Household Support Fund Phase 4 – Latest information on local support available

A quick reminder that the Household Support Fund 4 ends on 31^st March 2024. There is still time for eligible Bromsgrove and Redditch residents to apply for support with household costs, details on how to apply can be found below.

Act on Energy – help with energy costs, energy debt, broken heating systems etc **Open for Applications**

This scheme offers qualifying residents across the county of Worcestershire support with their energy costs, fuel debt and where required, assistance to replace broken boilers and heating systems, subject to funding.  Eligibility criteria for support is not restricted to solely vulnerable households in receipt of benefits, but criteria will be applied for the different elements of support on offer. Further information can be found online at: WORCESTERSHIRE HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND (actonenergy.org.uk) and residents can apply online or by calling 0800 988 2881.

Worcestershire Advice Network – £75 Cash voucher for eligible pensioners, disabled and carers **Available to Bromsgrove and Redditch residents**

Worcestershire Advice Network (made up of local Age UKs, Citizens Advice and Disability Information Advice Line) are offering a £75 cash voucher to eligible pensioners NOT in receipt of Pension Credit, people with disabilities or a long term health condition of any age, and carers of any age.  Some may be eligible for more than one voucher.  There are just 6 simple questions to find out if they are eligible.  To access the fund, please direct people to call Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills office (who are delivering this countywide scheme) by calling 01905 724294 or 01684 560666.  Further information can be found at: Worcestershire Advice Network | Advice services working in Partnership

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch **Bromsgrove and Redditch schemes are now CLOSED**

All available funding for our Household Support Fund schemes for Bromsgrove and Redditch has been allocated.  Unfortunately, this means no new applications can be accepted.

However, residents may be able to receive support from Act on Energy to help cover energy bills, energy debt and/or assistance towards repairing broken boilers and heating systems.  Plus, if they are an eligible pensioner, have a disability or are a carer of any age they might also be entitled to receive a voucher through Worcestershire Advice Network.  See details for both above.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Even though HSF4 is now closed, that doesn’t mean residents cannot seek help and contact CABR.  If any partner agency is aware of a service user / resident that needs support from CABR, please do continue to refer them as there may be other ways CABR, working with the Councils’ Financial Inclusion Team, can help.

Do you know what support is available?

Just a little reminder that free printed copies of the attached cost of living leaflet are still available which you can collect from Customer Services at either Redditch Town Hall or Parkside in Bromsgrove and distribute to your service users.

Lots more information can also be found on the cost of living webpages on both Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils’ websites too at: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving and www.redditchbc.gov.uk/costofliving.  See something missing on the webpages?  Let us know as they can be updated anytime.

In addition to the local information above:

Details on the government’s Cost of Living Payments 2023-24 can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment. Anyone eligible will have been paid automatically.  However, if you believe you’re eligible but have not received the payment(s), advice on how to report a missing payment can be found using the link above.  Further details on all government cost of living support can be found at: www.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Warm Spaces

Local Warm Spaces – although we’re heading to Spring it’s still cold out there right now so here is a reminder of a few of the Warm Spaces….

• Local Libraries across Worcestershire

The libraries are continuing to offer warm, welcoming spaces for residents to access free services, find information and support, take part in events and activities, and connect with other people. Full details of their offer can be found here Warm welcome | Worcestershire County Council or on the Warm Welcome website.

• Catshill – Warm Spaces

Please find attached a leaflet with details of Catshill’s warm welcome offer.

• Warm Welcome in Hagley

St Saviours Hall in Hagley will be offering a warm space every Tuesday from 10:00am to 12:00noon – All welcome.

• AHead of Wellbeing CIC

           Ahead of Wellbeing in Redditch, Kingfisher Shopping Centre (outside, behind Primark) are offering a warm space daily from 10am – 4.30pm.

Find other local Warm Spaces – Warm Welcome Network

The Warm Welcome Network was set up to support and champion the community response to the cost-of-living crisis. Any organisation that has opened or is opening free, warm, welcoming spaces for the public can register and provide details of their offer so that users can search for local warm spaces in their area.  If you search Bromsgrove and / or Redditch you can find local warm spaces, including those listed above.  Don’t forget to not just add your details, but update them periodically too, should any of your warm space provision change.

Services / Support – Information Updates

Measles Update

The Public Health Team are raising awareness of the rising number of cases of measles in the West Midlands. Measles is a very infectious viral illness and usually starts with cold-like symptoms which can include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, sore red eyes and a rash. It spreads very quickly to non-immune children and adults who are unvaccinated or have not previously been infected. People in certain at-risk groups, such as young children, people who are pregnant and those with a weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.  The best way to prevent measles is by having the MMR vaccination however the West Midlands MMR uptake rate is below national targets. The MMR rate is higher in Worcestershire however not at 95% for 2 doses which is the target rate set by the World Health Organization.

Public Health are encouraging children, parents and staff to check that they, and all family members are up to date with their MMR vaccine and, if needed, arrange for a free MMR catch up vaccination via their GP. For more information on measles and the MMR vaccine please visit: Measles – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Tai Chi Classes – Bromsgrove and Redditch

New for Bromsgrove – Tai Chi for Heart Health classes are running every Wednesday at 1pm and Thursday at 9.45am at the Bromsgrove Methodist Church. In Redditch, sessions take place on a Tuesday from 11am – 12 noon at The Bridge Community Hall. The cost is £5 per session on a pay as you go basis. For more information or to book a place,  please contact Junita Ochoa on 07856 565639 / email:  or visit Tai Chi for Heart Health – bromsgrove.gov.uk / Tai Chi for Heart Health – redditchbc.gov.uk.

ESCAPE-pain Classes

A reminder that the ESCAPE-pain programme is running throughout 2024 in both Bromsgrove and Redditch. Full details of the classes can be found at ESCAPE-pain – Redditch and

ESCAPE-pain – Bromsgrove.

If you have any questions, or would like hard copies of any of the marketing material for the above mentioned classes, please contact Hayley Gwilliam in leisure at Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils’ on 01527 881404 or email 

Rush Active Gym – Wythall

Rush Active Gym offer a range of community sessions with several exercise classes tailored for older people; they also encourage a cuppa afterwards for the social aspect. To see all the class information and times visit Rush Active Community Classes – bromsgrove.gov.uk

Redditch District Collaborative (RDC) – Have gone Digital!

Do you want to find out more about the work of RDC or would you like to get involved? Head over to their new website at https://rdcprogrammeteam.wixsite.com/my-site for all the latest news!  The team will review and develop the website on an ongoing basis and would welcome any feedback, this can be emailed to . Also, find attached a copy of their Members Newsletter which is the first of planned quarterly editions.

Libraries Unlocked

Libraries Unlocked is coming to Bromsgrove and Rubery very soon and will allow residents and community organisations more access to their local library. Space hire for groups will be free in Libraries Unlocked hours and there will be a new easier online room booking system too. For more information visit Libraries Unlocked | Worcestershire County Council

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service – FREE Home Fire Safety Visits

A reminder that the fire service is continuing to offer free home fire safety visits to the most vulnerable people within our areas. The visit includes a home safety check to help reduce the risk of fire in the home, including the checking and fitting of smoke alarms where required. This includes alarms suitable for those with a hearing impairment and giving advice on a fire escape plan. It will also identify any health and care needs that require signposting to other local services.

A Home Fire Safety Visit maximises the opportunity to help individuals stay safe and independent and we would like to encourage partners to speak to their clients about whether they would like a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit.  If you would like to refer a client for a Home Fire Safety Visit, please complete an online referral http://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc  or complete a 1-page referral form that can be found attached. There is a poster attached for further information and signposting, or if you would like further information on the check, please contact: Prevention Team Tel: 0800 032 1155  Email: 

Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUGs)

HUG is designed to tackle colder homes that do not have mains gas central heating to provide free home improvements to low income residents.  Homeowners and tenants could benefit and funding is also available for landlords in the charity and private rented sector. The County Council is working in partnership with Act on Energy, along with the Districts Councils to deliver this programme. If you think you might qualify or know of anyone that might benefit please signpost them to this scheme.  Further information, including how to register an interest, can be found at: Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUG2) | Worcestershire County Council OR contact Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881.  Details attached. Please help promote.

Reimagine Redditch – Colour Palette – Get Involved and Spread the Word!

The team at Reimagine Redditch have launched a new and exciting Colour Palette project where people are telling them about their favourite colours and what they love about the Borough.  The palette will be a snapshot of how local people see the Borough in 2024.  From the green of Arrow Valley and the brown of the Water Tower, to the blue of the sky on your favourite day in Redditch.  If you live or work in Redditch, please take 2 minutes to fill out the form on our campaign webpage. What are Redditch’s icons for you? What’s special about Redditch to you? There are no silly, wrong, or obvious answers. Please help ensure as many local people as possible see the poster and get involved (digital flyer attached) – closes midnight on 10 March!  www.reimagineredditch.org/colour-palette-campaign

What happens after 10 March? Reimagine Redditch’s community panel will shortlist a selection of colours that will go out for a public vote. Then, later in 2024, a programme to use the colours in new and exciting ways with Redditch’s communities will begin. Make sure you’re a part of it from the very start.

The Old Needleworks

Please find attached a flyer outlining the updated times and days of their community groups. For further information visit What’s On? – The Old Needle Works Foundation or contact the team on 01527 69100.

New Men’s Group*Starting Soon*

Starting on 21^st March 2024, Batchley Support group will be running a new Men’s group, ‘The Dog House’. The group will take place every Thursday morning, 9.30am – 12noon. Referrals are now being accepted, but places are limited. Further information can be found on the attached flyer or email .

Carer’s Leave Act

The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 comes into force on 6^th April 2024. The Act will give new rights and protection for carers including a day 1 right for employees to take at least one week’s unpaid carer’s leave in any 12-month period to provide care for or make arrangements to provide care for a dependant who has a long-term care need. To find out further information visit prepare-for-the-act.pdf (carersuk.org)

Employability Sessions at The Basement Project

The Basement Project are running a series of ‘Day in the Life’ sessions, where young people can come along to meet a range of people from different industries.  The series of ‘A Day in the Life of’ talks are aimed at inspiring young people to consider future work options. Each event features a local guest speaker, representing a business sector. The sessions provide informative insights into what the job entails, highlighting interesting aspects and challenges. There is advice on how to pursue a job role in the given industry. If you are working with any young people who might be interested, please call 01527 832993 to book a place, or email  (places are limited).

Construction Work Experience and Employment Support in Redditch and Bromsgrove with VIY (Volunteer It Yourself)

VIY will be undertaking multiple community renovation projects taking place in Redditch and Bromsgrove throughout the year.  Young people who are 16+ and NEET (not in education, employment or training) or risk of NEET will have the chance to take part in work experience opportunities to learn construction trade skills and boost their employability. Volunteers will be mentored on site by professional tradespeople and could achieve Entry Level 3 City & Guilds trade skills accreditations in things including carpentry, painting and decorating and health and safety.  VIY will also be delivering employability workshops and offering support and guidance to young people interested in exploring further opportunities in the trade and construction sector. Each project will last approximately 3 weeks and offer young people bite-sized opportunities to get hands-on, practical work experience, from as little as three days commitment.

More information about VIY and the impact on young people can be seen in this link Online Flipbook (heyzine.com) and this 60 second outreach video brings to life the experience young people can have on a VIY project (129) The VIY Experience – YouTube. Anyone interested in finding out more or registering any young people should contact Jennie Arthur  or call 07579 772778.

Groups Looking to Volunteer

Are you a local charity who could benefit from some volunteer support? Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (BARN) have been contacted by an organisation based in Bromsgrove who are interested in arranging for a group of their employees to volunteer and help out the local charities in Redditch and Bromsgrove. In 2023, they have helped with farming, painting, packaging, building, coaching and shop assisting but they are open to anything. Furthermore, they are happy to provide volunteers to help with events on specific days. They have 300 employees looking for volunteer opportunities locally and can allow between 2 and 10 employees to go at any time. If any charities or groups are interested in benefitting from this offer, then please contact BARN Office at  who will pass on your details to the organisation for them to get in touch.

Training / Courses / Workshops

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – Advice First Aiders Training*FREE* (not to be confused with emergency first aid!)

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch are currently providing free training to upskill community members, frontline volunteers and staff in other local organisations / businesses who are Bromsgrove based to become Advice First Aiders.   Anyone who comes into contact with people and would like to be able to help signpost Bromsgrove residents at an early stage would be ideal for this – from the local hairdresser to a community volunteer, a local Councillor to frontline staff – this could be for you!  The 3-hour training course will give the guidance people require to deliver initial help and information (not financial advice) to the public, including how to signpost and refer clients to the Citizens Advice Service if required. All those who attend training will receive a certificate.  There are currently spaces available on the dates listed below.  Training times are generally 10.15am – 1.15pm:

If you, a team member or any of your volunteers would like to take advantage of this FREE training opportunity to help others, or if you have any queries about the training, please get in touch at .  A flyer is also attached – please share.  (Please note – due to how this is funding, it’s only open to Bromsgrove District at this time)

Samaritans’ Practitioner Webinar

Please find attached details of a free training webinar on offer from the Samaritans. The event will cover: *How people use the internet in relation to self-harm and suicide, *What the new Online Safety Act means for self-harm and suicide content online, *The role that practitioners can play in supporting people, *How to talk to people about their online use, *How Samaritans can support you in your role. The webinars will take place on the 5^th and 7^th March. To book a place, see details in the flyer attached.

Raising Awareness of Exploitation and Vulnerability (GET SAFE) Training *Various Dates Available*

Please find attached details of FREE Exploitation and Vulnerability virtual training that is on offer from the West Mercia Police. The training is recommended to anyone who works with young people, families or in areas where young people gather; to gain an insight into signs and indicators of risk. The training is open to public agencies and VCS organisations. To book a place, simply follow this link, select your preferred session and follow this guidance when completing the application form: Do you have an account – No thanks, Course price – click in public circle,  Select organisation from dropdown box – Select Public, put in your work address then click book course.

Events / Roadshows

*New* Community Workers Meetings – Bromsgrove

The first Community Workers Bromsgrove meeting took place on Tuesday 27th February at the Bromsgrove Methodist Church Centre and was a great first meet. The meetings are for frontline community workers and volunteers from the voluntary and community sector and statutory agencies who actively provide services in the Bromsgrove area – all Community Workers are welcome! It will be an informal and friendly gathering – no set agenda, just an ‘Open Mic’ session for those who want to share what they’re doing and/or who may need help or advice and of course, lots of opportunity for networking! Watch this space for future dates or please email Ann at Bromsgrove and Redditch Network to register your interest in attending at  

Community Workers Network Meeting – Redditch

The next Redditch Community Workers Network meeting will take place on Wednesday 6th March, 12pm – 2pm, at The Bridge, Headless Cross, Redditch B97 4JX. The meetings offer frontline community workers from the voluntary community sector and statutory agencies the opportunity to come together and share information, opportunities, and advice. The meetings will also provide an opportunity to highlight the needs of the local community and what issues our communities are facing. A light lunch will be provided. For further information or to book a place and advise on any specific dietary requirements, please email Ann at Bromsgrove and Redditch Network .

Wonderful Women’s Day – International Women’s Day

In recognition of International Women’s Day on the 8^th March 2024, Arrow Valley Countryside Visitors Centre and Café will be hosting ‘Wonderful Women’s Day’ from 12 to 2pm.  There will be a number of relevant organisations attending and there will also be an opportunity to take part in some discreet ladies only pelvic floor exercises demonstration classes and a delivery around the subject of ‘Thriving through the Menopause’. The event will be supported by Hayley Gwilliam from leisure services at Redditch Borough Council and Redditch District Collaborative are also supporting this event. For further information, see attached or contact Hayley on 01527 881404 or at .

BARN Funding Fair 2024

BARN Funding Fair will take place on Tuesday 12th March, 10am – 2pm in the Kingfisher Centre, Walford Walk, Redditch B97 4HJ. The aim of the event is to bring together valuable funding providers to meet with community and voluntary organisations delivering much needed services for local residents across Bromsgrove and Redditch. The format for the event will be an open, market-style set up with lots of information stalls in the main area and breakout rooms for detailed and informative presentations being delivered by:

·        The National Lottery Community Fund

• The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Arts Council England
• Worcestershire Community Foundation
• Redditch Borough Council / Bromsgrove District Council

Further information can be found attached or to book your FREE place to and/or to choose which presentations you would like to attend, please use the following link barnfundingfair2024.eventbrite.co.uk

Seetec Pluss – Partnership Event in Bromsgrove

Please find attached details of a Partnership event that is being held by Seetec Pluss at their Bromsgrove Office (Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove B61 8DA) on Friday 15th March 2024, 10am – 12.30pm. The event is to promote the upcoming ‘Engage Bromsgrove & Redditch’ projects that will be starting April 2024 and will provide holistic support to people who are economically inactive, socially excluded or require confidence and support to move forward in work and life. As part of this project the Seetec Pluss team will be delivering a timetable of activities to help people find jobs and volunteering opportunities, access training, build job skills, develop social skills, and generally improve their sense of wellbeing.

Further information about the event can be found attached and you can register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/seetec-pluss-65970401733. If you’re able to attend, please RVSP Bobby at  or should you have any questions or require further information, please email Bobby Birdi.

Funding

Stay Connected Community Grant **Bromsgrove and Redditch Applications Welcomed!**

As part of the new Healthy Worcestershire Programme, the Stay Connected Community Grant offers a new £50,000 funding package to empower local organisations to help tackle loneliness and social isolation. The Stay Connected Community Grant will be used to help strengthen Worcestershire’s voluntary and community organisations which bring people of all ages together and help them establish connections, prevent loneliness, strengthen our communities, and improve people’s lives. The grant invites community-based organisations across Worcestershire to apply for pots from £250 up to £2,500 to support activities in the local community. To apply, organisations need to complete an online application form which will be considered by a panel against the funding criteria. All applications will be considered, and funding will be allocated using the criteria. For full details and further information, visit The Stay Connected Community Grant.  Please share so we can make sure Bromsgrove and Redditch benefit from this countywide funding!

Surveys / Consultations

Adult Mental Health Pre-Consultation Events

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust provide a range of working age adult mental health inpatient services. The Trust wants to invite anyone who would like a say on the Trust’s Adult Mental Health Inpatient & Rehabilitation Pathway to get involved at an Adult Mental Health Pre-consultation Event. You may be a patient, a past patient, a carer, a family member, a staff member, a professional working in health and care services, a system partner, an interested member of the public or any other stakeholder who cares about these services – they want to hear all voices.

Events are taking place as follows:  • Monday 4 March from 18:00-19:30 Online, • Tuesday 5 March from 14:30-16:00 Online, • Tuesday 12 March from 14:30-16:30 at Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club, WR3 7SN and • Thursday 14 March from 13:00-15:00 at the Kindle Centre, HR2 7JE.

Full details on how to sign up can be found in the attached poster or Email: , alternatively Call Karen Bent on 07789 068808. (If there is no answer, please leave a message).

Worcestershire-wide Air Quality Survey

Residents across the County are being encouraged to take part in an air quality survey being conducted by Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS). The survey, which is being delivered in partnership with Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team, aims to gather valuable insights from the community to further enhance air quality monitoring and management efforts. This comes in conjunction with a recent installation of 26 real-time air quality monitors located across the county as part of a three-year DEFRA-funded project to improve air quality in Worcestershire. The survey will help WRS identify hotspots and ensure that their air quality initiatives align with the needs and priorities of the community, including health.

To share your views, please visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/airquality. This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and closes at 11pm on Sunday 12th May. For more information about the survey or the DEFRA project, please contact WRS Enquiries .

Healthwatch Worcestershire – Dementia Care and Young People’s Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Two projects have recently been launched and views are being sought about Health and Social Care services in relation to ‘Information and Support for People Living with Dementia and their Unpaid Carers’ and ‘Young People’s Health and Emotional Wellbeing’. Further information along with links to the surveys can be found here Healthwatch Worcestershire. The views gathered will be used to inform decision making for future health and social care services.

Other Newsletters / Reports (in no particular order)

Carers Careline February Newsletter – Find attached

Worcestershire Health Champions Newsletter – February 24 – Find attached

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – – Find attached

DWP Partnership Weekly Update – 7^th & 14^th & 21^st February – Find attached

Community First E-Bulletin – February 2024 Newsletter – Find attached

Carbon Literacy Update – February 2024 – Find attached

Worcestershire County Economic Summary – Find attached

Healthwatch Worcestershire Bulletin February 2024 – Find attached

Careers Worcestershire February 2024 Edition – Find attachedAdult Mental Health- pre-consultation events poster 2024 BDCRBC_CostofLivingFlyerWinter23_A5DS2UPOFFICEPRINTER CABR Advice First Aider Flyer_Jan 2024 Care Home – customer centric Care homes, third party Carers Careline February Newsletter 24

Catshill Warm Welcome (1)

Exploitation and Vulnerability Course Outline Funding Fair Flyer 2024 final Home Fire Safety Visit Referral Form – Partners HUG Flyer A5 digital version HWIN update 05.02.2024 Redditch District Collaborative Newletter – January 24 Reimagine Redditch – Colour Palette Samaritans’ Practitioner webinar

Seetec Engage Bromsgrove & Redditch Partnership Event 15th March

The Dog house flyer

The Old Needleworks Courses

Wonderful womens day A4