Public Health responsibilities form a part of many professional roles. Use this page as a checklist of Public Health resources which may be particularly useful to you in your professional setting. If you cannot find the specific setting you work in on this page, or if you already know which area you want to research, we recommend going directly to our Public Health resources (by subject) page.
Depending on your position, you may be involved in Public Health responsibilities in any of the following ways:
- Safeguarding others from physical harm
- Putting others into contact with forms of support
- Health and wellbeing promotion
You may want to update your own knowledge and skills, or to act as a health advocate for others, and provide support to encourage behaviour change amongst colleagues or clients. Select a topic below to learn more about particular professional settings, and check local contacts and resources.
All settings
Check your knowledge
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is an approach and a training programme for all health and social care professionals who spend time with people in their work. The approach aims to foster a better awareness and engagement with health and wellbeing through every interaction.
You can browse online MECC training via the NHS England e-learning for healthcare website, or sign up for a local in-person training course.
We recognise that Public Health works with medical, social and personal issues which often overlap in complex ways. Throughout this Public Health content, we aim to signpost you to related resources and services which may be relevant to your role, or your clients' needs. In many cases, these other council teams and web pages may also be useful:
Check your knowledge, and referral for clients
Visit our Emergency planning page to find out how to plan for or report a health emergency. The information includes the role and contact details of our Emergency Management team, as well as toolkits and advice for individuals, or managers in workplace settings, to improve their emergency resilience.
COVID-19 information and support
Visit our dedicated COVID-19 information and support page for guidance on vaccinations, latest figures and help for residents, vulnerable people and businesses.
Check your knowledge
The places where we live and work have a significant impact on our health. Things such as the condition of our homes, available green space, and what we can buy in our nearest shops, can shape how easy it is for us to live healthy lives. Explore the wider determinants which affect public health on the GOV.UK website, or watch a short video summarising this topic.
If you work in a strategic role with responsibilities for setting policy or resource management, it may be useful to have a greater understanding of how our Public Health team works with colleagues across the council. We co-operate with and inform teams who are responsible for areas such as transport, business and skills, and planning, to make Bath and North East Somerset a healthier place to live. An awareness of public health and wellbeing is a central part of many council policies and strategies:
- Planning: The Local Plan, guidance on affordable warmth
- Transport: Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme, Journey to Net Zero Strategy
- Business and Regeneration: Economic Strategy, Bath Local Centres Improvement Scheme
Social care and medical settings
Harm reduction
The B&NES Hub website has a range of advice and resources about injury prevention for vulnerable people.
Visit the UKHSA for infection prevention and control information for care homes and other residential care settings.
Visit the SafeBanes website for information on all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including a section for professionals (sign-up required).
Contacts or referrals for clients
Visit our dedicated page, Get social care and health support for a wide range of services.
If you're unsure what support and NHS services you or your clients may be eligible for, or how to access them, visit our Get the right NHS help webpage.
If you or any of your clients are struggling to afford food, medical care (such as prescriptions) or energy costs, please see our dedicated Apply for Welfare Support page.
Visit our LiveWell social support directory for a wide range of organisations, activities and events available to adults with care needs and children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Prolonged heatwaves or harsh winters can present serious dangers to the elderly, and people with some health conditions. These GOV.UK-published guides cover common problems and how to keep yourself safe:
Infection prevention
Visit the UKHSA for infection prevention and control information for care homes and other residential care settings.
The South West Councils website provides the UKHSA South West, Care Setting Winter Readiness Toolkit. This provides planning and preparation documents for winter infections and outbreaks, and in outbreak recognition and management.
COVID-19 information and support
Visit our dedicated COVID-19 information and support page for guidance on vaccinations, latest figures and help for residents, vulnerable people and businesses.
Other harm reduction
The B&NES Hub website has a range of advice and resources regarding injury prevention for children and vulnerable people.
Visit the SafeBanes website for information on all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including a section for professionals (sign-up required).
You can subscribe to our Care Provider Newsletter for the latest updates on issues affecting carers and care provider agencies.
The B&NES Hub website has a range of advice and resources about injury prevention for children and vulnerable people.
The Hub also offers the Germ Busters Programme, an interactive educational workshop for primary school-age children, to help them learn the essentials about infection control and prevention.
COVID-19 information and support
Visit our dedicated COVID-19 information and support page for guidance on vaccinations, latest figures and help for residents, vulnerable people and businesses.
Check your knowledge and referrals for clients
Social prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare, involving referring patients to local non-clinical community groups and services, in order to address the wider causes of their ill-health. This can include things like social walking groups, community gardens, and cycling lessons. Below are some of the schemes in our district.
Somer Valley
Find out more about The Active Way, a program of free walking and cycling activities, funded by Active Travel England.
The Somer Valley Rediscovered project is a strategic green infrastructure programme covering the areas of Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Westfield, the large villages of Paulton and Peasedown St John and surrounding countryside and smaller villages. The project aims to open up greater public access to spaces for leisure and biodiversity, and will involve an extensive programme of community engagement including volunteering opportunities, events and activities, working with the local health authorities, and green social prescribing activities.
Bath
Visit the Bathscape website to find out more about this project to restore and promote the landscape in and around Bath. There are lots of local events, and a wide variety of opportunities for volunteers to get involved.
District-wide and online
If you are 16 or over, and live, work or are registered with a GP in Bath and North East Somerset, you're eligible for free Wellbeing College Courses. There are a wide variety of courses available locally, some in person and some online, covering topics such as creative skills and interests, outdoor activities, technology, and personal development through mindfulness and yoga.
Social support settings
You may want to refer clients to the wide range of services available from our B&NES council teams responsible for Adult social care and health or Children, young people and families.
Sexual health
Visit the SafeBanes website for information on all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including a section for professionals (sign-up required).
Childcare and health
Visit the Best Start in Life resources on the B&NES Hub website, for advice, information and links to services specifically for children aged 0 to 5 and their families.
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get early help, for more information and resources on what help is available for children, young people and their families.
If you’re on a low income and 10 or more weeks pregnant, or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get free vitamins and help to buy healthy food, milk, and infant formula as part of the NHS Healthy Start programme. If you are under 18 and pregnant, there is no income limit for eligibility for this programme.
Mental health
If you work in mental health support, you may want to read our Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan.
You can also read our 2022 Mental Health Needs Assessment, providing an overview of issues and services across Bath and North East Somerset.
Sign up for our newsletters to keep updated with the latest professional news in the areas you work in.
For support of young people and mental health, visit our dedicated resources and advice page.
The B&NES Livewell website also offers support for mental health and suicide prevention.
Food insecurity
Check your knowledge
Food insecurity affects around one in six households in Bath and North East Somerset. The B&NES Fair Food Alliance has led on creating the B&NES Food Equity Action Plan, linking to wider strategies on food, health, inequalities and sustainability.
Two primary working groups are driving the core of the Food Equity Action Plan:
- The Income Maximisation Group brings together key local organisations who offer practical support, advice and guidance for financial issues, including benefits, debt and crisis grants. You can find Information on all these services on the LiveWell B&NES cost of living pages. A locally-specific ‘Worried About Money?’ leaflet is also available in online and print formats. Contact public_health@bathnes.gov.uk to arrange delivery of print copies to your organisation.
- The Affordable Food Network seeks to work together to offer B&NES residents access to affordable food, and the help they need to prevent and manage challenges that lead to food insecurity. Visit the BANES FoodFinder page to locate local providers of free and affordable food in community settings, such as foodbanks, pantries, food clubs, community fridges, and community cafes.
View the Fair Food Alliance's infographic for its research findings and policy briefing.
Contacts and referrals for clients
Across Bath and North East Somerset, there are multiple organisations that can help in cases of food insecurity, offering both affordable food and emergency free food parcels for those that need them. The following services can help residents to find the right support:
- The BANES Foodfinder website helps you to find your nearest source of help.
- The Trussell Trust have an online service to find your nearest food bank, as well as advice about what you can expect when you visit.
- Our LiveWell website has links to other organisations supporting families in need, including food banks and Free School Meals.
- LiveWell's Quids In magazine has advice on cupboard management and cooking on a budget.
- The Citizen's Advice website also has information on how to get started with your local food bank.
Drug and alcohol provision
Visit Alcohol Change UK for access to a range of research, training and policy related to alcohol use.
The Smart website lists screening tests and tools for GPs and other professionals working with clients with substance dependency issues and some mental health problems.
Violence and abuse
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get help with problems related to domestic violence or abuse.
Staying safe in extreme weather
Prolonged heatwaves or harsh winters can present serious dangers to public health, particularly for infants, the elderly, and people with some health conditions. These GOV.UK-published guides cover common problems and how to keep yourself safe:
Visit the Julian House website, for a wide range of local services supporting people who need emergency hostel, refuge or supported housing. They offer dedicated support for travelling, boating and gypsy communities and refugees.
For general housing support, you can visit our dedicated Housing website.
Drug and alcohol provision
Check your knowledge
Self-help and referral for clients
You can refer yourself to local support services:
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get help with problems related to drugs or alcohol.
Violence and abuse
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get help with problems related to domestic violence or abuse.
Sexual health
Visit the SafeBanes website for all aspects of sexual and reproductive health. You can also sign up for a resources section for professionals .
Food insecurity
Check your knowledge
Food insecurity affects around one in six households in Bath and North East Somerset. The B&NES Fair Food Alliance has led on creating the B&NES Food Equity Action Plan, linking to wider strategies on food, health, inequalities and sustainability.
Two primary working groups are driving the core of the Food Equity Action Plan:
- The Income Maximisation Group brings together key local organisations who offer practical support, advice and guidance for financial issues, including benefits, debt and crisis grants. You can find Information on all these services on the LiveWell B&NES cost of living pages. A locally-specific ‘Worried About Money?’ leaflet is also available in online and print formats. Contact public_health@bathnes.gov.uk to arrange delivery of print copies to your organisation.
- The Affordable Food Network seeks to work together to offer B&NES residents access to affordable food, and the help they need to prevent and manage challenges that lead to food insecurity. Visit the BANES FoodFinder page to locate local providers of free and affordable food in community settings, such as foodbanks, pantries, food clubs, community fridges, and community cafes.
View the Fair Food Alliance's infographic for its research findings and policy briefing.
Contacts and referrals for clients
Across Bath and North East Somerset, there are multiple organisations that can help in cases of food insecurity, offering both affordable food and emergency free food parcels for those that need them. The following services can help residents to find the right support:
- The BANES Foodfinder website helps you to find your nearest source of help.
- The Trussell Trust have an online service to find your nearest food bank, as well as advice about what you can expect when you visit.
- Our LiveWell website has links to other organisations supporting families in need, including food banks and Free School Meals.
- LiveWell's Quids In magazine has advice on cupboard management and cooking on a budget.
- The Citizen's Advice website also has information on how to get started with your local food bank.
Staying safe in extreme weather
Prolonged heatwaves or harsh winters can present serious dangers to people who are homeless, or living in temporary accommodation. These GOV.UK-published guides cover common problems and how to keep yourself safe:
Check your knowledge
If you work in mental health support, you may want to read our Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan.
You can also read our 2022 Mental Health Needs Assessment, providing an overview of issues and services across Bath and North East Somerset.
Sign up for our newsletters to keep updated with the latest professional news in the areas you work in.
Contacts and referral for clients
For support of young people and mental health, visit our dedicated resources and advice page.
The B&NES Livewell website also offers support for mental health and suicide prevention.
You may want to refer clients to the wide range of services available from our Children, young people and families team.
Mental health and suicide prevention
You can find resources for helping young people with mental heath concerns by visiting our dedicated resources and advice page.
Drug and alcohol provision
Visit the Project 28 website for more information on the support available from this local programme for young people who are experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol.
Sexual health
Visit the SafeBanes website for all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and sign up for the section for professionals.
Violence and Abuse
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get help with problems related to domestic violence or abuse.
Check your knowledge
- Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2022 to 2027
- Alcohol Change UK offer access to a range of research, training and policy related to alcohol use.
- The Smart website lists screening tests and tools for GPs and other professionals working with clients with substance dependency issues and some mental health problems.
- Our Local Drug Information System (LDIS), alongside a drug alert system, has been designed to share intelligence efficiently and consistently on new and/or novel, potent, adulterated, or contaminated drugs.
Self-help and referral for clients
You can refer yourself to local support services:
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get help with problems related to drugs or alcohol.
Educational and work settings
You may want to refer clients to the wide range of services available from our Children, young people and families team.
Protection from harm
The B&NES Hub website has a range of advice and resources regarding injury prevention for children and vulnerable people.
The Hub also offers the Germ Busters Programme, an interactive educational workshop for primary school-age children, to help them learn the essentials about infection control and prevention.
Physical safeguarding
Visit the Early Help resources on the B&NES Hub website, for advice and links to services supporting potentially vulnerable children and young people.
Social support
Visit the Best Start in Life resources on the B&NES Hub website, for advice, information and links to services specifically for children aged 0 to 5 and their families.
See our dedicated page on this topic, Get early help, for more information and resources on what help is available for children, young people and their families.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. Visit the NHS Healthy Start website for more information.
Visit the B&NES Hub website for information and resources for leaders and managers of schools, Further Education and Early Years settings, and for teachers and Early Years practitioners.
Health promotion
The B&NES Hub has a Public Health Programme designed specifically for schools and Early Years settings.
Check your knowledge
- Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2022 to 2027
- Visit the SafeBanes website for all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and sign up for the section for professionals.
- If you work in mental health support, you may want to read our Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan. For support specifically designed for young people, visit our dedicated resources and advice page.
Self-help and referral for clients
For most students, starting university or college may be the first time that you have been responsible for your own health. You may find our self-help health directory useful, in particular, the following resources:
- Get the right medical help (particularly if you are signing up with a new GP practice)
- Get mental health advice and support
- Get help with sexual and reproductive health
- Get help with problems related to drugs or alcohol, or visit the Project 28 website for the dedicated local programme for young people who are experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol.
Immunisation
The vaccines you need
With lots of people newly coming together in confined environments and close mixing, universities can be hotspots for measles, mumps and meningococcal disease. It's really important to ensure that you are up to date with these vaccines:
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine
- MenACWY vaccine (protecting against 4 types of meningococcal disease)
- HPV vaccine protecting against genital warts, and cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)
- Td/IPV booster vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus and polio
Check your eligibility and when to get vaccinated
- You normally get two doses of MMR vaccine during childhood: one as a toddler and one before primary school.
- You normally get HPV, MenACWY vaccines and the Td/IPV booster while at secondary school. Girls remain eligible for HPV vaccine up to your 25th birthday, and boys born after 1 September 2006 are also eligible until your 25th birthday.
- All GPs should be able to offer any of these routine vaccines to eligible students. Students from overseas are also eligible for these vaccines, with similar age-related restrictions.
Check with your GP practice if you're not sure if your vaccines are up to date. Ideally, you should arrange to have any vaccines you have missed before leaving for university or college. If that's not possible, you should make arrangements with your new GP as soon as you can after starting university or college.
Mental wellbeing
The WECA Thrive at work programme is designed to give managers the knowledge and tools to support the mental health of their staff.
Visit the Health and Safety Executive website for information and guidance for employers and managers about managing workplace stress and other mental health conditions. Materials include a practical workbook on stress risk assessment and management in the workplace.
Visit the Mind website for a range of tools to manage your mental health at work, or support to manage the mental health and wellbeing of teams you are responsible for. Resources include risk assessments to help you spot burnout, cope with life events like redundancy, and adjust to different modes of working such as remote or hybrid set-ups.