Join the local charity, Creativity Works, for some new creative community art sessions either by joining one of their peer led groups or starting a new course in 2021. They look forward to meeting you either online or face to face in our friendly, fun and sociable sessions. Their aim is to help you stay creative, connected, learning new skills and be inspired by the world around you. All places need to be booked in advance. Details on how to enrol are pasted below. They will confirm your place by sending you the meet up details. Here’s what’s coming up: Peer led groups: Get Creative peer led art group - Tuesdays 1.30pm – 3pm - face to face sessions Writing Space peer led group - Tuesdays 2pm – 3.30pm - online / face to face Keynsham Snap & Stroll at home Facebook page for residents of Keynsham New online Zoom projects: Journaling for Wellbeing, 6 week course - 27th January – 3rd March 10.30am – 12noon Writing for Wellbeing Taster session - 22nd Feb 2pm – 3.30pm Writing for Wellbeing, 5 week course - 1st – 29th March, Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm Who are these projects for? Residents of Bath & North East Somerset that feel isolated or would like to support their wellbeing and mental health through participating in creativity and developing creative skills. No previous experience necessary. These are community art groups and there is no specific mental health support within these classes, they are supported either by creative volunteers, artists or Creativity Works staff. Book in advance: All groups and projects have limited spaces and places need to be booked in advance – follow the links below. For further information about any of these projects please get in touch with Philippa philippa@creativityworks.org.uk Phone: 07715 382 877 or Jaq: freshart@creativityworks.org.uk Phone: 07921 880056 Peer led Groups Run by members for the members and usually meet weekly Get Creative art group - Tuesdays 1.30pm – 3pm Online sessions via Zoom for January and February Visiting artist Barbara Disney will be leading creative sessions from 12th Jan – 9th Feb Come and join Creativity Work's peer led art project with a friendly group of adults that aim to support people who feel socially isolated and want to support their wellbeing and mental health through creativity. They explore different art techniques and new skills. When they can finally meet (hopefully from March), these will be in the fantastic indoor venue with a large terrace, café and car parking. Join group members and visiting artist Barbara Disney and learn some new skills. Enrol here for Get Creative art group: https://conta.cc/33vnS6f Writing Space - Tuesdays 2pm – 3.30pm Online sessions and some meet-ups face to face when possible. Writing Space, a friendly peer led creative writing project for people of all writing skills. Facilitated sessions with opportunities to develop and share your ideas. The group also provides a writing newsletter for anyone that can’t make the sessions. Get in touch if you’d like to receive this or attend the sessions both online and face to face. Enrol here for Writing Space: https://conta.cc/2JCeW89 Keynsham Snap & Stroll for residents of Keynsham locality A fun, inspiring photography group who normally meet face to face. Currently this group share their photographs via a face book page. If you live in Keynsham or close by and you’d like to share your photo’s find them on Facebook: Keynsham Snap & Stroll (at home). Get in touch for more details about face to face meet ups in the new year. Online Creative Projects for 2021 Journaling for Wellbeing - 6 week online zoom project With Multi-Media Artist, Jill Carter Wednesdays 10.30 am – 12 noon Dates: 27 January, 3, 10, 17 & 24 February, 3 March 2021 First, I have to find… Explore the art of rediscovering yourself through creative journaling! Enjoy writing, drawing, doodling and mixed media collage, inspired by Self, life events, place, journeys both real and imagined, curious findings, and imagined possibilities. Discover ways to mindfully, playfully and poetically connect to yourself and others, developing creative expression, confidence and reflective insight. Have fun transforming worries, everyday nonsense and challenging goings on, with diary, drawings and drama, creating your very own, less than perfect, unique journal pages. - Enrol in advance for 6 week Journaling project: https://conta.cc/37g83Bu Writing for Wellbeing online Taster session with Christina Sanders. Mondays 2 – 3.30pm 22nd Feb – 29th March 2021 Develop your confidence using writing and journaling to support health and wellbeing. This project will use playful, constructive and focused techniques to help you explore and use your imagination and manage your moods. - Taster session 22nd Feb Monday 2pm – 3.30pm Enrol in advance here for: https://conta.cc/33D3UXn - 5 week project Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 March 2021 Enrol here https://conta.cc/3o9iTzY You can sign up to receive their monthly newsletter updates via their website: www.creativityworks.org.uk For videos to inspire your creativity visit Creativity Works Youtube channel: creativityworks4 Creative Wellbeing Projects online and face to face supported by Creativity Works For more information contact Philippa Forsey, Creative Wellbeing Manager, philippa@creativityworks.org.uk 07715 382 877

To combat loneliness and to spread a little joy throughout the pandemic, The SU Bath has been working with BANES 3SG and Compassionate Community to provide opportunities for students to get involved with community initiatives, and a notable example of this was Compassion At Christmas campaign, aimed at bringing some happiness into the community and supporting vulnerable adults throughout the festive period. This campaign centred on random acts of compassion, encouraging people to do something for the benefit of others. This could be anything from a simple ‘hello’ on the street, to clearing someone’s drive and sending Christmas cards to adults that are on their own. Whatever it was, it was incredible to hear stories of our community coming together. We were so overwhelmed with the support students gave to this campaign throughout Bath, including Creating 50 'volunteer stars’ Writing and sending over 300 Christmas cards to vulnerable adults 25 University students volunteered for a Christmas Call to vulnerable adults on Christmas Day 6 Volunteers helped to decorate shop fronts in Bath 14 Santa Dash runners raised £246 for VTeam’s community projects 28 picture books and £141.25 worth of toys were donated for First Steps In total, 68 fantastic volunteers received a Volunteer Recognition Star from 3SG for their involvement in the Compassion at Christmas campaign. Speaking of the students' involvement, Miles Lloyd, 3SG coordinator said “We've been so grateful to have the University of Bath partner with the movement to support individuals across Bath and surrounding areas. The students really got behind us and we even had the Hindu society do a social media takeover for a day to recognise compassion across all cultures!” A massive thank you to all of the staff and students that got involved in this meaningful campaign, you’ve all made such a difference to the festive period for vulnerable adults around Bath.

Beyond is 6 months of free design and digital training to help you adapt and respond in times of crisis. Designed specifically for nonprofits working in the mental health and sexual and domestic violence sectors, Beyond offers expert-led talks, training and workshops you can drop into for free. Or, for a more focused experience, you can join a Learning Group with peers in your field for a 6-week programme with support from a dedicated coach. Join Beyond

Dorothy House and WHY… (We Hear You) have come together to offer a virtual support group for anyone in the local area affected by a life-limiting illness or associated bereavement. This group is an opportunity to connect with other people in a similar situation and chat to their team from the comfort of your home. Their virtual get together is FREE every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday where you will see some familiar faces, our team and others, with a cup of coffee or tea in hand. Each session lasts around 45 minutes. Don’t worry if you’re going to be late, you can join at any time You can simply request the zoom link by heading to their page here: https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/the-coffee-connection/ Below you will find the details on how to use the ZOOM technology to sign in to their virtual get together

This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click the Data icon on the add panel to your left. In the Content Manager, you can update your items, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up with fields and content. Add your own by editing each field, or import CSV files to your content manager. You can create fields for rich text, images, videos and more. Remember to click Sync, so visitors can see your collections on your live site. You can add as many collections as you need. Use input elements like custom forms and fields to collect info from your site visitors and store it in your content manager Collections. Make sure all your elements Connect to Data, and Preview your Live Site to check that everything is correctly binded.

B&NES Council sent us an update regarding the future of 1 Big Database bathnes, Rainbow Resource and Wellbeing Options. As most of you know, 1 Big Database bathnes is the Universal information, advice and childcare resource for B&NES families, Rainbow Resource is our SEND Local Offer and Wellbeing Options provides information, advice, signposting, resources and activities for adults (or their carer/family) needing care or support to live independently. B&NES will now be bringing these resources in-house. This is the ideal opportunity to combine the three existing resources into a single site, rather than having three separate websites. They will no longer use the names Wellbeing Options or 1 Big Database bathnes but will retain the Rainbow Resource name and the Rainbow Resource scheme will continue. They will confirm the new names in due course. Although the resources are primarily for the public, especially the targeted groups of people listed above, it is of course what they hope will also be an invaluable tool for many of you in your roles; to refer service users to, for example. So, to help them ensure the new site is as excellent as possible, they’d love your input. If any of you would like to provide feedback for them to take into consideration, please do so using our surveys: BathNES1 BD: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3BW6MPP Rainbow Resource: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Z9JM9B Wellbeing Options: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2JDN5MM Or you can volunteer to ‘test’ or review the new site prior to it going live. To be a part of this, or to ask any questions about this project, please email Melanie_Hodgson@bathnes.gov.uk

From Monday 18 January 2021 online classes will be returning with St John’s Foundations hard working and dedicated tutors bringing you more activities than ever before. Mindfulness Meditation with Sandhya Coyle – Mondays @ 10am. £3.50 Take a moment to pause, slow down, and breathe. Learn how to bring mindfulness into their everyday activities. No previous experience necessary. Book your place. Drawing & Painting in Watercolours with Sarah Prentice – Tuesdays at 10am. £3.50 Enjoy learning and developing different watercolour techniques in Sarah's step-by-step sessions. Suitable for beginners through to the more creatively experienced. Book your place. Gentle Yoga with Jules Allan – Tuesdays at 2pm. £3.50 You will practice breath exercises, meditation, mindfulness, gentle yoga postures and relaxation (yoga nidra) Exercises will be mainly be chair based, but you can also practice on a mat, in a bed, standing, whatever works best for you. Book your place. Chair Yoga with Liz Lee – Wednesdays at 10am. £3.50 This class is for anyone who would like to improve their mobility, balance and co-ordination. The exercises are a mix of gentle yoga-based stretching, strengthening and breathing - all done either sitting or standing (no lying down on mats). Book your place. Tai Chi with Betsan Corkhill – Thursdays at 10am. £3.50 During this gentle and relaxing class, you will learn 'Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing' (TMW) - an easy-to-learn sequence of twelve movements designed to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Book your place. FREE Fun monthly quiz with Ricky Taking place on the 4th Friday of each month at 10am, join Ricky for a free, fun online quiz. Lots of fun prizes to be won! Book your place. All classes will be delivered live online using Zoom (a high quality video call platform) and as well as the skills you are learning, it will be an opportunity to connect with your friends and meet other like-minded people. Please note, if you attempt to book on to a class and are directed to a page that says ‘Registration Closed’, this means the class is fully booked. Please email community.outreach@stjohnsbath.org.uk to join their waiting list. To ensure they comply with health and safety (even virtually) they do have to limit the number of attendees per class, so please do book as soon as you can. Need support to set up Zoom or a PayPal account? If you need help creating your new Zoom account or making an online booking, simply email them at community.outreach@stjohnsbath.org.uk and let them know what support you need. Their partner, Connecting Generations, will then get in touch to guide you through the process. Join their At Home with St John’s Facebook community To help you stay up to date with their programme as it develops, connect with fellow attendees and share ideas, tips and suggestions, they have created a special group on Facebook for all members of this programme. Please join their group here. St John’s are so excited to resume At Home with St John’s, and plan to add more classes going forward. Don’t forget, you can get regular updates on St John’s and other news by subscribing to their newsletter.

Bath City FC Foundation are running a pilot project for 65+yrs who are socially and digitally isolated. We are looking for adults to take part who live in Twerton and environs who are lonely and keen to connect with our volunteers who will be in regular contact by phone or from the garden gate and show them how to use FaceTime, Zoom and other simple solutions to staying connnected. We have the tech to loan them and In an ideal world, we would like to create a friendly group who can meet occasionally and foster a sense of belonging. For more information please contact: info@bathcityfoundation.org

Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded they can exercise but not socialise in parks and open spaces under government rules on lockdown. And skateboarders are being told not to use Royal Victoria Park’s skate park which is closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Skaters should not use Alice Park either. The message comes cases of Covid in Bath and North East Somerset continue to rise rapidly and among people of all ages. Latest figures recorded show the rate per 100,00 is 370 compared to 262 seven days ago. The council is urging people to stay home and to pay attention to the rules which state you can exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You cannot leave home for recreational or leisure purposes (such as for a picnic or a social meeting). Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “While it is important that we get our daily exercise it does not mean we can go out to socialise. Our parks are valuable spaces and good for our health but they should not become spaces for transmitting this terrible disease. Our message is exercise but don’t socialise. “We have all seen the very stark messages from Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, about the severe pressure the NHS is under. We are appealing locally to you to please follow the stay home rules. By doing so you will be helping to save lives.”

The information below has been taken from the the GOV.UK website here and was updated on 8th January 2021. 1. Stay safe as a volunteer If you are volunteering, you must follow social distancing guidance. If you do not follow this advice, you could put yourself at risk of infection, or risk spreading it to others. You must volunteer from home unless it is not reasonably possible for you to do so. You can volunteer outside your home if: - you cannot volunteer from home - you follow the social distancing guidelines - you’ve not been told to self-isolate by NHS test and trace - you’re not self-isolating for any other reason This also applies to clinically vulnerable people. If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, you should volunteer from home. You should not volunteer outside your home. Where you are unable to volunteer from home, you are allowed to travel in order to volunteer or while volunteering. You should: where possible, stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live, unless absolutely necessary walk or cycle if you can – where that is not possible, use public transport or drive plan ahead and avoid the busiest routes, as well as busy times follow the safer travel guidance. If you are volunteering outside your home, you can meet in groups of any size indoors or outdoors while volunteering. Taking part in a volunteering activity does not mean you can meet in person as part of a social activity. If you volunteer at a formal support group, there cannot be more than 15 participants (aged 5 and older) in the group itself but there is no limit on the number of volunteers. For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 15 parents and children in a group session, to make a group of 20 in total. Support groups that have to be delivered in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support - but they must take place at a premises other than a private home. When meeting people from outside your household or support bubble, you should be especially careful to follow social distancing guidance and observe the following key behaviours: - HANDS - Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds. - FACE - Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. - SPACE - Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors). Within workplaces, the risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk. If you are volunteering in a workplace, everyone should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors). Organisations should not knowingly require or encourage volunteers who are being required to self-isolate to volunteer at a location other than where they are required to self-isolate. If you are volunteering through a voluntary or community group, contact that organisation for advice on how you can stay safe. Your local authority can support you to help others. You can also find tips and guidance from NCVO. If you volunteer in a critical worker role, you are allowed to send your children to school or other educational settings. Further guidelines on staying safe can be found on staying safe outside your home. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 — a high temperature, new and persistent cough or anosmia, however mild — you should self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started OR if you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19 you should self-isolate for at least 10 days starting from the day the test was taken. If you have tested positive whilst not experiencing symptoms but develop symptoms during the isolation period, you should restart the 10 day isolation period from the day you develop symptoms. You can find information on the NHS Test and Trace service guidance page, including what happens if you test positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive. 1.1 If you’re worried about someone’s health Contact the NHS: - Online: NHS 111 online Coronavirus service (for help and advice) - Phone: 111 (if symptoms get worse) - Phone: 999 (if someone’s life is at risk) If you are worried about someone’s mental health, tell them to get help and support from Every Mind Matters. 2. Stay safe if a volunteer is helping you Read the guidance on staying alert and safe (social distancing). Your safety is important and must come first. The below are recommendations you should follow when a volunteer is helping you, especially if the volunteer is unknown to you. If a volunteer is helping you while you stay at home: - do not give them your credit or debit card numbers or other financial information - ask for ID if someone you do not know calls at your home - only share your phone number or address if you need to - only give your information on a need-to-know basis - do not let them pressure you into giving information Remember that volunteers should not enter your home, unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have serious concerns about the behaviour of someone who is helping you, report this to the police. 3. Face coverings You must wear a face covering by law in some public places unless you have a reasonable excuse for not wearing one (for example, you are not able to wear one because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability). From 24 September, staff and volunteers in retail, hospitality and leisure settings will be required to wear a face covering. You are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet. When disposing of face coverings and PPE, people should do so in a ‘black bag’ waste bin or litter bin. Face coverings or PPE should not be put in a recycling bin or dropped as litter. Businesses should provide extra bins for staff and customers to dispose of single-use face coverings and PPE, and should ensure that staff and customers do not use a recycling bin. Full details on how to dispose of your personal or business waste during the coronavirus pandemic can be found in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): disposing of waste guidance.

Southside has continued to provide critical support for individuals and families throughout the coronavirus outbreak. They are asking people to keep themselves safe and follow Government advice. Their staff and volunteer team are home working and face-to-face services are still reduced, with ‘phone support provided, regular contact and connection to other support services for food and essential needs. Their Information Advice Navigators (IANs) are available to act as a central point of access for information, advice, and signposting for victims of domestic abuse in Bath and North East Somerset, and the professionals and local agencies who work with them. They can be contacted by calling our office number on 01225 331243 or by emailing ian@south-side.org.uk . Please be aware that this is NOT a referral route. For any other queries or want to speak to a worker please contact their landline 01225 331243 and their Business Support team will be able to help you. www.south-side.org.uk

People are being given more time to have their say on proposals to permanently strengthen and improve on-street security within Bath’s busiest streets. The deadline for the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s proposed security improvements has been extended until 31 January. The consultation was launched on November 16 and has had more 200 responses already but because of the national lockdown the online consultation has been extended until the end of the month to provide city centre businesses and residents a little extra time to respond. A key part of the council’s role is keeping the city’s streets and spaces safe and secure from the threat of terrorism. Since 2016, the council and Avon & Somerset Police have successfully helped maintain the city’s safety by putting in place various temporary security measures to provide a higher quality of protection around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Pump Room, as well as the retail core of the city centre As the threat to the United Kingdom from terrorism remains, it is important that Bath & North East Somerset Council, with the help of its partners, continues to work hard to support the economy and community of Bath city centre. The council has been working closely with the police on plans to further strengthen city centre access restrictions and install new purpose-designed street furniture which will provide permanent enhanced safety for people in areas of high footfall. The council and police have developed a proposal that seeks to provide proportionate improved security while continuing to allow the city’s businesses and service providers a viable level of vehicle access. The proposed scheme combines; Vehicle access restrictions 24 hours every day of the year within the city centre’s most crowded streets Strengthened secure vehicle access points controlled by the Council’s CCTV control room New purpose designed reinforced static and sliding protective bollards and furniture. Councillor Joanna Wright, Cabinet Member for Transport Services said: “I want to thank everyone who has already taken part in the consultation. We have had more than 200 responses so far. However the latest lockdown has had an impact on many businesses and so we have decided to extend the consultation for a few more weeks to give people plenty of time to have their say. “We also appreciate how important vehicle access within the city is for our businesses, residents and particularly for people with restricted mobility. We have recently appointed a specialist to work with local accessibility groups and other key local stakeholders to look at issues and recommend mitigation measures before the plans are finalised. It is important we ensure as many people as possible give their views on these proposals, before we begin considering all the responses.’” You can view the details of the proposed city centre security improvements and provide feedback online until 31 January at www.bathnes.gov.uk/citycentresecurityconsultation Feedback will then be used to inform refinements to the draft proposals, before the Council formally advertises the traffic regulation orders, which would enable the access restrictions to be enforced. Information about this consultation is available on request in other languages, audio, Braille, large print or other formats. For those without internet access paper copies of the summary and survey can be made available. To request another format please contact us by email at citycentresecurity@bathnes.gov.uk or by calling Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41.

A report on progress made by Bath & North East Somerset Council to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies and how the council’s Renewal Programme, set up in response to Covid-19, will support the next steps will go before council next week (January 21). The climate and ecological emergency progress report asks members to note the wide-ranging action that is being taken to achieve net zero carbon in Bath and North East Somerset by 2030 and provides an update on the council’s initial response to the ecological emergency, declared in July 2020. #OneSharedVision, which is being developed with the community, aims to create a stronger, more diverse and greener economy, putting the council’s climate and ecological emergency policies at its heart. It aims to tackle the weaknesses in the local economy that the pandemic has highlighted and to build on some of the positive changes that have taken place such as the shift to home working and less commuting. The progress report details the good level of community engagement on the policies, specific actions taken or underway by council teams and how climate leadership and literacy training for councillors and staff will take place in 2021. Over the past year, the council has held a range of community events and webinars at which residents were able to learn from others who have taken action in the community, hear from experts and contribute their own ideas. There have also been eight workshops and more than 70 interviews carried out to enable stakeholders and residents to help shape the emerging #OneSharedVision, together with an online public engagement initiative. The report notes that due to Covid, the annual carbon footprint review of the area was delayed and will now be reported to the climate emergency and sustainability panel in March 2021. This update will include a review of the original pathway to net zero and an update on the council’s direct carbon emissions. The report also notes that local government needs greater powers and resources from central government in order to deliver our local ambitions and contribute to the national efforts to tackle the environmental emergencies, as well as action by government to make the system change that is needed and is actively lobbying government for this support. The climate and ecological emergency progress report will go before a Special Council meeting on Thursday, January 21 at 6.30pm. Councillor Sarah Warren, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “I welcome this progress report that sets out how our communities have come together to take real action. It’s heartening that despite the limitations on all our lives due to the pandemic, people have still engaged with us on our climate and ecological emergency policies, which have never been more important than they are now. “Tackling both emergencies is at the heart of everything we do and there’s no time to waste, which is why we are carrying out a partial update of the Local Plan to address critical issues relating to both emergencies. We have also adopted Liveable Neighbourhoods to create low traffic neighbourhoods, residents’ parking and on-street electric vehicle charging, which will encourage walking and cycling. Along with the successful launch of e-scooters in central Bath, these schemes all work towards achieving net zero carbon for Bath and North East Somerset by 2030.” The Special Council meeting will be livestreamed on the council’s YouTube channel and available to view afterwards. Visit the council’s climate emergency webpage Find out more about #OneSharedVision

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People living in the Paulton area are being urged to book themselves in for a coronavirus test at a new temporary mobile testing unit if they are experiencing any symptoms of the virus. A temporary mobile testing unit will be set up at Paulton Rovers Football ground from Friday January 15. The MTU will be in addition to one at Odd Down P&R and the walk-in Local Testing Site at Carpenter House in Bath. The MTU will operate each day from 10am-3pm. It has capacity to provide up to 400 tests per day, although experience of MTUs operating across the South West suggests that between 30 and 100 people are tested per day on average. You can only get a free NHS test if at least one of the following applies: you have a high temperature you have a new, continuous cough you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed you’re taking part in a government pilot project you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result You can book a test for yourself or for someone you live with if one of the points above applies to them. The MTU is only available for people who can arrive at the site in a private vehicle and who book appointments through a national online portal. Appointments can be made through: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test People without internet access can dial 119. Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “With the rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases this is welcome news for people living in and around Paulton and I want to say a big thank you to the club for making their site available for the unit.. If anyone is concerned that they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus I would strongly urge them to book themselves in for a test “Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is eligible for the test. It involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud.” If you’re getting a test because you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate until you get your result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble. There is more guidance on what this involves on the government’s website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance More guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#who-can-be-tested For all council service updates visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus

All courses will be run via Zoom, and while a laptop would be advantageous, they can be accessed on a smartphone with video conferencing capabilities if this is the only option. To find out more and get on the waiting list, please email: The courses below are free for anyone over the age of 19 who is not currently in work or earning less than £17,004 per year. Kelly.Vaughan-Watkins@bathcollege.ac.uk 1. Supersize your support skills 9.30-12:00 Tues 19th, 26th Jan, 2nd and 9th Feb Learn the basics of supporting people, which can be used at work, at home or as a volunteer, this 2.5 hour x 4 session course covers person centred support, listening and communication skills, signposting, the cycle of change, empathy, being non judgemental and the importance of self-care. 2. Advanced communication skills 1.30-16:00 Thurs 21st and 28th Jan 2.5 hr x2 session suitable for anyone who needs excellent listening skills for either work or home, course includes learning some basic counselling skills including Rogers' core conditions for good communication and listening. This interactive and engaging course is run by a supportive and experienced tutor. 3.Educating kids at home 7-9pm Tues 19th and 26th Jan, 2nd and 9th Feb (2 courses of 2x2 hour sessions). This short course is facilitated by a supportive, friendly tutor with extensive experience of home educating children. It includes engaging children in learning, giving feedback and encouragement, supporting parents with challenging behaviour, lesson planning and creative tools to enhance learning 4. Level up your personal communication skills 9.30-12:00 Tues 16th and 23rd Feb and 2nd and 9th March 2.5hr x4 session. Whether talking with your partner, adult offspring, mum, boss, teenager, grandad or colleague we can all sometimes fall into patterns of relating that make things worse rather than better. In this course you will learn how to improve your communication skills and relationships, whatever the issue. This engaging and interactive course is run by a friendly and experienced tutor. 5. Improve your communication skills 10-12.30 Wed 20th and 27th Jan 2.5hrx2 session, Improve your communication skills with this short course facilitated by a friendly, warm tutor, learn how to listen well, make yourself understood in a variety of situations and overcome barriers to communication. 6. Look after yourself 10-12.30 Thurs Feb 4th, 11th and 18th 2.5hrx3 session Learn self-care and wellbeing strategies that can be used by you or others to help in these tough times includes relaxation, stress management, support, wellbeing and self awareness. This course is suitable for all and the tutor is welcoming and supportive. 7. Stay motivated! 10-12.30 Mon 15th and 22nd Feb and 1st March 2.5 hour x3 session in these difficult times it can be hard to hold on to our motivation, we will look at goal setting, working with your natural motivation style, self-compassion and strategies for staying motivated. The course is suitable for all and the tutor is welcoming and supportive. 8. Ways to wellbeing 1.30-4 Mon 1st, 8th and 15th Feb 2.5 x 3 session The pandemic has impacted us all and for many decreased our wellbeing and resilience. This course aims to change that, using the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing' (developed by the NEF) Looking at ways you can connect, give, be active, learn and take notice, to improve your overall wellbeing. This course is fun and interactive and facilitated by a friendly, supportive tutor. 9. Develop your potential 10-12.30 Fri 12th, 19th, 26th March 2.5hr x 3 session Facilitated by a supportive, friendly tutor, this interactive course will help you assess what is working in your life and what you'd like to change, and then help you understand your personality, increase your motivation, see where you would like to set some goals and to develop your potential. 10. Practical Routines for wellbeing 10-12.30 Thurs 11th, 18th and 25th March 2.5hr x 3 session Struggling to sleep during the current situation? Finding yourself unmotivated or having problems with relaxing? This course will help you find appropriate strategies, routines and support to help with resilience and wellbeing. The approachable, warm tutor will support you to find what works best for you and the course is suitable for all. 11. Get that job! 10-12.30 Fri April 2nd, 9th and 16th 2.5 hrs x 4 sessions - lockdown need not be a barrier to job hunting, we will cover CV writing, online job sites, types of work and jobs, training options, ways to build your CV and experience, staying motivated and building confidence. Run by an approachable and warm tutor this engaging course is for anyone who is job hunting, or wanting to make a change.

Stand up against homelessness. Challenge yourself to sleep out for just one night at home on Friday 5th March 2021 and help raise vital funds and awareness for men and women forced to do so every night. Will you join Julian House and hundreds of others across Bath and sleep out in your garden, on your balcony or your kitchen floor to take a stand against homelessness? Last year Julian House provided life changing support to over 1,400 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West. It’s a grim realisation, that without support like theirs, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 45 years! By sleeping out, you can change that. On top of everyday challenges, the on-going impact of Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on the men, women, and children in our care. Collectively we can help provide the life saving services and support they so desperately need right now. At home and COVID Measures This year, sadly the event won’t be taking place in Alice Park due to COVID-19. Instead, please join them on the night and challenge yourself to sleep-out in your garden. Please stick to your household/ social bubble groups when doing so. Your collective spirit and determination have always been a reason for the Sleep-Out’s appeal and success. While we can’t be together in person this year, we can virtually. That’s why Julian House will be hosting a series of live streamed events on the night so we can be together and share our own ‘sleep-out’ experience with each other. Stay tuned for more details by visiting: http://www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk/

Census 2021 is coming … Hi there, I am Lisa Wareham, the Census Engagement Manager for Bath and North East Somerset, working on behalf of the Office for National Statistics. Households across Bath and North East Somerset will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021, which will give a snapshot of modern society. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us 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. It will be the first 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. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said. “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. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, 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 census.gov.uk, or alternatively e-mail me at lisa.wareham75@field.census.gov.uk, if I can be of particular assistance to your organisation to help with engagement for your community.

The Council is offering surplus office furniture to third sector and voluntary organisations. Collection by appointment, from Keynsham on the following days: Tuesday 12th & Thursday 14th January, 9.30am -2pm Including: - Metal lockers - Full sized metal shelving units with closing roller doors. (adjustable shelves) - Chest height shelving units with closing roller doors (adjustable shelves) - Filing cabinets - Limited number of miscellaneous items; white boards, corner shelving and leaflet holders. Please note: Collector is responsible for arranging transport Site staff are unable to help with loading so make sure you have help to move the furniture from the warehouse to your vehicle Off-street loading If keys are missing from lockable furniture, replacements can be ordered online (at the collectors own cost): https://www.fastkeys.co.uk/keys *** Please follow COVID regulations to keep everyone safe; maintain your distance and wear a mask, unless exempt.*** To arrange a collection appointment on Tuesday 12th or Thursday 14th January, or to ask questions about approximate dimensions, please email: Jeannie_elias@bathnes.gov.uk

2020 has been a very difficult and, indeed, frightening year for many of us. But, as in any time of adversity, wonderful and inspiring things happen. And they certainly happened for Batheaston New Village Hall Trust (BNVH): - In January they held a feasibility discussion evening with local residents and received very positive feedback. - In April, Covid struck, but the trustees decided that the project had to go forward or inflation would destroy any chance of success. - In June, the fundraising campaign began with a massive door to door leaflet drop to every household in the parish boundaries, and the response was amazing - over £50,000 was donated by many, many supporters, big and small. - In July, the builders moved on to the site and a Ground Breaking ceremony was held, hosted by our local MP, the Rt, Hon. Jacob Rees-Mogg. Once the prosecco bottles were empty, the builders set to work digging out the foundations - August saw Jane Riley set out each day, rain and shine, to create a daily sketch painting of our village. The sale of the beautiful work produced raised in excess of £7,000 - Throughout the rest of the year, the trustees continued the tireless effort begun years before, to raise the funds to complete the project and achieved major successes - Finally, this month, they received a decision from the Bernard Sunley Foundation, another major charitable organisation, that they would give £10,000 to the project as it nears completion. This means that, as 2020 draws to a close amid great hope and optimism for the future for us all, BNVH can continue to build on a year which saw total funds raised: £185,000.