Online training course: 'Learn to Host Powerful Online and In-person Meetings and Events' A participatory online training that gives you practical tools and skills to experience and host successful and productive online and in-person meetings, conversations and events. These learning experiences will be taking place in February, March, April and May 2021. The focus of the session will be learning how to create an online experience that is enjoyable, supportive and inspirational. We will also be having meaningful conversations, some of which may bring up feelings of discomfort and we will explore this in our learning journey together. During this time online working is something we are all doing more and being zoomed-out is something we can all experience. On this learning experience you will find the skills and resources to foster a more human way of working in a digital space. Leaving you inspired and energised after a zoom meeting and re-imagining the potential of these digital tools for collective online working. Here is the link to their website where you can find out more: http://www.iamweare.co.uk/events

Bath & North East Somerset Council is once again providing supermarket vouchers to families whose children are eligible for free school meals over the upcoming school holidays. Families who applied to receive vouchers from the council’s Christmas scheme will automatically receive a £20 voucher for the February half term. From today (February 4) the council will send all previous voucher recipients an email asking them to confirm they would like a £20 voucher per child. Once confirmed, a further email will be sent containing the supermarket voucher codes. New applications from families who haven’t claimed the vouchers before can be made online via this page. Families who received the vouchers at Christmas should not reapply as it could cause a delay in them receiving their vouchers. The electronic vouchers can be spent in a range of supermarkets and are available to the families of pupils entitled to benefit-related free school meals, as well as parents who receive free childcare for two-year-olds, where benefits are such that they would have been entitled to free school meals. The scheme is part of a wide range of community support for vulnerable families including FOOD clubs, food banks, welfare and financial support. Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We are doing our utmost to ensure that no child in Bath and North East Somerset goes hungry, so I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to extend the voucher scheme to cover the February school holidays for families whose children are eligible for free school meals. “If you received the vouchers at Christmas, you do not need to do anything – you will get an email from us to arrange to get your electronic vouchers to you. Please don’t apply again as that could mean your vouchers are delayed. However, if you think you’re eligible and haven’t previously applied, please do so via our website as soon as possible.” The scheme is funded from the Government’s Covid Winter Grant Scheme. There are currently more than 4,000 children in Bath and North East Somerset who receive benefit-related free school meals. 3SG and St John’s Foundation have already allocated £55,000 from a local fundraising appeal to community-led food projects serving communities of high-need across Bath and North East Somerset. There is also community support for families: Anyone finding it hard to stay afloat on their food budget can contact their nearest FOOD Club or Pantry for an affordable way to supplement a weekly shop. Details can be found on the BANES Foodfinder at www.banesfoodfinder.org.uk/listing/food-clubs-pantries Details of food banks across BANES are also on that link and they can tell you how to access a voucher to meet more urgent need. Anyone in need of support around food, money, debt, mental health, housing or employment is encouraged to contact the Community Wellbeing Hub, by calling 0300 247 0050 or email at BATHNES.thehub@virgincare.co.uk, where you will be connected to a wide range of support under one roof. Alternatively, the Welfare Support team can offer short-term, financial crisis support and are contactable on 01225 477 277 or email at welfare_support@bathnes.gov.uk. A searchable and comprehensive online listing of a wide range of community support across BANES can be found on the One Big Database at www.bathnes1bd.org.uk Feeding Britain is an independent charity working towards the UK becoming hunger-free www.feedingbritain.org

Working and being together online - a free 12 to 18-hour participatory learning experience that runs over 5 weeks, funded by the Lottery Community Fund. The first of these courses starts on 8th February 2021 18:30 - 20:30 on zoom. Are you a registered charity, co-op, social enterprise, housing association, community interest company (CIC), grassroots, voluntary and community organisation or a company whose main focus is social impact? If you so, you and your organisation might really benefit from this free learning experience being delivered by I Am. We Are. in partnership with Beyond. This course guides you through tools to use in an online space for richer human connection, personal reflection processes, collective sense-making and embodied awareness. You'll learn how to turn the digital space into your ally and release the creative potential for collaboration and self-organising leadership within your organisations, across the sector and in other applicable areas of your life. This course is ideal for people focussed on team wellbeing and productivity. These free 5 sessions might make all the difference to any organisation struggling with connecting and working together online. To find out more: https://www.joinbeyond.org/working-and-being-together-online-course

A new walk-through COVID-19 testing site in Keynsham for people with coronavirus symptoms, has been welcomed by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at the 1st Keynsham Scouts HQ, Ashton Way, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities. Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The government is committed to continue expanding the capacity of the network of UK test sites and laboratories to make it even easier to get tested and reduce the time it takes to receive test results. The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre. Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities. Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “The centre is not a walk-in so please don’t just turn up and expect a test, you must have an appointment by booking online or calling 119. The location enables people to walk or cycle to it or drive, however please do not use public transport or taxis if you have Covid symptoms. I am urging residents, if you have symptoms, to get tested now to protect yourself and others, and help to stop the spread of this virus.” 1st Keynsham Scouts, Chairperson Len Bridges, said: “This is 1st Keynsham’s way of giving something back. This approach is a fantastic testament to the role the Scout group plays within our community and is a good use of the building while we continue to meet ‘virtually’ as an organisation.” The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day and includes more than 750 sites across the UK, including 82 drive-through sites, 421 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and six Lighthouse laboratories. Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission. Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

The next steps towards the proposed state-of-the-art waste and recycling hub in Keynsham will be starting this month following the formal planning application having been submitted by Bath & North East Somerset Council at the end of January. The council will soon be making unused areas of the Pixash Lane site secure and ensure ecology protection measures have been carried out before and during demolition of existing and redundant buildings. General site preparations will start in the week beginning February 8 with building and superstructure removal works planned to begin the week after. Residents, businesses and other stakeholders will be kept informed of the plans and any disruption will be kept to a minimum. The existing Reuse and Recycling Centre will remain open as normal for residents during these initial works. The council held a public consultation on the proposals in December 2020, alongside another consultation asking for suggestions for locations for Bath recycling centres and other ideas to increase recycling, to which responses have been broadly supportive. Feedback on the Keynsham Recycling Hub consultation showed that 70% of residents who responded support modern facilities for efficiency and reliability of refuse and recycling collections. A total of 71% of respondents supported the key benefit of the scheme to prepare for the future and encourage more recycling. The feedback from residents and technical officers has been considered by the design team, and the detailed planning submission is now to test the up-to-date proposals against policy requirements and all other considerations. Residents will now have another opportunity to give their views, and external organisations including Natural England, Environment Agency and Network Rail will be consulted. One of the changes made in response to the feedback is that there will be larger green areas around the Pixash Lane site with more than 200 trees to be planted and hedgerows improved, reducing the visual and potential noise impact. Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultations. We have listened to the largely positive feedback and acted on it in shaping the planning application, particularly in relation to providing more green space. The application has the ambitious aim of providing a state-of-the-art waste and recycling hub that meets future demand from a growing population, supports more recycling and helps us to tackle the climate emergency. “We are also working hard on the proposals for re-providing waste and recycling centres in Bath so that the city will have uninterrupted access to recycling centres local to them. We will update residents on that in the Spring.” The scheme will also include investment in ecology improvements such as natural meadow areas and hedgerow planting at off-site locations such as Keynsham Memorial Park and other locations yet to be agreed. Traffic control measures for access to the site will include large lorries being required to approach via the Broadmead Lane roundabout and Ashmead industrial estate, rather than the Pixash Lane junction on the A4 Bath Road. The largest lorries carrying waste and recycling away for treatment and reprocessing will travel onto the bypass and ring road for the most direct route to the M4, avoiding residential areas. As part of the scheme, the council is also planning to move to electric/hydrogen collection lorries, as part of tackling the climate emergency and reducing the impact of traffic on air quality. People have also commented on wanting better reuse facilities, walking and cycling access, and educating children and adults about recycling. A dedicated webpage can be viewed here https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/recycling This will be an information centre with more feedback on what the council is doing in response to residents’ feedback on recycling more and reducing waste. The planning application reference number is 21/00435/EREG03. Visit the waste consultations page

An opportunity for people in Bath and North East Somerset to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the UK is offered in a range of events this month. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + History Month is celebrated each year in February to highlight the contributions that LGBT+ people make locally and globally. Bath & North East Somerset Council is hosting a virtual LGBT+ history tour of Bath on February 25, led by Robert Howes from Gay West. The council is also launching a competition for young people to design a logo or ‘badge’ for the B&NES area, which will be used to publicise future LGBT+ news and events. Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader, said: “Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their lives helps to combat prejudice and raises awareness of the issues their community faces. We are committed to promoting equality in B&NES, which is why it’s important we mark interesting events such as LGBT+ History Month so we all have the opportunity to find out more.” The LGBT+ events and resources for History Month 2021 are as follows: LGBT+ Logo Competition for Young people: the council is launching a competition for young people to design a logo or ‘badge’ for the Bath and North East Somerset area. The winning logo will be used to publicise future LGBT+ history month events in B&NES as well as LGBT+ news and events. For full details of the competition, including the rules, entry requirements and closing dates, visit LGBT+ Logo Competition for young people or email equality@bathnes.gov.uk LGBT+ History of Bath – a virtual tour: Find out more about the history of Bath’s LGBT+ community, along with the history of local organisations that have offered support and undertaken LGBT+ campaigns in the Bath area. The virtual tour will take place on Thursday 25 February from 6pm to 7pm and will be led by Robert Howes from Gay West. To register in advance for this webinar visit: https://bathnes.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IHjX-ykcRp-nzf1xQuvZRg or email equality@bathnes.gov.uk Bath and North East Somerset Libraries will be signposting inclusive novels and e-Audiobooks throughout the month. Visit their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find your next great read. Local support and resources for LGBT+ communities: Check out ‘Out in B&NES’ a new publication from the Diversity Trust and Healthwatch – featuring local LGBTQ+ role models and allies, as well as sources of local and national support for LGBTQ+ communities. Visit the council’s dedicated LGBT+ page

Latest figures show that 1.9 million pensioners are living in poverty, largely because they are not claiming benefits. Nearly a million pensioner households are entitled to, but not receiving, Pension Credit and 200,000 households are missing out on Housing Benefit. Each year £2.2 billion of these two benefits goes unclaimed. There are a number of reasons why people aged over 65 are not claiming benefits. These include lack of awareness, concerns that the process will be too complicated, negative attitudes towards claiming state support and secrecy around personal financial information. By not claiming these benefits pensioners are putting their health at risk. A report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) highlights the role of poverty premiums. For example, many people on low incomes use pre-payment meters for gas and electricity, at greater cost, and are less likely to switch their energy supplier to get a better deal. This particularly applies to older people, which is why there are schemes in place such as the winter fuel payment, warm home discount and cold weather payment. However, like with Pension Credit, people need to know about it – and how to apply. Poverty in later life is having a direct impact on the NHS and social care systems, which are collectively picking up an annual bill of about £5 billion. Food poverty is also on the rise among older people. Citizens Advice Coventry reported an increase in food vouchers given out to over 50s and 60s (from 26 per cent to 31 per cent and from 6 per cent to 9 per cent respectively). And since the coronavirus this has become even greater. Andrew Forsey, National Director of Feeding Britain, told us: “Pensioners’ access to food is dependent on a number of factors – household income, the availability of food shops in their area, and support from friends or relatives, to name just three. “What the pandemic has done is put that access at risk for many more people, by compounding low income and isolation. Among those seeking help, often for the first time, are pensioners who may be eligible for Pension Credit but are not registered to receive it.” What difference would benefits make? Pension Credit tops up low income and can be claimed by a single person or a couple. It works out on average at around £32 a week, or £1,664 a year*. Currently 2 in 5 (almost 40 per cent) households entitled to Pension Credit are not receiving it. Meanwhile around 1 in 7 households entitled to Housing Benefit (which helps with rent) are not claiming it. On average this is £62 a week (or £3224 a year). It’s a substantial amount of money and could make a big difference. [*Latest stats published by DWP in October 2020, are based on 2018-19 figures] Are some less likely to claim than others? It is commonly thought that older pensioners (75 +) may be less likely to claim benefits than younger pensioners. However figures show there is little difference in take-up rates between age band. What they do show is that couples are less likely to claim than single people, and of single people, women are missing out more than men. This is largely because on average women’s incomes are lower than men’s. Gender pension inequality is a growing issue right now. Figures from the Pension Policy Institute show 1.2 million women in their 50’s have no private pension – this is 50 per cent higher than men. Gender could also play a role in why benefit take up is lower in couples. For example, it is quite common, especially in older couples, for a woman to be unaware of how much her husband has saved in his pension – thus assuming they don’t qualify for extra support. With men generally in control of the household finances it can often be a discussion that goes unspoken. The Institute blames pension communications which are stuck in a “male-oriented language and culture”. When it comes to Housing Benefit, those who rent privately are less likely to claim benefits than social housing tenants. A third of private renters are missing out compared to twelve per cent of social tenants. And the amounts are higher – private renters are entitled to £63 a week, compared to £56 for social housing. Other barriers to claiming state support Age UK has published a report into the reasons why billions of pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed each year. Based on results from a DWP survey, the primary reason is people assuming they won’t be entitled to extra help – cited by 65 per cent of respondents. Of these, three-fifths (62 per cent) said they did not like asking for benefits and a similar proportion (58 per cent) said the process of applying would be too long or complicated. Overall, ten per cent of respondents said they could manage without. Another reason is that if somebody receives a State Pension, and sometimes other support such as Attendance Allowance, they assume that if they were due anything else they would have received it automatically. The survey found that only a small amount (4 per cent) said they hadn’t heard of Pension Credit which shows that awareness is high but knowledge is low. Case study: Pension Credit recipient Bert Pearson, 94, said without the benefit, he would struggle to pay for basic essentials like heating and food. “They rarely tell you what you’re eligible for – it’s up to you to go and find out for yourself,” Mr Pearson said. “For me, it’s opened up the door to other things, like the winter fuel payment. “If I had any less than I did now, I’d be struggling to get by. It would make an awful difference.” [Source: Independent Age] There can be some life-changing triggers that prompt people to claim such as a considerable drop in income, such as a bereavement or health problems causing extra financial strain. But on the whole encouragement from trusted professionals such as health and care staff is the most effective route to take-up, or a referral to a service that carries out a benefits check. What work needs to be done? In February 2020 DWP ran a 12 week campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit. Adverts and posters were displayed in GP surgeries and post offices encouraging people to check their eligibility. While there is no evidence available to show whether the campaign was a success, Age UK wants to see the Government do more, firstly by making the system easier for people to navigate. “If Pension Credit take-up were to rise from its most recently recorded rates, to 100%, this would lift 270,000 more pensioners free from poverty. The introduction of an automatic registration scheme would immediately enhance so many people’s ability to afford the food they need.” Andrew Forsey, Feeding Britain In an ideal world an automated system would be the obvious solution. But unfortunately this would only work if the benefits system was drastically simplified, therefore making it less targeted to individuals. This could mean older people who are also carers or disabled would miss out on extra support. Without the government knowing all of somebody’s personal and financial information it’s impossible to calculate what they are entitled to. Another approach suggested by Age UK is to make different benefits more joined up. So, if someone claimed Pension Credit, they could claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit at the same time. Plans to replace Housing Benefit by combining it within Pension Credit, have been delayed by the slow roll out of Universal Credit. The change is not scheduled to happen until at least 2023. Closer data sharing between the DWP and local authorities would mean that if an older person claimed one of these benefits, they would automatically be assessed for the other two. There’s also an argument for early-on prevention. Poverty in later life is only going to get worse; more and more of us are living longer and a larger number are self-employed. Making sure working age people are financially protected for the future should be top of the agenda. JRF stresses the importance of continuing auto-enrolment by employers, reducing the earnings limit so that more low earners can be included in pension schemes and creating separate savings schemes for self-employed people. Tackling the here and now Getting the messages right is key but so is getting the information out to where people are. The matter was discussed in the House of Commons earlier this week, where it was announced that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is considering “an internal review of communications products to identify further improvements in our messaging, with many more aspects to be pursued this year.” Age UK says that the way people respond to messages is vital – a telephone call or face-to-face support is likely to be more effective than, for example, an advert. Health professionals and support services play an important role in this as they have direct contact with older people. As well as identifying people in need they can make referrals to local advice organisations who can help people navigate the system and complete any lengthy forms. In order for these services to work effectively in Covid-19, there needs to be sufficient funding and resources from the Government. Being the change we want to see In January Clean Slate, which runs the Quids in! money skills initiative, won contracts with DWP to extend its money health-check service across nine London boroughs and the whole of Wales. We’re working hard to recruit bigger teams to deliver remote money and benefits support to those in need. Managing Director Jeff Mitchell said: “It’s good to be working with the DWP to help claimants who are struggling and there’s more we can do together to include older people too. There’s a recognition that too many people are struggling financially and it’s taking many people to crisis point. It’s making a real difference already.” The growing problem around Pension Credit is proof that organisations in our sector play a vital role in the fight against poverty. We have all long been campaigning for more ‘joined-up’ processes and greater data sharing – it’s only by using this approach that it’s possible to reach out to the most vulnerable. And as the pandemic rages on, the time to act is now. This news article was taken from the 'Quids in! Pro', which can be viewed here.

A new initiative called ‘Reconnecting Twerton’ is being run by Bath City FC Foundation. They are looking to support and encourage over 65s in Twerton to become digitally included with the aim of reducing social isolation. They will do this by providing free technology (tablets) and free digital training. This means that connecting with them and other members of the project will be possible. They will have 1-2-1 visits/chats/walks/meet ups (either in person or on the new devices- dependent on safety). As time goes on, they will also introduce very modest physical home exercises as they believe that staying mobile is really important too. They hope that you would like to get involved whether you're an individual over 65 or are an organisation that works with people that may benefit. Please do contact us if you are interested in being a part of this amazing opportunity. Email Libby at: coordinator-BCFCfoundation@outlook.com To find out more you can watch this pitch by Bath City FC Foundation by Helen Donovan (Chair of Trustees).

Tinnitus is a noise in one or both ears that has no external source. Tinnitus can sound different to everyone. Some sounds include ringing, buzzing or whistling. Tinnitus is very common and affects 1 in 8 adults across the UK of all ages. What Causes Tinnitus? There are a range of causes of tinnitus. Most cases of tinnitus are linked to hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. Damage can be caused by normal ageing or exposure to loud noise. Tinnitus can also be the result of hearing loss caused by a blockage or ear condition that affects the outer or middle ear. These conditions stop waves from passing into the inner ear. Examples of ear related conditions include a build-up of ear war, a perforated ear drum or ear infections. There is a known link between stress and tinnitus. Any source of stress can be a trigger for tinnitus, or make it worse. Managing Tinnitus To help you manage your tinnitus there are different strategies you can try. Examples include: ∙ Tinnitus clinic or support group ∙ Tinnitus retraining therapy ∙ Counselling ∙ Relaxation techniques ∙ Diet & exercise ∙ Equipment, including tinnitus maskers ∙ Hearing aids For help and information, contact the Tinnitus helpline: Call: 0808 808 6666 Text Message: 07800 000360 (text only) Email: tinnitushelpline@hearingloss.org.uk Or visit the British Tinnitus association for a wide range of information, resources and support and information about tinnitus in isolation.

At her first public meeting of the year on 21st January, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse showcased the contributions of local volunteers helping those most in need since the pandemic began. Wera Hobhouse said: “I am so proud of our city’s outstanding community spirit, and the high level of engagement amongst our residents. The Bath Sewing Collective is a fantastic example of people using their sewing skills to support our frontline healthcare workers and local charities. More than 1,000 volunteer members have sewn over 10,600 items, including scrubs and face coverings. Their story is an inspiration to us all. The group welcomes new members and is looking for new challenges.” Tracy Barnes, co-founder and coordinator of The Sewing Collective, said: “Our group sprung up on Facebook in April 2020 in response to the desperate shortage of scrubs. Within a day we had 100 members, which in three weeks grew to over 1,000 and we were quickly providing scrubs, laundry bags and scrub caps at an impressive rate. Our volunteers dropped off 150 pairs of scrubs at our hub in just a single day. “Most of the action has taken place on kitchen tables and living room floors. We’ve proven that many hands make light work and even the smallest contributions add up to big things when we all work together. “The achievement I am most proud of is the sewing community we have created. From the outset, co-founder Cerys Gasson and I saw this as equally important to providing scrubs to those in need. Having a positive and productive mission has sustained me through this pandemic. It has been very rewarding to hear that sentiment echoed by many of our volunteers, a number of whom are elderly or clinically vulnerable themselves. “Forgive the pun, but we have truly reaped what we have sewn. I want to encourage everyone to involve themselves with volunteering. It is good for the soul. “The PPE shortage has passed, but we want to continue using our sewing skills to support charitable needs. We have since worked with many local charities, for example providing face coverings, making dementia-friendly bags, providing rainbow scrubs for the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and designing special Christmas Star Awards. We plan to grow our sewing community and hope to form our own charity. If you have an interest in supporting our work, joining our community or have a need we could help with, we would love to hear from you.”

Message from Timebank Plus: As the year progresses, the Covid vaccination programme is gathering pace and many of our older members have already received their first jabs. Although we are likely to remain in lockdown for the next few weeks, this gives us hope for light at the end of the tunnel and that it won’t be too long before we can return to a somewhat more normal life. In the meantime, we are offering more online activities than ever, so do join us on Zoom for anything from Greek Cookery to a Sewing workshop, Art course or simply a friendly chat & light hearted quiz. Please see below for these and many other opportunities to get involved this month. Photography Challenge We challenge you to take part in a monthly photography contest. The subject this month is ‘First Signs of Spring’ It’s a perfect excuse to get out in nature with your camera or mobile phone. Please send us your photos by email to timebankplus@gmail.com. Your entries will be uploaded onto an Instagram forum. Greek Cookery There are still 1 or 2 places left on the ‘Relax & Cook Greek’ course led by Alex. The course will be on Thursday mornings, starting 11th February. You need to register through the Wellbeing College. Here’s the link: https://www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk/index.php/Activity/relax-and-cook-greek-with-alex/8100 Online Art Group ‘Art for Everyone’ is another Zoom course we are co-ordinating in conjunction with the Wellbeing College. Designed to bring out your imagination and creativity, this course is suitable for everyone including complete beginners, and is tutored by Sonja, our wonderful pottery tutor. You will need a few basic art materials, but a fund is available if needed to help with the cost of purchase. The course will be on Tuesday mornings, starting on 9th February. Follow this link to register: https://www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk/index.php/Activity/art-for-everyone-online/8094 Southside Food Co-op The Food Co-op provides boxes of fresh, locally grown vegetables every other Wednesday, and delivers them to your home. This is available to anyone living in South or West Bath (eg Twerton, Whiteway, Odd Down, Oldfield Park, Newbridge & Lower Weston). The produce is all freshly picked and grown mostly on the edge of Bath near Solsbury Hill. The price, for those people on a lowish income (below £18,000 pa for a single person, £25,000 for a couple or £30,000 for a family), is £4.50 for a small box, £5.50 for a medium box and £7 for a large box. For those who are better off, we charge £6 for a small box, £7 for a medium box and £9 for a large box. All these prices include the cost of delivery. We use any surplus raised to provide veggies to those in urgent need. Please email timebankplus@gmail.com if you’d like to order a veg box and please provide a phone number for us to contact you. We will need at least 2 days’ notice. Payment needs to be in advance by bank transfer or direct debit. Borrow It Please Note: The Borrow It Library of Things is now open on Wednesdays only - from 10am to 2 pm. Please ring beforehand on 01225 442813 or email timebankplus@gmail.com to let us know what you’d like to borrow, so we can prepare it for you. We have a wide range of gardening equipment, DIY tools, camping gear, sewing machines, carpet cleaner, kitchen items and more. Click here for further info and our catalogue of things: http://timebankplus.co.uk/wp/?page_id=586 We are looking for someone who would like use of a roof box, which can be attached to roof bars on your car. It’s been donated to Borrow It but is a bit too large to store in our office. The person who takes it needs to be willing to house it and make it available for occasional Borrow It use, but would have free use of it the rest of the time. Feelgood Walks Walking in nature is a great way to enhance your mood and keep fit and healthy. During lockdown, we are only able to offer 1:1 walks or may be able to pair you up with another walker. Please get in touch if this is of interest. Regular Zoom groups Please email us if you would like the joining link to any of the following groups. We’d also love to hear from anyone who’d like to set up or lead a group. Mondays (fortnightly) 12.30 – 1.30pm Knit & Natter Zoom Group. Get out your wool and knitting needles or crochet hook, make a cup of tea and sit down for a friendly online session with a small group of others. Expert advice is available if needed. The next session will be on 18th January. Tuesdays (weekly) 3.30 – 4.30 pm Sewing Workshops. These feel good sessions are taking place every week. Most of the sewing projects can be done by hand, but there may also be some workshops which involve using a sewing machine. If needed, a machine can be borrowed from the Time Bank. Thursdays (weekly) 10.30 – 11.30am Creative Writing Zoom Group. This is a very friendly and supportive group of people who are writing and sharing short pieces of prose or poetry. There is a different topic each week and we have an online forum where members of the group can post up their writings. (See below for a piece of writing from one of our members). Fridays (weekly) 2 – 3pm Time Bank Social Café, Quiz & Games. Brighten up your Fridays and meet with others for a chat, a light hearted quiz or some simple games. Occasional Zoom workshops The next Online Cookery workshop will take place on Thursday 11th February at 2.30pm. Steve, a new Time Bank member who works as a professional baker, will be sharing a range of interesting recipes using cabbage and/or celeriac. He would also love to hear from anyone who would like recipe ideas for unusual vegetables. Please contact us for the Zoom link. Scrabble Let us know if you’d like to take part in online Scrabble sessions. Once there is enough interest, we can pair people up and explain how to join an online forum. IT Assistance Going online has never been so important! If you, or others you know, need help with setting up Whatsapp, Zoom or other apps, or with other IT troubleshooting, please let us know and one of our volunteers may be able to help you. We’d also love to hear from anyone with good IT skills who is interested in volunteering to assist others. Keeping in touch We are continuing to keep in touch with our members and offer regular or occasional phone calls to anyone who’d like a friendly, supportive chat. This can be particularly helpful to those people who don’t have a smartphone or internet. If you aren’t already in our Whatsapp group, do join us. It’s such a good way to keep in touch with each other, share information or ask for help. Just email timebankplus@gmail.com with your mobile number and we’ll add you to the group. There is also a separate Foraging WhatsApp group, where we share info about wild foods, recipes and cookery tips. IMPORTANT: Member Survey Many thanks to those of you who have filled in our updated Skills & Services Questionnaire. If you have not already done so, PLEASE do fill this in, as we rely on this information in order to be able to run the Time Bank effectively. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/QPaJRX8bJv6YSTwg7 Volunteering opportunities (summary) We are currently looking for: IT support; assistance with Zoom groups such as Online Games, Scrabble and Cookery Workshops; an occasional driver for our Food Co-op. We are also looking for a Treasurer for our Management Committee. Please get in touch if you can help. Other Groups & Activities The Virtual Hope Guide includes a large selection of online groups and activities. Here’s a link: https://www.bridges2wellbeing.co.uk/hope-guide Wellbeing College also publish a regularly updated calendar of activities: https://www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk/Calendar Here are some activities for over 55’s, currently being run by St John’s: https://stjohnsbath.org.uk/what-we-do/activities/ Clean Slate are offering support for anyone who needs help with the internet including Universal Credit claims, emailing and video calling, banking and shopping online, switching utilities and accessing support. They are also offering a money health-check in the form of a quiz developed by Quids in! which offers easy to follow tips for getting online and saving money. You can contact them on 01225 302200 or email bath@cleanslateltd.co.uk Free Training Opportunities These free courses are now held online via Zoom and can be attended by any member of Time Bank Plus. Upcoming topics include: Mental Health for Carers; Online Boundaries; Online Safeguarding Adults & Children. Please follow this link for further details: Somerset Skills & Learning also offer a wide range of online courses which are free for B&NES residents. Please click on this link for details of current courses.

More than £8 million in grant support has been paid out to businesses in Bath and North East Somerset that have been forced to close in order to comply with Covid-19 restrictions. Bath & North East Somerset Council opened up its online form for businesses to apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant Addendum (5 January onwards) last Friday (Jan 22). Since then it has paid the grant to 1,089 local businesses. Funds will be in their bank accounts by Monday February 1. Work is under way on a further 550 applications. Businesses that are eligible but have not yet applied can do so following this link https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice/help-businesses. Businesses can use the same application process and will be able to claim for the November lockdown as well. Hundreds of local businesses were forced to close as a result of the current national lockdown and Bath & North East Somerset Council emailed all those that previously received a Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum, to let them know them know they could apply for more financial support. Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for Resources, said: “We know the grant is a lifeline for businesses hit by the third lockdown and we have worked as quickly as possible to process these payments. I am very pleased that more than £8million has already been distributed. The window is still open for applications and if you need help with the forms please contact our Invest in Bath team.” Businesses should only make a new application if they have not previously applied for the grant. New applications can be made online at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice/help-businesses The LRSG (Closed) Addendum payment is designed to support businesses which were open as usual and providing services to customers in person from their premises, but then required to close as a result of the lockdown imposed on 5 January. The grant is for businesses in the following sectors that pay business rates on their premises: Non-essential retail Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities Entertainment venues Personal care services Hospitality venues, such as restaurants, bars and pubs Hotels, hostels and B&Bs Qualifying businesses will receive an LRSG(C)A payment together with a Closed Business Lockdown Payment for each property liable for business rates from the period 5 January 2021 to 15 February 2021: Properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive £2,001 LRSG(C)A and £4,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment Properties with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £50,999 will receive £3,000 LRSG(C)A and £6,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment Properties will a rateable value of £51,000 or over will receive £4,500 LRSG(C)A and £9,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment Discretionary grants are also available for businesses that are open but have been severely impacted by the restrictions. Businesses that are mandated to close but are not registered for Business Rates may also be eligible. One of the following must also apply: You are not a business rate payer of the premises you trade from, or occupy, and are required to close (this includes businesses registered for Council Tax); Your business is not required to close and has closed due to a significant impact on trading (this applies to both business registered for business rates and those not registered) ; Your business is continuing to operate, but with significantly reduced demand due to social distancing rules (this applies to both business registered for business rates and those not registered). The amount of discretionary grant awarded will depend on the size of the workforce or the rateable value of the premises. For more information on the LRSG(C)A grants and eligibility criteria, visit the Government webpage https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support Visit www.investinbath.co.uk to find out about the range of support and advice available to local businesses. Find all council services updates at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus

This week is Village Halls Week, a celebration of the volunteers who run England’s 10,000+ village halls and the difference they make to their communities. We were fortunate enough to speak with one of our local members, Twerton Village Hall, earlier on this week: "This week is #villagehallsweek and many halls are celebrating 100 years of being a village hall. Last year would have been our 100 year anniversary but we were unable to go ahead with the celebrations we had planned in the community. Village Halls Week is a national celebration of village halls and their volunteers and the difference they make to the communities they serve. I know that all the village halls of BANES could really do with a boost and I know many are unable to celebrate how they would usually." - Twerton Village Hall If you'd like to find out more about this campaign, then visit the national charity ACRE, who started this campaign. Listen to Louise Beaton OBE talk tomorrow at 10.30AM (29th Jan) about the history of village halls in England - click here to register.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941, and is run by the Office for National Statistics. This year is the first census run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at Office for National Statistics, said: “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed. “This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.” Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. Councillor Dine Romero, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The census is of vital importance in helping to build up a picture of Bath and North East Somerset and collects some fascinating data about the way we live and work. It informs us how best to shape council services for our residents, so please do fill in the census questionnaire for your household once you receive a letter containing your online code in March.” The census will include questions about sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. For the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information, visit https://census.gov.uk/ You can find more information by downloading the leaflet here.

Closing date 12pm (midday) on Friday 5 March 2021 Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and groups operating in B&NES can apply to receive a one-off grant ranging from £500 to £5,000 to fund a piece of work that will help us to understand local people's experiences of using health and social care services. Successful applicants will commit to supporting Healthwatch’s aims, which include: 1) Supporting local people to take part in planning and influencing local service provision 2) Helping to identify health inequalities and propose solutions to address the gaps 3) Signposting local people to help them to find the services they need when they need them 4) Enabling people to raise issues about services with local commissioners and providers We would particularly welcome applications from organisations whose projects will be focusing on mental health. HOW TO APPLY: To find out more about the Community Pot fund, the requirements for applying and to access all of the application documents https://bit.ly/369CLfW

The Eden Project Virtual Community Camp will be held in March 2021, read on to find out more and apply for your place. Virtual Community Camp is an immersive learning experience, offering a mix of practical activities, workshop sessions and networking opportunities for people from across the UK. Camp is for people with an interest in community and action at various stages. Their Community Camp experiences have normally been held at the Eden Project in Cornwall, but with travel and other restrictions they switched online and held their first ever Virtual Community Camp in October. It was a huge success, but don't just take their word for it - 99% of the 2020 participants rated the programme either excellent or good overall, and 97% would recommend Virtual Community Camp to others. "There was so much content, resource, speakers but delivered in a way that felt comfortable and welcoming. It felt like a safe space to be open and learn." "I think the camp would benefit so many people and not just those who are engaged in the community or looking to engage others - there were useful things for everybody, especially at a time when we need to be coming together and looking forwards after what has been an awful year." "It has been a very rewarding experience, I have learnt a lot, met a lot of inspiring people and now feel more prepared, confident and motivated to make projects happen in my community. Thank you!" ...2020 Virtual Community Camp participants Want to be part of it? You can apply to join their Virtual Community Camp, here. Keep in touch in the meantime by signing up to their newsletter or following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In December St Monica launched their Peer Support Fund to support projects that aimed to ‘match’ older people into pairs or groups with the aim of them improving each other’s confidence, social contact and general quality of life. With the current lockdown and covid guidelines, isolation and loneliness remains a significant issue, especially for those individuals who are digitally excluded. They have had a terrific response since the launch and are seeing some great examples of collaboration and cooperation between communities and organisation. There are only 4 weeks left until the deadline on 19th February 2021 and they are always happy to talk to organisations who are interested in the fund and have any questions so please get in touch. You can email them at communityimpact@stmonicatrust.org.uk with questions or to arrange an informal conversation.

Options for updating the Local Plan to address urgent issues in Bath and North East Somerset are the focus of a series of webinars at which residents are invited to have their say. Bath & North East Somerset Council launched a consultation on the Local Plan Partial Update earlier this month ahead of a full review of the Plan in 2023, to respond to critical issues including the climate and ecological emergencies, housing land supply and Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The options for addressing these key issues will be explored in the series of three webinars, the first of which takes place on Tuesday (January 26). The Local Plan is the basis for determining planning applications in the district and decides which sites are allocated for development and the requirements that development should meet. It is also vital in helping Bath & North East Somerset Council meet its climate and ecological emergency goals. Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader, alongside cabinet member for Planning, Councillor Tim Ball, will host a panel discussion at each webinar setting out the context of the policies and the possible approaches. People are invited to register in advance on Zoom and there will be the opportunity to ask questions. The details of each event, which can also be viewed afterwards on the council’s YouTube channel, are as follows: Tuesday 26th January at 12pm: Policy focus: HMOs Tuesday 2nd February at 12pm: Policy focus: Housing Supply Thursday 4th February at 12.30pm: Policy focus: Climate Emergency, zero carbon buildings & renewable energy Councillor Tim Ball said: “These events are an important part of our options consultation for the partial update to our Local Plan as they will give residents and stakeholders the chance to comment on how we could address some of the critical planning issues facing our area. “Planning policy affects us all because it shapes the places in which we live, work and spend our leisure time now and in the future. We really do need to hear from you, so please join us at the webinars – and don’t forget to have your say in the consultation.” View the Local Plan Partial Update consultation page. Comments are welcomed before February 18. Comments should be submitted via the consultation portal, and they can also be submitted by email at local_plan2@bathnes.gov.uk or in writing to: Local Plan Consultation, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JG. The Development Plan in Bath & North East Somerset primarily comprises the Core Strategy (adopted in 2014) and the Placemaking Plan (adopted in 2017), both of which cover a plan period from 2011 to 2029. A full review of the Local Plan will be undertaken alongside the West of England Combined Authority's Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) which is scheduled for publication in 2023. The council has a dedicated webinars webpage for all its online events.

More than 1600 businesses across Bath and North East Somerset that received Government support grants during November’s national lockdown are being invited to renew their applications and claim thousands of pounds in in additional support. Hundreds of local businesses have been forced to close as a result of the current national lockdown and Bath & North East Somerset Council has emailed all those that previously received a Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum, to let them know them know that they can now apply for more financial support. Those who received discretionary grants in the last lockdown are also being invited to renew their applications. Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for Resources, said: “It’s really important that we help businesses weather this third lockdown by processing applications for financial support quickly. If the information you are providing hasn’t changed, simply renewing your application rather than submitting a new one will help us speed up the process of getting your grant to you. If you have not applied for a grant before and you think you may be eligible, please apply as soon as possible. If you would like some help and advice with your application, then contact Our Invest in Bath team.” Businesses should only make a new application if they have not previously applied for the grant. New applications can be made online from 4pm today (Friday 22 January) at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice/help-businesses The LRSG (Closed) Addendum payment is designed to support businesses which were open as usual and providing services to customers in person from their premises, but then required to close as a result of the lockdown imposed on 5 January. The grant is for businesses in the following sectors that pay business rates on their premises: Non-essential retail Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities Entertainment venues Personal care services Hospitality venues, such as restaurants, bars and pubs Hotels, hostels and B&Bs Qualifying businesses will receive an LRSG(C)A payment together with a Closed Business Lockdown Payment for each property liable for business rates from the period 5 January 2021 to 15 February 2021: Properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive £2,001 LRSG(C)A and £4,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment Properties with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £50,999 will receive £3,000 LRSG(C)A and £6,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment Properties will a rateable value of £51,000 or over will receive £4,500 LRSG(C)A and £9,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment Discretionary grants are also available for businesses that are open but have been severely impacted by the restrictions. Businesses that are mandated to close but are not registered for Business Rates may also be eligible. One of the following must also apply: You are not a business rate payer of the premises you trade from, or occupy, and are required to close (this includes businesses registered for Council Tax); Your business is not required to close and has closed due to a significant impact on trading (this applies to both business registered for business rates and those not registered) ; Your business is continuing to operate, but with significantly reduced demand due to social distancing rules (this applies to both business registered for business rates and those not registered). The amount of discretionary grant awarded will depend on the size of the workforce or the rateable value of the premises. For more information on the LRSG(C)A grants and eligibility criteria, visit the Government webpage https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support Visit www.investinbath.co.uk to find out about the range of support and advice available to local businesses. Find all council services updates at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus

This last week The Sewing Collective has had a flurry of requests for scrubs. This incredible community of over 1,000 Sewers across Bath and North East Somerset has already donated over 10,000 items to those in need. In order to avoid undercutting commercial suppliers they are maintaining a strict policy to only provide scrubs made predominantly of thrifted fabric and for requests that meet one of these criteria: Registered charity Unable to afford purchased scrubs Where custom made scrubs fulfil a charitable need that purchased scrubs could not They have been able to refer a number of requests to suppliers, but have still totted up 163 pairs for our to do list for care facilities in need. They are calling for all hands on deck to help with some sewing. Want to Help Sew? If you are game for helping to sew some scrubs all the details with what is required are in their Facebook Group in this post over here. If you can help please comment on the Facebook post, or if you aren't on Facebook you can just email Tracy at sewingcollectivebanes@gmail.com If you are a beginner and haven't sewn scrubs (or anything) before then they’ve got you covered with this full video tutorial and they can happily help you every step of the way. All that is required is a sewing machine and enthusiasm!