Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove & Redditch – Update 38

Dear all,

Please find the latest information bulletin below.  (Please note: These bulletins are designed to replace our monthly e-newsletter for the time being.)

COVID Vaccinations – Book NOW if eligible

You do not need to wait to be contacted if any of the following apply:

  • you are aged 50 or over
  • you are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
  • you are an eligible frontline health or social care worker
  • you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
  • you have a learning disability
  • you are a main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus

You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or a pharmacy that provides COVID-19 vaccinations.

Book your coronavirus vaccination appointments online or by telephoning 119.

Can’t find your NHS number to book an appointment?  Then use this link:  www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/

If you are NOT eligible, please wait to be contacted.  Further information can be found at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

COVID Testing – Rapid Lateral Flow Tests – Help break the chains of transmission and book a Rapid Test if you DO NOT have any symptoms

 

Anyone who needs to leave their home for any reason (such as work, caring responsibilities, shopping etc) is being encouraged to get regular rapid symptom free Covid-19 tests.

Regular, twice weekly rapid testing for people without symptoms is a vital part of the fight against Covid-19. 1 in 3 people do not have any symptoms, so don’t know they have the virus. Rapid symptom free testing finds hidden cases, ensuring you don’t pass it onto family members, friends or workmates, stopping the spread of the virus.

There are now more places to get a free rapid asymptomatic Covid-19 test across the County for any residents who live or work in Worcestershire.  These rapid (lateral flow) tests, which provide results within the hour, will help break the chains of transmission.  Further information can be found here, including local participating pharmacies offering this test and mass testing sites including Redditch Town Hall and the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove.  Please remember that these tests are only available for people who are completely symptom free.

*COVID tests for workplaces also available!*  Workplaces with 10 or more employees can order FREE lateral flow tests to help with testing staff for COVID-19 but they must register on or before 12 April 2021. Find out more on the Government website here.

Information on different tests available, including how to book a test if you DO have symptoms, can be found here.

COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme

 

There has been a change to the rules of the scheme with the scheme is being extended to parents and guardians who are not legally required to self- isolate, but who need to take time off work to look after a child or young person who is self-isolating.  Applicants will need to satisfy the existing eligibility criteria for the main or discretionary scheme to receive the payment.  Attached is more information about the scheme.  For residents in Redditch and Bromsgrove, they can visit these links to find out more:

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

REMINDER – Public Health Worcestershire & NHS  – latest COVID data and messages

  • COVID-19 Self Isolation – *New guides available* – please follow this link to download the Covid-19 Self Isolation guide produced by Public Health Worcestershire to help anyone who needs to self-isolate.  There is a general guide and a family version of the guide.  They explain why it’s important to self-isolate when required, highlights help available (including financial support), provides advice and tips, and answers frequently asked questions.  Please help promote.  The family version of the guide will be available online shortly but both are attached for your convenience.

  • 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.

  • NHS Vaccine Inequalities Programme – please find attached for your information their recent Stakeholder Briefing  for 1 April 2021.

  • Redditch Borough Council Covid Mood Catcher – Current Covid rates in Redditch are still high and we want to work together to reduce them. It’s important to hear from our residents about how they are feeling, what they want to know and what we can do to help. Every Friday and Monday we will send out mini mood-catchers, which will reflect the current Covid situation and issues and use the feedback to help us to get the right information to you, in the right way, so we can make a difference together.  Please see these links for input your “mood” into this initiative – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CovidQ7/      https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CovidQ8/

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:

Service / Support – Information Updates

 

  • Dodford Farm –  is a small charity offering free family holidays on a referral basis for children up to the age of 9 and their family.  Families can be referred by anyone who works with them if they feel they are in need.  This is usually due to financial hardship, disability or low-level mental health problems.  Please see their website for more information and a referral form – www.dodfordfarm.co.uk

 

Training and Courses

 

  • Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College IT Skills Courses – please see attached 3 flyers advertising a variety of IT Skills courses available at the College.

  • Adult Learning Courses – please see attached details of a variety of health and wellbeing courses offered by Worcestershire Adult Learning service.  These courses are FREE to attend and run until July 31st 2021.

Other Newsletters a

 

  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – latest Touchbase and the last weekly update from our local DWP Partnership Manager are all attached.

  • Active Bromsgrove and Redditch – the latest editions of the Active Newsletters for Redditch and Bromsgrove are attached.

We hope you find some of the information above helpful.  Please let us know if you would like any information put into these bulletins by emailing us at  .  We are currently sending out bulletins fortnightly.

Best wishes,

Della McCarthy & Helen Broughton

Bromsgrove Partnership / Redditch Partnership

Email: 

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