Inclusive Opportunities
Every young person deserves the opportunity to build skills, gain confidence and prepare for the world of work. Yet for many young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), access to meaningful work experience can be harder to secure.
That is why the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is making up to £60,000 available through the West of England Careers Hub to support the delivery of a work experience programme for young people with SEND. An experienced delivery partner is being sought to work with schools, employers and the Careers Hub between October 2026 and July 2027 to create more inclusive opportunities for young people across the region.
We are determined to make the West of England the first NEET Zero region in the country, meaning every young person is supported into education, employment or training.
As I recently said: “For young people with SEND, inclusive, tailored work experience can make a huge difference in helping to build the skills and confidence to succeed. We are looking forward to working together to help make that happen.”
At the Careers Hub’s annual Careers Conference in July, motivational speaker and Ashton Park School EDI Ambassador Ellise Hollie Hayward highlighted the importance of inclusion, saying: “Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Seeing ability before disability, and recognising the talent and potential in every individual is hugely important.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England
Historic Lessons
I’ve just returned from a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. During the Second World War it was the largest complex of concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany and it’s become, quite rightly, the global symbol of the Holocaust – the mass murder of over 6 million people, mostly Jews, between 1933 and 1945.
The emotion that can be felt at this place is harrowing. To think that more than 1 million people were executed here reminds us of the overwhelming duty that we all have to ensure that we learn from the past and that something as horrific as the Holocaust never happens again.
Hatred and discrimination have no place in modern society. All people should have the freedom, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, political views or background to the same basic protections under the law and opportunities in society.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of those killed by the Nazis were Jewish, other groups were also targeted such as disabled people, LGBT people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Freemasons, Romani and Sinti people, socialists, liberals, black people and Afro-Germans.
This January marks the 82nd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Allied forces during the Second World War. Every year on Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January, we come together to remember all those that lost their lives and re-commit ourselves to working for a more inclusive and welcoming society.
In Peasedown St John I’ll be organising a special event to mark the anniversary. I’ll be keeping residents updated on this through my regular e-news updates. Anyone who’d like to subscribe can do so by emailing village_voice@outlook.com
Cllr Karen Walker Independent, Bath & North East Somerset Council
Incredible Volunteers
At Bath Rugby Foundation, we are fortunate to be supported by an extraordinary team of volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to help transform the lives of children and young people across our community.
Over the last season, our incredible volunteers gave more than 1,100 hours of their time to support our work. From matchday fundraising and collections to events, mentoring sessions and community activities, their energy, commitment and generosity have helped keep our charity moving forward and, most importantly, helped us create brighter futures for vulnerable children and young people across our community.
On matchdays alone, our volunteers helped raise more than £79,000. Across the season, they gave their time through countless conversations, fundraising events and collections, representing Bath Rugby Foundation with enthusiasm and pride.
It means more children and young people can access the support they need, more opportunities, more confidence, and more young people reconnecting with education, building friendships and beginning to believe in a brighter future.Our volunteers have played a huge part in making that possible.
The unrestricted funding they helped raise has supported programmes including Engage, our alternative education programme for young people who have disengaged from mainstream school or are at serious risk of exclusion.
Last year, young people like Caiden and Leo were able to learn in a smaller, supportive environment while awaiting specialist school placements. Through Engage, they developed their confidence and social skills before moving on to specialist education.
Behind every fundraising event, every matchday collection, every raffle ticket sold and every hour given, there are young people like Caiden and Leo. The true impact of our volunteers is measured not in hours or pounds, but in young people staying in education, gaining confidence and building brighter futures.To every person who volunteered their time last season: thank you. We genuinely could not do what we do without you.
Lucy Slade, Communications Manager
Pantry Funding
We are delighted to share that Oasis Bath has been awarded £272,702 from The National Lottery Community Fund, providing vital support for our affordable food pantries over the next three years.
Since 2018, Oasis Bath has worked alongside local families and individuals facing financial hardship. What began as crisis support has grown into two community food pantries which now support around 600 people each week.
The funding will help secure the future of these services until 2029, covering much of our core operating costs and allowing us to continue providing affordable food, practical support and a welcoming community space for those who need it.
The pantries offer more than access to groceries. Regular sessions include support from partner organisations such as Citizens Advice and healthcare providers, giving members access to advice, guidance and health checks. Many people have also built friendships and support networks through attending.
At a time when many households continue to face the challenge of rising living costs, we are grateful to National Lottery players for helping make this funding possible. The award recognises the importance of community-based support and will enable us to continue responding to the needs of local people across Bath.
Jo Dolby, Community Director