Since 2014, the B&NES Local Authority has a duty to signpost adults needing support or care, to the advice and information they require. Live Well B&NES was created in response to this, and involves a collaboration between three pre-existing resources prior to Live Well B&NES creation in 2021. To mark the 1 year anniversary, Live Well B&NES has published their first year report.
Until August 2021, information was provided via three separate web-based resources: one large Database bathnes, Wellbeing Options and Rainbow Resource. These were managed in-house but the websites hosted externally. Work began last year to create a new website, hosted in-house and providing everything in a single place: Live Well B&NES (hosted by B&NES Council) was launched in phases between May and September 2021.
Live Well B&NES is aimed at three groups:
- SEND (Rainbow Resource) is aimed at families with a child or young person with a disability or special education need.
- Children & Families offers families with young children information about parenting support, registered childcare, activities, clubs and groups.
- Adults requiring care and support to live independently (and their carers/families) are supported.
Information from pre-birth to old age is provided through Live Well B&NES.
B&NES has witnessed dramatic increases in the number of elderly people and SEND children over recent years, necessitating the important provision of services such as Live Well B&NES; since 2016 there has been a 128% increase in the number of SEND children with Education Health and Care plans (EHCP) and the number of over-65's has increased by 17.5% since 2011. Anxiety levels, referrals to mental health services, and the prevalence of dementia have also been increasing in B&NES.
Highlights from the first year of Live Well B&NES have included the launch of the new website, including a dedicated cost-of-living section, specific resources pages organised per condition, and an adult care self-assessment tool.
The new social media accounts for Live Well B&NES have also been doing well, with the Facebook page attracting 2,808 followers, and the website amassing a total of 237,975 site visitors.
Live Well B&NES is not a static, unchanging web resource; it aims to continue developing and growing, based on user feedback. The team have many ideas for the future, including the creation of a 'Warm Spaces' directory, 'Lunch & Learn' sessions for colleagues, and developing a PA Finder resource for Live Well Adults.
There is a wealth of information, support and resources available via the Live Well B&NES programme, and we encourage all third sector groups, and the communities and individuals they work with, to find out more.
You can also share your news, activities and events with them for promotion, and self-register on the Live Well site.
Be sure to follow the Live Well B&NES Facebook page to keep up-to-date.
To see the full first year report, click here.
Visit the Live Well B&NES website here.
On a related note, Live Well B&NES is hosting a SEND Local Offer drop-in event on Friday 4th November, from 10am to midday at Keynsham Community Space (above Keynsham library). This event is for parent carers and anyone supporting a young person or child with a disability or special education need. Refreshments will be provided. No registration required.
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