3SG has recently surveyed over 70 non-profits it Bath & North East Somerset and have put together a report below with the key findings. Find out more: contact@3sg.org.uk

Ambitious proposals to create liveable neighbourhoods in Bath and North East Somerset will be examined at a webinar next week. Bath & North East Somerset Council has developed three strategies to achieve liveable neighbourhoods, which aim to improve air quality and health, encourage more walking and cycling and reduce vehicles in residential areas. Residents and businesses are invited to join the webinar via Zoom on Wednesday, October 7 at 5.30pm. Panellists include council Leader, Councillor Dine Romero; Councillors Joanna Wright and Neil Butters, joint cabinet members for Transport Services, and lead officers from the council’s transport team. The three liveable neighbourhoods strategies are: Low traffic neighbourhood strategy Residents’ parking schemes strategy On-street electric vehicle charging strategy There is an online consultation about the proposals running until October 14. People can find out more by following this link www.bathnes.gov.uk/liveableneighbourhoods Councillor Joanna Wright said: “To improve both air quality and public health, we need to create neighbourhoods in which people can safely walk and cycle and reduce our reliance on cars. We believe it is possible to do this at the same time as maintaining vehicle access to homes and businesses. By reconsidering how we use our streets, we can transform community spaces and support local businesses to thrive. These are ambitious strategies but it’s important that we hear people’s views to get liveable neighbourhoods right for everyone. Please join the webinar and have your say by responding to our consultation.” Register in advance for the webinar here There will be opportunities for communities to request individual liveable neighbourhoods once all three strategies are finalised and the project is launched. People without internet access can request paper copies of the liveable neighbourhoods summary and survey by calling council connect on 01225 39 40 41.

A new website celebrating and promoting Bath’s dynamic, successful, world-class companies and their talented employees has been launched today. www.bathunlimited.org details and promotes the achievements of some of the area’s biggest and most successful companies. It forms part of the ‘Bath Unlimited’ campaign designed to support ‘Invest in Bath’ in attracting new inward investment by increasing awareness of the area’s flourishing businesses and promoting the wealth of talent and expertise in the local workforce. The concept of ‘Bath Unlimited’ arose from conversations at the Economic Recovery and Renewal Partnership. The campaign, which launched today (Thursday 1 October), is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council, law firm Royds Withy King, brand and design agency Mytton Williams and the University of Bath. Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of the council said: “Bath and North East Somerset is a fantastic location for any business, with international communication links, leading research centres at our two universities and huge potential for growth with exciting developments such as Bath Quays and the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone. No wonder then that we are home to a growing number of outstanding companies from a diverse range of sectors who are global leaders in their field. “As we work to recover from the impacts of Covid-19 it’s important that we champion these exceptional firms, their products and services and the expertise and skills they offer the global marketplace.” Initially Bath Unlimited will concentrate on promoting the potential and ambition of a selection of companies across five sectors: Built-Environment – Grant Associates, Buro Happold, Format Engineers and FCB Tech & Innovation – Rocketmakers, University of Bath, Zynstra and Rotork Consumer Dynamic – Inspecs, LoveHoney, Future, Truespeed and Pure Planet Defence & Engineering – BMT and Horstmann Financial Services – L&C Mortgages and Novia Professor Ian White, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said: “The University of Bath is delighted to be key part of this important initiative for the future of our city and region. “It is wonderful to see leading organisations in the city of Bath coming together to showcase what makes our home city so special, and help do what we can to support investment in the city and its people. “For example, we’re working closely with partners to create a business innovation hub in the city centre, combining top quality creative and digital skills training alongside our world-leading SETSquared business incubator. Another example would be our motion capture studio CAMERA, which supports the digital and creative sectors in the region through collaborations and research to keep Bath at the forefront of the industry. “We wish Bath Unlimited great success and we will play whatever role we can to make that happen.” In the coming months ‘Bath Unlimited’ aims to create local networking, career development and recruitment opportunities with featured companies. For more information visit: bathunlimited.org To view Bath Unlimited’s promotional film visit: https://youtu.be/yNyoMz4CLFE Follow Bath Unlimited on LINKEDIN, @bathunlimited on Twitter and Instagram

As many charities and not-for-profit organisations begin to re-open their indoor and outdoor facilities, there is an increasing emphasis on decisions being made based on local risks. Zurich has produced a risk insight guide to help you consider how to manage risks associated with COVID-19, as well as everyday work and service-related risks. Read details here

Dear people of BANES and surrounding areas: We are here to help! We are Reason, an independent charity in Bath offering support for individuals struggling with problematic alcohol, drugs or gambling use. Our mission is to facilitate and encourage positive change in the individual's life. Our passion is to build a therapeutic connection with the individual which promotes an ability to draw from their own inner strengths. We offer one-to-one time to talk via Zoom or phone. For more info, please visit www.reason-online.co.uk or find us on facebook!

The B&NES Outbreak Engagement Board (chaired by the Leader of the Council) has been established to engage with a group of representatives of local bodies including the Council, police, fire and rescue service, our two universities, CURO, 3SG and different parts of the health and care system. The 3rd Sector is represented by Kate Morton in her capacity as Chair of 3SG. More information on this Board can be found here

New research from the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) has revealed that applications for support from grant-giving charities have increased by 122% since lockdown began on 23 March, compared to the same period in 2019. Read the full report here

Bath-based author, Chris Doveton, would like to share his experience of depression in the hope of helping others who may be suffering from this debilitating disorder, particularly men of a certain generation who were taught from an early age that showing emotions was a sign of weakness. Chris’ recent memoir, I’m fine, thanks, tells the story of how his life changed forever when his wife was diagnosed with the rare and fatal genetic disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia (similar to motor neurons disease). For ten years, Chris and Anne endure this terrible secret alone. After Anne’s death, Chris, ravaged by crippling grief, realises that he must get to grips with his clinical depression and rid himself of his stiff upper lip in order to survive. Now in his 80s, Chris pulls back the veil on the stages of depression he experienced, how this impacted his family, friends and life choices, and how he overcame depression to live a meaningful life. Chris shares his thoughts: I felt compelled to write I’m Fine, Thanks and share the traumas of my life with anyone who might be suffering from bereavement, loneliness, depression, sickness, the breakdown of a relationship or is simply bewildered in this fragile world. I hope readers will be interested to learn from my experiences, and that I can help others to find solace from opening up and dropping the shackles of the stiff upper lip. Perhaps one of the most-used responses when asked ‘how are you?’ is a simple ‘I’m fine, thanks’. This ends any conversation and avoids talking about the one thing that should be discussed - how we’re really feeling. So often, we just cannot open up and share our innermost feelings with anyone. The hardest part for me to cover in the book was without a doubt when Anne, my wife, was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia at the age of 50 and told by the consultant there was no cure for her illness. Reliving the experience of this challenging part of my life was not easy, but something that was so vital to understand just how far I’ve come. My road to recovery from depression was a long one. After the death of my wife, I felt isolated and useless. My behaviour became impulsive, I bought expensive clothes and even second homes on a whim. I found it hard to connect with people. Through regular counselling and a renewed faith, I was able to break down barriers and rebuild my life. I’m fine, thanks takes readers on a difficult journey of self-discovery but it ends with a message of hope and finding love again: however dark things are, life can become worth living again. Never give up, even in your darkest moments; there is always hope, and nothing is impossible. Chris Doveton was born in India just before WW2, later moving to South Africa and then to the UK. Chris joined the Royal Navy and became a commissioned officer in HMS Ark Royal and after leaving the military, started his own company, the Doveton Press. He is also the author of The Spanish Dream and In the World’s Shadows. Chris lives in Bath with his second wife, Pauline. To find out more about Chris Doveton, visit www.chrisdoveton.com

In July 2020, MHRA put out a statement (which you can read here) noting that temperature screening products should not be relied on for the detection of coronavirus (COVID-19) In September 2020, The National Incident Coordination Centre has sent the following note to independent providers supporting the Covid-19 response on the use of non-contact forehead thermometers for fever screening: "There is nothing in the COVID-19: Guidance for the remobilisation of services within health and care settings Infection prevention and control recommendations that recommends temperature testing as a stand-alone screening tool."

Residents are being offered the chance to furnish their home or pick up a pre-used bike for free at a giveaway event in Keynsham. A selection of second-hand furniture and adult bikes are being given away at a special event on Sunday 4 October 1pm-4m at the Old MOD building, Pixash Lane, Keynsham, BS31 1TP. The items which include mountain bikes, beside tables, chests of drawers and pictures have been collected by staff at the council’s recycling centres as they are in a good enough condition to be reused. It’s the first re-use event the council has held since lockdown and covid-secure measures will be in place to ensure the safety of visitors: the number of people allowing into the building will be restricted to 15 at a time, to help maintain social distancing a one-way system will be in operation and hand sanitising stations in place masks must be work children (under 18s) will not be allowed entry there will be no parking on site staff / volunteers cannot help with loading of items into vehicles It is extremely important that residents do not to visit if they or anyone from their household have Covid-19 symptoms, are self-isolating or are in the shielding category. All furniture and bikes must be taken away on the day. For more information visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/bins-rubbish-and-recycling/campaigns-road-shows-schools-and-university-students or contact Council Connect: 01225 39 40 41 councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk

Yesterday (24 September) the sector received the long-awaited report from Danny Kruger MP, 'Levelling up our communities: proposals for a new social covenant'. Here are the initial reactions to this review from Clare Mills, Head of Communications and External Affairs at NAVCA. https://bit.ly/dannykrugerreport Reaction is mixed, with lots of “happy to work to put this into action @danny_kruger” alongside a good number of “this is just warm words and recycled schemes” and, of course, some comments too rude to put on the NAVCA website. Such is the opportunity social media gives us: to react, to be quick, and in some cases to see what we want to see: a report that confirms the ideology of the writer and his political cadre. So I’m taking a step back and thinking, for two reasons. First, my direct involvement with local infrastructure has been relatively short, having joined NAVCA at the start of 2020. Although some of the pieces mentioned in the report, such as the Social Value Act, the Localism Act, the Big Society and the Civil Society Strategy are familiar, I need more information from our members and others to understand the nuances of these pieces of work: what was good about them, what was awful and most importantly what stopped them from being the magic bullets that were promised? Second, I want to read this report again, recognising the report comes out through the lens of a conservative (with a small c) ideology. What are the assumptions this report makes? Are they verifiable? If the assumptions are wrong, what is the impact that has on the recommendations? And if the assumptions are right, do the recommendations follow? The report talks directly about “engaging with the sector to help nurture a revived, modernised version of the CVS.” I can see how for many NAVCA members, this is a smack in the face. You’ve been breaking your backs for the past decade (or more) trying to find ways to bring in funds so you can support numerous local charities and voluntary organisations. You’ve flexed your business models to bring in income through a diverse range of activities from room rentals to training to payroll services to graphic design, so you can keep the lights on and pay the staff. You’ve had to devote time, energy and maybe tears to processes and schemes that take you away from doing what you do best, just to keep going. So this statement and the implied or perceived criticism from Danny Kruger hurts. But. But. Let’s remember how much has changed in the relationships we have with the government and public bodies such as NHS England and the Charity Commission over the last three years, and be inspired by the recent offers for local infrastructure support from funding bodies - including government itself. Let’s see how we can use these words to open the door to a productive conversation with government, to secure the funding, support and recognition that everyone here at NAVCA knows you deserve.

Bath Rugby Foundation are currently recruiting for Bath Rugby HITZ, an award winning program that aims to provide the tools for young people to succeed within their futures. It prides itself with a unique teaching and delivery style that suits the learners. HITZ aims to develop young people’s personal skills, academics, sports confidence and performance and health and fitness. They currently have three courses on offer, that run aside Math’s and English GCSE or Functional skills. 3 Courses Available BTEC Level 1 Sport & Active Leisure NCFE Level 2 Sports Coaching Employability Level 2 Start date: September 1st Last chance to sign up: 2nd October 2020 End Date: July 9th 2021 All three courses include the qualification, work experience, personal development, careers support, enrichment opportunities and a large range of sport. They can accept young people between the ages of 16-19 or 16-24 with an EHCP.

3SG had the pleasure of visiting Sue at Root Connections this week. Root Connections is an organisation with a mission to improve the health and wellbeing for adults with complex needs, primarily those who are homeless and rough sleeping. They have a community garden that's run by a significant number of committed volunteers at Manor Farm, Stratton on the fosse, BA3 4QF. Their volunteers have been busy, but so have their bees! The bees have produced their first batch of Somerset Honey this year. They've enjoyed a bumper crop of cut and edible florals and although their Flowers Subscriptions are almost coming to an end for 2020, they're already planting for the Spring. You can grab Root Connections goodness from Castle Cary Market. As they continue to carry out vital work, they're looking for a volunteer to be Company Secretary, the deadline is 30th September! You can download their application form here and send it to: sue.crossbourton@rootconnections.co.uk

200 Magic Little Grants Still Available! Local Giving have distributed 700 Grants worth £350,000 to local charities and community groups across the country in the first few rounds of Magic Little Grants 2020! This year's awards have gone to activities ranging from funding football clubs to yoga classes, from countryside walks to virtual exercise classes and so on - the possibilities are endless! And do you know what's even more exciting? There are still 200 grants available! Please remember they can fund projects that are delivered digitally and are in accordance with social distancing guidelines. The deadline for applications is the 31st October 2020, so if you run a project encouraging exercise or physical activity - get your application in fast!

The Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) Community Fund is now open for applications with a deadline of 2nd November 2020. Decisions will be announced in January 2021. The BWCE Community Fund supports local community projects that target carbon reduction and/or fuel poverty. This year, as a response to the Covid-19 crisis, fund guidelines have been amended to additionally consider applications that increase the resilience of communities in a way that also reduces carbon emissions. The area of benefit covers Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), parts of Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire that border B&NES (see map) plus the area of Somerset close to our Crewkerne solar array at TA18 7NX. To read the guidelines and to make an application go to Quartet Community Foundation. BWCE has given the BWCE Fund £195,000 to date with a further £15,000 donated to South Dartmoor Community Energy. To see the projects that received funding from 2015 to 2020 go to BWCE Community Fund.

More residents from across Bath & North East Somerset will be able to recycle their food waste with the expansion of the council’s collection service to more flats across the district. Over the next fortnight food waste caddies will be delivered to 745 flats, including addresses in Keynsham, Paulton, Midsomer Norton and Bath. It means from October residents of these flats will be able to recycle all their raw and cooked food waste, including fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones. Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “During lockdown residents really embraced food recycling as the amount of we collected was up 22% on the same period the previous year. This was a fantastic effort and we really want residents to keep up the momentum, so I’m pleased we are now able to expand our collection service. It’s a simple system: instead of throwing food waste out with the general rubbish, you put it in the small kitchen caddy and, when its full, empty it into the large shared food waste bin outside your building which will be collected weekly “Food waste that ends up in black wheelie bins costs the council over £100 per tonne to dispose of and, if it ends up in landfill, it can also cause greenhouse gases. However, if it’s recycled it’s processed to produce renewable energy and turned into nutrient-rich compost to use on agricultural land. So, by simply recycling your food waste you can help tackle the Climate Emergency, while saving the council money that can be used to fund essential services.” Letters will be delivered to residents being offered the expanded service alongside their new food caddies. The letters explain the food recycling system and provide advice on how to line the plastic kitchen caddy, from reusing household plastic bags, including potato and bread bags, to using compostable liners, newspaper or paper bags. Residents can see for themselves the fascinating process of how food waste, collected in Bath and North East Somerset, is transformed into electricity. The council has partnered with the recycling and renewable energy company GENeco to produce a video showing the ‘circular economy’ where nothing is wasted. To watch the film visit: https://youtu.be/2I8Tjb4Fy-Q For more information about the expanded food waste collection service email wastecampaigns@bathnes.gov.uk To find out more about the council’s recycling services, how to order a food waste caddy or join the collections visit: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/recycling For tips on how to reduce food waste and save, money visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Parents, carers and pupils from across Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded to walk to and from school or bus stops in groups of no more than six and to maintain social distancing, following the introduction of the new restrictions on social gatherings earlier this week. The new six-person restriction introduced by the government is designed to reduce the spread of covid-19 and is enforceable by law. Pupils who use school transport are also reminded that they should wear face coverings and use hand sanitiser and follow the safer travel guidance for passengers. Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “As pupils have now settled back into school and daily routines, it’s really important parents and carers talk to their children about the new restrictions on gathering in groups. Schools are doing a fantastic job in maintaining social bubbles, but we can’t afford to let our guard down outside the school environment. Its essential pupils stick to the rules travelling to and from school and while socialising outside school.” Despite the challenges posed by coronavirus and reductions in capacity on public bus services due to social distancing, thousands of children from across Bath and North East Somerset are being safely transported to school. Councillor Guy added: “We knew that the reduction in capacity to enable social distancing would pose a real challenge, but I’m delighted to say that as a result of working tirelessly over the summer months in partnership with our transport providers, the transport authority WECA and individual schools we’ve been able to accommodate all children entitled to free home-to-school transport and have had very few problems reported to us from non-entitled pupils using public services. “Passenger capacity has been increased with additional buses working on key routes during peak periods and some buses have been dedicated for school children only and not available to the general public. I’m also pleased to say that many children have heeded our call to walk or cycle to school if they can, they are helping to ease pressure on the transport network as well as doing their bit for the environment.” The council will continue to review transport provision in the run up to half term. Details on the new government restrictions can be found by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing Guidance on safer travel can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#public-transport

Do you have the key to help Swan Transport get people moving again? Swan Transport has been operating since 2001 and provides friendly and cost-effective transport solutions for people on low income who are unable to use conventional public transport in Bath & North East Somerset. If you have use of a car and a little or a lot of spare time please consider becoming a volunteer driver with Swan, it is a very rewarding role and could help further your career or give you that feel good factor by doing something positive in your community. Whatever time you give will be valued, mileage expenses, training and support are provided and ongoing. Swan is following the latest guidelines from the NHS, Government and the Community Transport Association to keep everyone safe. Sarah Oughton-Swan Transport’s Coordinator said ‘As we start to get back to ‘the new normal’ Swan needs volunteer drivers to come forward to help get people out and about again. For many of our passengers this is the first time they have ventured out since being in lockdown in March. Our volunteer drivers are essential to enable people to access the services they need in the community for their health and well-being and prevent further isolation in this new landscape. This is a crucial time for our older and disabled passengers, we need new drivers to come forward and help us to get people moving and going out again.’ If you think you can help Swan or just want to find out more about how we are operating please ring Sarah or Ann on 01761 439548 or email swan.transport@btconnect.com Swan Transport is part of Swan Advice Network - Charity number 1141396. Co No 6883950.

October is Musical Tea month! We’ve all been looking for creative ways to stay connected and support one another while the need for social distancing continues. Hosting a Musical Tea is a great excuse to get together, have a cuppa and cake, and share our favourite songs and memories. Playlist for Life have lots of ideas for safely hosting Musical Teas, from socially distanced catch-ups in person or on the phone, to meeting up in groups over video call. However you want to celebrate your Musical Tea, Playlist for Life have free resources and guidance to help you make the most of your event in a safe and enjoyable way. Register, and you’ll be given access to their Musical Tea resources page where you will find email invitations, printable postcards, bunting, cake flags, colourful Zoom backgrounds, fun music activities, music-inspired recipe ideas and more. “Musical Teas bring people together to celebrate the connection between music and memories while raising awareness of the power of personal music for people living with dementia.” Any donations they receive from Musical Teas will go directly to their goal of sharing the power of personal music with those who could benefit most. They understand that some individuals and organisations will not be in a position to ask for donations and we do not want this to put anyone off hosting a Musical Tea – raising awareness of the power of personal music is just as important to us as raising funds. To register for Playlist for Life's downloadable Musical Tea pack or to request a pack in the post, visit: Musical Tea sign-up page.

The key change on 14th September 2020 is that when meeting friends and family you do not live with you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors. There are exceptions to this which include: - where everyone lives together or is in the same support bubble, or to continue existing arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents - for work, and voluntary or charitable services - for education, training, registered childcare, or providers offering before or after-school clubs for children - fulfilling legal obligations such as attending court or jury service - providing emergency assistance, or providing support to a vulnerable person - for you or someone else to avoid illness, injury or harm - participate in children’s playgroups - wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, or for other religious life-cycle ceremonies - where up to 30 people will be able to attend - funerals - where up to 30 people will be able to attend - organised indoor and outdoor sports, physical activity and exercise classes (see the list of recreational team sports, outdoor sport and exercise allowed under the gyms and leisure centre guidance - youth groups or activities - elite sporting competition or training - protests and political activities organised in compliance with COVID-19 secure guidance and subject to strict risk assessment The full guidance on meeting with others can be found here You may be thinking that you can't run some of your services, however, we would urge you to consider the guidance available on the permitted use of community buildings below. The updated guidance for those that operate community facilities states that; 2.a. - Social distancing and capacity Community facilities following COVID-19 secure guidelines can host more than 6 people in total, but no one should visit or socialise in a group of greater than 6. If partaking in permitted activities users of COVID-19 secure community facilities should limit their social interactions with anyone they do not live with. Whilst activities may have 6 or more people participating (where it is safe to do so and capacity permits) it is important for all parties to maintain socially distant, 2 metres or 1 metre with actions taken to reduce the risk of transmission (where 2 metres is not viable) between households. For example, use of face coverings and encouraging good hand hygiene on entering premises and throughout visit. So what are the permitted activites that can take place? The following sections have been taken from the guidance document. 3a: Early years and youth provision Community facilities which serve as premises for early years provision and childcare have been allowed to open for this purpose from 1 June. Providers of these services in community facilities should follow the relevant government guidance 3b: Voluntary sector and other service provision Community facilities are currently able to open for essential voluntary activities and urgent public services, such as food banks, homeless services, and blood donation sessions. Any provision should be conducted in line with the core principles of social distancing and shielding for clinically vulnerable people set out above. 3c: Recreation, leisure and social gatherings We recognise the importance of social clubs for some individuals and recommend that these can proceed with caution in venues that have been made COVID-19 secure. Clubs or groups that use community facilities can begin to meet again and facility managers should follow these COVID-19 secure guidelines to facilitate that. People meeting in a club or group context at a community centre should be encouraged to socially distance from anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble. 3d: Meetings and civic functions Including, meetings of civic, political or community groups (e.g. parish council meeting, ward meeting of political party; charity board of trustees) 3e: Retail and shop facilities See the guidance relevant to shops and retail settings, including indoor markets, which may also apply to some activities in community facilities. 3f: Places of worship See the guidance for places of worship and faith activity. 3g: Office spaces Where community facilities feature office space, see the relevant guidance for office spaces. 3h: Outdoor space Where community centres feature outdoor space, see the guidance for safe use of outdoor public spaces. Please see the full guidance for the use of community facilities here How should you change your services? In light of the guidance you should take the time to review the community services you are delivering, however you do not necessarily need to take the steps of cancelling social groups or activities you are running, especially if you are looking to use community facilities to host them. You need to consider: - how can you make sure that social distancing is maintained - that the groups that you have limit thier interaction with others or to small groups of 6 - how an outdoor event may be restructured to have small groups of 6, e.g. a walking group, could this have staggered times. Published by: Government With thanks to Community & Voluntary Services Cheshire East for the summary