Local Authorities & Public Services
Community Safety
Whatever the reason a young person is involved in knife crime, it is likely to have something to do with fear. South Gloucestershire Council, through the #SouthGlos Violence Reduction Partnership, has worked with charity the Ben Kinsella Trust to reproduce a guide for parents and carers to help them speak to their child about knife crime and the risks and devastating consequences of carrying a weapon.
The booklet can be viewed or downloaded here (PDF).
For further information on everything we are doing to tackle serious violence visit:
Violence reduction partnership (southglos.gov.uk)
HM Government's 'Enough' campaign
Community Safety
Community Safety | South Gloucestershire Council (southglos.gov.uk)
Domestic Abuse Support Services
Avon & Somerset Police
Pages of useful advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime as well as many useful community announcements.
Website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
LITTLE BOOK OF BIG SCAMS
This excellent fraud prevention resource has been created to help raise awareness of the dangers of fraud and offer preventative measures to help keep everyone safe from the insidious creep we are seeing in financial crimes in recent years.
Download the Little Book of Big Scams (PDF)
Economic and Cyber Crime
Economic and Cyber Crime including fraud is the most common crime in the UK and now accounts for over 40% of all reported crime. There is around 14,000 fraud offences reported in the UK every day and national losses to fraud are counted in billions.
Economic and Cyber Crime | OPCC for Avon and Somerset (avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk)
Police UK – Street Safe
StreetSafe is a pilot service for anyone to anonymously tell us about public places where you have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.
Walk and Talk Initiative
Women 18+ can apply to take part on the A&S website (Avon and Somerset Police) fill in an online application form, which will go directly to the relevant Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) mailbox. The NPT will then make contact with the applicant.
It is only open to women and it is only female officers /PCSOs to take the walk and talk.
Women in the local community can go for a walk with a female officer / PCSO in uniform where they feel vulnerable. Walks last around 30 mins, the location and time to be determined by the applicant- this could be a commute route, their local area or just somewhere in the community they feel unsafe and feel safety could be improved. They can talk through their concerns and issues and it gives the officer the lived experience of the person doing the walk and talk. Issues identified can then be raised to the relevant agency (council, housing etc), or dealt with internally by the NPT to problem solve.
This is an initiative that started in the Met Police in light of the number of violent and abusive acts that disproportionately affect women and girls, including the tragic murder of Sarah Everard. The initial pilot was in Somerset East, West and North. Due to the success, we are now rolling out force wide.
Knife Crime
Protect yourself and others from knife crime | Avon & Somerset Police
Report the use of knives and weapons | Avon & Somerset Police
Bystander Intervention toolkit
National figures show that 71% of women have experienced harassment in public spaces. Sexist jokes, inappropriate comments, unwanted attention. These may not be 'crimes' but they are no less threatening or harmful to the person experiencing them and could lead to more serious forms of sexual harassment or assault.
This campaign calls for people to be more aware of what's going on around them and how to spot the signs someone may be being harassed. It highlights the different ways people can safely intervene if they notice someone being harassed, through the 5 Bystander Intervention methods.
Download the If Not You Then Who Campaign Toolkit (PDF) by following this link.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Avon Fire & Rescue provide emergency and protection services to the communities of Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Website: www.avonfire.gov.uk
Avon Local Councils Association
ALCA (Avon Local Councils Association) is a member organisation run by and for Councils and Parish Meetings within the Unitary areas of Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Website: www.avonlca.org.uk
Bradley Stoke Library
Information regarding the local library in Bradley Stoke.
Website: www.southglos.gov.uk
Downloads:
Knit, Stitch and Natter
Join our friendly weekly textile group. No need to book - just turn up!
Bradley Stoke Library Thursdays at 10am
This group is for adults only.
This is a self-led session. Bring a project to work on, learn from others and catch-up with friends in our warm and welcoming library.
Chatter Books - Join Our Group
Fun club for ages 7-11. You get to make new friends and have fun with crafts and stories.
Drop in sessions: first Tuesday of the month from 4-5pm at Bradley Stoke Library
- 9th January 2024
- 6th February 2024
- 5th March 2024
- and then continuing on...
Bradley Stoke Surgery
Local surgery providing a 24hr service for patients.
Website: www.bradleystokesurgery.nhs.uk
Bristol City Council
Local news and services provided by Bristol City council.
Website: www.bristol.gov.uk
Bristol Hate Crime Services
S.A.R.I. in collaboration with Brandon Trust, Bristol Mind and LGBT Bristol are Bristol's Hate Crime Services (BHCS). This service is for victims of any type of hate crime including racist, faith-based, disablist, homophobic, transphobic, age-based or gender based.
Website: www.sariweb.org.uk | Download: Hate Crime Leaflet
Community Learning
We provide accessible, high quality learning opportunities for eligible adults to improve their skills and qualifications to benefit themselves, their families, local businesses and the community.
Website: www.southglos.gov.uk
Community Speed Watch
Community speed watch schemes enable groups of concerned residents to address speeding problems in their area. Speed watch groups monitor the speeds of passing vehicles using speed guns indication devices. They record and report the speed and identifying details of vehicles travelling at or above nationally-specified speed thresholds.
Community speed watch is a partnership between the community, the police and the council. Its aims are to:
- reduce deaths, injuries and collisions on local roads
- improve the safety and quality of life for local communities
- increase driver and public awareness of the dangers of speeding
Website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Cool Ventures
South Gloucestershire business support service.
FREE workshops to help your business start, grow and thrive. Up to 12 hours of free business support.
We offer a range of workshops on key business topics available for all South Gloucestershire SME's and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Website: www.coolventures.co.uk
Download: July - September 2024 Business Support Programme (PDF)
Fully Funded Business Start-up Programme
Have you got a business idea? Would you like to start your own business or become self-employed? Get help from our partner @coolventures fully funded Business Start-up Programme.
View and book all workshops: www.coolventures.co.uk/workshops
These workshops are part of the South Gloucestershire Business Support Service fully funded by South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Combined Authority.
Business Skills workshops:
Attention South Gloucestershire small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and residents with a business idea!
Join our partner @coolventures for their fully funded March business skills workshops where you'll gain practical insights to help you grow your business and attract more customers.
Their workshops are led by experienced business advisers, providing you with valuable knowledge in a supportive environment.
To view and book workshops, visit www.coolventures.co.uk/workshops
These workshops are part of the South Gloucestershire Business Support Service, funded by the Council and the West of England Combined Authority.
Crimestoppers
We are the only independent crime fighting charity in the UK. We help communities stay safe by raising awareness of crime and offering a free 24 hr anonymous reporting service. On average in the West Country each month we pass 257 actionable reports to the police to investigate and of these an average of 37% result in a positive outcome. Our volunteer committee is dedicated to helping the public speak up, stop crime and stay safe whilst remaining 100% anonymous. Always.
Our latest national campaign is called 'One Call Can' please see our website.
Website: crimestoppers-uk.org
CVS South Gloucestershire
At CVS South Gloucestershire Community and Voluntary Services, we support our local charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises to build a stronger community.
Website: cvs-sg.org.uk
Developing Health & Independence
Developing Health & Independence is a local charity that was set up in 1999 to help people out of the cycle of homelessness, social isolation and drug or alcohol abuse. One of our strengths is being able to respond to our clients' needs by offering a tailored programme from a range of practical and emotional support services.
Website: www.dhi-online.org.uk
Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport
We are still here to help! Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport are continuing to run transport to medical appointments and shopping trips.
(Shopping may be subject to restricted opening times)
To book your travel or for further information, please call 01454 250 500, visit our website at www.4tvl.org.uk or email info@4tvl.org.uk
December Trips 2024
In order to book these trips please telephone us on Monday 25th November AFTER 9.00am on 01454 250500 / 01454 250510
| Monday 2nd December |
Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock (£15) |
10.00am – 2.00pm |
| Tuesday 3rd December |
Sherry, mince pies and light buffet at Crossbow House provided free by Four Towns (£8) |
10.00am – 1.30pm |
| Tuesday 10th December |
Gloucester Quays (£15) |
10.00am – 2.30pm |
| Monday 16th December |
Almondsbury Garden Centre (£6) |
10.30am – 1.15pm |
| Tuesday 17th December |
The Rose & Crown, Rangeworthy (£8) |
11.00am – 2.00pm |
All prices above relate to travel only – food is included only where indicated.
Please help us to maintain safety measures for our members and staff whilst travelling on our bus. The above may be subject to alterations or cancellations in line with Government guidelines.
Please note the first time shown on the trip list (i.e. 10.00am) is an indication of when the pick-ups begin. It is NOT a confirmed pick-up time for all. We will let you know of any potential delays as soon as we are made aware of any issues.
Due to the popularity of the trips, we must restrict bookings to Two Trips Only per member. This will allow everyone a fair chance to travel with us.
Please note that these trips are for members only.
Future Bright
Future Bright aims to offer flexible options to improve job prospects and enhance potential for people in work.
Website: find-information-for-adults-children-families.southglos.gov.uk
Happy Parent, Happy Child
South Gloucestershire Council has launched a new website for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years.
The Happy Parent, Happy Child webpage features mental health and wellbeing resources for both carers and their children, fun activity ideas and tips on self-care.
There are several resources designed to help build resilience and help families thrive, even when times are difficult.
Healthwatch South Gloucestershire
Healthwatch South Gloucestershire is independent from the health and care services you use, so it represents an opportunity for you to ensure services in South Gloucestershire really meet your needs. Healthwatch gives children, young people and adults a powerful voice locally. Healthwatch works to help local people get the best out of their health and social care services, through influencing the delivery and design of services.
Website: www.healthwatchsouthglos.co.uk
Jobcentre Near Me
Find your local JobCentre Plus including address information, opening times and contact details. Jobcentre Near Me makes it easy to find your nearest jobcentre plus offices and information about benefits, support and Universal Jobmatch.
Website: www.jobcentrenearme.com
Lendology CIC
Lendology CIC (formerly Wessex Resolutions CIC) is a Social Enterprise working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council since 2005. We lend council funds to homeowners to fund home repairs, improvements, adaptations and energy efficiency measures. Our innovative scheme is a way for local councils to recycle their funds set aside for private homeowners, creating a sustainable funding stream.
Website: www.lendology.org.uk
Nappies
SGC have two new schemes to help families with children in nappies to reduce and manage their waste.
Website: www.southglos.gov.uk
Nextdoor - Tap into your neighbourhood
It's where communities come together to greet newcomers, exchange recommendations, and read the latest local news. Where neighbours support local businesses and get updates from public services. Where neighbours borrow tools and sell sofas. It's how to get the most out of everything nearby.
Website: nextdoor.co.uk
Next Link - Changing the face of domestic abuse support services
Are you in a violent relationship? We can help you if you are a female or male victim.
Website: www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk/southglos | Download: Poster
Smart Meters
Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters and offer a range of intelligent 'smart' functions, much like your smartphone and smart TV.
Website: www.gov.uk/government/news/smart-meters-the-smart-choice
South Gloucestershire Council
South Gloucestershire Council is the local authority of South Gloucestershire, a unitary authority in the South West of England region.
Website: www.southglos.gov.uk
South Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination.
Website: www.southgloscab.org.uk
South Gloucestershire Council Community Engagement Forum
Community Engagement Forums (CEF), previously known as Safer and Stronger Community Groups, in South Gloucestershire are about listening and responding to local people's real issues. People in their communities know best what works for them and what their real needs are.
Website: www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF
South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network
Our priorities are based on issues raised with SGREN in key service areas that affect the Black Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities of South Gloucestershire.
South Gloucestershire Trading Standards
Trading Standards serves the South Gloucestershire community by promoting a fair and safe trading environment. We enforce legislation controlling the quantity, quality, price, description and safety of most goods and services.
All enquiries are recorded and evaluated. Consumer complaints are dealt with by the Citizens Advice consumer service in the first instance. Those of a criminal nature may be dealt with immediately, be referred for a later inspection, or the information used to assess trading patterns or malpractices.
Website: www.southglos.gov.uk
Trans Unite
Find a Transgender Support Group near you - Access over 100 verified UK Trans support groups and locate one close to you.
Website: www.transunite.co.uk
Victim Support
Victim Support is a national charity giving free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected across England and Wales.
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Well Aware
Information on health and wellbeing services, support organisations, activities and groups in South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and Somerset.
Website: www.wellaware.org.uk
WESTlink
WESTlink is a new type of bus service which operates in the vast majority of the West of England, outside of Bristol and Bath city centres. It runs without a fixed timetable or route, and is booked 'on demand' by users through the WESTlink app or by phone.
Website: travelwest.info/westlink/
