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SUMMER 2020

Communities coming together during coronavirus Thank you

from North councillors Dear reader...

Since I wrote for the last edition that will take time and effort. North the concerns this is raising among all of Life a great deal has changed, Somerset Council, along with central your councillors and the wider North indeed much more may be different government, is already looking at how Somerset community as we plan for between me writing and you receiving we can help in that recovery and how this potential shortfall. your copy! My first comment must be we must all do things differently, both to say thank you so much to all our as a council and as a community. Please do continue to keep up all your residents, those innumerable volunteers efforts in our community, however who have helped keep people safe There is also a looming financial large or small, it all matters! And and cared for in our communities, challenge for us all, with the please stay safe. government safety net being slowly our emergency, health, care and key Cllr Don Davies workers who have looked after us all removed as business, education and during the pandemic and, of course, to leisure come back to life. These also all our staff at Council. affect this council and its ability to The Executive provide us all with vital services for the This is all new for all of us and the way Cllr Don Davies (Independent) community, from waste and recycling we have all come together has been Leader of amazing. Thank you all! through to looking after our most Cllr Mike Bell (Liberal Democrat) vulnerable citizens and everything Deputy Leader Having got over the initial impacts of in between. We are grateful for the pandemic we now need to work the support already given, but our Cllr Mark Canniford (Liberal Democrat) just as hard over the next stages. estimates are that we shall have a Cllr Cartman (Liberal Health-wise the virus has not gone £20m gap in our finances by next Democrat) away and we must remain alert to its April, unless central government Cllr Caritas Charles (Independent) potential to do harm in all that we do, offers more money for local councils Cllr Catherine Gibbons (Labour) following social distancing guidance, to provide vital support for our Cllr Bridget Petty (Green) so that we keep ourselves and those communities. As we are not allowed around us safe. Businesses will need by law to have anything other than a Cllr Tonkin (Independent) to adapt to the new norms of life and balanced budget, you can imagine

Contents

4 News update 9 Community strength during 22 Grass grows taller coronavirus 26 Helping vulnerable people 10 North Somerset Together 27 Tackling domestic abuse 12 Supporting businesses 30 Five ways to wellbeing 14 Online learning 31 Contact details 16 Walk this way

18 Recycling rates rocket

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www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 3 News Find out about North Somerset’s wartime past Communities in North Somerset came together – but celebrated apart – to mark VE Day during lockdown. Now North Somerset will be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day – Victory over Japan – this summer. It takes place on Saturday 15 August and is the anniversary of when imperial Japan surrendered in World War Two and brought the war to an end. Cllr David Shopland – last year’s chairman of North Somerset Council – has written a tribute to the ordinary men, women and children who lived in North Somerset at the time. It outlines how the area was affected during the war and the hardships people faced.

Read the piece online at Steve Allen / Shutterstock.com www.northsomersetlife.wordpress.com/wartimehistory

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4 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news

Missing link of cycleway on its way Funding has been agreed to build the final section of a £2.09m cycle route running through North Somerset. Highways announced in May that it would give North Could you make a difference Somerset Council the final £1.2m needed for the scheme to link in someone’s life? with Weston-super-Mare. If lockdown got you thinking Carers offer different types of This will enable the missing link to about a career change, maybe support depending on the length be built – a 1.4km shared-use path you could be paid to make a of stay, to help the person develop for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders linking Wick Road in Wick real difference to someone’s life? their independence skills. St Lawrence to Yeo Bank Lane at Shared Lives carers are self- Shared Lives carers are needed to . A bridge over employed, receive competitive provide care and support in their the Yeo to keep farm own home for adults with a range rates of pay and do not pay tax animals and the public separate of different needs. on some of their earnings. will also be built. Care could be provided in a Long-term carers have four weeks’ The path forms the central section variety of ways – on a daytime paid holiday a year. of the council’s proposed ‘Coastal basis for up to six hours at a time; No previous experience is Towns Cycle Route’ – a high- short term including overnight necessary. quality cycle and pedestrian stays; medium-term for a few route between , Portishead, weeks at a time; or long-term Clevedon, Weston and Brean. where they live with you full-time. This section is a ‘Pier to Pier’ If you’re interested in finding out about becoming a recreational route linking Weston’s Shared Lives carer, contact the team on 01275 888 368 or Grand Pier to . email [email protected] The current journey between the two piers is 27km (17 miles) using main roads, but it will reduce to Help to heat your home 21km (13 miles) on minor roads and off-road cycle paths. It will Although it’s summer, now might If you’ve spent more time at also be attractive to commuters, be the time to plan ahead and home because of lockdown you with a flat and pleasant eight-mile think about how you might heat might have higher heating and ride from Clevedon to Junction 21 your home this winter. electricity bills. Enterprise Area. WHAM (the Warmer Homes, WHAM can support you and help The path will follow an existing Advice and Money service) lower your bills if you’re struggling farm track built on the former supports North Somerset’s most financially, and advise about Weston, Clevedon and Portishead vulnerable residents by giving making your home safe, secure railway line, which closed in 1940. and warm. advice on energy, money, benefits The route is planned to be built in and carrying out home repairs. 2021, once the detailed design Find out more by calling 0800 082 2234 or visit and procurement process is www.cse.org.uk/covid-support completed.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5 News Online book of remembrance opens An online book of remembrance has launched for all those who have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual Remember Me book has been created by St Paul’s Cathedral but is open for people of all faiths, beliefs or none to contribute to. It is an opportunity to mourn every person who has been lost to COVID-19 and it is intended that it will then become a physical memorial at the cathedral. Family, friends and carers of those who have died can submit the name, photograph and a short message at www.rememberme2020.uk

Term dates for 2021/22 decided School term dates for the 2021/22 academic year have now been agreed.

The school year is 195 days and Independent living for includes five in-service days used for staff training. older people Term 1 – Thursday 2 September 2021 Older people who need a retirement provider Housing to Friday 22 October 2021 little extra support to live 21 and Vistry Partnerships and Term 2 – Monday 1 November 2021 to independently could find will be ready later this summer. Friday 17 December 2021 their perfect home at a new It features 60 self-contained Term 3 – Tuesday 4 January 2022 to development in . apartments with additional Friday 18 February 2022 communal facilities, including a Strawberry Gardens, in Term 4 – Monday 28 February 2022 to restaurant and residents lounge. Moorhen Road, is an extra- Friday 8 April 2022 care housing scheme for over- The on-site care team provides Term 5 – Monday 25 April 2022 to 55s who need extra support personalised care and a 24/7 Friday 27 May 2022 with day-to-day tasks. emergency response service. Term 6 – Monday 6 June 2022 to The site is being developed Apartments are available for Friday 22 July 2022 by North Somerset Council in affordable rents or shared partnership with not-for-profit ownership. Foundation, trust, academy and voluntary-aided schools set their own To apply for a rental apartment, contact North Somerset term dates and may differ from North Council on 01934 888 801. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Somerset Council-run ones. housing-for-older-people for information on eligibility criteria. Check individual schools for their term For shared ownership sales, contact Housing 21 on dates. 0345 608 4021 or email [email protected] www.n-somerset.gov.uk/termdates

6 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 Report any child neglect concerns Lockdown increased tensions for many families and children were more at risk of being neglected, a leading charity has warned. Crimestoppers estimates that one- in-10 children have experienced neglect and this is likely to have increased during the global pandemic – so report any concerns to the charity completely confidentially. Neglect can include children not Delivering getting enough to eat or drink, being exposed to danger and violence, or Crimestoppers chief executive Mark having dishevelled or dirty clothes. Hallas said: “Abuse during childhood meals on can leave long-lasting negative It was feared that during the impacts into adult life and impair lockdown, children could be development and ability to achieve. wheels exposed to domestic abuse, maybe because parents or carers have “Remember it’s better to be Delicious hot meals continued to be delivered to vulnerable increased drink or drug abuse safe than sorry. Help is out problems, or unsupported mental residents across North health issues. there.” Somerset throughout the lockdown period. Speak up, stop crime and stay safe by calling Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111. Meals on wheels is a lifeline for www.nspcc.org.uk • www.childline.org.uk many people and more than www.barnardos.org.uk • www.childrenssociety.org.uk 100 extra people signed up to the service in March and April. Delivery drivers wore PPE and, where possible, meals were left on doorsteps to keep self- isolating residents safe. Drivers also continued to carry out their essential welfare check on recipients. Find out more by calling 01275 882 155, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ communitymeals

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7 Help shape North Somerset’s future Residents and businesses in North Somerset can soon have their say on how future growth in North Somerset will be shaped.

The North Somerset Local Plan will The first stage is due to take place development. This is anticipated to guide housing, business investment, this summer and will focus on the take place in the autumn. transport and infrastructure in the challenges facing North Somerset Earlier this year North Somerset area until 2038. and what issues need to be executive members also agreed addressed. A two-part consultation will take to write to the government to place this year and local people, The responses received will then challenge the basis for forecast community groups, businesses and help inform the second consultation housing growth, particularly in organisations are invited to have phase, which will focus on the light of the longer term economic their say and help influence it. choices around future impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and climate emergency.

At the time of Life going to print, details about the consultation were still being confirmed. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/new-local-plan or keep on eye on the council’s website, social media feeds and in the local press for details of its launch.

8 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 CoronavirusTake time out special– Walk Community strength during the coronavirus crisis Life changed beyond needed, whether it was help with recognition earlier this year shopping trips, medicine collection, This special edition phone calls, or a friendly wave of Life celebrates how when the country went into through the window. the council, community lockdown to combat the groups, local businesses and spread of coronavirus. North Somerset Council joined residents came together to forces with charities, local groups, support each other during the Within a matter of days, everyone businesses and concerned coronavirus crisis. had to adapt to very new and residents to respond rapidly to the different ways of living in both their COVID-19 crisis. Read on to find out more. home and work lives. The council also had to keep Across towns and villages, local essential services – such as social maintenance – running as normal people rallied round to ensure care, community meals, waste during the crisis. those in need had the support they and recycling and highway

Made over one million collections During the first month of of recycling, waste and garden coronavirus lockdown waste, including an extra 70 tonnes of cardboard North Somerset Delivered Provided library Council…. 11,400 meals services to 29,700 users on wheels with a 700% increase in online members Linked 4,500 people to local support groups through North Somerset Together Paid £27m to 2,257 businesses North Somerset in coronavirus TOGETHER grant payments Handled 21,754 calls into our telephone contact centre

Filled 5,945 Kept open and potholes maintained around Repaired 276 faulty 2.5m square metres of streetlights and public open space converted 849 to LED

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9 CoronavirusTake time out –special Walk

VANS volunteer Ann Molloy

Clevedon Aid Communities Volunteers from across Clevedon run shopping errands, pick up medicines, run wellbeing and loneliness check-ins and more for coming together local people who are struggling. Community spirit proved to be strong in North Somerset Not-for-profit organisation Clevedon Aid launched in early as people rallied round during the pandemic to look April after retired nurse Henny after each other and support the most vulnerable Starke made a very generous residents. donation to support members of the community whose lives North Somerset Council joined delivering Covid-19 support across were significantly affected by forces with concerned residents, North Somerset. COVID-19. town and parish councils, charities, The remaining ones were passed Clevedon Aid was established community groups and businesses immediately to the council’s social to offer care and wellbeing to launch a new coalition, North care service for assessment. support, financial support and Somerset Together. As well as this, more than 5,000 information. The initiative linked socially- residents also registered for As well as shopping trips and isolated residents who had no support via the Gov.uk website giving advice, volunteers have support from family or friends with and were passed down to teamed up with Teatro Lounge to organisations that could help them community response networks. provide hot meals. during the pandemic and beyond. Following this success, North Food store The Veg Box and North Somerset Together also Somerset Council made a Clevedon food bank donate connected those who wanted to commitment to sustain North supplies, while staff from Teatro volunteer or donate with the right Somerset Together as a means of Lounge volunteer their time and organisations, and also signposted working with communities in the kitchen to prepare and cook the businesses to relevant information. long-term. meals. Up until the end of May, North Here are just some examples of Up until the end of May, more Somerset Together dealt with people working together… than 700 meals had been 1,500 requests for help, including delivered to doorsteps across 352 urgent ones. the town. Of these, more than 95 per cent Find out more at were passed onto one of the www.clevedonaid.org.uk 27 volunteer response networks

10 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 CoronavirusTake time out special– Walk

Clevedon Aid volunteers

Community Connect A free service in North Somerset continues to help people who feel isolated, lonely or lack A confidence. Community Connect is for co-ordinated anyone aged 50 or over who needs help and support to feel volunteer part of their community – and it became vital during coronavirus. response Community development co-ordinator Sue Dixon A co-ordinated approach was Volunteer Ann Molloy said: explained how working with launched in North Somerset to “I signed up to help my local other organisations made big link individuals wanting to help community. differences in people’s lives. with those organisations needing “VANS communicated with me She said: “While working with additional support during the throughout the whole process a socially-isolated person in COVID-19 outbreak. and we agreed what area I was Yatton, we found out they used interested in. to love sewing. Voluntary Action North Somerset “Thanks to connections through (VANS) works to develop the “As a result, I did the weekly the Yatton Mutual Aid group, we voluntary sector locally and shop for a small residential home found a sewing machine and more than 300 people registered managed by The Milestones Trust. to volunteer with it during transported it them. “Shopping for nine residents was coronavirus. “This helped connect them to challenging but very rewarding. their community, gave them a Volunteers were placed with care new hobby, and helped their homes, mutual aid and community “It was lovely to interact, albeit wellbeing.” groups, as well as delivering PPE socially distanced, with the people across the area. at the home.” Contact Community Connect on 01275 888 803 or To find out about volunteering through VANS call01934 416 486 communityconnect@ or visit www.vansweb.org.uk curo-group.co.uk

www.curo-group.co.uk/ www.n-somerset.gov.uk/together communityconnect

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11 CoronavirusTake time out –special Walk Supporting businesses to build stronger communities Advice and support The pandemic caused many retail, hospitality and leisure grant continues to be given to businesses to close temporarily fund. but North Somerset Council helped Up to the end of May, nearly businesses of all sizes in organisations access support 3,100 grants had been approved North Somerset so they from the government and other and £37.3m paid out. can recover as quickly trusted sources. Local businesses also used the as possible from the The council also administered the lockdown period to diversify or government’s small business grant coronavirus downturn. deliver their products in a new way. fund, discretionary grants fund, and Thousands of free lunches delivered Free packed lunches were given Manager Jemma Coles said: By the end of May they had to families in Weston-super- “I was thinking about what would delivered 5,000 meals, averaging Mare thanks to a generous happen to children who were between 500 and 600 per week, entitled to free school meals if the and raised more than £5,000 local business, help from schools closed and decided we in donations. volunteers and donations from should do something. the community. They used more than 700 loaves of “Initially we focused on children bread, 25kg of margarine, 100kg The Stable co-working space, but it soon became about of cheese, 70kg of ham, 5,000 based in Wadham Street, is families who were self-employed, bags of crisps, 1,500 yoghurts, usually home to creative and furloughed, not entitled to funding 3,000 cereal bars, 3,000 pieces digital businesses but this spring it and struggling to get by.” of fruit and more. became a hub for organising and distributing thousands of meals to Jemma worked with Prayag, who Books, activity packs, story vulnerable families. runs the Stable Café, along with competitions and colouring volunteer drivers from the YMCA. challenges were also sent out.

12 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 CoronavirusTake time out special– Walk Supporting businesses to build stronger communities Support your local shops Shopping local will help Landlord Andy Miller – who communities thrive in a took over just three days post-COVID society. before pubs were told to close – decided to offer a takeaway Supporting local businesses service with free delivery to means the money stays in anyone in the village as a way the local economy and it of serving the community and could also mean a move getting to know local people. towards a simpler way of Cycle solutions for The front bar was converted life – less reliant on travel and into a shop and the range of consumerism. local food delivery goods for sale grew quickly. In , the It proved so popular that Andy Local businesses adapted and diversified Princes Motto pub became a is now thinking of making the during lockdown to keep operating and takeaway and shop during shop a permanent feature. serve the community. lockdown.

Restaurants and cafes could offer takeaway For all business assistance and employee support, contact food so Loves Café, in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset Council’s economy team on borrowed an electric bike and trailer so [email protected] or 01934 426 266. it could deliver hot meals to key workers For information about grants email and others, including NHS staff at Weston [email protected] General . www.n-somerset.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport The e-bike is powered by a rechargeable l Innorthsomerset battery which assists cycling up to 15 miles per hour and made journeys quicker and easier.

Manager Anna said “Being an environmentally-focused business, it never sat well with me doing deliveries by car so the Support for individuals electric bike was an obvious solution. If you are struggling financially, you can find out about support available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus “It made light work of deliveries within our radius and meant we could get a lot more food Citizens Advice North Somerset – independent advice on to our customers in the most efficient way.” employment, debt, benefits and more: 01934 836 200, [email protected], www.nscab.org.uk Anna planned to keep using the bike after lockdown and added: “It has a feel-good Bristol Law Centre – advice about employment, factor. Not only by enabling us to provide discrimination, immigration/EUSS and housing: a service to our community but also morally 0117 924 8662, [email protected], towards the fight against air pollution and www.bristollawcentre.org.uk .” Shelter – to help people with bad housing or homelessness: 0344 515 1430, www.shelter.org.uk (urgent out-of-hours Find out more about the borrow a 0808 800 4444) bike scheme on page 21.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13 CoronavirusTake time out –special Walk Learning in an online world

Vast swathes of life moved online If you were furloughed from work Many services in North Somerset this year as people used their with time to spare, trying to home expanded their online offering, so screens to learn something new, school your children, or just looking here are some useful ones you can communicate with loved ones for a new hobby, there were still access… or interact with their community masses of resources to choose virtually. from.

Surge in online library use Libraries in North Somerset saw a graphic novels, including Marvel surge in online membership during favourites and other major brands lockdown and so more resources such as Disney, IDW and Dark were added to keep up with Horse. Join the library online at demand. It is available until next April and www.librarieswest.org.uk/ More ebooks, emagazines and library members can access an join unlimited number of comics at any audio books were added to the For more information time for free. electronic database for library visit www.librarieswest. members to download for free and Weekly Rhymetime sessions were org.uk/eresources or enjoy at home. also recorded for YouTube so www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Press Reader, which is available young children and their parents onlinelibrary until October, offers 7,000 full and carers can watch at home. If you’re new to ebooks and digital editions of publications Other free online resources include other online resources and from the UK and around the world, Ancestry to research family history, would like some help, contact including The Guardian, Bristol the Encyclopedia Britannica, and the library staff by emailing Post, Daily Mail and many more. Times Digital Archive, for researching [email protected] or calling 01934 426 834. The new digital comics library more than 200 years of history has more than 1,500 comics and through The Times newspaper. f nslibraries l NSomLibraries

14 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 CoronavirusTake time out special– Walk Learning in an online world Do you love local history? Dive into the past and discover what your local neighbourhood Could your child join the Silly Squad? was like in years gone by. The Silly Squad, designed by Children in North Somerset are Know Your Place North Somerset award-winning author and invited to join the Silly Squad. is an online mapping resource with illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson, is interactive features that allow you to The annual Summer Reading a team of animals who love going explore old maps, historic images Challenge, produced by The on adventures and getting stuck and data, as well as contribute to Reading Agency and delivered by into different funny books. the published information yourself. libraries, is back to encourage four This year The Reading Agency to 11-year-olds to keep reading There is an active Facebook group has created a new online platform over the summer. to join too, with a mystery photo to help children keep track of the challenge. This year’s Silly Squad theme is a books they’re reading and collect celebration of fun, happiness and rewards along the way. A downloadable learning pack is laughter for children, many of whom Sign up at also available, suitable for children haven’t been at school since March. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk in key stages 2, 3 and 4, with themed lessons and activities. Update your skills Now might be the time to learn Courses moved online during the something new to improve your coronavirus crisis but continued to skills, motivation and confidence. be led by expert tutors, offering ‘live’ teaching and support. North Somerset Council’s community learning team offers Upcoming courses include a variety of short, fun courses for mindfulness, staying safe online, adults aged 19 and over, and introduction to British Sign Visit they are free for local residents on Language, textiles, positive www.kypwest.org.uk, click certain benefits or with few or no thinking and more. ‘explore the map’ and scroll formal qualifications. down to North Somerset. To enrol on a course or for more information call f search for ‘Know Your 07795 390 667 or [email protected] Place North Somerset’ www.n-somerset.gov.uk/communitylearning l KYPNorthSom f nscommunitylearning

Find more ways to improve your wellbeing on page 30.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15 LoveTake timeyour outplace – Walk Walk this way Walking outdoors can bring many benefits to the The Ramblers offers some useful Be safe body and mind so during advice about walking outdoors Support the NHS, emergency lockdown people were which can still be followed, even if lockdown measures are reduced services and rescue teams by still encouraged to get an further this summer: avoiding riskier outings and abiding hour’s exercise each day. by the latest guidance, including Be prepared that on hygiene and physical When the lockdown measures distancing eased, people were given more Some hotspots could be busy and freedom to get out and about facilities such as car parks, shops Be considerate but limiting contact with others and toilets may be closed or have remained important. access reduced. Plan ahead and Be sensitive to rural communities if you are travelling further from home Life has completed many walks check the relevant website for your to walk. Make sure you follow the across the beautiful countryside of destination Countryside Code. North Somerset and all walks from 2012 onwards are available to For more at download from www.ramblers.org.uk/advice www.n-somerset.gov.uk/walks

The Countryside Code Respect other people Protect the natural

MM Consider the local community environment and other people enjoying the MM Leave no trace of your visit and outdoors take your litter home M M Leave gates and property as MM Keep dogs under effective you find them and follow paths control unless wider access is available.

16 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 TakeLove time yourout – placeWalk

Locations of Life walks since 2012 Portishead

Clevedon

Weston-super-Mare

View all Life walks from 2012 at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/walks Please note, while these walks were correct at The Countryside Code the time of printing, there might be some slight Enjoy the outdoors changes since then. Please use common sense and follow the route M Plan ahead and be prepared markings and signs you see. M Follow advice and local signs.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17 Recycling Recycling rates rocket

Recycling rates increased containers clean and washing your hands before and after handling dramatically this spring them. All this will help keep crews as people stayed at home and local communities safe. during lockdown. Sort your recycling to All household waste – including help crews recycling, food waste and non- recyclable wheelie bin waste Crews can empty recycling boxes – increased by 17 per cent from in just 20 seconds if they are the beginning of March to the end sorted correctly but it can take up of May, compared with the same to two minutes if the contents are period last year. mixed together. appreciation helped boost morale This amounted to an extra 12kg and kept them going during tough Wash and squash your recycling, of waste per household and some times. group materials together and fold weeks crews were collecting more cardboard to fit into the box. cardboard than at Christmas. Well-sorted recycling boxes are key to collecting everyone’s recycling If you spot recycling crews outside There was an extra 4.7kg per every week, whether in lockdown your home, why not time them to household of cardboard and an or not, so please keep up the great see how long it takes to empty extra 4.1kg per household of work. your sorted boxes? glass. Parking carefully in the road is Post the results on social Crews worked longer hours to also essential – if a recycling truck media using the hashtag collect all the extra recycling can’t get past then neither can an #20SecondChallenge and waste being produced and emergency vehicle. Find out what goes in each box at the hundreds of messages of www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recycling thanks, kind notes and gestures of Some other good habits to continue with include keeping your

18 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 Recycling

Have you tried home composting?

Garden waste collections are usually at their busiest during spring and summer as people spend long sunny days tidying up their outside spaces.

The council was able to keep the garden waste service running throughout the lockdown but some collections were disrupted due to Garden waste coronavirus and it was necessary to close the recycling centres. This consultation meant some people had to find alternative ways of dealing with their garden waste, such as home composting. A consultation took place earlier this year on the future Home composting kits are available for £15 through North Somerset of garden waste collections in Council’s website and it is the perfect way to dispose of your garden North Somerset. waste in a more eco-friendly way. It formed part of the Your Composting is a natural and inexpensive process which turns your Neighbourhood consultation, kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich garden food, and it which also included questions contains everything your plants need to grow including nitrogen, about libraries, leisure phosphorous and potassium. centres, parks and more.

Composting at home also means less transport is needed so it cuts Results are expected to be down on vehicle emissions. released later in the summer. Keep an eye on social media The council would also like to hear from anyone who is an experienced and in the local press for home composter and would like to provide help, support and advice to details. novice home composters. Email [email protected] or call 01934 888 802. f NSrecyclingandwaste l ns_recycling Find out more and order a compost bin online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/composting

Information contained here applies to households in North Somerset. If you live in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol or Somerset council areas, you will need to check local arrangements.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19 Climate emergency Tackling carbon emissions in a post-COVID world

Carbon dioxide emissions forward our strategy and action fell dramatically across the plan in a post-COVID world. How to reduce world during the coronavirus “We need to ensure our lives your climate pandemic as people stayed in North Somerset are not footprint at home home to stay safe. contributing to a much larger crisis and are prepared and resilient to Climate researchers have put A study published in May in the effects of future crises.” together a list of the best ways of the Nature Climate Change reducing your carbon footprint: In North Somerset, 40 per cent of journal showed that daily carbon greenhouse gas emissions come 1. live car-free emissions had declined 17 per from road transport and another cent globally compared with 2. drive a battery electric car 26 per cent from running our average levels in 2019. 3. take one less long-haul homes, such as heating, lighting flight each year However, emissions were expected and appliances. to rise again once lockdown 4. buy renewable power Nikki said: “For those of us lucky restrictions lifted so a permanent 5. use public transport enough to be able to work from change in the way we live is 6. insulate your home well home, this really helps to reduce needed to sustain the decline. emissions from road transport. But 7. switch to a mainly North Somerset Council declared we then need to make sure that our vegan diet a climate emergency last year home energy use, and therefore 8. use a heat pump and developed an action plan to bills and emissions, don’t go up. 9. better methods of cooking become carbon neutral by 2030. in developing countries “We are adapting our climate Nikki Webb is the council’s climate emergency and action plan to our 10. use renewable energy to emergency project manager and new world and how we live and heat buildings. said: “My job is to adapt and drive travel will need to adapt too.”

Read North Somerset Council’s climate emergency strategy at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ climatechange

Read about North Somerset’s rewilding and tall grass programme on page 22.

Calculate your own carbon footprint at www.wwf.org.uk/footprint

20 North Somerset Life • WinterSummer 2019 2020 Popularity soaring for pedal power Help promote Cycling has soared in popularity Loves café, in Weston-super-Mare, walking and cycling in since people took to their bikes borrowed an electric bike and trailer your workplace for their daily exercise during to run a six-month trial delivering Would you like more cycling lockdown. hot meals to local people and key workers at Weston General Hospital. and walking facilities at your Bike sales have boomed and workplace? Manager Anna said: “Having this people dusted off their old cycles Businesses in North Somerset amazing electric bike broadened to get some exercise and explore can apply for up to £3,000 our opportunity to bring our their local area while maintaining in match funding for new products and services to people’s social distance. facilities, such as bike trailers, front doors.” To help make space for cycling new or improved cycle and walking, and following A special fleet of 18 ‘Super- parking or storage facilities, government guidance, work has mare-cycles’ has also been made or pool bikes for staff. been carried out in key exercise exclusively available for staff at Applications are reviewed spots and retail locations. Making Weston General Hospital to get weekly and allocated on a use of road space means people to work. first-come, first-served basis. walking can socially distance more Cycling to work can improve Download a form from easily. Temporary cycle lanes have both your physical and mental travelwest.info/businesses/ also been created. health, while giving the perfect north-somerset and return it During lockdown and as it opportunity for exercise instead to sustainable.travel@ eased, North Somerset Council’s of sitting in your car or on public n-somerset.gov.uk sustainable travel team continued transport. The cycle to work scheme its work around cycling and also allows employees to walking and helped supply bikes Read more about Loves buy a tax-free bike through to people needing to get to work. café and its food delivery monthly instalments, saving The Borrow a Bike scheme, service on page 12. between 25 and 39 per cent off the retail price. working with bike shop The Bicycle Find out about borrowing Chain, was made available to a bike for up to four weeks Find out more at key workers and those needing to at www.betterbybike.info/ www.betterbybike.info/ travel to work. loanbikes cycle-work-scheme

www.n-somerset.gov.ukwww.n-somerset.gov.uk ll@NorthSomersetC@NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21 Grass growing taller to help biodiversity flourish

Tree planting in Weston-super-Mare Tall grass in Nailsea

Grass is now growing areas of work needed prioritising, grasses so this will give something taller in open spaces such as removing hazardous waste back to the bees and insects that and supporting the recycling and we all need.” across North Somerset to waste collections. This summer tall grass is being help create extra habitats So this meant it was the right time allowed to grow across 100,000 for bees, insects and small to allow more grass to grow taller. square metres of open space, about a quarter of the total land identified mammals to flourish. North Somerset Council’s natural for tall grass management. North Somerset Council had already environment officer Samantha planned to create tall grass areas as Phillips said: “Given the strong The remainder will be converted to part of its rewilding programme but support from residents for tall grass over the next two years. more rewilding, and with staff because of coronavirus, more sites The council’s rewilding programme redeployed to support our response have been introduced this year than began in February when about to COVID-19, it was the right time originally planned. 400 volunteers helped plant 5,000 to leave more grass to grow. When the lockdown started, the young trees in parks and open usual grass cutting programme “We know that many insect spaces across the area. species and birds have suffered was scaled-back because fewer Another 45,000 trees are planned to from a lack of flowers and wild staff were able to work and other be planted over the next two years. Where will the tall grass be? Normal grass cutting is Weston-super-Mare Clevedon Nailsea/Wraxall still taking place across the locations identified Castle Batch Highdale Road Pound Lane but areas have been Queensway Road (fire station end) set aside for tall grass Walford Avenue Northern Way Scotch Horn and management. Broadway Road and Hawthorn Way Moor Lane Elm Farm Each site is signposted (detail to be agreed with a blue heart with parish council) symbol to identify it as a View rewilding area. Stock Way South

22 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 Grass growing taller to help biodiversity flourish

Volunteers in Portishead Rewilding in Yatton

In total, both the rewilding and tall grass initiatives will result in Plans to preserve delayed 25 hectares of new woodland Plans to uncover the Iron Age However, both the Forestry and about 40 hectares of tall hillfort in Weston-super-Mare for Commission and the National grass areas over a three-year the first time in 200 years have Lottery postponed their usual period, which will help create been delayed because of the application process due to biodiversity and mitigate the effects coronavirus crisis. coronavirus. of climate change. The success of the rewilding scheme is weather Plans for include Tree felling can only take place dependent. removing vegetation and tree during the winter so the earliest growth to prevent further damage to start date will now be the winter North Somerset Council declared the Scheduled Monument, which has of 2021/22, subject to the felling a climate emergency last year and been on ’s Heritage licence approval and lottery funding. aims to become a carbon neutral at Risk Register since 2016. council and a carbon neutral area by 2030. North Somerset Council applied to the Forestry Commission for a felling licence to remove about six hectares Find out more at of woodland in the hillfort area and www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ carry out thinning of the northern rewilding cliff by 30 per cent, returning the area to limestone grassland. North Somerset Council is continuing to work with volunteers If this licence is approved the council and the local community to manage Portishead will then apply to the National the hillfort in the meantime. Battery Point Lottery Heritage Fund for a grant to View the management plan online Lake Grounds and Picnic Grounds carry out the necessary work. at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/hillfort Merlin Park

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23 Innovative food centre open for business An innovative new food and these businesses, whether they May – organic ready meal drink centre in Weston-super- need to diversify, scale-up, or manufacturer Field Doctor. explore online sales and delivery. Mare is providing valuable Bakery start-up The Perfect Treat support to help businesses from Webinars are available to help also took a short-term hire of a across the region succeed. businesses resolve common issues commercial kitchen. and further training programmes The Food WorksSW opened in April The £11m centre is based within will be launched this summer. to offer state-of-the-art facilities and Junction 21 Enterprise Area. specialist technical support. This support is targeted at those It was developed by North looking to start-up or change The centre has been well placed Somerset Council after it won their business model, or more to help businesses respond to the funding from the established business needing impacts of coronavirus. Some Local Enterprise Partnership, specific technical advice. food and drink businesses have through the Local Growth Fund. experienced increased demand The Food WorksSW contains 12 In April the council handed over but many others have seen orders food-grade business units of control of the centre to - cancelled and their business hit hard. various sizes and a number of based The Food and Drink Forum these are now let. The technical team at the Food on a 15-year contract. WorksSW is supporting many of The first tenant moved in during

www.foodworks-sw.co.uk f @foodworks_sw l @foodworks_sw For more information about leasing one of the business units, email enquiries@ foodworks-sw.co.uk or call All photos courtesy of Nick Whimster Photography 01934 411 272.

24 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 Repairing and maintaining roads during lockdown

Highway repairs and maintenance continued in North Somerset during the lockdown to ensure roads stayed safe and accessible for key workers and those travelling for essential tasks.

North Somerset Council continued its critical repair and maintenance works programme and also carried out some improvement schemes where government advice on construction works and social distancing could be complied with.

During May about £500,000 of work was carried out, including…

MM dealing with out-of-hours emergencies The social distancing control measures put in MM repairing about 5,000 potholes place at the highways depot in Sandford were recognised and promoted MM cleansing about 1,300 gullies by Skanska as an example of MM carrying out patching and best practice in COVID-19 risk resurfacing projects, including mitigations. Wyndham Way in Portishead MM using a jetter to carry out These included staggering start drainage investigations times to reduce staff contact daily briefings about the latest advice, MM resurfacing two footpaths, additional vehicles used for including Wansborough Road people to travel around, work being outside Priory School prioritised to focus on strategic and MM improving various signs and road rural areas and avoid urban ones, and markings. office-based staff working from home.

North Somerset Council worked alongside its partners The team also took advantage of the reduction in Skanska, Centregreat and Dynniq to ensure the latest traffic to work on key routes, such as gully government advice was adhered to, to protect staff emptying on the A38. and the public.

Report road or pavement problems – including potholes and faulty streetlights – at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect

Reporting issues online means the problem will get logged and sent directly to the relevant team or officer for them to deal with.

For the latest information follow the team on social media at www.facebook.com/NStravelandroads and www.twitter.com/NStravel_roads

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25 Helping vulnerable people settle in North Somerset Vulnerable families who have fled their war-torn homes are managing to settle in North Somerset despite the impact of coronavirus. North Somerset Council supports A private Facebook page – 11 families who have resettled VPRS Families in North Somerset – in the area after fleeing the was set up to help families connect devastating war in Syria. and share useful resources.

Caroline Crossley is the project Families were also able to officer for the council’s vulnerable communicate any concerns and persons resettlement scheme and said: share positive news with Caroline “Working alongside families that have and her colleagues through been through the most atrocious and video calls. challenging situations is humbling.” Ramadan, an important event in The coronavirus crisis made things the Muslim calendar, took place more difficult but, with support during the pandemic but families from volunteers, the council were still able to celebrate. adapted to find new ways to Nour Al Ahmad, mum to Ibrahim support them. and Zeinab, shared some of the fun Shena Deuchars is a volunteer craft activities they had been doing with Refugees Welcome North at home on the Facebook page. Somerset and a landlord to one of Nour said: “It was difficult getting the families. used to staying inside but we used She said: “We have helped collect the Ramadan celebrations to stay food parcels and learning packs positive. from local schools to deliver to “I enjoyed spending quality time families, as well as surplus food with the children and spent nearly donated by local supermarkets. two hours cutting moons and “We’ve also helped to repair bike colouring letters. brakes so that the children can ride “Life has been tiring at times but around the garden and continued I’m hopeful things will soon to have conversations in English, return to normal.” while maintaining the two metre social distancing rules.”

Would you like to help vulnerable families settle in North Somerset? Contact Caroline Crossley on 01934 427 275 or [email protected] for more information.

26 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 Being at home shouldn’t mean being at risk

Lockdown caused stress and support for low or medium-risk “Our message to all victims uncertainty for many families but victims. is that we are here to also meant those experiencing One woman was referred in April help make them and their domestic abuse were trapped at after her ex-partner’s abuse and children safe. home with their abuser. harassment towards her and her “Our extensive experience of Domestic abuse will never be children escalated during lockdown. supporting victims has shown that tolerated, no matter how unusual She had wanted to leave for some those who receive support go on to or difficult the circumstances, and time because of his controlling, build safe fulfilling lives free from support continued to be available threatening and physically abusive violence and abuse.” to those in North Somerset who behaviour but felt trapped. needed it. Another woman who received Next Link were able to provide legal support said: “I was really scared Local domestic abuse support is support, safety planning and an about coming forward as I didn’t delivered by Next Link. It provides offer of safe accommodation. She think anyone would believe me. safe houses for families, single decided to leave and was supported women, women with complex needs to move into a refuge with her “He said so many times that people and men, as well as independent children. would think I’m crazy but Next Link specialist support for high-risk helped me realise I wasn’t and got victims, and community outreach Chief executive Carol Metters said: me out really quickly.”

Need help? In an emergency call 999. If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted If you need support for yourself or someone else, call Next Link on 0800 4700 280 (available 24/7) or access its live chat facility online at www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk For a round-up of all support services and discussion forums, visit www.saferstrongerns.co.uk/ domesticabuse

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27 Weston Vision

[please inc Weston Vision branding across the top]

(please inc Mural.jpeg. Can we crop it horizontally, so it just shows the mural, and put it across the top of the two pages?)

And the maybe Hero the police horse pic smaller in the spread?

Huge High Street mural honours key workers

Key workers who kept vital a fitting tribute to the many local The artwork features care workers, services going during the workers who supported residents doctors, nurses, police officers, fire through the pandemic. officers, refuse collectors, drivers, coronavirus pandemic have shop workers and teachers. been immortalised in a huge It took three weeks to complete mural in Weston-super-Mare’s and Martin was supported by Martin added: “It was a pleasure other local artists and businesses to paint the hoarding and High Street. who helped fund the project. every day we received positive comments from passers-by as we The large mural, on the hoarding Martin said: “The hoarding was a added to the artwork.” of the former M&S store, features blank canvas crying out for some 27 different key workers set artistic attention. Mike said: “I hope the mural goes against the backdrop of Weston’s some way to showing the town’s seafront, with the town’s piers, “I was keen to pay tribute to appreciation for the tremendous Steepholm Island, Brean Down the many people who have work workers have done and the Red Arrows also featuring. carried on working during and continue to do.” The work was the brainchild of the pandemic to keep us Martin and Mike are keen to local artist Martin D’Arcy and North all safe and well.” develop more large-scale murals Somerset councillor Mike Solomon, locally, both in Weston and other who were both keen to ensure parts of North Somerset.

28 North Somerset Life • Summer 2020 Hans Fowler Price – Weston Vision Weston’s Architect The architect Hans Fowler Price (1835-1912) 13. 6-8 The : Burlington St BS23 1PR St John’s Mission Hall, 1880-1, by worked in Weston for over 50 years and left a Price & Wooler. 13 2 The Boulevard: 1888, built as a 1. Station Road/corner with Graham 14. significant legacy ofRoad: buildings. A furniture warehouse Born for in Bristol, he WestonOld Museum in photographer’s studio. Town 1 the auctioneers and estate agents 32 Waterloo Street: offices of the Quarry 15. completed his trainingLalonde with Bros and the Parham, architect designed Thomas Burlington Street is worth Weston & Somerset Mercury, 1885 14 by & William Jane in 15 1904 and opened the following year. Grove 16. 28 Waterloo Street: Denville Barry in Tranmere (Merseyside). a visit. As well as being Hans Price’s office, 1874. P 2. 5-15 Beaconsfield Road: Six gabled 22 Park 19 villas built in the 1880s and 1890s. 21 20 17. 17 Waterloo Street: Gospel Hall, 2 a Hans Price Building, the Their decorated gables are typical of 1876-77, by Price & Grosholz for the In 1860, the 24-year-old Price arrived in Weston, ROAD CHURCH LOWER the ‘Weston villa’ which Hans Price museum18 provides a history of Brethren. 16 In the footsteps of developed. 132-138 High Street (North): SOUTH PARADE 18. a town whose rapid growth offered plenty of 11 3. Walliscote Road – Walliscote Board 12 A terrace of five tall houses with 17 BOULEVARD Weston. The café serves lunch. shops, 1889. School: 1895-97, by Price & Wooler. 10 opportunities for an 3architect.This was the town’s Within first board a few years 13 Entrance is16 free.15 14 19. 1-29 Bristol Road Lower plus Hans Fowler Price school. Winter 1 Connaught Place: Part of the 17 he had gained important commissions and found Italian Follow the Walliscote Road – Town Hall Gardens Upper Worthy Estate which Hans 4. patrons like the Smyth Pigottextension andfamily remodelling: and 1897, Sir Arthur GardensTuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm Price developed for the Smyth by Price & Wooler, including the 9 Pigott estate in 1862. A walk through Victorian upwards extension of the tower. 5 20. Wadham Street – Hallam Elton in nearby Clevedon. 8 www.westonmuseum.org/7 The Blakehay Theatre: This was built 5. Walliscote Road/ Regent Street – 18 as a Baptist church in 1850, which Magdala Buildings, 1870 STREET HIGH Weston-super-Mare. Price extended in 1862-64, one of his

P STREET ALFRED Price designed many of the6. 1-7 bestOrchard Place: known 4 houses with public first commissions in Weston. shops, Price & Wooler, 1892. MEADOW6 STREET 6 23 21. 18-28 Lower Church Road: buildings in Weston, including7. 45 Meadow the Street: first A corner shopboard The Old TownALEXANDRA Quarry PARADE Terrace of houses, 1899, with Price’s This walk provides a snapshot of some of of 1905, by Price & William Jane with Grand Pier REGENT STREET characteristic carvings in the gables. 19 school, the market (destroyedWilde &in Fry fora Roefire), Bros., picture the South Road24 BS23 2LU frame makers, oil and colour men 22. Lower Church Road: School of Hans Fowler Price’s architectural work in 5 Science and Art (now Hans Price footsteps of Victoria Hall (demolished after8. 59-63 war Meadow damage), Street: and P conference centre). Designed by 7 A well-detailed terrace of three You may also wish to visit Price & Wooler, it was built in 2 Weston-super-Mare. houses with shops of the 1880s. the remodelled and extended Town Hall. He also phases: 1892-3 and 1899-1900. 21 9. Orchard Street/ Burlington Street: The Old Town Quarry Walk into South Terrace to see the STREET Gas Light Company workshops north side of the building and the designed numerous Victorian villas which are 4 and stores, 1912 (now the Weston which hosts a model of has STATION ROAD tiling work. Continue through to the The walk has been devised by North instantly recognisable by their8 Museum).decorated Hans Price’s last gable known 1 car park and through the arch to the work. promenade. a Hans Price House and a 23 Somerset Council in partnership with 23. 13-29 Regent Street: A much ends. His work as consultant architect10. Corner of Orchard for Street/ the CARLTON STREET 3 Boulevard: Former United café. EntranceP is free. altered terrace of houses with Historic England as part of the Great Smyth Pigott family included majorMethodist developments Free Chapel of 1875-6 by 2 shops, with unusual triangular twin Price & Grosholz. PARADE MARINE bay windows on the 2nd floor 10 11. 1-23 The Boulevard: 24. 26-30 Regent Street/corner with Weston Heritage Action Zone initiative. such as the new tree-lined route of Waterloo At the north end of Grove Park turn into Queens 24 Hans Price Terrace of 12 houses, 1870. WALLISCOTE ROAD St James Street: In 1901, Hans Price converted this Methodist Street and the Boulevard, which12. wasThe Boulevard/with inspired Longton byGrove Road. The Quarry is at the top of the road atChapel the of 1846-7 into houses and Road: Masonic Lodge of St Kew (now shops (currently Barclays bank) Parisian models. 11 the Constitutional Club), 1880-81. start of South Road.Hans Price buildings and restorations Originally, the tower was surmounted walk route by a timber-framed turret. The total number of new buildings by Hans Price Oct-March: Thursday-Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm The walk is unknown but is likely to be many hundreds. April-Sept: Wednesday-Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm The walk starts on the corner of Station Road He worked in partnership with other architects, www.oldtownquarry.co.uk/ and Graham Road. Close to the Railway Station including Walter HernamanThis Woolernew (1853-1936) walk around the town Follow the footsteps of Victorian (250 steps). On bus routes and with plenty of car who worked with Price for 23 years. When Weston-super-Mare parking. Price died in 1912,centre his obituaries praisedhighlights his some of these architect Hans Fowler Price architectural skill, business sense, and vitality. Civic Society The walk is all on flat terrain and will take about an The Civic Society aims to hour. Why not make it a full day out and take time Find out more aboutbuildings. Hans Price in this book: stimulate public interest In the footsteps of throughout the walk to visit the Museum, Grove during a guided walk around“Weston-super-Mare: the town and its seaside in the town, promote high Park, The Promenade and enjoy Weston’s cafes heritage” Historic England, 2019. Allan Brodie, standards of planning and and shops. Johanna Roethe and Kate Hudson-McAulay. architecture. Hans Fowler Price Weston-super-Mare. It was devised by North Somerset The route highlights just some of the many The Society has produced a range of publications, Hans Price buildings. The map also shows other Council in partnershipincluding walks,with designed Historic to celebrate the heritage A walk through Hans Price buildings to give a sense of how much of the town and the surrounding countryside. influence Hans Price had on the architecture of Hans Price worked in Weston for Weston. England, as part ofWhich the can be Great found on the Westonweb site. Victorian more than 50 years in the late 19th Heritage Action Zonewww.westoncivicsociety.org.uk initiative. Weston-super-Mare century and was responsible for many Images: North Somerset Council of the town’s best-known buildings, The walk, all on flat terrain, including schools, places of worship, takes about an hour to complete © Historic England the Weston Mercury newspaper office at a steady pace. Find it online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ and extension to the Town Hall. 29534 0120 heritageactionzone Could you grow a ‘living fence’?

Growing a ‘living fence’ Living fences protect soil, are less around your property could expensive than timber fences, absorb carbon as they grow, act bring many benefits and help as windbreaks and sound barriers, improve the look of your street. and offer privacy from neighbours and street traffic. A living fence is a permanent hedge that is tight and tough enough to Depending on the species you serve almost any of the functions of choose, it can also provide food a manufactured timber fence. and shelter for local wildlife.

More and more people are There are many varieties to choose opting for this green, durable from, including beech, yew, or a landscaping, which can enhance native mix including hawthorn, the natural character of an area. blackthorn, hazel, holly, or more.

Find out more about living fences at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/livingfences or visit www.rhs.org.uk/hedges

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 29 30 Wellbeing intoyourdailyroutine? Can youbringtheFiveWays to feel onaday-to-daybasis. steps whichcanimprovehowwe However, therearesomesimple mental andemotionalwellbeing. undoubtably putastrainonour and avoidingotherpeople Being athomeforlongperiods encouragedusalltothinkabouthowwelookafterourselvesandothers. Coronavirus ways Five search engine. recommended helplines’in your can speakto.Searchfor‘NHS family, thereareotherpeopleyou but ifyoucan’t talktofriendsor A problemsharedlightenstheload about canhelpusconnect. photographs ofpeoplewecare a chattyradiostationorputtingup phone oronline.Evenlisteningto can bedevelopedinperson,by help usthroughdifficulttimes.They Relationships boostourmoodand Connect www.mind.org.uk For volunteering opportunities in North Somerset visitwww.vansweb.org.uk in North For volunteering opportunities LOVE FAMILY North Somerset Life •Summer 2020 North FRIENDS GIVE •www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters • www.actionforhappiness.org to look after your wellbeing to lookafter GIVE LEARN TAKE NOTICE are also important for health. If forhealth.If are alsoimportant down stairsorcleaningvigorously, breathless, suchasgoingup and Simple activitiesthatmake us stayinworkout at www.sportengland.org/ gardening orfindonlineactivities depression. Trywalking,cycling, while reducingstressand sleeping habitsandconcentration, Being activeimprovesyourmood, Be active www.librarieswest.org.uk at service library fromthe Access digitalservices develop newskills. subject ordownloadanappto podcast, researchaninteresting could pickupabook,listento or rediscoveranoldinterest.You somethingnew confidence sotry canboostyour Learning Keep learning Take notice happier byvolunteeringmore. also foundthatpeoplebecame and feelgoodyourself.Researchers someone agift.You’ll maketheirday orgive done, phonetooffersupport, Thank someoneforwhatthey’ve andconnectionwithothers. worth Kindness improvesfeelingsofself- Give things youarethankfulforeachday. taking photographs,orthinkingof simple asappreciatingnature, with challenges.Thiscouldbeas about lifeandhelpuscopebetter feelings, canchangehowwefeel senses, aswellourthoughtsand Becoming moreawareofour at howmuchbetteryoufeel. daily routine,youmaybesurprised workout orbuildexerciseintoa dailytasksintoamini you canturn Life contacts North Somerset Life North Somerset Life is published The next edition will be delivered by North Somerset Council and from: Monday 2 November delivered to 100,000 housholds. Your copy should be delivered with For advertising and sponsorship your post unless you use Royal opportunities contact Tim Brown: Mail’s opt-out service to block 01934 634 920 or unaddressed mail. [email protected] View back issues at For editorial contact www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nsl [email protected] or 01275 884 139

Get the Contacts latest news Call us For all council services, call 01934 888 888 straight into (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) your inbox Direct numbers for other popular services: For waste and recycling, For council tax and benefits: road issues, planning and 01934 888 144 building control: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Stay up-to-date 01934 888 802 For social services: with council news, (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) 01275 888 801 events and services (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) by signing up to the North Somerset Life Do it online – report it, request it or pay for it at: email newsletter. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect Or go straight to these popular web pages by adding these Subscribe online and stay informed at shortcuts: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount /planning www.northsomersetlife.co.uk /schooladmissions /wastecollections /termdates

Tide times

Check tide times online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tidetimes

29691 0520 Tide predictions are computed by the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and adjusted for (GMT) and (BST) differences. l For Clevedon – add 10 minutes. Walks in the area are available to view and l For Portishead – add 18 minutes. download at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/walks

recycle me when you’ve read me www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 31 North Somerset North key workers Thank you

Editorial credit: Gary L Hider / Shutterstock.com