year

“I Think They Deserve It” award

Winners: Carrswood Day Service, Bath (pictured) and the South Gloucestershire Frailty Team

Rising Star winner

Winner: Courtney Davis receiving her award from Richard Tarring, Sirona’s head of IT

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Winner: Patricia Lysaght for setting up tea dances in Bath, pictured with Linda Frankland, Sirona’s Finance Lead

Winner: The Community Neuro and Stroke Team and (top) Maxine Read from the Mental Health Reablement Team

Award winners

Winners: All this year’s winners gather round, with Sirona’s Chief Executive Janet Rowse and Chairman Simon Knighton (centre)

Committed to Excellence www.bathnes.gov.uk | 21

The Oscars of Nursing An innovative project by Sirona’s Learning Disabilities Nursing team and Healthy Lifestyle Service has won a prestigious national award

S

arah Button, Healthy Lifestyle Service Manager; Dee Buchanan, Community & Primary Care Liaison Nurse and Emma Evans, Primary Care Liaison Nurse both with the Bath Locality Learning Disability Service scooped the top prize in the Learning Disabilities Nursing category of the Nursing Times Awards – dubbed the “Oscars” of nursing.

The trio’s Journey to Wellbeing project impressed the judges for offering joined-up support across services and the involvement of service users in its production.

The initiative is a fun, accessible and interactive toolkit which has been developed in partnership with Creativity Works and helps to support communication, change lifestyles, empower service users to participate and make decisions as well as raising awareness of learning disability services.

Sarah said: “The aim of the toolkit is to enable individuals to understand the consequences of personal actions associated with health and wellbeing in a fun, accessible and interactive manner. We were so pleased

and so shocked to win.”

The toolkit was created with the help of the Sirona Foundation – Sirona’s charitable arm which aims to support the health and wellbeing communities served by Sirona. Dusty Walker, a Trustee of the Sirona Foundation, said: “We had no hesitation when we were originally approached in approving this request for funding.

The enthusiasm of the staff and the innovative nature of the proposal shone through “Pleased and shocked to win” and we are so glad that this has been recognised in this way.”

Jenny Theed, Director of Operations always seeking new and innovative ways to and Nursing for Sirona, said: “This was a meet the needs of all individuals ensuring fabulous achievement and I am enormously that those who know best – the individuals proud of everyone involved. For our staff, themselves – are at the heart of the design and working across teams to ensure joined up delivery processes. It is fantastic to have this services for people is the norm and they are recognised on a national stage.” ■

Thank you!

Earlier this year you were invited to tell us what you thought about our services in our fifth annual organisational survey

W

e are delighted to tell you that the majority of people who took part in our survey felt that they were treated kindly and with care, and most felt the service provided met their needs.

This result complements the Friends and Family Test findings, which show that 97 per cent of those who use our services

22 | Connect | Winter 2016

would also recommend us to others.

Janet Rowse, Sirona’s chief executive, said: “Understanding the experience of those who use our services is important to us as we are judged on the experience that people have. We consistently hear stories from people and their families as to how our staff consistently go above and beyond in their care for them.” ■

Waste & Recycling

Happy Christmas and thank you for all you have recycled this year Our guide to recycling and rubbish collections over the festive period

Cards can go in your green box

Recycle more this Christmas

As we throw away more rubbish at Christmas than at any other time of year, this Christmas is a good opportunity to get into the habit of recycling more.

Please remember to recycle common Christmas items.

Recycle more this Christmas

Recycling and rubbish Christmas collections

There will be NO recycling and rubbish collections on Monday 26 December.

If your collection is due on this day, your next collection will be on Monday 2 January.

All other collection days will remain the same, even if they fall on a Bank Holiday.

Garden waste and Christmas tree collections

There will be no garden waste collections for two weeks from 26 December to 6 January 2017. Normal collections will start again from Monday 9 January. We will collect your real Christmas tree for free from 9-27 January as part of the fortnightly garden waste collection, or you can take it to your nearest recycling centre.

Please cut your tree if it is more than 1.2m tall, so that it will fit into the vehicles, and remove the pot and any decorations.

Put it at the edge of your property on your collection day so crews can see it easily.

To fi nd out which week your tree will be collected, please check our website or garden waste calendar.

24 | Connect | Winter 2016

Recycling Centre closures

The Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January). They will be open as usual on all other days.

Bad weather updates

If there is bad weather this winter, please check the Council’s website and local radio stations for updates on your collections.

To find out more For more information and updates you can visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ wasteservices

Food: do not put any food in your black sack rubbish. All food, including turkey bones, leftover cooked food and plate scrapings can go in your food recycling bin (you can now use everyday household plastic bags to contain your food, as well as compostable bags and newspaper).

For tips on how to waste less food and save money this Christmas, please go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com Green recycling box: ■ paper, including greetings cards, gift tags and wrapping paper (white backed, non-foil) ■ plastic bottles and pots, tubs and trays used to contain food, including cream pots, ice-cream tubs, fruit and take-away trays (no black plastic thanks) ■ cans, tins and aerosols including biscuit and sweet tins, glass bottles and jars including mincemeat and cranberry jars ■ foil including mince pie and quiche cases and take-away trays ■ textiles including unwanted Christmas jumpers (in plastic bags to keep dry).

Blue bag:

■ all cardboard, including cardboard boxes

and packaging

■ brown paper and food and drink cartons.

www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

Small electricals recycling

At Christmas we often receive new electrical gifts but please don’t throw away the old ones in your rubbish as they can easily be recycled.

The amount of electrical waste we throw away is increasing by around 5% each year, which makes it the fastest growing waste stream in the UK (1). You can recycle small electricals from home including broken fairy lights, electronic toys, mobile phones and toasters.

Just put them in a carrier bag next to your green box on your collection day.

Did you know? Recycling one clothes iron can produce enough steel to make 13 new cans.

And don’t forget to recycle all your household batteries too – wait until you have a few and put them in a small, tied plastic bag on top of your green box, so our crews can spot them.

(1) recycle-more.co.uk

Changes to your recycling and rubbish collections autumn 2017 As detailed in the last issue of Connect, our plans to change our rubbish collection service are moving forward. Wheeled bins will be given to the majority of homes in Bath and North East Somerset and these will be collected every other week. Recycling, including food waste, will continue to be collected weekly.

We realise ‘one size does not fit all’ so in a small number of cases, where a 140 litre wheeled bin is not suitable for the property or family situation, we may provide a larger bin or a re-usable rubbish bag to contain rubbish for collection. We are exploring alternative arrangements for some properties where collections every other week for rubbish may not be possible.

In the spring look out for a letter to your home letting you know whether you have been allocated a wheeled bin or re-useable rubbish bag to contain your rubbish. If the container we allocate to you is not suitable for your situation, please contact us. We will provide advice and we could visit you to decide the best solution.

During the spring and summer we will be organising plenty of road shows with opportunities to view the bins and bags, talks to community and resident groups and door knocking, with lots of opportunities to ask questions.

Check our ‘frequently asked questions’ on our website www.bathnes.gov.uk/recycle for regular updates to help keep everyone informed.

Want us to come and talk to your community group about the changes?

Please email wastecampaigns@bathnes.gov.uk

Need another green box or food recycling bin to help you recycle more?

You can now order your free recycling containers online www.bathnes.gov.uk/orderacontainer or contact Council Connect councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 39 40 41

News round-up Keynsham Furniture sale

Saturday 28 January 2017 10am – 12 noon Good quality second-hand furniture on sale at bargain prices including some items for free. All items have been brought to our Recycling Centres by our residents.

Many items are suitable for upcycling projects. All items must be paid for in cash and taken away during the sale hours.

Next door to Keynsham Recycling Centre, Pixash Lane, BS31 1TP www.bathnes.gov.uk/furnituresale

Please keep our crews safe

The recycling crews have recently been fi nding broken glass in lots of green boxes put out for collection. Recently two crew

Broken glass can be dangerous for our crews

members have been cut by sharp shards of glass puncturing their gloves when putting their hands into green boxes.

Please use your green box to recycle unbroken glass bottles and jars only – we cannot collect window panes, mirrors, drinking glasses, bowls etc. If you have broken glass, please wrap in lots of newspaper, tape up and put into your rubbish collection or take to one of our Recycling Centres and put into the rubbish container. recycle-more.co.uk

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 25

Ways to feel good this winter

Sign up to one of the activities offered by the Wellbeing College to help you feel positive throughout the season

W

inter can be a time for hibernating, but you still need to spend time in the daylight, keep up or start an exercise regime and make sure you are eating well. We have courses and activities that you can attend, mostly free of charge, to help you with all these things and more. You need to be 16 or over and live in B&NES. Here are some of the courses that might inspire you. ■

■ Massage for Wellbeing Find out how massage can help you develop a real sense of wellbeing. After a practical demonstration we practise the moves ourselves, fully clothed of course! We will find out how massage can improve how we feel, and learn a few massage techniques to take away to help someone else feel better too. @wellbeingcollegebanes @WellbeingBanes 26 | Connect | Winter 2016

■ For your diary Come and meet us at Southdown Methodist Church hall on 24 January from 2-4pm. You can hear more about our courses and activities, join us for tea and find out how we can help you with your wellbeing.

■ Winter Cookery Learn to make soups, stews, bakes and breads, make use of winter produce, cook cheap delicious food and enjoy lunch together. This 10-week course is suitable for any adult who wants to join in preparing and cooking food, to socialise and learn new skills and improve their wellbeing by connecting and sharing with others.

■ Woodland Wellbeing Why not join us in Greyfield Woods for a short walk, relax with a cup of tea brewed on the fire, and watch the bluebells emerge in the spring?

This is an ideal place to practise being mindful and shrug off your worries.

Contact us

To find out what we have to offer, look at our website at www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk or give us a ring on 01225 831820 and we can post you a copy of our programme. If you would like to come and talk to us about your wellbeing, you can make an appointment and we will meet you for a friendly conversation and let you know about things you might be able to do.

nhs.uk/staywell

Sanjay Ganvir, Pharmacist

❄ Get ready for winter Winter health advice ■ Keep warm

Keep your home at least 18°C (65°F) if you can. This will help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.

■ Be prepared Get advice from your local pharmacy at the first sign of a cough or cold, and stock up on any medicines you or your family need for the winter.

■ Get a flu jab

If you are pregnant, over 65 years old or have a long-term condition such as diabetes or heart disease, you are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

Children aged 2-7 years old are also eligible for the free nasal spray vaccination.

Flu can lead to serious complications so don’t delay, book a flu jab with your GP or pharmacy today.

❄

❆

Dr Elizabeth Hersch GP in Midsomer Norton “Winter conditions can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or over, and people with long-term conditions. We want to help protect you and those you care for so please pass this advice onto any friends or family who may be at risk this winter.”

Getting help Call 111

If you need medical help fast, but it’s not life threatening or you’re not sure where to go, a 111 adviser will assess you and direct you to the best placed service in your area.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Get early advice from your pharmacist

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare experts and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets.

You don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call. Your pharmacist will tell you if you need further medical attention.

Book an appointment with your GP

GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it. If you have a minor illness or injury (infection, vomiting, stomach ache) that can’t wait until your GP surgery is open then you can book an out-of-hours appointment at the Urgent Care Centre by calling 111.

A&E is for emergencies only

A&E

A&E departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice. www.bathnes.gov.uk | 29

Call: 01225 396007 Email: Council_Connect@bathnes.gov.uk

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 n n n n n n n n n n

(except motorways) Libraries Parks and Open Spaces P avements and Road 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 | Winter 2016

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 a One Stop Shop 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 Google Search: Bathnes Benefits n Birth Registration Register a birth, which has occurred in the district, at our Register Offices in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton.

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 Children’s Centre 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: 01225 395343 Google Search: Bathnes Fis 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/counciltax T: 01225 477777 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 the district, at our Register Offices in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton.

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 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 9262061 (non-emergency)

Directory ■ RATS ■ MICE ■ FLEAS ■ WASPS ■ COCKROACHES ■ AND MANY OTHERS Contracts also undertaken • No obligation quotes

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

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 439680 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, BANES Find out how to register with your local GP or NHS dentist, plus information on other key services.

W: www.bathandnortheastsomersetccg.nhs.uk T: 01225 831800 E: BSCCG.information@nhs.net

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 and businesses.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/pests T: 01225 396007 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 Taxi and Private Hire 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

All treated by expert Pest Control Officers

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 Connect Working with young people aged 11-25 years.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/youthconnect T: 01225 396980 E: youth_service@bathnes.gov.uk Google Search: Bathnes Youth Connect

How to...

Make the most of Registration Services…

We now have Register Offices based at four locations across Bath and North East Somerset: n Guildhall, Bath n Royal United Hospital, Bath n Keynsham One Stop Shop n The Hollies, Midsomer Norton

Births and deaths can be registered at any of our four offices. Notice of marriage or civil partnership can be given at the Guildhall, Keynsham One Stop Shop or The Hollies.

We also hold Citizenship Ceremonies for new British citizens at the Guildhall office.

All services are by appointment only.

To make an appointment please call 01225 477234.

We also offer a range of nonstatutory ceremonies which enable people to celebrate important aspects of their lives with their family and friends.

For more information please contact the Register Office: Tel: 01225 477234 Email: register_office@bathnes. gov.uk

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 35

Proud of...

The Hub in a Pub Team

Janet Dabbs, Chief Executive of Age UK B&NES, tells us about the success of their Hub Day at The Stoke Inn in Chew Stoke, and all the other good work the charity does for older people in the community

Top facts...

Age UK B&NES support 12,000 older people and their families and carers across Bath & North East Somerset with a staff of 45 and around 200 volunteers

How did Hub in a Pub start?

It started in 2013. Lee, who manages The Stoke Inn, felt there might be older people in the village who felt lonely and isolated, so I had a meeting with him and we set up the Hub in a Pub. We do a number of different things there, but the mainstay is Gadget Busters, which happens on a Wednesday.

People can bring in any gadget they have difficulties with and get advice – it could be iPads, phones, cameras, anything. One of our volunteers supported a person to get internet connection at home, and they were able to Skype their son in Hong Kong whom they hadn’t seen for a year.

What other activities are on offer for older people in Chew?

We have the Craft and Social group and the Lunch Bunch, who meet once a month. We also run an Information & Advice service and, because the Chew Valley is quite spread out, we have a volunteer who makes home visits. We have a Walking Group there, a Gentle Exercise class and Tai Chi, which is fantastic for balance and keeping fit. We also do Cook & Eat, which is due to start in

January in partnership with Bath College, and was set up mainly for men. Another thing for men is Walking Football and that’s really popular.

say to people, even if they’re not formally volunteering: “If you think there’s somebody on your street who could do with a friendly ‘Hello’, don’t be frightened to say it.”

Can you tell us a bit more about the work of Age UK B&NES?

What’s a typical day for you?

We’re a local independent. We have our own board of trustees, and any funds that are raised here are used here. As well as Hub in a Pub, we run a whole lot of services and activities across the county, such as Home from Hospital, for example, where we go in and talk to people on the wards and take them back home and make sure everything’s okay in the house. We then continue to visit for four to six weeks. Underlying everything we do is a desire to encourage people to build up networks, to make friends and to go and do things outside of our activities. And it’s important for people to know that we’re here.

If anybody needs anything, they can phone us up and we can support them or signpost them to another organisation that can.

Who makes use of your services?

Quite a number of people are over 100 – I think the oldest person we have is 102.

And the youngest is probably about 50.

The people who attend our Day Centres are usually over 80. Lots of older people live really well – old age doesn’t have to be a bad experience. You can make small changes that are really life-enhancing, and there are preventative measures you can take to keep healthier for longer.

And what about your volunteers?

We have 200 and they come from all walks of life. We couldn’t do what we do if we didn’t have volunteers. We also offer support for them and create an environment where they can meet up with each other. Another thing we do in the Chew Valley is Befriending and we’ve got about 80 people our volunteers go to see every week on a one-to-one basis. We focus on people who find it difficult to get out and who have few visitors. The difference that a Befriender makes is incredible, so they’re worth their weight in gold. I always

“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. They’re an amazing resource” 38 | Connect | Winter 2016

Every day is different and one of the things that keeps me going is the variety. I’m very interested in the expansion of preventative services and in looking at new ideas. We’re looking at Men in Sheds at the moment, which started in Australia and is about men getting together to refurbish tools, which are shipped out to developing countries. It’s good because when they get together, they talk!

I also fundraise, look for new opportunities, do talks, support staff, develop services and visit our different activities, which is always amazing because it makes me think: “This is why I do my job.” At the moment I’m working on our Winter Warmth service.

We do shopping for people, visit them when they’re snowed in, check they’re on the best energy tariff and so on. It’s very important for older people to stay warm in winter.

What’s the thing you like best about your job?

Talking to older people. What they always have is their life experience and their stories, and I love stories. One lady told me she was a Tiller Girl, another was a spy. When you finish your working life you don’t just go through a sausage machine and come out as a 65-year-old person. You’re still the same person, with all your history. And that’s what I want to bring out in people: the idea that when they get older they still have an enormous amount to contribute. ■

Find out more To learn more about Age UK B&NES, or to volunteer, visit www.ageukbanes. co.uk , email reception@ ageukbanes.co.uk or call 01225 466135. Also find them on Facebook: facebook.com/ageukbathandnorth eastsomerset and follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/ageukbanes