History

Why broadband needs to be affordable to all

The pandemic has shown just how important access to the internet has become. It has allowed us to carry on working, home schooling, having medical appointments and keeping in touch with family and friends.

But the financial effects of the lockdowns have started to bite for some of the most financially vulnerable in our communities. For many, just when they have lost income or even their jobs and fallen into debt, broadband has become less affordable at the time it is most needed.

For example, if you are applying for benefits such as Universal Credit or are looking for jobs online, broadband access is essential. With libraries closed it has become so much harder without your own connection.

Broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s something we all need access to, especially those looking to rebuild their lives in the wake of the pandemic. Recent research by Citizens Advice found that about 2.3 million people had fallen behind on their broadband bill.

So if you find yourself in this position, here are some things that you can consider doing: • If you can’t pay your mobile, phone, internet or TV bill you should be able to get help from most providers, so contact them and ask what they can do to help. • If your provider won't help you, you might be able to switch to a different provider or find a bundle or combination deal. • If you work for the NhS your provider might be able to give you extra help. Contact your provider and ask what they can do to help.

You can access free, independent and confidential advice from Citizens Advice in Mendip.

Following government advice, our offices are currently closed for face-to-face sessions, but please visit our website www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk for details of how to email us.

Alternatively, you can contact our free Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87 842 open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

Citizens Advice Mendip is an independent charity which receives no government funding. If you would like to donate and help to continue their work locally, please visit their website to use the Donate button or to email them.

Ian Byworth, chief executive Citizens Advice Mendip

Lockdown buddies

PUPIlSat Cameley Church of england Primary School were in for a surprise when they turned up to find the school’s PTA were giving Buddy Bears to each of the pupils and staff.

The bears, all wearing a Cameley T-shirt, are to keep the children company whilst they are working remotely at home or are at school, but missing their friends. head teacher, hannah Maggs said: “On our return to school the bears should live happily at home as a memento of persevering in this difficult and trying time.”

The school has been discussing children’s mental health during the pandemic. She said: “The school has held a wellbeing week, focusing on the ways in which we can be supporting children's mental health throughout this time.

“Activities have included giving the children a stress ball, focusing on mindfulness activities and giving the children extra opportunities to be outside exploring nature.”

Transport chiefs improve links to vaccination centres

BUS operators and community transport providers are working with Somerset County Council to help vulnerable residents get to their Covid vaccination appointments.

While many older and more vulnerable people will be able to attend a location close to their home, some will be relying on public transport.

First West of england are now providing a service every 30 minutes from Wells Bus Station via Shepton Mallet terminating at the Royal Bath and West Showground, where one of the county’s mass vaccination centres is operating, seven days a week, providing connections to/from other bus services at both Wells Bus Station and Shepton Mallet Cenotaph. This service is also free for bus pass holders.

Current concessionary bus pass rules have been suspended so these can be used on all public services before 9.30am and the authority is working with Community Transport and Slinky Demand responsive services across Somerset to allow free travel for bus pass holders when attending vaccination appointments.

John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Many older and more vulnerable people don’t drive or have access to a car. Community transport services across our county are already doing an amazing job helping people get to their vaccinations and I’d like to pay tribute to them.

“To support this even further we wanted to see what else we could do for concessionary bus pass holders and those relying on public transport. I’m really pleased we have pulled all this together at short notice, thanks to the co-operation and support of our bus operators.”

Karen Prosser, Programme Director for the Somerset vaccination programme, said: “It is very important that people come forward for a vaccination when they are invited and we are delighted that these transport measures have been put in place to support this further. This vaccination programme is a partnership effort and I thank everyone who is supporting this vital programme across our county.”