Householders on low incomes can get help to make green affordable warmth improvements to their homes thanks to new Government funding won by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The council has successfully bid for £500,000 for its Green Homes Grant scheme to help people make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, which will support residents in need alongside the £80,000 available from the council’s Affordable Warmth Grants. Residents whose properties have poor energy efficiency can apply for a council Green Homes Grant to upgrade their home with double glazing, insulation or low carbon-heating. Both renters and owner-occupiers may be eligible for upgrades with landlords receiving up to two-thirds of the cost up to a maximum amount, dependent on the work required. Improvements for homeowners will be fully funded up to the maximum amount. Households on a joint annual income of less than £30,000 can apply for a grant. The upgrade needed for their property will be identified by a property retrofit assessment visit and could include single to double glazing, loft, cavity, floor and solid wall insulation and low carbon heating such as an air source heat pump system. When the council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, it committed to providing the leadership to enable B&NES to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The first phase of research identified that energy efficiency improvements were needed for the majority of existing buildings, together with zero carbon new-build. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “It’s fantastic news for people in Bath and North East Somerset who are on low incomes that we’ve been awarded this funding. Making sure your property is as energy-efficient as possible will make your home more comfortable to live in, save money on heating bills and help us tackle the climate emergency. I’m pleased that we’ll be able to help vulnerable residents to make much-needed improvements to their homes and help cut carbon across the district. If you think you might be eligible, get in touch with us.” To be eligible for a grant, the home needs to have an energy rating of E, F or G. If the rating is not known, the council’s delivery provider WE Care will carry out a rating on the property. Householders can find out more and apply via the council’s Energy At Home Service. The service offers free information on energy efficiency improvement and grants and loans available. Visit the website at https://www.energyathome.org.uk/ or call 0800 038 5680. Anyone needing emergency help for a cold home should call the council’s Housing Standards and Improvement Team on 01225 396444. The council held a Green Homes webinar on November 19 which heard from three residents who have made carbon-cutting improvements to their homes. Watch the video on the council’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/BathnesCouncil. Bath & West Community Energy is running a complimentary event on November 26, Making Your Home Warm and Green https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making-your-home-warm-and-green-tickets-127199295517 Find out more about how the council is tackling the climate emergency at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/climate-emergency

Residents are being invited to take part in a “once in a generation” opportunity to shape plans for multiple waste and recycling centres for households in Bath. The council is asking for ideas on the new waste and recycling centres it is planning for the city. The council has also commissioned a professional site search for recycling centres in Bath. Land at Odd Down has already been consulted on as a potential site for a new household waste and recycling centre, as well as a new reuse facility. However, the council is currently identifying the potential for additional sites for new waste and recycling facilities, to reduce the need for traffic movements across the city, to address the climate emergency and improve air quality. It is now seeking people’s views on possible site locations, as well as asking for ideas on how we can make recycling easier, how we help people recycle more, and suggestions for encouraging re-use. Councillor Dave Wood, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Ensuring modern, easily-accessible waste and recycling centres for residents is important for tackling the climate emergency. Our intention is that Bath residents will have a number of household waste and recycling centres they can use in the city to make recycling as easy as possible. I also want to increase the range of things we can recycle. I am concerned that previous proposals, for example for just one site at Odd Down, don’t reflect the need to reduce car travel to tackle the climate emergency. Back in the 1990s we pioneered kerbside recycling and I think it’s time we made another 'step change'. We need to think differently and come up with more locally-based, innovative approaches. That’s why we’ve decided to invite people to put forward their views” “We want to see modern, user-friendly centres that make recycling easier, complementing the regular kerbside collections received by residents and providing additional new services such as re-use and repair." The search for potential sites will be completed in time for options to be reported to cabinet within the 2020/21 financial year. To put forward your suggestions please email Recycling_BathHaveYourSay@bathnes.gov.uk The closing date for suggestions is Friday 1st January

HITZ provides young people with qualifications and enrichment opportunities to support them to get back on track and develop the life skills needed. The classrooms are very different and allow us to teach in a learner centred way, the learners participate in a wide variety of sports (not just rugby!), visit local areas and gain qualifications in Sports and Employability. During enrichment opportunities they use a range of experiences to support the young people to develop confidence, self-esteem, healthy living and development for the next step. To support with the development of these life skills we use sports, music, food, animals, visits from local businesses and community engagement. This year HITZ are running three courses delivered through their educational partners SCL. In January they will be opening their enrolment for young people onto one of the following three courses: NCFE Level 2 Sports Coaching BTCE Level 1 Sport and Active Leisure Level 2 Employability If you have any young people who would be interested in enrolling in one of the courses, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Mia Suter via mia.suter@bathrugbyfoundation.com For future reference we will open recruitment again in September 2021.

Can you help make our community more Compassionate this Christmas? We understand how difficult times might be for people this Christmas and we'll need compassion more than ever, so we've teamed up with the Compassionate Community movement to launch the 'Compassion at Christmas' campaign. The aim is to work with individuals and organisations to work on various initiatives, with the intention of spreading compassion and reducing loneliness. It won’t cost you anything, just a little compassion. We would really like you to get involved. Here’s what you can do:- Random Acts of Compassion Posters - We've designed A4 posters that people can colour in and display in their windows once they have completed a random act of compassion. If they complete 5 acts then they can request a hand made star from us, by heading to our Compassion At Christmas page. We can provide personalised posters with your organisation logo on which you can request here:- Partners Poster Request form Social Media Campaign - Get involved by adding our facebook frame to your personal profile picture, using the toolkit below and the hashtag. #compassionatchristmas on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @compassioncb. Other Initiatives - We are running a number of other initiatives with the campaign, including offering a hand made Christmas card, a phone call to the vulnerable on Christmas day, as well as wellbeing pack deliveries for those living alone without internet access. You can find out more about all of these initiatives by heading to our website here: Compassion At Christmas This campaign toolkit will help you with social media content and the rest of the above. If you are doing your own campaign this Christmas then please tell us or tag us on social media and we would love to help you promote it. Any questions contact Miles using the details below: Email: contact@compassioncb.org.uk Call: 07957320483

We'd encourage 3SG members working with children, young people and families to read through the draft "All Age Early Help and Intervention Strategy" that has been produced by the Public Health Department at Bath & North East Somerset Council. Then give your feedback via the survey below which is open until 18th Dec: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EHStrategy

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, St Mungo’s ‘Hope Guide’ has gone virtual. The Virtual Hope Guide provides information on groups, activities and support services for adults in B&NES, who are socially isolated, are affected by mental health issues, substance misuse or homelessness. Also included are local and national helplines. This newly updated guide contains a variety of signposting information, aimed at maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing, which with another lockdown in place is all the more important. “With Covid-19 and the second lockdown now upon us, we wanted to ensure that the Hope Guide remained accessible and continued to provide ‘hope’ to those in the community; helping signpost and support the mental health and wellbeing of B&NES residents. The new online nature of the guide has the added bonus of being more responsive to government guidance and services who are regularly adapting, so as to continue to carry out their fantastic work in the community”, Carolyn Trippick, Volunteer Hope Guide Producer. Not only is the guide aimed at supporting individuals, it’s also a great signposting resource for professionals. “I originally was told about the Hope Guide by a colleague when I started in my role and she referred to it as the ‘bible’ of community events and groups in B&NES! It’s been so helpful in building my understanding of what groups are out there to connect with and who I might be able to work with to reach the most people”, Somerset Skills & Learning. The Virtual Hope Guide is available on St Mungo’s Bridges to Wellbeing website: www.bridges2wellbeing.co.uk/hope-guide. If you work with, or know of a group or service still offering support to people in B&NES that isn’t already included, please email Carolyn.Trippick@Mungos.org with the details. Likewise, if your group or service has recently changed in any way, please get in touch to let us know, so that we can keep the available information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. St Mungo’s produces this guide in collaboration with local services, with funding from Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (NHS Trust) & Virgin Care. St Mungo’s contacts B&NES: Ralph Lillywhite, Project Manager, Building Bridges to Wellbeing Tel: 07825115775 E-mail: Ralph.Lillywhite@MUNGOS.ORG Paul Rimmer, Communications & Promotion Officer, Building Bridges to Wellbeing Tel: 07522 945 518 Paul.Rimmer@MUNGOS.ORG Carolyn Trippick, Volunteer Hope Guide Producer E-mail: Carolyn.Trippick@Mungos.org St Mungo's 'Building Bridges to Wellbeing' team works innovatively and creatively with people who have a lived experience of mental health challenges, volunteers and other agencies to empower, inspire and promote independence and wellbeing. We support mental health and wellbeing pathways which enable the positive progression of clients and volunteers.

A series of podcasts that focuses on people experiencing homelessness and how our community could help tackle the social issue. Listen on Spotify here. Six passionate University of Bath students are using their platform for good by launching a Podcast Series on Spotify that aims to raise awareness on homelessness and help shed light on the incredible support provided by Julian House, a homeless charity focused in Bath. Through the sessions broadcasted, the students hope that the awareness spread through their podcast will reach a wider audience, thus positively influencing the views, beliefs and responses of the community towards those experiencing homelessness. Hosted by bright, fun-loving students Samuel Vernon and George Wilbraham, the series will have four episodes in total and will go on for around 20 minutes each week starting Monday, November 2nd 2020 at 11am. By having guest speakers, engaging in meaningful discussions and sharing real-life journeys and experiences - the students hope that they will be able to engage with their audience while gaining additional support from the wider community in terms of volunteering, fundraising and donations that could be beneficial for Julian House to further fund their services. On the 9th of November 2020, Jessica Gay, Senior Community and Events Fundraiser at Julian House will explain the issues around homelessness and the long-term solutions and support to tackle it. Additionally, on the 16th of November 2020, ‘Bath Voices Podcast’ will feature an episode with Chris Stewart, the Managing Director of Minding Minds who has been through the services provided by Julian House. Chris Stewart said: “I hope my story will help others understand that the homeless aren’t untalented wasters.” Throughout the session, the hosts will uncover the struggles he faced, his success story and have thought-provoking discussions on the common misconceptions and stigmas faced by people experiencing homelessness. Bath Voices Team members, from top left: (Ammira Shaheena, Arran Millar, George Wilbraham, Alex Smith, Samuel Vernon, Sara Chilton)# For more information, Contact Ammira: +44 07593770330, sassk20@bath.ac.uk, bathvoices@gmail.com or follow them on their social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/bathvoicespodcast, https://www.instagram.com/bathvoicespodcast/ More information on Julian House is available at: https://www.julianhouse.org.uk/

Bath & North East Somerset Council is asking local businesses to check whether they qualify for financial support to replace or upgrade higher emission vehicles that would otherwise be charged in Bath’s clean air zone (CAZ) from spring 2021. Bath’s class C zone is the first of several clean air zones planned in England to urgently tackle air pollution. It will operate in the city centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and will charge most higher emission vehicles to drive in the zone, except private cars and motorbikes The council has already taken more than 700 calls from businesses expressing an interest in the scheme where eligible applicants would receive a grant of up to £4,500 to upgrade taxis, PHVs and vans; £20,000 for heavy goods vehicles; and £35,000 for buses and coaches. On top of this, interest-free finance can be arranged. The financial aid, funded by the Government, is aimed at owners of higher emission vehicles who could face charges of £9 or £100 a day. It includes grants and/or interest free finance to significantly reduce the cost of a replacement vehicle. Vehicles that would qualify for the scheme include pre-euro 6 diesel and pre-euro 4 petrol taxis, PHVs, minibuses, vans, buses, coaches and HGVs that drive in the city centre at least twice a week. Priority will be given to individuals, charities, sole traders, and small businesses located in Bath and North East Somerset and surrounding authorities. Buses providing scheduled services in the city will all be upgraded via a separate government fund. The council has appointed three FCA-registered vehicle asset finance companies – Close Brothers Asset Finance, Maxxia and Shire Leasing to administer the scheme under a unique framework, developed by the council, which can also be used by other authorities planning clean air zones. To support businesses affected by the impact of Covid-19 the council has extended its support to include a two-year exemption from charges for drivers of euro 4 and 5 diesel vehicles who are eligible for the scheme but fail a lenders’ credit check. These businesses can also re-apply to the scheme when their finances recover. It has also amended its taxi licensing policy to allow euro 4 and 5 diesel taxis to operate in the zone from 15 March where a licensed taxis/PHV driver has failed lenders’ credit checks and been issued with the exemption. Councillor Sarah Warren, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “The council has done a great job in securing significant funds from the government for this scheme, and we want to ensure those who need help, get it. We’re urging businesses to check their vehicles to see if charges apply, and to then find out more about this scheme. With a cleaner vehicle you’ll be avoiding regular charges in the zone, and you’ll also be doing something good for the environment and everybody’s health. “Our advisors are talking to lots of local businesses about the support available, and more than 700 people have expressed an interest, which is great. But we are asking for more businesses to come forward and find out more about this support.” In the first instance, the council is asking anyone who drives in central Bath to check whether their vehicle will be charged in the zone using the GOV.UK vehicle checker at www.gov.uk/cleanairzone. If charges apply to the vehicle, those who drive regularly in the zone can check the terms of the financial scheme and whether they qualify for support at www.bathnes.gov.uk/CAZsupport. Drivers of chargeable vehicles are also advised to check the local exemptions available for certain types of vehicles, including hard to replace vehicles, emergency and health service vehicles, and vehicles supporting vulnerable groups. This is available at www.bathnes.gov.uk/CAZexemptions. More information is available at the council’s website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathCAZ

Bath V Team is The SU Bath's big student led volunteering group and they are looking for micro virtual opportunities to support local causes. This group meets once a week for an hour and are looking for opportunites for their members to do online. This could include Building a database Testing a website Making a poster Writing letters We are open to anything you may need support with! please email Joshua: Volunteers@bath.ac.uk if you would like help with anything.

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People wanting to improve the energy efficiency of their homes will soon be able to easily find approved installers from a new directory being set up by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The council’s Energy At Home Information Service is creating an Installers Network for tradespeople who fit energy efficiency home improvements to existing buildings, often referred to as ‘retrofitting’. Residents who contact Energy At Home will be able to access the network to find qualified traders who can install a range of energy saving measures in their homes. The council is looking for sole traders and businesses in the local area to come forward to join the network if they are qualified to install: loft, floor and wall insulation, draughtproofing, double or triple glazing, solar panels and low carbon heating such as air source heat pumps. Research done by the council into the main sources of carbon emissions in the district found that 38% of direct emissions come from homes and that most homes could benefit from energy efficiency measures. Reducing the carbon emissions from your home not only saves money on heating bills but contributes to the council’s goal of achieving carbon-neutrality in B&NES by 2030. The council is holding a Green Homes webinar on November 19 which will hear directly from residents who have made energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “The Installers Network will be an important way for us to support home energy efficiency improvements in the area as we work towards achieving our carbon neutral aim. Encouraging local businesses to carry out energy efficiency home improvements is good for the local economy and will be more convenient for customers. We’d like to see this local network grow over the coming years as we see more schemes introduced, such as the Government’s Green Homes Grant, to help residents make their homes more energy efficient and save money.” Businesses interested in joining the Installers Network should email energyatHome@bathnes.gov.uk or phone 01225 396282 and leave their contact details. The council works with neighbouring authorities to take advantage of funding opportunities to support improving the energy efficiency of homes. Installers who are part of the Network will also receive information about any new schemes that might be on offer, such as training opportunities or qualification options. There is also free specialist training on offer to all trades in the West of England area to develop their specialist energy retrofit skills. They need to apply for funded places via this webpage: https://futureproof.uk.net/im-a-builder/ Information about Government business support grants can be found on the council website If you’re a homeowner or residential landlord you can apply for a Government Green Homes grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements to your home. The Energy At Home service helps residents improve the energy performance of their homes by providing information on energy related home improvements, financial assistance schemes and signposting to suitable installers and contractors. It was set up by the council to help tackle fuel poverty, promote health & well-being locally, reduce carbon emissions and improve the local economy. Our current scheme funds green affordable warmth measures for owner occupiers or renters living in low energy efficiency homes who are on low incomes. Find out more at https://www.energyathome.org.uk/ or call 0800 038 5680. ENDS

City centre users are being asked for their views on proposals to permanently strengthen and improve on-street security within Bath’s busiest streets and spaces by 2021. Bath & North East Somerset Council and Avon & Somerset Police, have been working together to ensure Bath city centre is safe, secure and welcoming for the people who live, work and visit here. Since 2016, the council has successfully helped maintain the city’s safety by putting in place various temporary security measures to provide a higher quality of protection from terrorism around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Pump Room, as well as the retail core of the city centre. In June temporary vehicle access restriction measures were put in place from 10am to 6pm to enable social distancing as the government eased Covid-19 restrictions. These are helping to protect public health and safety thanks to residents, businesses and service providers adapting to and supporting these measures at such short notice. Prior to the pandemic, in conjunction with the police, proposals were already under way to permanently strengthen and improve city centre security and public safety in parts of Bath’s historic city centre by 2021. The proposals set out a series of measures that will begin to replace existing concrete barriers with a series of static and moving bollards that aim to fit within the character of the city. This is alongside restrictions that will permanently manage vehicle access 24 hours every day of the year within the most crowded parts of the city centre. It proposes to place permanent static bollards on streets such as Burton Street and Old Bond Street, Barton Street, Westgate Buildings, Beau Street and Southgate Street. Sliding bollards are proposed on York Street, Cheap Street, Upper Borough Walls, Lower Borough Walls and Hot Bath Street. As is currently in place for social distancing from 10am to 6pm access would be provided via the council’s CCTV control room for authorised vehicles only, such as emergency access, major construction or road workers, removal companies, and bank cash lorries. To maintain safety through the night it will be necessary to maintain limited access restrictions from 6pm to 10am. Access will need to be granted again by CCTV, for business deliveries, market traders and waste collection. Pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles will have access at all times. Councillor Dine Romero, leader of the council, said: “With emergency temporary measures in place we are now working with businesses and the police on a coordinated package of permanent security improvements. The council is committed to enabling the on-going recovery of Bath, and the need for security and safety remains a significant factor in re-building Bath’s vitality. We appreciate how important vehicle access within the city is for our local businesses, residents and visitors, particularly people with restricted mobility. We also know that Covid-19 has had a big effect on the footfall within the city. However, the threat from terrorism within the UK is still significant. We’ve been working closely with Avon & Somerset Police to shape proportionate measures to improve security and safety within the city centre to an appropriate level we think will be a big factor in supporting the city’s recovery and future success.” Andy Marsh, Chief Constable, Avon & Somerset Police, said: “While there is no specific intelligence relating to any threat to the South West region, including to Bath, we know there is a national threat to the United Kingdom from terrorism and that crowded places are attractive targets. “Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by many hundreds of thousands of people every year and like with all the iconic places in the Avon and Somerset Police force area, we’re committed to working with our local authority and business partners to ensure both residents and tourists are safe. “Our Counter Terrorism Security Advisors have been working with Bath and North East Somerset Council on ways to keep the city centre secure and protected and have given their support to a scheme which limits vehicle access during the busiest times. “This is part of a package of measures that is designed to improve overall public safety and further strengthen protection in areas of high footfall.” You will be able to view the proposed city security improvements and provide feedback online from 16 November until 15 January 2021 at www.bathnes.gov.uk/citycentresecurity . Due to Covid-19 restrictions the council has adapted its consultation to online methods, so you can see proposals and provide feedback on proposals safely. The consultation period has also been extended to allow extra time over the festive period. Allison Herbert, CEO, Bath Business Improvement District said: “We have seen great results from the new opportunities for outdoor seating in the city centre during the temporary road closures this summer. Bath achieved good footfall in comparison with other cities and the public appeared to enjoy the newly pedestrianised areas. This proposal for fixed safety barriers will make those changes permanent. Please make sure that you take this opportunity to share your feedback so that we achieve the best possible solutions by working together.” Your feedback will be used to inform potential 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. To request another format please contact us by email citycentresecurity@bathnes.gov.uk or by telephone on 01225 39 40 41.

More than 1,500 businesses across Bath and North East have been checked in the past week to ensure they are complying with new lockdown restrictions. Public Protection Officers from Bath & North East Somerset Council have checked 1543 businesses and have found the vast majority are adhering to the rules, with just with just 27 found to be non-compliant and issued with advice. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services said: “Lockdown is designed to drive down Covid-19 transmission rates and, if we are to succeed, its essential everyone sticks to the rules. We have ten Public Protection Officers across the district checking businesses, advising traders and responding to complaints from residents and I’m pleased to say the overwhelming majority of businesses are taking their responsibilities seriously. "So far a very small proportion, less than two per cent of the businesses we’ve checked, have been found to be operating outside the rules. We’ve spoken to them, advised them and they’ve taken action. We’ll continue to monitor and advise traders over the coming weeks.” The council’s Public Protection team is working hard to keep residents safe during the pandemic. They provide a wide range of services from advising and assisting businesses to comply with the latest restrictions, enforcing health and safety rules to ensure businesses are COVID-secure, helping providers of food to the elderly and vulnerable to comply with food hygiene regulations to checking that PPE on sale to the general public is legally compliant. The Public Protection team is supported in Bath city centre by Covid Safety Officers who work with residents and businesses to promote social distancing, encourage compliance with coronavirus public health measures and explain the guidelines to people out and about in the city. The lockdown restrictions, designed to help stop the spread of Covid-19, came into force on Thursday 5 November and will be in place until Wednesday 2 December. Under the restrictions: some traders selling essential goods are allowed to open some traders are prohibited from opening their premises to the public some traders are allowed to operate take away, click and collect or delivery services. all premises open to the public must be Covid secure Traders who persistently fail to comply with the regulations can be subject to enforcement action including: the issuing of a Prohibition Notice which sets out what a business must do to comply with the rules. Failure to comply with a Prohibition Notice is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine. a fixed penalty notice of £1000 (escalating to £10,000 for subsequent/ongoing breaches) prosecution – as a criminal offence with an unlimited fine upon conviction. If you spot a breach of Covid regulations you can let us know by calling 01225 396759 or by emailing Public_Protection@Bathnes.gov.uk

Catalyst & The National Lottery Community Fund are funding organisations who want to help tackle key issues facing their communities as a result of Covid-19. Each challenge will support three organisations willing to work together to tackle the challenge alongside experienced digital experts Each organisation can apply for up to £10,000. The projects will run from January-March 2021 over 11 weeks. The funding will support any of the following challenges: Challenge 1: Supportive online environments ‍We want to test approaches to creating a supportive online environment for staff and volunteers working with people who are experiencing mental health crises. Challenge 2: Strengthening approaches for social prescribing ‍We want to innovate and strengthen data sharing between services in order to promote better social prescribing across organisations in the mental health and wellbeing sector. Challenge 3: Effective online counselling services for survivors We want to prototype an approach for organisations who are transferring counselling service for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in the online space. Challenge 4: Creating meaningful connections We want to explore how service users can create meaningful online connections with support organisations in order to build trust and ensure they get the most appropriate services and support. Challenge 5: Reaching digitally excluded families We want to find ways to ensure parents and carers without easy access to data or devices get the support they need. Challenge 6: Creating parent centered signposts We want to rethink the sector’s approach to signposting and referral by adopting a parent-centred point of view. Challenge 7: Redefining volunteering We want to rethink the volunteering model to leverage volunteers as a skilled group of people who are driven to help families and can support different areas of the ecosystem when it’s needed. Challenge 8: Supporting Black families We want to find ways to support the individuals and small organisations caring for Black families in their communities to do their best work, so that children and their families receive the support they need. Challenge 9: Claiming Universal Credit remotely We want to prototype, test and identify a pain-free way to provide remote support for online Universal Credit claims, so the 33% of people currently failing to register can make a timely and successful claim. Challenge 10: Creating secure documentation sharing for people accessing debt advice Can we create or adapt a platform (or another simple way) for people needing debt advice to securely upload and share documents with debt advice providers? Challenge 11: Coordinating end-to-end advice to those resolving debt issues Can we prototype a way for multiple advice providers to take a coordinated approach in supporting a client’s end-to-end need to resolve their debt issue, without having to repeat their story and without causing added emotional stress? Challenge 12: Enabling self-serve debt resolution Can we prototype and test a self-serve, automated triaging product/service that provides users with a simple, tailored action plan to resolve their own issues? https://www.thecatalyst.org.uk/sector-challenge-grants/sector-challenge-grants

This new guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/enabling-safe-and-effective-volunteering-during-coronavirus-covid-19

What the Romans did for us Digital Learning and Making Sessions “It’s amazing how much of our life today is based on what the Romans did all those years ago” – Participant October 2020 We invite you and the individuals you work with to join us for a series of 4 hour-long digital interactive learning and activity sessions that will explore many aspects of Roman life in and around the Roman Baths. Sessions will be delivered digitally, preferably via zoom, with the possibility of pre-recorded video clips to share. A written activity sheet may also accompany each session, that can also be shared with non-digital participants if required. Each session includes one resourced activity designed with participants age and / or ability in mind, and an optional extension activity to complete after the online session. We may encourage participants to share images of their creations, but this will always be in line with partnership guidance. The activities are designed to be low-cost / using items from around the home and can be adapted to suit the requirements of participants. The sessions would be free for up to 15 participants and we can provide the materials packs for the activity sessions, which will be passed onto the partner organisations to share out amongst the participants via post or otherwise. Overview of sessions and possible activities: 1. Exploring Roman Wellness Find out about Roman wellbeing and medicine – what happened at the baths and how did the Romans try to avoid disease? Activity: Make a lavender sachet Extension: Hand massage sheet or Bath Bomb sheet 2. Meet the Romans Find out about some of the Roman characters that visited the Roman Baths, and some of the evidence they left behind Activity: Make a peg / wooden spoon Roman Character doll out of scraps OR paint a pebble roman -style OR Make a clay tablet with Latin inscription Extension: creative writing based on life at the Roman Baths 3. Roman Food Explore the Roman dining experience. Quiz -What foods did the Romans bring to Britain? Activity: plant a roman herb (e.g. mint, rosemary, thyme) OR dried mystery herb challenge and make a bouquet garnet (with dried or fresh herbs) Extension idea: Sharing roman recipes 4. The Romans are around us There are many aspects of our modern life that we can thank the Romans for, some even inside our own homes. Find out about Roman invention, decoration, language and more. Activity: Make a paper mosaic Extension: Roman place names on maps activity OR Mosaics at home challenge Other possible activities that could be interchanged include weaving, loo-roll column design and making, papier mache / paper plate sculpture, although these activities may require additional time after the session to complete. We are happy to adapt activities or consider alternatives to meet the needs of participants. Really enjoyed the sessions they were full of interesting facts and details. I thought I knew a lot about the Romans too having lived in Bath all my life and visited the Roman Baths many times, but I was surprised that a lot of what we were told was new to me. – Participant October 2020 To discuss your requirements further, please feel free to contact Laura Nicholls, Community Engagement Officer at laura_nicholls@bathnes.gov.uk

The challenge of improving the energy efficiency of homes in Bath and North East Somerset to help tackle the climate emergency is the focus of an online event next week. The Green Homes webinar to be held by Bath & North East Somerset Council on November 19th at 5pm will hear from three residents who have made carbon-cutting improvements to their homes. When the council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, it committed to providing the leadership to enable B&NES to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The first phase of research identified that energy efficiency improvements were needed for the majority of existing buildings, together with zero carbon new-build. Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader, will chair the webinar and discuss the challenge with: Tim Williamson who has made energy efficiency improvements to a 1930s house and is part of the Energy Efficient Widcombe community project Philip Haile who has made energy efficiency improvements and installed low carbon heating in a 1970s house Cate Le Grice-Mack who has made energy efficiency improvements to a Georgian house and is a past Home Opener for Bath Green Homes community initiative Councillor Dine Romero said: “Our commitment to tackling the climate emergency depends on us all taking individual action as well as needing larger system change. If you are a homeowner, it’s important to consider where you could make energy-efficiency improvements. These could be as simple as making sure your thermostat is set correctly and your boiler is working efficiently, buying energy-efficient appliances and adding insulation to your home to reduce heat loss. This can make your home more comfortable, save money on your bills as well as reduce your carbon footprint. “The Green Homes webinar is a great opportunity for property owners to hear some ideas first-hand from people who have made carbon-cutting changes to their homes. Please log on and join the discussion.” Register in advance to join the webinar at 5pm on November 19 on Zoom here Questions to the panel can be submitted by email in advance or during the live discussion. A recording of the discussion will be available afterwards on the council's YouTube channel Bath & West Community Energy is running a complimentary event on November 26, Making Your Home Warm and Green. Register here Find out more about how the council is tackling the climate emergency at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/climate-emergency ENDS Photo: Tim Williamson's external solid wall insulation on 1930s house

Ten new electrically assisted cargo bikes have arrived on the streets of Bath to help businesses make sustainable, pollution-free deliveries. The e-cargo bikes have been provided following a successful £40,000 bid by Bath & North East Somerset Council to the Energy Savings Trust earlier this year. The Grapes Freehouse, Bath BID, 6 City View and the council’s parks team have all incorporated their e-cargo bikes into daily operations, while Three Bags Full and WeGo have expanded their existing fleets. The council also has four e-cargo bikes to loan out free to businesses, organisations and charities looking to test them before investing in their own. Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “These bikes will replace delivery vans circulating the city centre and enable local organisations to make quick, economical deliveries around Bath. The bikes don’t produce noise or air pollution, making the city centre a more pleasant environment and contributes to our sustainable transport vision for our area.” Bath BID CEO Allison Herbert is delighted with the orange trike which has been procured to help the BID rangers to get out and about in the city. She said: “The rangers’ pick-up trike has space for cleaning equipment and water, and is perfect for responsive cleansing work which the BID does on behalf of businesses in the city centre.” The e-Cargo Bike Grant Fund scheme is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Energy Saving Trust. More information can be found at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/transport/ecargo-bike-grant-fund The loan bikes are available to businesses, registered organisations and charities within Bath & North East Somerset. Interested parties can register to borrow a bike at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BaNESeCargo

FOOD clubs, pantries and food banks across Bath and North East Somerset are continuing to provide essential support to residents facing food poverty during lockdown. Alongside the Community Wellbeing Hub, they are proving a lifeline for hundreds of people who have lost their jobs or seen their income reduced as a result of the pandemic. Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services and Public Health said: “Another lockdown poses further challenges for many who have lost their jobs or seen their income reduced as a result of the impact of coronavirus. No one should have to go hungry or face the prospect of not being able to afford to feed their family. Thanks to the fantastic work of the Community Wellbeing Hub, Food Banks, FOOD Clubs and Pantries across Bath and North East Somerset, local food support is readily available for those who need it.” The food banks in Bath, Keynsham and the Somer Valley provide food to clients in crisis who are referred for emergency support from organisations such as Citizens Advice and Bath & North East Somerset Council. The food banks are part of the Trussell Trust network and are welcoming new referrals during lockdown. Keynsham Food Bank Coordinator, Alan Hale, said: “For many people the impact of coronavirus on their job has been delayed by the furlough scheme, but we are now seeing an increase in the number of people being made redundant or who have had their hours cut and seen their income drop. We anticipated this and have built up our stock levels to support those in need. “No one should go hungry while waiting for a benefit payment and we also don’t want people who are suddenly out of work to spend all their savings before they seek support. Our message to anyone facing food crisis is that we are here to offer food support and signpost to other help and advice.” The Somer Valley Food Bank is operating as normal during lockdown while the Keynsham and Bath Food Banks service is delivery only. Many of the district’s pantries, set up with funding support from Bath & North East Somerset Council remain open with members on low incomes able to carry out a weekly shop of chilled, fresh and store cupboard food for a fraction of the price of a normal supermarket shop. New members are welcome. Oasis Pantry in Bath centre remains open every Thursday, with members now having timed slots. The Action Pantry run by Mercy in Action on Lower Bristol Road in Bath is now able to deliver if necessary. They are also operating a pop-up pantry 'Penny's Pantry' at the Rhymes Pavilion on Coalpit Road in Batheaston, every Wednesday from 10.00am - 3.00pm. FOOD Clubs (Food On Our Doorstep) in Keynsham, Radstock and Odd Down, run as a partnership programme by charities Family Action, FareShare SW, and Bright Start Children’s Centres and Radstock Library, are also continuing to provide regular and sustainable access to good-quality food at low cost to people at risk of food insecurity. During lockdown, when the weather permits, the FOOD Clubs are operating outside, under cover of a gazebo and members are being given individual collection times. Weston & Newbridge FOOD Club located at Weston Hub in Penn Hill Road is open on Mondays between 12 noon and 2.00pm. New members are welcome. A number of community cafés are continuing to provide support, such as Temple Street Canteen in Keynsham, which continues to provide free meals for children, and Weston’s Welcome Café at Weston Hub which is still offering a free cooked lunch for residents, but on a takeaway basis for the duration of lockdown. Southside Family Project's Food Hub Groups in Foxhill, Twerton, Peasedown and Keynsham are temporarily closed during lockdown, but continue to provide cooked family meals once a week which can either be delivered to clients or collected in person. Southside Pantries continue to run in Peasedown and Bath. The Community Wellbeing Hub is also continuing to provide critical support for vulnerable residents who are self-isolating or who have no access to local social support networks and those people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. During the first lockdown the Hub delivered over 400 Emergency Food parcels and supported 719 people. You can contact the Community Wellbeing Hub by: Calling 0300 247 0050 Emailing: BATHNES.thehub@virgincare.co.uk Texting: 07870 868368 Details of FOOD Clubs and Pantries across Bath and North East Somerset are available by visiting: http://banesfoodfinder.org.uk/listing/food-clubs-pantries For more information about the food banks or details on how you can support them visit: https://keynsham.foodbank.org.uk/ https://bath.foodbank.org.uk/ https://somervalley.foodbank.org.uk/

Covid Safety Officers will be out and about in Bath city centre from Wednesday (Nov 11) to encourage social distancing, advise on current coronavirus guidelines and support businesses. Two uniformed officers will be out and about in areas of high footfall and will work closely Bath & North East Somerset Council’s CCTV team, the police and Bath Business Improvement District (BID). The officers will promote social distancing, encourage compliance with coronavirus public health measures and will explain the guidelines to people out and about in the city. The roles will be in place until February next year. Councillor Dine Romero, B&NES council leader, said: “We have been awarded £74,000 government money to fund Covid Safety Officers and to fund additional officers to our Public Protection Team which has been working with businesses to ensure compliance with Covid regulations. “The Covid Safety Officers will encourage people to do the right thing when they are visiting the city. The aim is to remind and reassure people about the coronavirus guidelines, ensure people are following the hands, face, space guidance in order to stop the spread of the virus. “The rate of infection has risen rapidly. We have to bring it down and take personal responsibility to prevent the further spread of this disease. Having Covid Safety Officers out and about will be a visual and practical reminder to people to follow the guidance. Where people or businesses are not doing the right thing then the Covid Safety Officers can advise or escalate, if necessary, to the police or our Public Protection teams.” Allison Herbert, chief executive of Bath Business Improvement District (BID) added: “Having Covid Safety Officers in the city, will offer reassurance to residents, visitors and businesses. It is a challenging time for businesses and Bath BID is doing all it can to make sure that our businesses can operate safely. The presence of Covid Safety Officers will act as a reminder to everyone to play their part, socially distance and follow the guidance to keep themselves and others safe.”