Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove & Redditch – Update 41

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 32 or over
• you will turn 32 before 1 July 2021
• you are at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)
• you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
• you have a learning disability
• you are an eligible frontline health or social care worker
• you get a Carer’s Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority OR your GP record shows you’re a carer

If you’re an eligible unpaid carer but you cannot book an appointment online, please speak to your GP surgery.

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 yet, please wait to be contacted.  Further information can be found at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

COVID Testing – Rapid Lateral Flow Tests – for people who DO NOT have any symptoms

Everyone can access FREE regular rapid tests.  Regular, twice weekly rapid testing is encouraged, even if you have been vaccinated.  Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms.  Getting tested regularly finds hidden cases, ensuring you don’t pass it onto family members, friends or workmates.  If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.

There are now more local places to get a free rapid asymptomatic COVID-19 test.  You can book at test, order online or simply pick up home testing at a range of local venues across Bromsgrove, Redditch and Worcestershire.  Your employer may also offer free rapid lateral flow testing.  The tests give you a result in just 30 minutes.  Further information, including FAQs, can be found here.

Have symptoms and need a PCR test?  Further information on both types of tests can be found here.

COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme – *Reminder* of recent change to include parents/guardians

Please be reminded there was a change to this scheme in March as it was 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.  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

• 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.

• COVID-19 Self Isolation – 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 also a family version of the guide available using this link.  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 see the Worcestershire Public Health pages – for any local messages in relation to the lockdown, including further advice.  Those pages can be accessed here – www.worcestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus.  Information can also be accessed at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.redditchbc.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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: (24 hr answerphone) 01527 306490 or Email: 
• 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

• Social Prescribing in Bromsgrove – *LAUNCHED!* – This new service, run by Bromsgrove District Council and Onside and commissioned by the Bromsgrove Primary Care Network (PCN), is now open and accepting referrals for those aged 18 and over.  Organisations can complete the attached referral form and email it to the team at .  Self-referrals are also accepted and this can be done by calling 0300 030 5291.  Further details are contained within the attached presentation.  A4 and A5 leaflets are also attached to help raise awareness of the new service.  Please help promote to ensure our local residents are aware of this new service on offer to them.

• Bromsgrove Wellbeing Team – The social prescribers focusing on 18+ are part of a wider Wellbeing Team.  An overview of the Social Prescribing Hub in Bromsgrove and the wider Wellbeing Team is attached for information.  It includes details on services Onside delivers including a Social Prescribing for Children, Adolescents and Families (open to GP referrals from certain surgeries in the District) and the Lifestyle Advisor Service (accepting referrals now, including self‑referrals for 16+).  Further details, including relevant contact details, are contained in the overview attached.

• Act on Energy – *Short term* funding available for Energy Debt and Broken Boilers – Please find attached further details on the funding available for local residents until the end of June 2021.  Please help promote so we can ensure all qualifying families / individuals living in Bromsgrove District or Redditch Borough benefit from this support.  Further details attached, including a poster and Facebook link.  Applications can be made by calling Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881 or by emailing .  If partners have any queries, they can contact Amanda Munro at: 

• Covid-Secure bookable space at libraries – any agency wishing to book a space at any of the local libraries to deliver face to face support can book through the Hub on 01905 822722.

• Basement Project – Preventing Homelessness – If you are working with any young person who is facing eviction or at risk of homelessness, please signpost to the Basement Project.  If partner agencies have any queries, please contact Jackie Hooper at: 

• Kooth – Free and confidential online counselling and support for 11-19 year olds.  This is a preventative service with no waiting lists.  Young People can simply go to the Kooth website.  Please help ensure young people are aware of this support.

• Reading Friends and Library Service at Home – Reading Friends is a national programme led by the Reading Agency, using reading to connect people and combat loneliness.  There are several ways in which the public can join in and become more connected through enhanced services which are supported by volunteers.  The main offers are: Library Service at Home, Connect Bubbles and Reading Friend one-to-one calls.  Further information can be found at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/readingfriends

• Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest – Please find attached an information leaflet providing information on service provision available.

• Digital Champion Support – Do you know of someone in need of digital support?  Let them know they can call the Hub on 01905 822722 and request a free call back from a Digital Champion!

• HWFR Safe and Well Service – Please refer any vulnerable person who might benefit from a home fire safety check to the Safe and Well Check Service.  If partner organisations have any queries, including how to arrange a very brief awareness session for your staff on how it benefits your customers / our residents, please contact Caroline Webster at: .

• West Mercia’s Young Good Citizen Awards 2021 – West Mercia Police are looking for nominations for their Young Good Citizen Awards 2021. The applications are open until 30 July and they want to hear about those aged 18 or under who have displayed community spirit and are making a real difference.  They are particularly keen to receive nominations about young people who have overcome challenges in their own lives and have still been able to make a difference to others in their community.  Further details can be found at: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2021/april/nominations-now-open-for-young-citizen-awards/

• Stop Loan Sharks – Intervention, Support, Education – Please find attached further information on what a loan shark is, how anyone can become a victim and what people can do to seek support in confidence.  Also attached is information on ways partner agencies can help raise awareness of on how to spot a loan shark and how to access support should someone fall victim to a loan shark.  Please help raise awareness through your social media channels using the social media info attached.  If you have any queries you can contact this area’s LIAISE Officer, Nadeem Mahammed at .  Their latest newsletter is also attached.

• Here2Help Worcestershire is evolving – Here2Help was originally dedicated to helping those who needed support during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is now evolving and will offer advice, support and help to a wide range of services across Worcestershire.  If you are a charity, community group or business which provides services to residents, why not register your services on the new Here2Help Community Directory.  Visit the website for further details at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

Surveys / Consultation

• Climate Change and Carbon Reduction – Partner Survey – Your help is requested! – Partner organisations are being invited to complete the survey to help: (1) Ensure BDC & RBC carbon reduction aims are reflective of the aims of our partners & identify any shortcomings; (2) Identify areas for collaboration; and (3) Support/signpost partners to address climate change agenda if appropriate.  The deadline for responses has been extended and now closes at 5pm on Monday 7 June 2021 – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Climatechangewithpartners/.  If you have any queries, you can email: 

• Safer Streets – North Worcestershire Community Safety Survey – West Mercia Police is committed to protecting our community from harm by creating ‘Safer Streets’ and they want to hear from the public their views and innovative ideas.  The Home Office has made £25 million available to reduce violence against women and girls and the results of this survey will help shape the North Worcestershire bid.  Further details and the survey itself can be found at: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=162081383307.

• Big Quality Conversation – Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust would be interested in reaching out to the community to find out what matters most about people’s experiences in our hospitals and to find out what their priorities should be. They have designed a short survey as part of “The Big Quality Conversation” and would like to ask if this could be shared to service users. Attached is the poster and link to the survey – you can turn on your camera on a phone and hold it up to the QR code and it takes you to the link or you can click here:  https://surveyhero.com/c/f79ebaf7

Funding

• Bromsgrove Community Grants Scheme – The Community Grants Scheme replaces the New Home Bonus Community Grants Scheme and groups can bid for up to £5,000 per local project.  It will close at 5pm on Friday 18 June 2021.  Applications forms, guidance notes and FAQs are available using the following link Community Grants Scheme – bromsgrove.gov.uk.

• Bromsgrove Equality Small Grants Scheme  – Smaller voluntary, charitable and community groups in Bromsgrove District are invited to bid for up to £750 for local projects.  The Equality Small Grants Scheme makes funding available for activities that address community issues and support wider community involvement and equality.  The grants will support projects to be delivered between 1 July 2021 and 31 March 2022 and bidding closes at midday on Wednesday 9 June 2021.  Further information can be found at: Equality Small Grants Scheme – bromsgrove.gov.uk

• Stop Loan Sharks – £5K Grants available! – The Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund remains open for applications.  Community organisations, charities and groups are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) for projects to help tackle loan sharks. Collaborative bids between multiple agencies are also welcome.  The deadline for POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) applications is 30 June 2021.  Further information is attached.

Courses / Training

• DWP are offering a range of Sector Based Work Academy Programmes –  for residents in receipt of Universal Credit / Job Seekers Allowance / Employment Support Allowance.  Referrals can be made via a customer’s Work Coach at the Jobcentre.  Information about the latest programmes is attached.  Please help promote and encourage anyone eligible to get in touch with their Work Coach and take advantage of programmes and training on offer.

• *New Date* Reconnecting with the workplace – managing anxiety FREE course – 5 July 2021 – This course is aimed at people who have been out of the physical workplace due to coronavirus and are anxious about returning to the workplace.  Relate Worcestershire are running this course under the umbrella of the H&W Wellbeing and Recovery College.  This FREE 4 hour course is available on a first come, first served basis.  Further details attached.

• Job Savvy – Employability Suite – WCC Adult Learning – Job Savvy is delivered by the Worcestershire County Council’s Adult Learning and is a suite of tailored modules which have been hand-picked to support early career progression, skill development, job seeking and interview success. Whether someone is setting out on the first steps of your working life, or seeking something new after a long employment history, the pick-and-mix modules mean people can build a timetable of learning which meets their personal needs.  Further details are attached.

• HOW College – FREE Community Courses – Attached are leaflets of community courses currently running in Worcester – one is a ‘Fitness Bootcamp’ and the other is ‘Focus on the Brain’.  If you are aware of demand locally in Bromsgrove and/or Redditch for community courses such as these or any others, please get in touch with HoW College (or simply reply to this email and we’ll put you in touch) to find out what they could be offered locally to match demand.  Details on courses planned from September will be available in due course.

Recruitment / Volunteering

• Let’s Waste Less – Volunteers wanted! – Let’s Waste Less (funded by Worcestershire County Council) are looking for more volunteers who can encourage and motivate other people to reduce their waste in their local community.  Further details are attached.

• Age UK BRWF – Interested in becoming a Board Trustee – Would you like to use your skills to make a difference to the lives of older people and support a local charity? Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest (BRWF) is recruiting Trustees for its Board, interested?  Please see attached for further details.

Other Newsletters

• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group – Communications Update 21 May attached.

• Herefordshire & Worcestershire Involvement Network update – latest update 21 May attached.

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Mercia Partnership Newsletter May 2021 – attached for information.

• Healthwatch Worcestershire – May Bulletin attached.

• Active Bromsgrove – If you want to keep up to date with news from the Bromsgrove and Redditch Councils’ Sports Development Team and everything they have on offer in the community, you can sign up to receive the E-Newsletter.  Here are the links to sign up to receive Active Bromsgrove E-Newsletter and Active Redditch E-Newsletter.

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.

Kind Regards,

Della McCarthy & Helen Broughton

Bromsgrove Partnership / Redditch Partnership

Email: