This issue… Your guide to Spring days out in our area

The magazine for the people of Bath and North East Somerset | Spring 2015

A day in the life… We catch up with a street cleaning operative

Making a Win £50 connection in our photo competition Supporting

on page 6 Young People

Brought to you in partnership with: Plus... All the latest news including new cycle race in Bath & extra support for household bills

Welcome Spring 2015 If you have problems reading this magazine, please contact Bath & North East Somerset Council for a braille or larger version on 01225 477495

elcome to the Spring 2015 residents across the district being a top edition of Connect priority for the Council, on page 12 magazine. With the lighter we’re encouraging our residents to W nights upon us, this edition consider the benefits of screening for is packed with a wide variety of events breast and cervical cancers. In this issue... and activities to keep you busy. Newsdesk...... 4 In addition, we take a look at the “This edition is The latest news including advice on how to register to vote and keeping fit in Keynsham development of Bath’s Enterprise Area packed with a wide (on page 16) and how we’re reconnecting Events diary...... 8 the appeal of the River Avon with the variety of events to Spring events: theatre, exhibitions, music and heart of Bath. You can also take part in keep you busy” comedy festivals and World Heritage Day a competition to design your own Making a new connection.....10 unique bridge – so get your creative We also take a look at April’s See how Youth Connect brings together all juices flowing. introduction of the Care Act on page 23 the youth services under one caring umbrella On page 10 you can discover how the to explain what it means for carers and Youth Connect service offers a wide those who they care for. Screening for your health...... 12 range of advice and support for young Finally, on page 38 you can meet the With uptake below the national average, it’s time to take a fresh look at health screening people across Bath and North East Welfare Support Team – and learn more Somerset – including getting into about the invaluable support they Sending a strong message.....14 training, education or work. provide to people in need – from Parent Partnership Service has changed its With the health and wellbeing of furniture to food banks. name and is reaching more people than ever Tales of the riverbank...... 16 Progress update on the exciting regeneration 23 project along the banks of the River Avon

Taking it personally...... 19 Sirona’s new mission statement, delivering local services and quit smoking workshops

Offering a helping hand...... 23 The new Care Act comes into force in April – find out what it means to you

Recycling matters...... 24 The value of recyclable materials in your bin, 10 8 composting and how to beat the gull menace Your care, your way...... 28 Planning community services – a brand new is brought to you by... initiative that needs your input Connect magazine is MediaClash, distributed to 76,000 Circus Mews House, households. It is produced Circus Mews, Blue badge scheme...... 30 in partnership between Bath BA1 2PW A vital service for those with mobility issues Bath & North East Somerset T: 01225 475800 Council and MediaClash W: www.mediaclash.co.uk Meet the...... 38 For advertising enquiries contact [email protected] The council’s amazing Welfare Support Team

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 3 NewsNewsdesk desk Keeping you informed with the latest news from the area

If you are not registered to vote then it is important you do so

Make your voice heard on election day In May you will have the chance to elect a new Member of Parliament – but only if you’re registered to vote

lection day is fast approaching, but not living in the property whose name doesn’t a European Union citizen resident in the UK everyone in Bath & North East Somerset appear on the letter should register so they can you are eligible to register. When you do, you E is registered to vote. With a population vote on 7 May. Local elections will take place will need to provide your National Insurance of more than 180,000, it is important that on the same day. Number and your date of birth, and you should everyone has an opportunity to elect a Member According to Kay Jenkins, Head of English also be 16 or over, although of course you’re of Parliament for their area. Regions at the Electoral Commission, young not entitled to vote until you’re 18. n Vernon Hitchman, Electoral Registration people, students and people who move Officer for B&NES Council says: “Anyone not frequently are less likely than others to be yet registered to vote should do so as soon as registered to vote. “It’s important that anyone possible so they can have their say on issues who is eligible to be on the register but isn’t on Find out more that affect their lives, and also spread the it takes the opportunity to put that right as To register online, visit message among family and friends who may soon as possible.” www.gov.uk/register-to- not have registered. It only takes a few minutes In the past, one person could register vote. For a paper copy of to complete the form online.” everyone who lived in their household. Now, the registration form, All properties covered by Bath & North East each person is responsible for registering him contact the electoral Somerset should by now have received a letter or herself under the Individual Electoral registration office on01225 477333 with details of everyone who is currently on the Registration system. As long as you are a or [email protected] electoral register for that property. Anyone British citizen, a Commonwealth citizen or

4 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/latestnews

Get fit in Keynsham News round-up Top cycle race hits Bath The Pearl Izumi Tour Series comes to Bath for its final round in June. The professional cycle race series, now in its seventh season, will see top British men’s and women’s teams competing on nine city-centre circuits, hoping to be crowned Britain’s fastest team. Opening on Tuesday 12 May, the series culminates in Bath on Tuesday 11 June. For more information, including a calendar of venues, circuit maps and details of all the teams, visit: www.tourseries.co.uk.

Car point is the star Hit the trail in Keynsham

ork on Keynsham’s first To help with the latter, the Council’s outdoor gym is due to be Active Lifestyles and Health Improvement W completed at the end of March. Team will provide a fitness coach and The new facility in Keynsham Memorial a running leader to run sessions on the Park will include outdoor fitness kit and equipment and trails. three new marked trails for running, The Council spent £30,000 of jogging and walking. regeneration funding on the project. Keynsham Memorial Park already There are also further plans to plant A new charging point for electric vehicles has has two children’s play areas, a skate park, more flowers and shrubs in the park, been set up in South Wansdyke Sports Centre a picnic area, a bowling green, multi-sport which was the proud recipient of a car park in Midsomer Norton. The new unit, courts and a café. This project will add to prestigious Gold Award in the RHS which allows two cars to charge at once, is the the facilities, as well as encouraging people Southwest in Bloom Awards for the first latest in a series of charging points across to lead healthier lifestyles. time last year. n B&NES, whose locations include the Odd Down and Lansdown Park & Ride sites, Bath’s Charlotte Street car park and the University of Bath. For a complete list, visit www. Extra support for sourcewest.info. Further units are planned. Dementia initiative The libraries service has launched Books on household energy bills Prescription to help people with dementia. The scheme includes a list of 25 titles offering service is helping local people save to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 6am to information and advice, personal accounts and money on their energy bills. The Bath 12noon. Call Freephone 0800 038 5680, suggestions for shared therapeutic activities. A & North East Somerset Energy At email [email protected] or visit The books, recommended by health experts Home Advice Service was set up by B&NES www.energyathome.org.uk and people who have experience of the illness, Council and other local partners as part of a Or drop in to the One Stop Shop, Manvers are available from all Bath & North East wider energy efficiency scheme for residents. Street, Bath to speak to an Advisor face-to- Somerset libraries, and can be reserved free of Call the Advice Service to find out how to face on the first Friday of the month, between charge online at www.librarieswest.org.uk. reduce your fuel bills, what energy saving 10 and 12noon. n home improvements might be suitable for your home, and what grants and other Museum dresses up finance are available. For example B&NES Glamorous gowns by some of the biggest Council currently has a Green Deal Top Up names in fashion have gone on display at the Grant of up to £7000 for solid wall insulation. Fashion Museum. The Great Names of Fashion Where appropriate, the Advice Service can exhibition will showcase work by leading book you in for a home energy assessment designers such as Christian Dior, Yves St which is free to those in receipt of qualifying Laurent, Ossie Clark, Bill Gibb and Alexander benefits. The Advice Service can talk you McQueen. The exhibition will be on throughout through the assessment report, help you the year at the Museum, located inside The understand your options and will even Assembly Rooms in Bath. For more information help you find a certified installer. Save money on your energy bills visit: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk. The Advice Service is available Monday

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 5 Newsdesk

More defibrillators being installed Here are the latest ongoing he Council is to install defibrillators few minutes of a cardiac arrest survive – they throughout the city centre and are the target for thefts,” says Funding and projects in your community Tsurrounding villages. The move comes Programmes Manager for Bath & North East after the theft of a device outside the Council’s Somerset Council, Susan Bowen. Newbridge Park and Ride Northgate House offices in Bath in January. Alongside this initiative, the Council is The Council is working with fundraisers working with Avon Fire and Rescue to develop from nearby pub, The Volunteer Rifleman vandal-proof cabinets for life-saving equipment Arms, who had raised £2,000 to install the along the River Avon, where 55 lifebuoys have stolen machine. The fund was started in July been stolen or vandalised since 2011. 2013 by Bath taxi driver Dave “Wally” B&NES is also urging people to be vigilant: Waldron, who died of a heart attack in April if you see damage to a defibrillator or lifebuoy last year, aged 51. The device, which had been cabinet, please report it to the police. If you donated in his memory, saved two lives within would like to make a donation, please contact a week of commission. Susan Bowen on 01225 477278. Cheques to be Defibrillators can be accessed by the public 24 made payable to the AED Defibrillator Fund. n hours a day, seven days a week with an access The new car park extension at the Newbridge code provided by South West Ambulance Park and Ride will provide an extra 248 following a 999 call. There are five other parking spaces for commuters. Landscaping machines in Bath: at the Recreation and car parking are due for completion in late Ground, the Tennis Club in Weston, St Spring. A new facilities building is also being John’s Primary School in Oldfield, built for the parking attendant’s office, bus Southgate Management Suite and the shelter and new public toilets. Butchers in Larkhall. Others are planned for the Lower Bristol Road, Moorland St Saviour’s Junior School Road, Odd Down, London Road, The construction of a new five-classroom Southdown, Bathavon, and Lambridge. teaching block and new kitchen is well All the new machines will be within underway. A significant upgrade of the school range of CCTV cameras. “We have buildings, this will create a more cohesive and learned the hard way that no matter contemporary learning environment for pupils how many lives these machines can save and teachers alike. – and statistics show that 70% of people More defibrillators to be provided who are defibrillated within the first

Connect competition WIN Name £50! the location? Do you recognise the Bath New Pavilion for Odd Down road that is shown in the The new pavilion opened in mid-March and black-and-white image to following the opening, the old pavilion will be the left? If you do then stripped out and demolished. External works enter our competition. will continue to enable the grand opening of the whole pavilion site in the early summer. This photograph was kindly provided by the Bath Records Office (www.batharchives.co.uk) How to enter Email: Send your answer to [email protected] Post: Send your answer to Connect Competition, Floor 1, Guildhall, Bath BA1 5AW

LAST ISSUE’S WINNER: Janet Alexander-Jones of Bath ANSWER: Cleveland Bridge. Terms and conditions: Competition open to residents of Bath and North East Somerset only. Employees of MediaClash and Bath & North East Somerset Council (or relatives) not eligible to enter. Editor’s decision is final.

6 | Connect | Spring 2015

Calendar events diary Spring is in the air, and we have plenty of colourful events on offer from art and fashion to comedy, fringe and Easter egg hunts

Workshops with patients at the RUH

Until 3 May Until 17 April

Xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx x

Caneletto comes to Bath

British masters at the Holburne Museum Until 7 June

MARCH Entry to museum is free, exhibition n Paradis Palm Court Trio entry £6.50 (under 16s free). 27 March Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney One of a series of lunchtime concerts Street, Bath BA2 4DB. on the first Friday of each month. www.holburne.org 12.30-1.30pm at the Assembly 01225 388569 Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall. Hatched, Matched, Dispatched For more information and details of n Hatched, Matched, other chamber music events, visit n Art in the RUH Dispatched – & Patched! www.musicianssouthwest.com Until 17 April Until 1 November 01761 419133 Art at the Heart celebrates the visual An exhibition of textiles, including quilts creative arts within the corridors of the and historic costumes, commemorating n Bath Comedy Festival RUH. The programme includes family milestones. Plus Spirit Hawk Eye, 27 March-6 April exhibitions by local artists, performances, featuring photographs of Native Now in its seventh year, the festival readings and workshops for patients Americans in California, Arizona and boasts a great line-up including Terry and staff. New Mexico. The American Museum, Jones, Arthur Smith, Fred Macaulay, www.ruh.nhs.uk/art/ Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. Helen Lederer and many more. For more www.americanmuseum.org details, visit www.bathcomedy.com or n Canaletto’s Regatta on the 01225 460503 call Bath Box Office on 01225 463362. Grand Canal Until 3 May APRIL n Easter Fun Day A rare chance to see one of Canaletto’s n Midsomer Norton Cutting edge fashion 31 March finest paintings at the Victoria Art Farmers’ Market A family day with craft activities, games, Gallery, as part of the National Gallery’s 4 April stalls and an Easter egg hunt. 11am to Masterpiece Tour, before it continues Monthly in The Hollies Garden, High Bath 2pm Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Bath its journey around the country this year. Street. For details of dates and locations BA2 1NW. www.bathcityfarm.org.uk The Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, of other farmers’ markets in the area, in Fashion 01225 481269 Bath BA2 4AT. www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk 21-29 March www.victoriagal.org.uk 01373 814646 Now in its sixth year – enjoy 01225 477233 the work of celebrated designers, n The Hard Problem fashion editors and writers at n Gwen John to Lucian Freud 16 April catwalk shows, films and talks, Until 7 June Tom Stoppard’s new play at Midsomer plus knitting and jewellery With the theme of ‘Home and The World’, Norton Town Hall in a live screening of workshops to try. this fascinating exhibition of 32 Modern The National Theatre’s production. www.bathinfashion.co.uk British art works from five major www.midsomernortoncommunity 20th-century artists is not to be missed. trust.co.uk; 01761 419133 Glenda Maynard at the RUH 8 | Connect | Spring 2015 MAY n Bath Open Studio Weekends Each weekend in May Four areas of Bath pay host to the Open Studio weekends – visit Larkhall, Bear Flat, Widcombe and Newbridge to check Radstock Museum out the creativity of local artists. www.bathopenstudios.co.uk n World Heritage Day n Man and Superman 19 April 14 May A Good Little Runner by Beryl Cook Join in a celebration of Bath’s ‘World A live screening of The National Theatre Heritage Site’ status with a day of events production of Bernard Shaw’s play, and activities in Prior Park Landscape starring Ralph Fiennes at Midsomer Victoria Art Gallery Garden. From 10am to 4.30pm. Free Norton Town Hall. Tickets available now. n Beryl Cook – Intimate Relations entry with a Discovery Card. www.midsomernortoncommunity Until 3 May www.bathnes.gov.uk trust.co.uk; 01761 419133 A major retrospective features the work of one of Britain’s best-loved 01225 477584 artists. The collection of more than 50 oil paintings spans her entire n Party in the City career, from her first painting in 1962 to one of the last before her death n Beau Street Hoard 15 May in 2008. Co-curated with the Alexander Gallery. Symposium Join in this celebration of Bath’s talented Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT. 23-24 April music scene at a fantastic programme of www.victoriagal.org.uk A free two-day conference on coin free events, showcasing the work of 01225 477233 hoards in 3rd-century Britain at The 2,000 local musicians of all ages across Assembly Rooms, Bath. For more 40 venues across the city. For more details and to book, visit information on how to be a part of it – by Hugh Masekela, Willard White, farm displays and competitions, it is www.romanbaths.co.uk. as a performer or spectator, visit Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory and Emily a great day out at the Bath and West www.bathfestivals.org.uk Portman. For more details and Showground, Shepton Mallet. n Trains, Boats and Lanes information on how to book, visit www.bathandwest.com Until 30 April n International Bath Music www.bathfestivals.org.uk A new exhibition tells the fascinating Festival story of transport in the town as it evolved JUNE 15-26 May n Widcombe Art Trail n Corsham Walking Festival from Roman times to the present day. The festival celebrates its 67th year with 16-17 May 12-14 June At Radstock Museum, Waterloo Road, a programme that combines classical This fascinating Art Trail around the Join local walkers to enjoy the Radstock BA3 3EP. music with contemporary jazz, world residential area of Widcombe includes spectacular Wiltshire countryside in www.radstockmuseum.co.uk music and folk. Including performances demonstrations, workshops and more. this year’s festival with 22 walks taking 01761 437722 www.widcombearttrail.com place over three days, opened by explorer David Hempleman-Adams. n Bath Fringe Festival www.corshamforwalking.org.uk 22 May-7 June This popular annual summer event n Peasedown Party in the Park brings together a wealth of art forms over 13 June 17 days for a celebration of local talent in Join in the fun at this popular annual venues all over the city. For more village day, which happens from information or how to get involved, visit 12 noon-7pm at Beacon Field, French www.bathfringe.co.uk; 01225 480079 Close, Peasedown St John BA2 8SN. For more information, go online to: n The Royal Bath & West Show www.peasedownpartyinthepark. 27-30 May org.uk or call 01761 300685 The Royal Bath & West Show is England’s biggest celebration of rural life and England’s only four-day royal Family fun at Bath City Farm show. With local produce to try and buy, Add an event Any member of the public or organisation or can add an event to our Bath Fringe online calendar.

Festival All you need to do is n Throughout the city register with us via the 22 May-7 June website. Events will be This popular annual summer event searchable by date or brings together a wealth of art forms over category.

17 days for a celebration of local talent in matthews venues all over the city. For more information y Visit www.bathnes.gov.

or find out how to get involved, visit uk/events to begin wend © © uploading your event. www.bathfringe.co.uk; 01225 4800079 Bath Fringe Festival

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 9 Youth Connect brings together all the www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/children-young-people-and-families/ youth services under one umbrella

Making a new connection

Connexions and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Youth Service have now joined forces to become Youth Connect – making it easier for local young people to get the support they need

he newly formed Youth Connect, education, employment and training for young people who are not engaged in which unites the Council’s Youth opportunities. It also organises projects on education, training or employment, sports, Services with Connexions into issues such as crime prevention, health, music, arts and craft projects, off-site a single team, is giving young homelessness, the environment, drugs and activities, as well as one-to-one support on people aged 11-25 – with the focus coordinates the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. issues ranging from gaining self confidence onT those aged 13-19 – better access to the Focused on different localities across and dealing with bullying to help with support they need on their way into the area, the service operates at four youth housing, benefits, unemployment and adulthood. With the name chosen by young hubs – at Southside and Riverside in Bath, health. There is also individual support for people themselves, Youth Connect spans Peasedown St John and Radstock – and in those who need extra help with getting into a host of programmes and services, from a mobile unit which delivers sessions for training, education or work. youth hubs, activities and advice sessions young people at a range of other locations “Young people can access the service to personal support , and guidance on across B&NES. Youth Connect staff also in exactly the same way as before,” said work with young people in schools and Sally Churchyard, the Council’s 11-19 colleges and run drop-in sessions for Prevention Service Manager, “but they will unemployed young people in the B&NES now have a better and faster response to One Stop Shops. their needs. Bringing Youth Worker and Youth Connect’s extensive programme Personal Advisor staff together into a single was designed in conjunction with young team gives us broader skills and greater people and is delivered by experienced and flexibility, which for young people means professionally trained staff as well as a team a more ‘joined up’ service as well as access of volunteers. It includes drop-in sessions to more targeted personal support.” n “Young people will now have a better and faster response Youth Connect offers a ‘joined up’ service to their needs”

10 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/children-young-people-and-families/

Youth Connect in action

Youth Connect helps young people take anxiety and depression and Youth positive steps forward in all kinds of ways, Connect gave him support. It helped him ranging from ongoing one-to-one support build self-esteem and he has now joined to guidance and advice at youth hubs The Prince’s Trust re-engagement and mobile units. Youth Connect also and employability programme for works in close partnership with other unemployed young people. services such as CAMHS, to support young people with greater needs. n Providing targeted ongoing support and contact for a young person who was self-harming, which included working with them to identify the triggers, helping them with coping strategies, and ensuring access to the relevant counselling.

Open sessions at Youth Hubs spark Youth hubs are a great place to relax a host of positive outcomes for young people too. For example, at a recent two-hour session: excluded from school, it transpired that one of them was caring for his mother n Three young men with a casual and struggling to get up in the mornings. Fun activities and a chance to chat attitude towards sex found out about He was referred to a young carer’s sexually transmitted diseases and were agency and was bought an alarm clock. The service has made a big difference provided with contraceptives. to young peoples’ lives including: n A chat with some young men over n A young man who was upset a game of pool about their attempts to n A young woman was helped to about the recent find work led to invitations achieve her ambition of working with death of an aunt to a job club later in the children. An adviser supported her in was able to talk week at the hub. her application for college and for a about his feelings, bursary, and secured her a placement helping him to n Advisors from a local at a primary school. She is now at come to terms drugs and alcohol service Bristol City College working towards with his loss. came along to the session her teaching qualification. which prompted a lively n During a long debate about risks n A young man unemployed since conversation with associated with drugs leaving college was being treated for three young men and alcohol use.

Share feelings in confidence

Join in and move forward with Youth Connect Find out more n Bzine is an online magazine for idea of being a positive role model young people in B&NES packed with for them, you could make a difference The Youth Connect great stories. Have your say about by becoming a Youth Connect service works with what’s happening in your area too. volunteer. Mainly helping with informal young people www.bzine.uk activities in the evenings at a youth hub, aged 11-25 years old, the volunteer service welcomes although the focus of its work is with n Full details of all the youth hubs and applications from local people whatever those aged 13-19 years. mobile projects, including opening their background or qualifications, and The service employs a range times and programmes, are at: www. full training will be given. of full-time and part-time, bathnes.gov.uk/services/children- experienced and professionally young-people-and-families/bzine/ n You can call us directly on 01225 trained staff, who support, challenge youth-hubs-projects 396980 or email YouthConnect_ and enable the learning of young people in a range of settings. [email protected] for For more information about n Have you thought about becoming information about programmes anything in this article, visit: a Youth Connect volunteer? If you get and activities in your area or for help www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ on well with young people and like the with your particular need children-young-people-and-families

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 11 Breast screening tests are discreet and confidential Breast & cervical cancer screening Screening can detect a wide range of conditions Make sure you benefit from the free NHS screening programmes for early detection of a range of serious conditions

ach year screening tests are used really benefit, whether from increased peace 25 to 29 are least likely to have a Smear Test. by health professionals to identify of mind, further tests or treatment that could We want to encourage and see more younger a range of serious health conditions, improve their health or save their lives.” women having a Smear Test particularly as such as breast, bowel and cervical the majority of cervical cancers are detected cancer and diabetic eye disease. Early diagnosis in women under 30 years of age. E People are surviving longer from breast One women in eight will be diagnosed Get with the programme and cervical cancer thanks to advances in with breast cancer in her lifetime. The Bath & North East Somerset Council & research, new treatments, earlier diagnosis, NHS offers screening to save lives from Public Health England are urging more screening and cancer awareness. breast cancer by finding breast cancers at people to attend their routine screening Cervical cancer is largely preventable; an early stage when they are too small to appointments. “The NHS screening however it still affects around 3,000 women see or feel. With advances in screening programmes have been shown to reduce in the UK each year. Screening can allow for and treatment the good news is that the number of deaths from diseases such as almost all cervical cancers to be detected and survival rates (five years after diagnosis) breast and cervical cancer,” says Dr Bruce treated before they have a chance to develop. have improved from around 50% 40 years Laurence, Director of Public Health at Yet the number of women attending for their ago to 80%. Yet one-in-four eligible B&NES Council. cervical screening appointment, also known women in BANES do not attend their “Everyone is free to decide whether or not as a Smear Test, in B&NES is below the routine breast cancer screening to have a screening test. Those who do can national average. We know that women aged appointments. n

12 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/public-health

Did you know?

Doctor’s Notes Other screening tests are available as part of the NHS A number of screening programmes are available on Screening Programme: the NHS but you need to be registered with a GP to get screening invitations that apply to you: n To detect cases of bowel cancer sooner, men and • If you change your address or other contact details, women aged 60-74 are remember to tell your GP practice to ensure you get the automatically sent a test kit screening invitations that apply to you in future. for screening through the • If you are outside the age ranges of certain screening post every two years. programmes, you may be able to still be screened. n Screening is an effective • If you have previously refused or if you are overdue a cervical smear, way of detecting diabetic simply contact your local GP practice to book an appointment. retinopathy (serious eye condition • Normally, women are invited for cervical screening once by with a risk of sight loss) as early as the age of 25, every three years between the ages of 25 and possible. All people aged 12 and 49 and every five years between the ages of 50 and 64. over with diabetes (type 1 and 2) are offered annual screening • Women between 47 and 73 years of age are automatically appointments. invited for breast screening every three years. • Women not registered with a GP practice, or prefer n The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm not to have screening at their local surgery, can have (AAA) screening programme is for their cervical screening test at a Well Woman Clinic men aged 65. It involves a quick or Contraception and Sexual Health CaSH Clinic. pain-free scan of your abdomen The Family Planning Association has an online using ultrasound to check that the postcode finder to help you find your nearest clinic main artery from your heart is at www.fpa.org.uk/findaclinic healthy.

n Antenatal and newborn screening – a range of routine tests are offered to assess the health of babies and pick up any rare problems early. Health screening: your questions answered

What is screening? through the process of diagnosis Screening is a way of checking people and treatment. who seem healthy using a test to see if they may be at increased risk of a How do I get invited to screening tests? disease or condition, such as cancer. If you’re registered with a GP, you’ll automatically receive invitations for What are the benefits of screening? relevant screening tests through your life. Screening does not prevent you from developing a disease or condition such What happens if my test results as cancer. Screening will help catch and show I have a problem? Register with your local GP to get treat serious conditions sooner and save If your screening test indicates an auomatic screening invitations more lives. It also means that if you increased risk of disease, then you will do have a condition, you’ll be guided be offered expert information, further tests and/or treatment.

What if I don’t want screening? You don’t have to have the screening Find out more tests which are offered to you and If you have any further everyone should understand the questions about the potential risks and benefits of screening NHS Screening and make an informed decision. Programmes, please You can go to www.nhs/livewell/ ask your GP or Practice Nurse. The NHS breast screen programme screening for more information. Alternatively you can visit has already saved women’s lives www.nhs.uk/livewell/screening

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 13 SEND is reaching out to a wider audience to offer support and care for families

SENDing a strong message

The Parent Partnership Service has changed its name and continues to do great work – reaching more families than ever

he Parent Partnership Service through the whole process, from helping with the Family Information Service (FIS). (PPS) is now called Special a family prepare for a meeting to getting It’s all about working together to provide Educational Needs & Disability the best outcomes for their children. And help and support to children and young (SEND) Partnership Service. we have a range of online resources. Our people and their families. Jackie Fielder, Family aim is to empower families and to give InformationT and SEND Partnership Service them the strategies to support themselves. How do the changes affect their Manager, tells us what prompted the name parents and carers? change, and how it reflects a different How do the changes affect With a more holistic approach, the services approach in the way support is offered to children and young people? are more joined up and the family needs to children and young people with SEND. Now they can contact us as well, rather tell their story only once, rather than telling than the approach always being made by it to a number of agencies. And parents tell Why the change of name? their parents or carers. The new legislation us it’s great. Here are a few of the comments Changes in legislation, which came into has put the emphasis on supporting we’ve had: ‘I found myself in a new force towards the end of last year, have children and young people, and putting situation with no idea how to deal with it created a shift in emphasis in the way we them at the heart of the process. and the service provided a lifeline.’ and ‘I help families with children and young have found you immensely helpful and people with SEND. Whereas before, the How do you work as a team? sympathetic – thank you!’ So parents are PPS was only required to provide impartial We have a lead caseworker, two part-time already seeing the benefits of the new way information, advice and support to parents caseworkers, an administrator and a team of doing things. n and carers, now we have to provide that to of volunteers. All of the case workers go children and young people as well. through rigorous legal training and the Also, the service we offer has been volunteers are DBS checked and follow a widened to include not only Education but similar training programme. Find out more Health and Social Care as well, and the age For more information on limit has been increased to 25. The process How can people get in touch SEND Partnership Service, has also changed and is now more face-to- with SEND Partnership Service? visit www.bathnes.gov. face, meaning that families and the Anyone who needs advice, information or uk/sps or email send_ professionals meet together to agree the best support can find out more through our [email protected]. outcomes for children and young people. website, or by emailing, calling our helpline uk. You can also call the Helpline on or texting us (details below). People often 01225 394382 from Monday to How can SEND Partnership come to us via other agencies or Thursday 10am-3pm during term time Service help families? professionals – perhaps a GP – who might or text 07530 263401. We enable families to communicate with give a parent, child or young person our the professionals, and we guide them details. And of course we have strong links

14 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/children-young-people-and-families

What else is out there Here to help…

The Family Information Service (FIS) for families? is here to help all families with children and young people up to the age of 20. For children and young The Family Information Service (FIS) is still people with additional needs, Special around and still doing the great job Educational Needs or a disability, the it has always done. FIS helps all families with The Rainbow age limit goes up to 25. children and young people, so it is often the Resource first port of call when the need arises. Online, n Details of OFSTED-registered we have The Rainbow Resource (see right) An online resource with specific childcare providers, such as and 1 Big Database (see box below). information for families with Nurseries, Childminders, Pre- children and young people with schools, After School Clubs, a disability, Special Educational Breakfast Clubs and Holiday From childcare to benefits, Needs, or other additional need, Playschemes get online for great advice up to the age of 25. It provides: n Information about other groups, n Information about how activities and leisure organisations organisations and activity groups will meet your child or n Details of where families can find young person’s needs support, and information about a range of affordable family activities n Information about support 1Big Database for your family and to access it n Information about safe and healthy lifestyle choices for children At your fingertips: the online n Details of local leisure and young people family information directory activities, Holiday Playschemes of services for children, Out of School Clubs, community n Internet resources with young people and families organisations and services information about employment and careers If, as your child grows older, n Local and national helplines you are faced with problems and support groups All this information can be found and issues you need help with at www.1bigdatabase.org.uk www.1bigdatabase.org.uk n Information about transport (see left). would be a good place to start. and benefits If you still can’t find what you n The Information & Advice Service need, contact the Family For more information, visit is part of FIS and provides individual Information Service (FIS) at www.rainbowresource.org.uk. appointments at a range of venues www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis in your area

n It can help you by looking at your entitlement to welfare benefits, tax Meeting the needs of all credits, free school meals etc, children and young people access to debt and housing advice, provide information about registered childcare options, identify whether there may be any financial help with funding your childcare and more

Find out more Go to www.bathnes. gov.uk/FIS, email fis@ bathnes.gov.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/bathnesfis Or call 01225 395343, Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 15 www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

Tales of the riverbank Exciting times for the Bath Quays Waterside project – the innovative scheme regenerating business and improving safety and flood defences along the Avon

lanning consent has been secured One of the first exciting projects for the & North East Somerset Council is running for the Council’s £6.22 million Enterprise Area is the design and construction an open, international competition to find just project to transform the riverside of a new bridge. Bath Quays Bridge will be the the right design. The designs will be judged by in Bath. The Bath Quays first new crossing of the River Avon in Bath a specially appointed jury and a decision on Waterside project will not only for over 100 years and will allow the fully the winning design is envisaged in late reduceP flood risk for more than 100 homes connected development of the previously Summer 2015. and commercial properties but will also overlooked quayside district, Bath Quays, This investment will significantly enhance reconnect Bath with the River Avon. linking it to the City centre and opening up the riverside environment, creating better Construction works are planned to start this the new riverside leisure, cultural and wildlife habitats, access and a more beautiful summer and be complete by 2017. commercial opportunities. Such is the and enjoyable environment for local people At the scheme’s heart is a brand new importance of the bridge to the city that Bath and visitors to the city. riverside park along Green Park Road. Promenades at different levels on the north bank will have open spaces for playing and picnicking. The towpath will be wider, and there will be new routes for cycling and Take a look at the plan walking. 150 new, native British trees (including willow, alder, field maple, birch and North Quay: New riverside park & landscape lime) will be planted to complete the new riverside environment. Stepping up Bath Quays Waterside is part of the Bath The re-profiled City Riverside Enterprise Area which will north river bank create much-needed new modern office will feature new accommodation for the city. A masterplan for open spaces the Enterprise Area was published in November 2014 and sets out key sites and the opportunities for development which they Urban spaces could offer. Extending from Cornmarket in the Naturally landscaped east of the city along the river corridor as far as upper and lower Locksbrook and Brassmill trading Estates to promenades are the west, Bath City Riverside is the best and perfect for cyclists probably only opportunity to accommodate the and walkers growth necessary to maintain Bath as a fantastic place to live, work and play.

16 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathcityriverside

A safer riverside Green Park Road to the river n Alerting landowners along the river to The Council has timed the Bath Quays n New fencing between Thimble Mill and defective/missing lifesaving equipment Waterside work to coincide with important Churchill Bridge Since 2011 the Council has spent in the region safety improvements along the river. Flood n Maintaining grab lines along the river of £500,000 on river safety and plans mitigation work will reduce the steepness of n New signage at eight locations between to spend £150,000 on the river corridor in the river bank from Churchill Bridge to Churchill Bridge and Windsor Bridge to alert the next financial year. Vandalism and theft Midland Bridge to make that part of the users about how to stay safe on the river path continue to be a big problem along the river. riverside safer. n Highlighting the dangers of the river to Since 2011, the Council has had to replace 55 freshers at both universities in September. lifebuoys. Warning signs and safety fencing Other ongoing safety measures include: n Working with students from City of Bath have also been maliciously damaged. The n Fencing along one kilometre of tow path College on a new personal safety campaign Council is now working with Avon Fire and from Green Park to Windsor Bridge Road called #GotYaBack for new students to Rescue to develop tougher, vandal-proof n Fencing on sloping path leading from the city. cabinets for life-saving equipment. n

“Working with partners to improve safety along the River Avon”

A vandal proof lifebuoy cabinet

Find out more Go to www.bathnes. gov.uk/services/ bathcityriverside More safety measures are planned for the towpaths

Enter our competition to design a new bridge!

Children in Bath have the chance n Hand in your finished design to create their own designs for an at your local library inspirational bridge in the format n Send it by post to: of a bridge game card. Bath Bridge Game Design You can download an entry Competition, Project Delivery card from the B&NES website or Team, Lewis House, collect one from libraries in Bath, Manvers Street, BA1 1JG Keynsham, Radstock and The closing date for entries is Midsomer Norton. May 29 2015. When you’ve drawn your bridge, The same jury team for the Bath give it a name and a score for Quays Bridge design competition beauty, use, strength, long lasting will also judge the entries to this and length. You can even add competition and and all the some fascinating facts if you like! winners’ designs will be made into Once you have designed your a special edition pack of Bridge game card, you can: Bath Bridge Card Game. n Scan and email it to For more Bath Quays Bridge and development_regeneration@ Card Game info: www.bathnes. bathnes.gov.uk gov.uk/bathquaysbridge Sharpen your pencils and your imagination!

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 17

Sirona is taking it personally Janet Rowse explains Sirona’s commitment to the delivery of care with compassion

ince Sirona was founded in that most people had chosen to work in October 2011, I have asked all health and social care because they wanted staff who work for us to take to make a difference to the people they Spersonally the commitment we came in contact with on a day-to-day make to deliver care with compassion; to basis; this meant they wanted people to understand that the contact we have with feel welcome, valued, supported and safe people – those who use our services, whenever they are in contact with Sirona. their carers, our colleagues and our As a result, we now have standards partners – makes a difference and to of behaviour developed by the group make that difference a positive one. that we are applying to everyone working Earlier this year, staff from many of our in Sirona; you deserve the best possible service areas came together as a group to service from us and these are the describe what they thought this meant for behaviours you can expect when you staff on a day-to-day basis. It was clear are in our care. n Janet Rowse, Chief Executive

“We now have standards of behaviour developed by the group that we are applying to everyone working in Sirona” Janet Rowse, Chief Executive, Sirona

Find out more www.sirona-cic.org.uk/takingitpersonally

Taking It Personally

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 19 Delivering servicesNews in brief Sirona aims to improve its services by listening to the people that matter… and that’s you!

Sirona’s James Hardman

Sirona offers a Text-a-Nurse service James chats with local pupils

oung people can Text-a-Nurse, ask interaction with us. The aim of this new confident in health services currently a question on Facebook or request initiative is to capture an experience ‘in the available which demonstrates the quality help via Twitter as Sirona embraces moment’ which is when we are more likely of service. With young people only able to Ytechnology… but is it what they to hear what it is really like. We say that we legally access Facebook over the age of 13, want? New research shows that it is. will measure our success by the experiences James found a high proportion of teenagers James Hardman, an administrator with that people have of our services and wanted text messages, emails or leaflets. Sirona, has been surveying pupils at schools capturing this information will be a key part Sirona already offers their Text-a-Nurse across Bath and North East Somerset as of our performance management.” service for young people with each school part of a project encouraging people to tell James was enlisted to help to include in B&NES having its own text number the not-for-profit social enterprise their the younger generation and visited schools which is circulated to its pupils. experience of using the service. The initiative with the school nurses to get feedback. He Sue Anderson, Head of School Nursing is part of a wider scheme which has seen said: “The aim was to gain an insight into for Sirona, said: “The school nursing team staff from Sirona asking service users a series how school children viewed health and the has been issued with new smartphones and of questions to get a live picture of how the direction in which they would like future the work by James shows just how much service is operating. developments to go. Questions related to this service is valued by young people. They Katherine Horne, Communications where they would go for further health can easily make contact with a nurse; it has and Engagement Lead at Sirona, said: “We information, how often they would do so proved successful as it builds a relationship believe strongly in putting service users at and where they thought the best place was. between the nurse and the young person the heart of everything we do and this means There was a clear tendency for young people before they meet and confidentiality is very we need to listen to what they tell us about to choose technology based sources if they important in any service for young people.” their experiences and how they want services were available.” Sirona can be found on Facebook at delivered. Traditionally, we ask service users In fact nine out of 10 pupils said Facebook.com/Sironacareandhealth or about their experience some time after their everything was done to make them feel on Twitter @sironacic n

Taking It Personally

20 | Connect | Spring 2015 Safe and sound There’s a new range of services available at Paulton Memorial Hospital

randmother services into the communities,” for example, in the shoulder or foot,” she Shirley Rose was said Shirley. Sarah Ferguson, continues. “It means we are a one-stop shop. one of the first orthopaedic physiotherapy People who needed ultrasound investigations Gpatients to be seen specialist, says: “The Orthopaedic previously had to go to the RUH in Bath; now by a new service offered at Interface Service (OIS) is a we can do these at Paulton. We also run a Paulton Memorial Hospital. primary care service with clinics monthly clinic with orthopaedic consultants The 73-year-old from in the community. The clinical from the RUH and monthly foot clinics Midsomer Norton developed team all have expertise and extra where a specialist podiatrist, physiotherapist post-polio syndrome after Shirley Rose training in musculoskeletal and GP assess and treat musculo-skeletal contracting the disease as medicine and orthopaedics.” foot problems. This is another step towards a child. It affects her nerve ends and The main OIS service has been running providing joined-up services locally for the causes pain, fatigue and weakness. for over 10 years but this latest addition of benefit of our communities. But instead of having to visit an acute ultrasound diagnostic investigations for The OIS was one of the first community hospital to be assessed, she was able to be seen joint, muscle and tendon problems will make orthopaedic services to be set up in the at Paulton thanks to Sirona’s Orthopaedic a big difference to the range of services on country. It is a service that manages both Interface Service (OIS). She was seen by GP offer – all thanks to the Paulton League of simple and complicated conditions, and specialist Dr Julian Widdowson, a consultant Friends who funded the ultrasound machine. has excellent links to specialist hospital in Sports and Exercise Medicine, and “The ultrasound means we are able to find services so that patients who need surgery orthopaedic physiotherapist specialists who and treat a wider range of musculoskeletal can be referred for expert advice and are now running the new Ultrasound Service problems including areas such as tendon treatment easily. at her local hospital in Paulton. damage in the shoulder; it will also help The service is available to adults registered “The service is brilliant. It’s good to put with the placement of steroid injections, with a Bath and North-East Somerset GP n

Putting key services into local hospitals

Taking It Personally

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 21 Quit while you’re ahead Now’s the time to go smoke-free! Sirona’s Stop Smoking Service in B&NES offers expert advice and support to all

Case study 1

A Keynsham couple say the support Sian said: “Our experiences have they have received from local experts been very different but it has helped has given them the extra push they that Roger has given up at the same needed to finally kick the habit. time. We’ve both supported each other. Dementia care assistant Sian “For me it was about changing my Chapman and her partner Roger Button, daily habits. First thing in the morning a machine operator, have been tackling I would wake up, have a cup of tea and their 20-a-day habits together with the a cigarette but now I’ve changed that help of Sirona’s Stop Smoking Service. routine, which has really helped me. The pair have been to weekly drop-in I’ve also had lots of encouragement sessions held by the team at Keynsham from my family and found that you get Sian and Roger with monitors used Health Centre on Wednesday evenings a lot of encouragement from people to check carbon monoxide levels and have been delighted with the help who have given up themselves.” and encouragement they’ve received. Roger, 45, says he tried to give up he feels better all round and is Sian, 40, said they had seen a poster on his own before without success but determined to stay smoke-free. for the free service at her GP surgery going to the clinic each week without fail “To anyone thinking about giving up, and decided then and there they would has helped him finally stop – and freed I would say that until you actually stop, try to stop smoking. She said: “I was up his break times at work so he can you don’t realise how unhealthy you are totally fed up with it – fed up with the relax and enjoy his lunch instead of and your body starts repairing itself. smell, spending money on it, being out going outside to smoke. There are lots of reasons to stop – better of breath. For Roger it was more for The advantages of not smoking health, no more running outside in the health reasons as he is diabetic and became clear right away, said Sian. cold to have a cigarette, extra money he’d tried to give up before.” “The house doesn’t smell of smoke and you don’t smell of smoke.” After smoking for more than 20 years any more. I have dogs and the route Sirona’s Stop Smoking service runs it was no easy task to quit but they said I walk is quite hilly but now I don’t get drop-in clinics across the whole B&NES talking to the Sirona team each week out of breath. After I went to the clinic region. To find your nearest clinic, call has been invaluable and both began I began saving my cigarette money to 01225 831852 or visit www.sirona-cic. taking Champix tablets. make home improvements. Roger says org.uk/stop-smoking-service/

Case study 2 Get in touch Please call the Sirona Stop Smoking Grandmother Carol 2014. The kick Carol needed to tackle Service for a chat with a specialist Barnes from Bath is her habit was when a healthy family advisor. From cutting down gradually celebrating her first member suffered a mild heart attack. and harm reduction, to nicotine 12 months without A friend had recently quit through replacement therapy and medication a cigarette after 50 a Sirona programme and Carol on prescription, we are here to help years! A teenager decided to attend the weekly drop-in you when you give up smoking. Carol Barnes when she first session at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath. Remember you’re four times more took it up, Carole One of the biggest health benefits likely to quit with our support! Call us never believed she could quit. is the disappearance of a persistent now on 01225 831852, email But with the support of Sirona’s cough that plagued her and kept healthylifestyleservice@sirona- Stop Smoking Service team, the husband Ken awake at night. “My cic.org.uk or go online to Sirona’s former Bath University worker lit up family thinks the fact I’ve given up Healthy Lifestyles page at www. for the last time at the end of January is absolutely marvellous.” sirona-cic.org.uk

Taking It Personally

22 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/mycaremysupport

Offering a helping hand What the new Care Act can do for you

Make sure you and your loved ones benefit from the new Care Act

The Care Act represents the most significant www.bathnes.gov.uk/my-care-my-support www.banescarerscentre.org.uk to find out reform of care and support in more than 60 to find out more. more about the support that is available years, putting people and their carers in locally for people providing care and control of their care and support. For the n Reaching out to everyone who looks support and please encourage any ‘carers’ first time, the Act will put a limit on the after or ‘cares for’ someone else and you know to get in touch. amount anyone will have to pay towards the encouraging them to get in touch. We need costs of their care. When you or your family to ensure you feel supported to care for If you have any questions about how the members or friends need extra care and someone else regardless of whether the Care Act affects you, or want to find some support, how do you find out who pays for person you look after receives care and information for a relative or friend about what, what services you can use and what support from us. care and support, please visit www.bathnes. standards you should expect? The Act affects gov.uk/my-care-my-support. Please give us everyone who needs extra support now or in How does this affect you? your comments on an online feedback form the future and the people who care for them. Are you already receiving care and as we are working to make this area of the It offers new opportunities to help us all live support? Please talk to the people working website as user-friendly as possible. healthier and more independent lives. with you about how the changes could benefit you. The intention is that if you are Looking ahead What is the Care Act? already receiving services, you will not be Keep an eye on the ‘News’ pages of In Bath and North East Somerset, the worse off as a result of the changes. www.bathnes.gov.uk for updates on requirements of the Care Act reflect the new developments in care and support in way we have been working for some time. Do you look after someone else? ‘Looking Bath & North East Somerset. This will From 1 April 2015, in accordance with the after’ can mean anything from helping include the new ‘care accounts’ in 2016 Care Act, we will be: someone with washing, dressing or which will enable you to be able to shopping to keeping them company when register with us to keep track of your n Providing care and support to everyone they feel lonely or anxious. If this sounds care and support costs until we take who meets a nationally agreed level of need. like something you are doing, please visit them over. n n Improving the way we tell you about the care and support that is available in Bath “The new Care Act affects everyone and North East Somerset. who needs extra support… and n Offering you a wider range of ways to help you meet the costs of care. Visit the people who care for them”

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 23 waste

Recycling matters How we think about the value of what we throw away each day can make a real difference when it comes to using kerbside recycling facilites

e are all used to thinking means the items we can collect not getting that can be re-used. It’s estimated that of things we throw away as mixed up with those we can’t currently 85 million phones are just discarded in rubbish which no longer recycle. Sorting your materials in your box drawers in homes – and the value of has a value. But lots of really helps us with this, and our crews the precious metals in them exceeds items that could be recycled sort again as they put the items into the £150 million (source: Friends of the Ware still being thrown away in our black different containers on the trucks. With Earth). That’s a huge amount of potentially sacks. Every can you throw into your your help they pick up less of the things recyclable material. rubbish bag instead of your green box has we can’t collect for recycling such as black Recycling these phones would save missed an opportunity to become another plastic and polystyrene. Well sorted green resources and energy. If electrical items can, or even part of an airplane. boxes mean that collection crews can move end up in landfill, hazardous substances Raw materials are not infinite and as the on quicker and so reduce traffic hold ups. will leak out and cause soil and water demand for these resources grows, contamination, so you can see we all need to understand that these items The value of mobile phones how important it is to make sure your (however small) have a value – the glass, A really good example of a valuable mobile doesn’t end up as rubbish. cans, plastic, paper and everything else you product is a mobile phone. There are Make sure you recycle them in your recycle are all sold for different amounts already more than 5.6 billion mobiles in green box or better still, donate working per tonne. the world, and by 2017 mobile phones phones to charities that can re-use them. look set to outnumber people There is an ever increasing What happens locally? on the planet. Mobile range of high quality Your recycling is collected by our phones contain hundreds of products made in contractor Kier who take everything they components and more than the UK from the collect in your green box and blue bag to 40 different chemical items you put in their depot in Keynsham. They bulk up elements. These your green box. each material separately, and then sell include copper in To find out more these to different factories to be made into the wiring, tin in the information about what new products. solder and gold in the happens to items you recycle, Materials are even more valuable if they circuit boards which you can go online to are good quality – in recycling this really are all materials www.recyclenow.com n

24 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

a by-product – good news for the planet! Sat 9 May Bath & North East Somerset Council 9-1pm Keynsham Farmers Market are offering discounted compost bins in Fri 29 May partnership with www.getcomposting. 11-3pm Sainsbury’s, Odd Down com. From 1 April 2015, they have a variety of compost bins and other accessories plus For full details of our events and road a ‘Buy One Get One Half Price’ offer – why shows, see the Campaigns and road shows not team up with a friend or neighbour? page on our website. Prices start around £17.98 plus delivery for Home composting is a 220-litre compost bin. To find out more, New garden waste collection fees easy and saves money! visit www.getcomposting.com and enter From 1 April 2015 collection charges for your postcode or call on 0844 571 4444. fortnightly garden waste collection service For more ideas to make your garden are as follows: Get composting this spring greener, take a look at our green garden n Wheeled bin hire (140 or 240 litres): and save a little more! display in central Bath from 2-22 May. See £39.50 per bin per year, plus £2.75 initial One of the best ways you can help the our website to confirm location details. We delivery charge for either size bin planet is to compost at home. You will also have a series of composting road shows n Garden waste sacks (80 litres): £2.45 each reduce your waste and can save money too, with the composting bins on display and as it gives you a free supply of compost to advice from our Waste Campaigns Officers: To hire a bin or buy sacks, contact Council help your garden thrive. Did you know that Connect or alternatively, see the list of composting at home for just one year can Composting Road Shows local sack stockists on our website. You save global warming gases equivalent to the Sat 14 March can also take your garden waste for free CO2 your kettle produces annually, or your 10-2pm Conygre Hall, Timsbury to our Recycling Centres. n washing machine in three (Seedy swap event) months? Fri 24 April When waste is sent to 11-2pm Morrisons, Bath landfill, air cannot get to the Wed 29 April Find out more organic matter. As it breaks 11-3pm Tesco, Keynsham If you have questions down, it creates methane, Sat 2 May about anything in this a damaging greenhouse gas. 9-1pm MSN Farmers article, visit to our When waste is composted Market website for even above ground, oxygen allows Fri 8 May more information: it to decompose aerobically 11-3pm Green Park www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices with hardly any methane as Plastic bottles can be Station, Bath re-used in the garden News round up

Come along to our Real Nappy Week enter a prize draw to win a £50 voucher from 10am-12 noon, at the old MoD events and you could win a £50 for their choice of re-usable nappies. building, next door to the Keynsham nappy voucher Recycling Centre, Pixash Lane, For Real Nappy Week, Bath Calling all PAT testers and Keynsham BS31 1TP. & North East Somerset people with electrical skills At our last furniture sale in February Council will hold two to share we had a record number of more than events where new and We are exploring opportunities 220 people attending our sale, all expectant parents can to run some free electrical repair looking for bargains. find out more about using workshops called Restart parties All secondhand furniture on sale re-usable nappies: for residents. has been brought to our Recycling n Wednesday 22 April Real Nappy Week A Restart Party is Centres by residents, and if in good 10am-11.30am Percy a free community event where condition saved for our sales. All items Community Centre, New King volunteers help people fix their must be paid for in cash and taken Street, Bath BA1 2BN own broken electricals and electronics, away during the sale. n Friday 24 April 10am-11.30am to save them from waste. Community@67 Community Centre, We will be seeking volunteers and Queens Road, Keynsham BS31 2NW qualified PAT testers to help share their The Council’s Campaigns Manager repair skills for small electrical items Sarah George has used them with her such as lap tops, mobile phones, iPods, children and she will bring her toddler and lamps. along to model them. Sarah will talk If you may be interested in getting about her experience of re-usable involved, please contact nappies including where to find cheap [email protected] secondhand ones. Free refreshments are provided and Next furniture sale children are very welcome. Everyone Our next secondhand furniture sale will Grab a bargain at our who attends will have the chance to take place on Saturday 6 June 2015 furniture sale in June

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 25 waste

Food waste in plastic sacks is an easy target

for scavenging gulls Bath News & Media Group Media & News Bath

How to prepare for the return of the gulls With just a few simple strategies we can all help to reduce the problem of urban gulls Top tips n Don’t put food waste in rubbish he majority of urban gulls return many litter bins in the city urging visitors sacks as gulls will rip these open to the Bath area about now. There not to feed the gulls – with the message in – use your food waste bin instead. are over 1,000 pairs of breeding English, French and Mandarin. Don’t have one? Contact Council gulls in Bath and North East Our officers visited Bath businesses Connect on councilconnect@ Somerset and they are at their last autumn to give advice leaflets and bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 394041. T most aggressive and noisy during July and posters. You can download these from August. This is the time they are protecting www.bathnes.gov.uk/dontfeedthegulls n Buy a dustbin and use it and feeding their chicks. This year we want Businesses have also been encouraged to to encourage everyone to take early action to use refuse bins instead of bags or business n Put out recycling and rubbish reduce the problems they can cause with gull-resistant sacks for their waste and by 7am on collection day, or after street mess and noise. to ensure they put out their waste at the 8pm the night before. The closer Gulls are attracted to areas where there correct collection times. to 7am the better, leaving less is a plentiful food source and where there For the first time, we have offered scavenging time are attractive nesting sites, so there are a nest removal/egg replacement service things we can all do to help tackle this to commercial premises other than those n Don’t feed birds in parks, open problem at home and at work. with easily accessible roofs. We hope to spaces or the street build on this service this year. What has the Council Developers and architects locally can n If you have a nest on your roof achieved so far? use our helpful guide packed with practical call Pest Control Service, 01225 We have done extensive door knocking and advice to stop urban gulls nesting on your 396007. They can assess your issued re-usable canvas type ‘gull resistant’ roof. Getting the design of a roof right at home, and if suitable, can offer rubbish bags to nearly 5,000 households in the outset can prevent future problems. you ‘dummy’ eggs at cost price Bath, where storage is a problem or there This practical guide is available from are particular problems with litter. www.bathnes.gov.uk/dontfeedthegulls n Make sure you use the litter Residents use these bags to contain their and recycling bins provided black plastic rubbish sacks. These have What can you do? when out and about in the city been successful in reducing scavenging by If you do one thing… please recycle your gulls and have been popular with residents. food waste. The most practical and effective If you are not living in a street where we action you can take is to use your recycling have issued these, then we would advise and rubbish collection services correctly, you to buy a normal lidded plastic or especially your food waste recycling Find out more metal dustbin to put your black sacks in. collection. Remember to lock your bin by To report a gull incident: Residents can also download our ‘Don’t pulling the handle forward firmly. www.bathnes.gov.uk/ Feed the Gulls’ advice leaflet or pick one By putting all the waste foodstuffs you dontfeedthegulls up at our One-Stop Shops. dispose of into your lockable food bin, you Twitter @ccbathnes or As part of our ‘Please Don’t Feed The will reduce the food supply to gulls and www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit Gulls’ campaign last year, we put posters on other scavenging animals in the city. n

26 | Connect | Spring 2015 www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices A day in the life of a street cleaner Kelvin Lawton has worked in factories for most of his life. Here he tells us why he’s happy to be doing a job that lets him work outside

How long have you been with day is different. You have the Council? your off-days of course, Kelvin swapped factory I’ve done this for about five-and-a-half but that’s the same in any shifts for a job outdoors years now. Before that I worked at a job. You can’t be miserable factory in Melksham. though – the other guys won’t let you! What drew you to this job? I’d been in factory work all my life and Does Bath throw up I wanted to do something different. any challenges, as I also wanted to work outside, so when an historic city? an opportunity came up, I took it. I think it’s the same as most cities, but Bath How would you describe has such a lot of tourists. a typical day at work? We just try to keep it as The first thing I do is to go round checking tidy as possible – and the bins and emptying them, then it’s to a very high standard! picking up litter and sweeping up cigarette ends. We all have our own routes, but you What’s it like when might be called to a different street where the weather’s bad? there’s a problem – such as street mess It’s okay because we’ve all got the kit. The them on because they’ve done from black bags being split open because Council provides jackets, leggings, gloves a good job. And they offer training in all there might be food inside. The gulls rip – all the wet gear. And if it’s really lashing aspects of the work, for example, weed- the bags to shreds – they’re worse than down, you can shelter until it blows over. spraying, graffiti-removal, all the different rats and foxes. machines we use. Do you work as part of a team? Which areas do you cover? There are 11 of us and we usually work on How do you think your job I’m in the city centre. The department has our own, but we can team up for bigger makes life better for people? three operational areas: Inner and Outer jobs. At the start of the shift, we all arrive If you come into the city centre and it’s City and Districts. The Outer city team early so we can sit down and have a cup of clean and tidy, there’s a much better does the residential areas and the District tea and a chat before we head out. If there atmosphere. And if people don’t realise it’s team does the rural areas. All the teams are problems on any of the routes we can ever been any other way, then you’ve done work slightly differently, but they all have help each other. It’s a very friendly bunch. a good job. If you go unnoticed, you know the same aim, that is to keep Bath & North you’re doing your job properly! East Somerset as clean as possible. They’re What are the worst things you dropped off in the morning, and brought have to deal with? What do you do in your spare back in at the end of the shift. Probably cleaning up sick and dog mess – time? you deal with that every day and it’s just I love my garden and my allotment where What’s your favourite part part of the job. You occasionally come I grow all my own fruit and veg. I also have of the job? across needles, where people have been a new grandson – he’s only a few months Interacting with the public, especially the using drugs. Five of us have been trained old so he takes up a lot of my time! n tourists. They always ask us questions about to deal with that, because you’re not the city, and we can usually answer most of allowed to touch them unless you’ve had them. It’s also nice when people come up and the specific training. thank you for doing a good job. Find out more Any advice for someone lookng Is there anything you don’t like? for this kind of work? For more information Not really. Because I’ve worked inside all The best thing would be to look on the on the work done by my life, I love being outside all the time. website – you can get all the information Kelvin and his And you’ve got freedom. If you see a mess and apply online. Also agency work is a teammates, visit the on a street that isn’t on your route, you can good route. A lot of our staff used to be Litter, street care and cleaning go and clean it up. I love the work – every agency workers and the Council has taken pages on our website.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 27 Let’s plan community services together At some point in our lives, all of us will receive some kind of care outside hospital. These community health and social care services are provided by a range of organisations and overseen by Bath & North East Somerset Council and NHS BaNES Clinical Commissioning Group working together.

We want to make the way these services are organised and delivered even better in our area which is why we have launched your care, your way – a review of community health and care services.

It is important that we hear from as many people as possible before we start to change things. It’s only with your feedback and your vision that we can design and commission services that will help you, and your loved ones, to live healthier and happier lives.

28 | Connect | Spring 2015 What are community services? n Community services are Helping children develop to full n Prolonging independence health and care services that potential in their early years, with voluntary, community are delivered at a person’s such as speech and language and housing-related support, home or in nearby local care therapy such as the independent n settings. It’s a very big part of Helping people manage their living service what the NHS and the Council own care and support needs n Helping people to readjust to does and it includes: with personal budgets and daily life following a change direct payments in their health or a stay in n n Working with new mums to Giving specialist care for hospital, such as ensure their child gets the specific health conditions, physiotherapists or best start in life, such as such as diabetes nurses reablement services n providing a health visitor Supporting people to live n Giving people the best n Helping people to avoid independently for as long as quality of life at the end of unnecessary hospital stays, possible, such as the falls their life, such as palliative such as district nurses prevention team care nurse

What do you think? n Do you or a loved one receive care at home or in the local community? n What’s working well at the moment? n How could we make things better or easier for you? n Are there any services which you wish were available closer to home?

Please do share your experiences, ideas and opinions with us so that we can make these services even better for you, your family and your friends.

Come to a your care, your way Write to us at… event or invite us to your local your care, your way, BaNES CCG, St. Martin’s community group Hospital, Clara Cross Lane, Bath, BA2 5RP

Email us at… Engage on Twitter… [email protected] #ycywbanes

Call us on… Share your ideas… 01225 396512 www.facebook.com/yourcareyourway www.yourcareyourway.org

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 29 www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices Blue badge scheme The Blue Badge Scheme is an important service for people with severe mobility problems that enables them to park close to where they need to go

he Blue Badge scheme in B&NES is available to provide a range of parking concessions for people Who qualifies? with severe mobility problems, so they can park close to where they Automatic Discretionary Tneed to go. It is available to individuals and n You are registered blind n You have a permanent and organisations. Here is our handy guide to n You receive War Pensioners’ substantial disability which means you making a successful application. Mobility Supplement can’t walk or find walking very difficult n You receive the higher rate of the n You have severe upper limb mobility component of Disability Living disabilities in both arms, drive a motor Allowance (DLA) vehicle and have difficulty using n You receive the mobility component parking meters of Personal Independence Payment n You are applying on behalf of (PIP) and you scored at least eight a child over two with a permanent points in relation to the ‘moving and substantial disability which around’ activity in the PIP assessment means they can’t walk or find walking n You have been awarded a lump very difficult sum benefit from the Armed Forces n You are applying on behalf of a child Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8). under three with a medical condition You have also been certified as having that requires them to be close to a a permanent and substantial disability vehicle for emergency medical The scheme is designed to help which means you can’t walk or find treatment or transporting bulky people with mobility problems walking very difficult. medical equipment.

10 | Connect | Autumn 2014 www.bathnes.gov.uk/transport

The scheme is available for individuals and organisations

What happens next? How can I apply? How long is the process? For the discretionary award an assessment n Download the online form to print and Once the info is collated, we will contact will be carried out on the basis of your fill in by hand www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/ you for a payment of £10 to cover cost of disability and how it affects your mobility. default/files/blue_badge_application_ the badge. Once payment is received, you You may be required to attend an form.pdf should receive your badge within 7-10 days. Independent Mobility Assessment which is n Apply online www.gov.uk/apply-blue- carried out on behalf of the Council by badge What if my application Sirona. The assessors are fully qualified n Call 01225 477133 to request a postal copy is refused? physiotherapists trained in this type of n Collect a form at a B&NES One-Stop If you are unsuccessful, we will write assessment. If you are required to attend an Shop or complete an application online to you to explain why, and enclose a assessment we will inform you in writing. using a public PC. The One-Stop Shops copy of the appeals process. For more If you cannot attend, you will need to contact can also take your photograph for you, information on the scheme, please go to: us to change the date. copy and certify your documents www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/parking- Quick online eligibility check: bluebadge. www.bathnes.gov.uk/contact-us/ and-travel/accessible-parking/blue- direct.gov.uk/directgovcheck.html bath-one-stop-shop badge n

Blue Badge Park closer to your destination fraud clampdown Where can I park? the same blue badge rights in these The Badge can only be used for A Blue Badge will help you park closer to locations. Check information boards in the benefit of the holder and your destination, whether as a passenger car parks for specific regulations. they have to be travelling in or or driver. However, the badge is only parking the vehicle at the time: intended for on-street parking. How do I use the badge? it cannot be used by anyone Your badge must be clearly displayed on else, even if they are running 1 Free parking with no time limit the dashboard of your vehicle. Where errands for the holder. n On street parking in Pay and Display there is a maximum parking limit, you will B&NES takes this matter very zones where time is restricted for non also need to display the time clock, set to seriously. A Blue Badge Fraud Blue Badge holders the time you leave your vehicle. Investigator works alongside n Advisory disabled bays our Senior Civil Enforcement n Resident and business permitted Looking to the future Officers who have the power parking zones B&NES’ Parking Services are fully to seize badges that are n Bath Sports and Leisure Centre car committed to providing better facilities for misused. The maximum fine park within all bays Blue Badge holders: including the that can be handed out for this n With the exception of the car parks in installation of more disabled bays at offence is £1,000, plus costs Bath itself (where you will need to Keynsham Leisure Centre, the recent and victim surcharges. purchase parking time), all other car parks removal of the taxi bay on Milsom Street run by B&NES are free for badge holders to increase the number of Blue Badge n Bath Park and Ride car parks spaces and the resurfacing of Broad Street Car Park to improve the access to 2 Free parking but time limited disabled bays in that location. n Single and double yellow lines where Find out more no loading ban applies (maximum stay Some companies offer a service to apply For further information of three hours). for a Blue Badge on your behalf. Please on Blue Badges or how avoid them as they demand unnecessary to apply for one, go to Privately-run car parks like those large fees upfront. Contact us with any www.bathnes.gov.uk/ provided by local authorities, hospitals or questions or request for help with your services/parking-and- supermarkets operate under different application, before paying for any services. travel/accessible-parking/ rules, so you cannot assume you have blue-badge or call us direct at Parking Services on 01225 477133.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 31

Making it Real for health & social care Here is your chance to take part in an exciting new health & social care initiative in B&NES

ath & North East Somerset is consistent, accurate, accessible and up to know some more about Making it Real and Council and the NHS Bath and date’ and ‘I can decide the kind of support being a part of the Implementation Group. North East Somerset Clinical I need and when, where and how to receive Please contact Wendy Sharman, Commissioning Group (CCG) it.’ It is also a clear way of letting others Transformation and Strategic Planning have jointly agreed to a ‘Make it know how they are doing – especially their Manager on 01225 477922 or email B Real’ initiative for people who use health local community and the people they serve. [email protected] for and social care services in the area. The Council and CCG will be working more information. n Making it Real is a set of ‘progress towards developing a Making it Real markers’ written by people who use Implementation Group and for this group services and their families, that can help an to be co-chaired by a service user or carer. organisation to check how they are moving This Group will review current progress Find out more forward with their transformation of adult against the Markers for Change and social care. The progress markers are a identify the gaps and challenges to be If you want to know more series of ‘first-person’ statements which overcome. The top three challenges about the Making it Real express what people who use services and will then go into the first Making it Real initiative and the list of carers would expect to see and experience action plan for the area. markers for change, if support services were truly personalised. This is where you can get involved! We you can go online to: These markers include statements like would like to hear from people who have www.thinklocalactpersonal.org. ‘I have access to easy to understand used health and social care services as well uk/Browse/mir information about care and support which as their families/carers if they would like to

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 33 Two Services from your Council’s To find a local business approved by trading standards visit: Public Protection Team www.buywithconfidence

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/mealsonwheels T: 01225 394350 Google Search: Bathnes Community Meals Services Directory n Council Tax Enquiries Do you need some information about a Council-run service? For account queries about your Council Tax bill, ranging Help is at hand with this useful guide... from online payments to exemptions. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/counciltax To be put through to someone who can help, call the Council T: 01225 477777 Google Search: Bathnes Council Tax switchboard on 01225 477000 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk for further information 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. Aa W: www.curo-group.co.uk Council Connect T: 01225 366000 n Adoption and Fostering T: 01225 366111 (repairs) n Bus Passes Placements, recruitment of adopters and support T: 0300 123 2468 (anti-social behaviour) services. The team also provides counselling for E: [email protected] (enquiries) n Dog Warden Service adopted adults and support in accessing birth records. E: [email protected] (repairs) n Fly Tipping W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adoption T: 01225 394949 n Garden Waste Google Search: Bathnes Fostering Dd n Grass Cutting n Death Registration Bb Register a death, which has occurred in our district, n Graffiti Removal at the Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or at n Benefits: Housing and Council Tax Support The Hollies High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP. n Gritting of Roads Visit a One Stop Shop in Bath, Keynsham or W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/deaths (except motorways) Midsomer Norton, or alternatively, contact a Benefits T: 01225 477234 Officer by phone or email. Google Search: Bathnes Deaths n Libraries W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/benefits

T: 01225 477777 n Parks and Open Spaces n Disabled Car Users (Blue Badges) Google Search: Bathnes Benefits The UK-wide Blue Badge scheme provides parking n Pavements and Road concessions for people with severe mobility problems. Maintenance n Birth Registration W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bluebadges Register a birth, which occurred in the district, at the T: 01225 477133 or 01225 477134 n Planning Enquiries Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or The Hollies, Google Search: Bathnes Blue Badges High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DT. n Public Toilets W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/births n Discovery Card n Public Transport T: 01225 477234 Discovery Card holders receive discounts or free entry Google Search: Bathnes Births n Recycling and Waste for numerous attractions in the area.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard n Road Faults and Potholes n Building Control T: 01225 477737 Contact Building Control for help and advice about the Google Search: Bathnes Discovery Card n Road Safety building regulation process and any proposed building n Street Lighting projects you have. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/buildingcontrol Ee T: 01225 477517 n Electoral Registration and Elections Google Search: Bathnes Building Control For queries on voting rights or other election matters. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/elections For all of the above services, Cc T: 01225 477333 Google Search: Bathnes Electoral Registration contact Council Connect: n Cemeteries and Crematoriums Find out about Council-administered cemeteries when Twitter: @ccbathnes organising a funeral. Ff W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/cemeteries n Family Information Service Telephone: 01225 394041 T: 01225 396020 The Service holds up-to-date information about all Google Search: Bathnes Cemeteries Email: councilconnect@ Ofsted-registered childcare, as well as information about working with children and family support. n Children’s Centre Information Service bathnes.gov.uk W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis The Service holds up-to-date information about all T: 01225 395343 Text: 07797 806545 Ofsted-registered childcare, as well as information Google Search: Bathnes Fis about working with children and family support.

Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis n Fire Service, Avon (except Wednesdays 09.30 to 18.00). T: 01225 395343 Get updates on the latest news and incidents in your Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Google Search: Bathnes Fis area and view the work we do within the community.

Holidays. At other times, for emergencies W: www.avonfire.gov.uk n Community Meals Service or dangerous incidents only, please phone T: 0117 9262061 (non-emergency) 01225 477477. This service provides hot meals to those who have difficulty cooking for themselves.

34 | Connect | Spring 2015 Directory

Two Services from your Council’s To find out more about the hygiene standards in your favourite restaurants, takeaways and food shops visit: Public Protection Team food.gov.uk/ratings

n Trading Standards Hh Pp The Council is responsible for enforcing a range n Housing Services n Parking Services of consumer legislation including misleading Support and advice for all of your housing issues. For parking queries, Park & Ride, clamping, fines, advertisements and counterfeit trademarks. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/housing permits, Blue Badges, Pay & Display, enforcement of W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/trading T: 01225 396296 restrictions. Visit the website to download maps. T: 01225 396753 Google Search: Bathnes Housing W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/parking Google Search: Bathnes Trading T: 01225 477133 Jj Google Search: Bathnes Parking n Travel Information (Traveline) Traveline provides timetables and journey planners n Jobs with the Council n Pest Control for bus, coach and rail services in the South West. Up-to-date information about job vacancies, equal The Council offers a comprehensive pest-control service W: www.travelinesw.com opportunities, employment and training initiatives. for residents and businesses. T: 0871 200 2233 (7am to 10pm - Calls cost 10p per W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/jobs W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/pests minute from landlines) T: 01225 396409 (24 hours) T: 01225 396007 Google Search: Southwest Traveline Google Search: Bathnes Jobs Google Search: Bathnes Pests

n Police Service, Avon and Somerset Yy Ll Stay informed about what is happening in your area, n Youth Connect n Leisure Centres with regular news updates, as well as useful information Working with young people aged 11-25 years. Bath Leisure Centre, North Parade Rd, Bath BA2 4ET about crime reduction. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/youthconnect W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/leisure W: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk T: 01225 396980 T: 01225 486905 T: 101 (non-emergencies) E: [email protected] Google Search: Bathnes Leisure and Sport Google Search: Bathnes Youth Connect Culverhay Sports Centre, Rush Hill, Bath BA2 2QL Rr T: 01225 486902 (office hours) n Record Office T: 01225 480882 (after 5pm) The office holds a wealth of information and archives. Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street, Keynsham W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/records How to... BS31 1HE T: 01225 477421 (closed Mondays) T: 01225 395164 Google Search: Bathnes Records Make the most South Wansdyke Sports Centre, Rackvernal Rd, Midsomer Norton BA3 2UG Ss Pay the Council… T: 01761 415522 n School Admissions

We deal with applications and can advise about your n Licensing The Council’s ‘pay for it’ right of appeal, as well as home-to-school transport. Offers a range of information regarding licensing, W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/admissions online service is a speedy, including alcohol, cinemas and taxis. T: 01225 394312 simple and secure way to pay for W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/licensing Google Search: Bathnes Schools bills and charges, and it is available T: 01225 477531

Google Search: Bathnes Licensing 24 hours a day. In just a few simple n Sirona Care & Health steps, you can make payments for Providing community health and adult social services Council Tax, Penalty Notices, Mm in Bath and North East Somerset. For detailed information on the services we offer, as well as online Business Rates, Commercial n MOT Testing contact forms, visit our website. Rents, Garden Waste renewal We offer vehicle MOTs to members of the public and W: www.sirona-cic.org.uk fees, and many other services. trade for cars, taxis and some coaches. Book today! T: 01225 831400 W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath_mot You will need your account number

T: 01225 477314 n Social Services or invoice reference in order to Google Search: Bathnes MOT Testing Visit the Health and Social Care pages on the website make a payment. Once you have

for information and advice. this, visit the website at n Museums and Art Galleries W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adultcare Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum www.bathnes.gov.uk/pay, click on T: 01225 477000 W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/museums the online payments link and follow T: 01454 615165 (out of hours emergencies about T: 01225 477789 the on-screen prompts. adults or children) Google Search: Bathnes Museums T: 0808 800 4444 (emergency housing advice, contact Roman Baths and Pump Room If you don’t have access to the the Shelter England 24-hour freephone advice line) T: 01225 477785 internet, you can also pay by phone, Google Search: Bathnes Social Services Victoria Art Gallery (closed Mondays) or by visiting one of our local offices: T: 01225 477233 Call 0845 372 3501 Bath’s Historic Buildings (venue hire) Tt T: 01225 477786 or 01225 477782 (24 hours a day) n Taxi and Private Hire Cars – Complaints Visit the One Stop If you have a complaint regarding any licensed vehicle, Shop in Bath, Nn contact the Council Licensing Enforcement Officer. Riverside in W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/taxis n NHS Service, BANES T: 01225 477689 Keynsham or Find out how to register with your local GP or NHS Google Search: Bathnes Taxi Complaints The Hollies dentist, plus information on other key services. in Midsomer W: www.bathandnortheastsomersetccg.nhs.uk T: 01225 831800 E: [email protected] Norton.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 35

Meet the... Welfare Support Team The Welfare Support Scheme helps people whose needs fall outside those covered by basic welfare provisions. Here we talk to Angela Hucker and Sharon Grimsby about their invaluable work with the local community

with travel as well – we have bus tickets for housing payments for people whose people going back to work or going for Housing Benefit doesn’t quite cover the rent. interviews. We can’t help directly with gas and electricity, but we have donated funds What are the most rewarding to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for aspects of your job? that purpose, so we refer people to them. Angela: For me, I would have to say it’s getting vulnerable people rehoused. Can you reimburse people for Sharon: I agree. Seeing homeless people who things they’ve already paid for? have gone through the system and then into Angela: No, we organise everything their own homes is one of the big successes. up front. For instance, if someone needs help moving, we have a removal What qualities do you need to company we use. do this kind of work? Sharon: When people ask for help, we Sharon: Listening is important, and knowing ask them to fill in a form so we can assess where to get help. We sometimes refer people Top fact... their income and expenditure and we to other charities and advice networks. The current Welfare Support would make a decision based on this. Angela: When someone comes to us, we Scheme came into being in April look at their situation from all angles as 2013 to replace the Crisis Loan Who are you able to help? there may be other things we can help with. and Community Care Grants Angela: It could be anyone on a low income, Sharon: I referred one person to Sirona’s previously provided by although not necessarily on benefits. Stop Smoking Service. She was struggling the Department for Work and Sharon: We get a diverse range of people financially and still spending money on Pensions (DWP) coming to us – single people, homeless cigarettes, but she wanted to give up. If she people, families, pensioners, students. got more support, she would manage it. So Angela: Also care leavers, people who have we listen to people and try to get the whole What would a typical day be like? got into debt or people who have just been story before we decide how to help them. Angela: We’re here to help people in released from prison. We can help people financial difficulties, and one thing we do is who are claiming benefits or whose benefits Are you ever asked for things to buy essential household items, such as a have been stopped, and also people who you can’t provide? cooker, washing machine, fridge or bed. have just gone back to work and need help Sharon: People come to us for all sorts of Sharon: But instead of giving people £500 with food or travel until they receive their things: broken windows, help with property to buy it themselves, we buy it for them. first wage. repairs. One person had a leaking radiator. We can also issue vouchers for The Genesis Angela: We can’t take on things like that. Trust Furniture Project for smaller items How do they find out about you? Sharon: But there are people who can, so such as toasters and kettles. And we have Angela: One way would be to go online and we point people in the right direction. access to a warehouse in Keynsham that have a look at our website (see box right). Angela: We would never say, “We can’t stores recycled furniture. Sharon: A lot of people are referred to us by help you with that.” We would always find other agencies, such as the Citizens Advice out who could, because we come under What else can you help with? Bureau, the Housing Associations, the Customer Services and the people who Angela: We can help with food, and also Council Tax staff or our One Stop Shops. call us are our customers. n with Council Tax or rent arrears if people Angela: The biggest referral of all is are struggling. But there are strict criteria, from the Job Centre because our scheme and we are not able to distribute cash. replaced their Crisis Loan and Community Sharon: We can issue retail vouchers, and Care grants. also arrange to get food shopping delivered Find out more to anyone unable to go out and collect their Do you have responsibilities for To find out more about own. We have food bank vouchers for different things? our services and whether people who don’t qualify for the retail Angela: No, we both deal with everything. you are eligible to benefit vouchers, and hot meal vouchers for Julian There is a third member of our team, David. from any of them, visit our House for the rough sleepers. We can help He assesses applications for discretionary website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ benefits and scroll down to Welfare Support Scheme. For help with “We would never say to anyone: specific problems, call the advice line on 01225 477277 between 9am and ‘We can’t help you with that.’ We would 4.30pm Monday to Friday. always find out who could”

38 | Connect | Spring 2015