Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove & Redditch – February 2022
Dear all,
Please find the February Partnership bulletin below. Given recent announcements, Covid related information remains at the top but please scroll down for information updates on services, training, events etc.
The contents of these bulletins are made up of whatever you decide to send through so if you have information you think is relevant and helpful to share with other local organisations, you can email it to:
COVID UPDATE
As announced this week, the government is removing remaining domestic restrictions in England from Thursday 24 February. There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:
· Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
· Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
· Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and stay at home if positive
· Washing hands
Living with COVID-19 – Published on 21 February, this document outlines the government’s plan for living with COVID-19. This plan – underpinned by vaccines – will remove remaining legal domestic restrictions while continuing to protect people most vulnerable to COVID-19 and maintaining resilience.
COVID Vaccinations
- Not had your 1st or 2nd dose? Not a problem! You can book on the national system or find out where your nearest walk in clinic is at: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Is it time for your booster? Anyone aged 16 or over can get a booster dose if their 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was at least 3 months ago. Book a booster in advance on the national system or find out where your nearest walk in clinic is at: Book or manage a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk), or through your GP surgery. Further information on who is eligible for the booster can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Are you a parent of a 12-15 year old? All children aged 12 to 15 can get a 1st dose and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and parents have the option of booking using the national system: Book or manage a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or attending a walk in clinic. Further information can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
- Are you a parent of a 5-11 year old who are high risk? Further information can be found at: COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children aged 5 to 11 years – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
v Want to know if the Walk-In Clinic at the Artrix is available before you visit? You can use the traffic light system online to find out when and where walk-ins are available: Walk-In Clinics Worcestershire – SW Healthcare. Remember, you do not need to be registered with a GP to attend a walk in vaccination site.
- Anyone not registered with a GP Surgery can do so for free and further information can be found at: How to register with a GP surgery – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- You do need to be registered with a GP to book a dose of COVID vaccine in advance but you do NOT need to be registered with a GP to visit a walk-in vaccination site.
- Can’t find your NHS number to book an appointment? Then use this link: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/
- Need to know more on Covid Vaccinations? Further information can be found on the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
*UPDATE* COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme has supported people on low incomes who are unable to work from home and will lose income if they are required to self-isolate because of COVID-19. As there will be no legal requirement to self-isolate from the 24 February, the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will also end. However, anyone told to self-isolate before 24 February can still make a claim up to 6 April. Redditch and Bromsgrove residents can find out more on eligibility and how to apply at:
COVID & Vaccination Data – Public Health Worcestershire
- Worcestershire COVID-19 Vaccinations Dashboard – The latest Worcestershire vaccination data is publicly available online and includes a District and MSOA (middle-layer super output area) breakdown by age group.
- Real Time Worcestershire Coronavirus Data – is publicly available. The live dashboard shows the numbers of new cases Worcestershire wide and also by District. Further information about COVID-19 cases in Worcestershire can be found through the LG inform data website. There are also interactive maps covering all of the UK can be found on the gov.uk website.
- Please see the Worcestershire Public Health pages – for any local messages around restriction updates, vaccinations, testing, advice and guidance.
Services / Support – Information Updates
- *Update* Worcestershire Household Support Fund – Act on Energy – Waiting List – As you will be aware from previous emails, this was open to qualifying residents across Worcestershire to support with their energy bills, fuel debt and where required assistance to replace broken boilers and heating systems, until the end of March 2022 subject to funding. A waiting list is now being operated but please keep an eye out for updates online as the website will be updated with any further change: WORCESTERSHIRE HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND – Act On Energy.
- *Reminder* Household Support – Citizens Advice – do you work with individuals / families who need help with other essentials? – There is other support available locally too, for those who are struggling with the cost of household essentials such as food and essential white goods. Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch are helping to deliver this and are the first point of contact for most. Further details can be found on Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch website. This is available until end of March 2022. Further information on the Household Support Fund can also be found on the Councils’ websites: Household Support Fund – bromsgrove.gov.uk / Household Support Fund – redditchbc.gov.uk
- Recent announcements relating to support for energy bills from April – Factsheets have been produced and are available online at: Government support for energy bills and the cost of living – factsheets – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Here is a link to Ofgem too which gives some information to householders: Getting help if you can’t afford your energy bills | Ofgem
- Drop-in Group at Crabbs Cross for people struggling with mental health issues – The drop-in group runs on a Wednesday 2-4pm at Crabbs Cross Methodist Church for a variety of ages and there is a different activity each week including games, crafts, cooking, quizzes and so on. Free drinks, sandwiches and snacks are served. There is also a community Garden for this group which can also be made available for other groups to use either to work on or just to visit. If you’d like further details on either the Drop in group or using the community garden for another group, please contact Sally Meredith, Outreach Worker, at
- Health Walks Scheme & New Walking Friends Scheme – Worcestershire Health Walks offer free group walks across the county led by volunteers, including buggy walks for new mum and there is also the new Walking Friends Scheme which offers free walks with a friendly volunteer. Interested individuals are matched with a local volunteer that can meet on a regular basis for a short walk. Poster relating to the new Walking Friends Scheme is attached so that you can help promote.
- *Reminder* FREE Community Transport to community physical activity sessions in Bromsgrove and Redditch – To help people get out and meet people safely and access community activities such as Strong and Steady, Active Seniors, Covid Recovery Living Lung, Health Walks AND Age UK BRWF Exercise Groups, for a short time, free community transport is available! Details are attached with booking information included. Further details on the different sessions available in the Bromsgrove and Redditch are on the Council websites so please use the links provided. Or call Hayley Gwilliam direct on 01527 881404. Information on Bromsgrove Urban and Rural Transport (BURT) and Redditch Dial-A-Ride and how to book can be found online too or call BURT on 01527 585893 and Redditch Dial‑A‑Ride on 01527 64910. Please help promote.
- Onside – Better2gether Lifestyle Service – a new weight management programme available in Bromsgrove using a peer support approach to help people lose weight, move more, and understand the benefits of feeling healthier. Further information can be found at: Better2gether Lifestyle Service :: Onside, Worcestershire & Herefordshire (onside-advocacy.org.uk) Leaflets available on request from Taryn Hill and please get in touch with Taryn should you have any queries:
- *Reminder* Repair Café in Bromsgrove launching 5 March – please help promote – Repair Café is a community project to inspire to repair and reuse. They are monthly meeting places and are all about repairing things together. Valuable practical knowledge can be passed on and repair experiences can be shared. The main aim is to help stop good things going into landfill. The Bromsgrove Repair Café will launch 5 March and meet every first Saturday of the month thereafter from 2-5pm at All Saints Church Hall (Burcot Lane). All are welcome, including repairers!! Further details are attached – please help promote. Have a question? You can contact Ros Cooke on 07804 251731.
- Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) Annual Summary – The 2021 JSNA Annual Summary has been published, which revisits the impact of Covid-19 on health and wellbeing using the most up-to-date information. The updated annual summary is available at: JSNA Summaries | JSNA Summaries | Worcestershire County Council. Further information is also attached.
- *Reminder* Wellbeing support through Kooth & Quell – Don’t forget to remind young people and adults that Kooth.com (aimed at those aged 11-18 years old) and Qwell.io (for those aged 18+) are available 24/7 for wellbeing support and advice from professionals as well as pre-moderated peer support. If you or your teams would like to find out more through a 1-hour drop in online session or webinar for professionals or you would like to discuss anything else or have any questions, you can contact Rachel Potter at
Events / Roadshows
- Commonwealth Games Jobs Fair in Birmingham on 28 February – Please see attached information on a Jobs Fair at Birmingham Library. There may well be local residents who would be interested in going along to find out more information on jobs and training opportunities associated with the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games so please help promote.
- Careers Worcestershire Roadshows – Redditch on 16 March & Bromsgrove on 7 April – Worcestershire County Council are hosting a range of careers and apprenticeship roadshows in March/April to support both 15-24 year olds who are unsure what their options are and employers who are looking to recruit. Details are attached. Please help promote to both 15-24 year olds and employers. Should any employers which to join any of the roadshows as an exhibitor, please contact Alice Cook at
- *Reminder* Support for Parents to get Work Ready – Rubery Library on 10 March 9.30-11am – Aimed at parents thinking of going back to work but need some help to be work ready. This may include: confidence building; training; information on childcare options etc. Details attached so please help promote. If you need any further information, please contact Victoria Smith at
- *Reminder* Support Bromsgrove’s Boldly Goes – Partner agencies have been holding sessions in the community across the Bromsgrove District to ensure all residents are aware and have access to advice and support such as help with money issues, housing problems, digital access. It is also providing an opportunity for community conversations so local residents can ask questions and tell us what their needs are. The next one scheduled is at Rubery Library on 9 March. You can contact Basement Project, Newstarts or Support Bromsgrove for further details – keep an eye out on Facebook at: North Worcestershire Basement Projects | Facebook or NewStarts | Facebook or call Support Bromsgrove on 01527 306490 /
- The Future of Employment Support for Worcestershire 2022 – A Worcestershire event is planned on 17 March and further details is attached.
- Glow – Night time walk for Dementia – Glow is a series of fun and colourful night walks which raise money for life-changing dementia support. Paul Chambers, from Chandler Court in Bromsgrove, is a Dementia Ambassador supporting Alzheimer’s Society and wants to promote this event. The local walk is at Warwick racecourse on 25 March and they don’t have enough walkers registered. However, anyone interested can find out more or sign up to be a volunteer or walk online. Paul has a 25% discount code for anyone registering in the next week or so which is: Warwick25. Simply enter that code when you register online. Further details from Paul are attached, including a poster for you to share.
Consultations / Surveys
· Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation 2022-32 – What does being well mean to you? – Views of Bromsgrove and Redditch residents please!! – The formal consultation is open now until 2 May 2022 and will help shape Worcestershire’s health and wellbeing priorities for the next 10 years. The consultation is open to everyone and will help the Health and Wellbeing Board build up a picture of what wellbeing means to people of all ages. Further details are attached and can be found at: Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation | Worcestershire County Council. A partner resources pack has been created too and is available here: Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation – Partner Resources Pack – Google Drive. Thanks in advance for your help.
- Families First – Survey on familial imprisonment – can you help us determine the scope of need? – For the last 14 months, YSS has been running a pilot project, Families First, to support families affected by parental imprisonment in Worcestershire. YSS are currently supporting 15 families but they know there are more people out there that need help. Therefore, YSS are asking professionals currently working with or aware of a family affected by familial imprisonment to complete a quick survey to help: understand if there is a wider need; develop the service; and understand how best to reach out to the families. You are not asked for any information that could identify the families and you will not be contacted unless you request it.
· Furniture Poverty Research – please find attached further details on the work that Marion Kenyon from NewStarts is undertaking. She is looking for both individuals and families experiencing the effects of furniture poverty and also those professionals who work with families and individuals experiencing the effects. There is an online survey (which is more directed at those directly experiencing furniture poverty, but could be completed by a professional, filling in the comments boxes). Your help in gathering the research will be very much appreciated. As stated in her email attached, understanding the effect on individuals and families is a good first step in finding solutions. If you have any queries, you can contact Marion at:
Funding
- Redditch Borough Council’s Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Scheme 2022-23 – closing date is Friday 25 February 2022 – Voluntary and community groups have been invited to bid for up to £10k in the council’s grant funding, including a separate ‘Mental Health’ pot. Anyone interested in applying can bid for funding from £500 up to £10K, to help with core costs and salaries or to support them to deliver great community events, projects, and activities. A total of £101k is available to bid for, with £10K specifically ringfenced to create a separate ‘Mental Health’ funding pot. From this pot, VCS groups can bid for between £500 and £5,000 to help them deliver specific projects to support those Redditch residents who have suffered from or have worsened mental health and wellbeing issues as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Further information can be found at: Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Scheme 2022/23 – redditchbc.gov.uk
- Social Prescribing Community Fund – small grants of up to £500 still available! – The scheme supports local projects that improve and increase the choice, range and reach of available community activities for social prescribing to refer local people to and although the main grants is closed, small grants of up to £500 are still available. Further information at: Social Prescribing Community Fund | Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (barn.org.uk)
Training / Courses / Workshops
- ‘Explore ABCD’ Workshops – ABCD Team in Public Health are organising short day workshops (9.30am-3pm) to support participants to understand more on ABCD. Participants will learn in an interactive setting to suit. These are open to all who are interested and the current dates available are: 15 March 2022; 1 April 2022 or 29 April 2022. The location will depend on where the majority of participants are based in Worcestershire. Any individuals, teams or councillors are interested, please contact the ABCD Team direct at: . If none of the dates are suitable, please do still contact the ABCD team to express an interest and further dates will be scheduled.
- How Best to put Communities at the centre of change – Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 10:00-10:55am | Eventbrite – This free 55 minute session is run by Cormac Russell and will cover the fundamental principles of ABCD and how they relate to leadership as well as practical approaches to implementation and structural change. Further information is attached or use the above link to book.
- Online Child Sexual Exploitation – 9 March 2022 – West Mercia Police are planning a partnership training and engagement day on Wednesday 9 March looking at Online Sexual Exploitation timed to coincide with the National Child Exploitation Awareness Day on 18 March 2022. It is specifically targeted at all professionals and practitioners who work with children and want to gain a better understanding around the issues and risks involved in online exploitation and address the challenges between the supportive agencies in safeguarding the children involved, bringing offenders to justice and the prevention of further exploitation. The event will be held online and further information is attached. If you’d like to attend, please email
- Signs of Safety Partnership Training – 1 April 9am-12noon – This course will provide greater detail of the Signs of Safety Practice Model and is relevant for professionals contributing directly to assessments and plans and attending Social Care meetings, including Early Help. Further details including how to book are attached.
- Promoting your Small Business or Charity through Social Media – the course is aimed to help small businesses / charities to develop their understanding of social media. Attendees will gain insight in how different social media platforms operate, how to use your valuable time effectively and productively from creating content, using tools to measure effectiveness enabling them to keep their customers engaged. Further details can be found at: Promoting Your Business Through Social Media | Heart of Worcestershire College Online Store. If you have any queries, please contact Frances Browne at
- Pathways to Care – starting 28 February – please help promote – Please see attached for further details on an exciting new opportunity for individuals looking to work in the Adult Social Care Sector. The course is a 2 week course and can be done virtually. Participates receive certificates, DBS checks paid for and interviews available at the end of the course. There are Care companies ready to employ. Further details from Heart of Worcestershire College is attached or contact Caitlin Eley at: or call her on 01527 572670 / 07816 890053
- Work Ready Course – please help promote – The Work Ready course is for those clients who have the job searching and application skills but need support with the skills needed to hold down employment. Further details from Heart of Worcestershire College is attached or contact Caitlin Eley at: or call her on 01527 572670 / 07816 890053
- Workpays – Courses available in Redditch and virtually – Workpays are a training provider and they upskill people (course list attached) and then through their network, they progress customers into jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships or further education. Some courses are delivered locally in Redditch as well as other parts of Worcestershire and online too. Attached is the course list and a retail course as an example which you may wish to help promote, particularly in Redditch. These opportunities are promoted through the jobcentres but please note that should anyone wish to attend a course and are in receipt of benefits, they should speak to their work coach first. If you have any queries, you can contact Rahul direct at:
- Parenting Courses such as HENRY and more! – The Starting Well Partnership will be running a group called HENRY. It’s a FREE course and families receive different items as part of a goody bag that has over £20 of resources to use at home. HENRY looks at developing healthy lifestyles, family routines and increasing emotional wellbeing. Sessions are 2 hours and run over 8 weeks. Parents can call up for a place an professionals can refer. Further details are attached. There is also a menu of Parenting groups and other services offering support to parents of children aged 0-19 years. Go to: Starting Well Partnership | Worcestershire | Starting Well (startingwellworcs.nhs.uk)
Other Newsletters
- DWP Touchbase, DWP Mercia Newsletter and latest two DWP Weekly updates – all attached for information.
- NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (HW CCG) – Communications Update & Involvement Network Update – latest of both are attached.
Hope you find some of the information above helpful. If you would like any information included in a future bulletin, simply email .
Kind Regards,
Della McCarthy
Bromsgrove Partnership Manager