Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove & Redditch – January 2022

Dear all,

Please find the January Partnership bulletin below.  As Helen Broughton, Redditch Partnership Manager, has moved to pastures new, these bulletins will be monthly (rather than fortnightly) for the time being.

Covid related information remains at the top for now but please scroll down for information updates on services, training, events etc.  Don’t forget, if you have information relating to Bromsgrove and/or Redditch which you would like to be included in a future partnership bulletin, simply email: 

 

*Updated*  COVID Vaccinations  

 

 

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.

  • 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.

*Updated*  COVID Testing – Rapid Lateral Flow Tests & PCR Tests

 

Everyone can access FREE regular rapid lateral flow tests.  They are for people who DO NOT have any symptoms.  Regular lateral flow testing, such as twice a week or more, is encouraged, even if you have been vaccinated as you could still catch the virus or pass it on without knowing it.  It is advised that you do rapid lateral flow tests on days you’re more likely to catch or spread the virus.  For instance, do a test before you mix with people in crowded indoor places.

You can book a test, order online or simply pick up home testing at a range of local venues.  The lateral flow tests give you a result in just 30 minutes.  Further information, including FAQs, can be found here.

Not sure where to get your Rapid Lateral Flow Tests?  You can simple enter your postcode and collection points and test sites closest to you will be listed.  Go to: Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests – NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk)

Have symptoms and need a free PCR test?   Go to: Get a free PCR test – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Further information on both types of tests can be found here.

You no longer need to confirm a positive lateral flow test with a PCR test in most cases.  However, please note that confirmation of a positive lateral flow test is still needed if applying for a Test and Trace Support Payment.  Details of the scheme are below.

*Reminder*  COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme (includes eligible parents/guardians)

 

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 and since August 2021, this includes eligible parents / guardians.  Redditch and Bromsgrove residents can find out more on eligibility and how to apply at:

https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/money,-education-skills/benefits-help/nhs-covid-19-test-and-trace-self-isolation-support-payment.aspx

https://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/money-education-and-skills/benefits-and-help/nhs-covid-19-test-and-trace-self-isolation-support-payment.aspx

Public Health Worcestershire – latest Vaccination / COVID data and messages

 

  • 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.

Reminder – The Local Community Responses aimed at supporting residents through the Covid-19 pandemic  

Further details on the local community responses aimed at supporting residents through the Covid-19 pandemic is attached but basic contact details are listed below.  Please help ensure all local residents are aware so everyone is directed to and receives the support they need during this time:

·      Support Bromsgrove – www.supportbromsgrove.com – Tel: 01527 306490 or Email:  (poster attached)

·      Redditch East Stronger Together (REST) – Tel: 01527 919869

·      Support Redditch Emergency Network (SREN) – Tel: 01527 359008 or Email: 

·      Here2Help Worcestershire – www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help – Tel: 01905 768053

Service / Support – Information Updates

  • *REMINDER* Are you aware of someone / a family struggling to heat their home? – Many of you will be aware that Act on Energy provides free and confidential energy advice to householders, but hopefully all agencies will also be aware that, as part of the Worcestershire Winter 2021/22 Housing Support Fund, Act on Energy is able to provide additional support to qualifying residents.

However, there is a concern take up in Bromsgrove and Redditch does not reflect need and is lower than anticipated so please help ensure our vulnerable residents in particular receive this support while available (until end of March 2022).  It is open to home owners, private rented and social housing / council tenants.

The help available through this scheme includes:

·       Winter Fuel Payment – up to a £500 one-off payment for families and up to £300 for single/couple households paid direct to supplier

·       Pre-Payment Fuel Vouchers – up to 3 instalments of 3 x £49 vouchers for families and up to 2 instalments of 3 x £49 for single/couple households

·       Debt Relief – help with paying off fuel debt

·       Help with broken heating systems (all fuel types) – includes replacement or repair; installation of first-time heating systems; and servicing.

Further information, including the eligibility criteria, can be found online at: WORCESTERSHIRE HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND – Act On Energy.  Residents can apply online or by calling the freephone number 0800 988 2881.  Any referrals from a recognised agency / partner (e.g. school, foodbank etc) ensures that household are automatically eligible for support.  Please see attached posters for more information.

  • Household Support – do you work with individuals / families who need help with other essentials? – In addition to the support above relating to fuel payments / energy costs, there is other support available locally too, for those who are struggling with the cost of household essentials such as food.  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.  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

  • Debt Advice in Bromsgrove and Redditch – Please find attached a leaflet that has been put together recently by the Starting Well Partnership (SWP) team at Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils which you may find useful to share with local residents you are working with.  Separately, a brief summary of the financial support available direct from both Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council Financial Inclusion Team (FIT) also attached for information.  Please feel free to share.

  • 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.

  • Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest (BRWF) – Activities in Bromsgrove and Redditch – In Bromsgrove, Age UK BRWF are piloting a new exercise class using resistance bands called ‘Move more with Paul’.  It’s at Amphlett Hall in Bromsgrove and resistance bands are supplied.  Further details are attached.  Age UK BRWF are also continuing to run their computer classes.  Further details can be found at: Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest | Bromsgrove Activities.  In Redditch, Age UK BRWF offer a variety of activities from yoga to art classes.  Further details are attached or visit: Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest | Redditch Activities.  There is also the successful ‘Men in Sheds’ in Bromsgrove too and details can be found at: Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest | Men In Sheds.  Residents can of course telephone Age UK BRWF to find out more on all of the above by calling 01527 570490.

  • *NEW* Repair Café in Bromsgrove launching 5 March – would like to be involved? – 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.  Further details are attached.  (Please note that the Facebook page is currently being developed but will be up and running by 9 Feb.)  If you would like to find out more, you can contact Ros Cooke on 07804 251731.

 

  • Carbon Footprint Tool – Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council – In association with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council has devised a Carbon Footprint tool to show their carbon footprint together with ways to reduce our carbon footprint.  Why not take a look:  Carbon Footprint – Lickey and Blackwell (lickeyandblackwellpc.org).  You may also be interested to know that the Energy Saving Trust specialises in home energy and provides useful hints and tips: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk

 

 

  • Revised target date for establishment of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – As outlined in the attached update from end of last year, the continued development of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) remains a priority for the NHS.  The Health and Care Bill, which intends to put ICSs on a statutory footing and create Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) as new NHS bodies, replacing Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) is currently being considered by Parliament.  To allow sufficient time for the remaining parliamentary stages, a new target date of 1 July 2022 (replacing 1 April 2022) has been set.  Progress towards establishing a Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System continues.

 

 

Campaigns

 

Surveys

·       *REMINDER* Young People’s Health and Emotional Well-being Survey – Please help promote amongst young people – Healthwatch Worcestershire finds out what people think about health and social care services. They use this information to tell those who run the services how they can be improved. They are running a survey to hear the views and experiences of young people (age 13 to 19) in Worcestershire. In particular, about their health and wellbeing, the impact of Covid-19 and what young people think about online information and support for emotional wellbeing. The survey can be completed online here

Community Courses

 

  • *Spaces still available* FREE Family Learning Courses – Further information on what courses are on offer is attached including cooking, maths, phonics, art, family wellness etc.  Courses are FREE, subject to eligibility.  Courses can be booked by searching for the course title at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/courses or by phoning 01905 728537 for support.  Please see attached for details.

  • Digital & IT Skills Academy – Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College – From beginners to advanced, get in touch to find out more about the courses which start from 7 February.   Further details attached or by using this link.

Events

  • FREE online Understanding Dementia event – 2 February at 2-3.30pm – Hosted by Chandler Court in Bromsgrove, this virtual event is back by popular demand.  Dr Nori, Vice President of the Alzheimer’s Society, will cover a number of topics to help you understand what it might be like to live with dementia, as well as offering some practical advice.  Further information on what will be covered, including how to book, is attached.

Training

  • FREE Early Help Training for Professionals – 18 Feb 11am-12pm (virtual) – This is the first of 4 sessions to update your understanding of Early Help in Worcestershire.  The other sessions will explore: Completing an early help assessment; Holding a team around the family meeting; Creatively gathering the voice of the child.  Speakers from Education, Health and Police.  Further details are attached.

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  – latest attached.
  • Active Bromsgrove and Active Redditch – latest editions 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

Email: 

       

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