Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove & Redditch – Update 50
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, with Covid related information at the top.)
COVID Vaccinations
- Over 16’s can now receive a Covid-19 vaccination. Anyone aged 16 or over who are registered with a GP surgery in England can book their vaccination appointment(s). To find out more, including information on walk-in sites, go to: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or call 119.
- Anyone aged between 16 years to 17 years and 9 months require one dose only. Anyone aged over 17 years and 9 months requires 2 doses.
- All children aged 12 to 15 will be offered a 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents and guardians will get a letter with information about when the vaccine will be offered. Most children will be given their vaccine at school. Some children are being offered 2 doses of the vaccine and will be contacted directly by the NHS.
- For further information on who can get the vaccine, broken down into the different age categories, can be found at: Who can get the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Information on who can get a booster vaccine can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- 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)
- 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
REMINDER – COVID Testing – Rapid Lateral Flow Tests & PCR Tests
Everyone can access FREE regular rapid tests. They are for people who DO NOT have any symptoms. 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.
You can book at test, order online or simply pick up home testing at a range of local venues. 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 free PCR test? Go to: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
In some circumstances, you can also have a PCR test without symptoms, such as you have had a positive rapid lateral flow test or you are aware you have come into contact with someone who has COVID‑19, for instance. Further information and advice can be found using the same ‘Get a free PCR test’ link above
Further information on both types of tests can be found here.
COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme (includes eligible parents/guardians)
Since Monday 16th August 2021, changes to self isolation rules have affected who is able to claim a support payment. Redditch and Bromsgrove residents can find out more on eligibility and how to apply at:
REMINDER – Public Health Worcestershire – latest Vaccination / 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 around restriction updates, vaccinations, advice and guidance, including a link to the Government’s COVID-19 Response Autumn and Winter Plan 2021.
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: (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
- Helping lonely and isolated people through Walking Sports – would you like to know more and work in partnership? – Bromsgrove Walking Sports Centre have secured funding to enable them deliver a new project which will aim to help enable lonely and isolated people to access the Walking Sports, whether that be at the Centre or an Outreach, for example a care home. Alan Gormley from the Walking Sports Centre is looking to hold short open event(s) for organisations to see and experience the opportunities they have available. Thanks to all those who have already been in touch with Alan but if you haven’t, and you’d like to know more and potentially work with Bromsgrove Walking Sports to help reach anyone lonely or isolated, Alan would love to hear from you. Further details are attached and Alan can be contacted direct at or 07731 369942
- Recruiting two Community Builders – Catshill and Rubery – Do you know anyone who lives or works in Catshill or Rubery who loves their community and has a real desire to work alongside a whole range of people? If so, let them know about this exciting opportunity! As a Community Builder they will spend time getting to know the community and working with them to drive sustainable community‑driven development. Further details, including the full job description, can be found at: Paid Roles – NewStarts. The deadline for applications is 15 October. Please help by sharing this Facebook post.
- Early Help Booklet for Families – Worcestershire Children’s First recognises family life isn’t always easy. They have created an Early Help booklet (attached) and a ‘Family Hub’ section on the Early Help webpage to help provide families with the information and support on a range of services they may be looking for: Early help family support | Worcestershire County Council
- Community Learning at The Pod in Charford – Please find attached information on a wide range of activities available at The Pod from a Youth Club to a Dementia Café, from beginners IT to mental wellbeing courses and much more! Take a look at ‘What’s on @thepod’ attached and please share with all who may benefit. If you have any queries or would like to book email
- Rubery Digital Champion – Rubery Library now has a digital champion available every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm who can support people with IT difficulties. Poster is attached. Bookings can be made by contacting the library on 01905 822722. ALSO don’t forget, further information on Digital Services from local libraries can be found at: Digital Inclusion | Digital Services from the Library | Worcestershire County Council
- Beware of imposter scams – Redditch Borough Council is reminding residents to be on their guard against scammers pretending to be from the Council. It comes after a Church Hill resident contacted police to report having cash snatched from their hand by an unidentified caller who said they were from the Council. The Nominated Neighbour Scheme can help and further details on that are below. The full press release from Redditch Borough Council can be found at: Beware impostor scams – redditchbc.gov.uk
- Nominated Neighbour Scheme – please help promote – This is a free scheme to deter cold callers and rogue traders and help vulnerable and elderly people feel safer in their own homes. It is funded by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner to help reduce doorstep crime. Nominated Neighbour uses bright yellow window stickers to show potential house callers that that they will only been seen if accompanied by a known and trusted person after their identity has been verified by that person. All it takes is a neighbour, family friend or family member to agree to be nominated and have callers directed to them. The scheme deters scam callers, who will not want their identity to be checked. In addition to the window sticker, a pack containing useful information on keeping safe is also provided. Further information can be found at: Nominated Neighbour Scheme. To join the scheme or if you have questions, contact the Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Safety Team at or call 01527 534187.
- R;pple Suicide Prevention – New Internet Safety Tool – R;pple has developed an online browser tool which prevents people conducting internet searches for harmful content relating to suicide and/or self-harm with messages of hope and signposting. It can be downloaded for FREE here: R;pple Suicide Prevention (ripplesuicideprevention.com) Ideal for schools and for schools to promote to parents but useful for all ages. (NB currently only works on web browsers.) Please spread the word!
- Men and Masculinities Programme – Free and accessible for any men who are aware that their relationships have become distressing and damaged by their abusive behaviour, violence or issues of coercive control. The programme creates a safe and supportive space for participants to explore the impact of gender socialisation on their relationships, their experiences of parenting and self-care and self-esteem. It’s open to a range of clients including those that have substance misuse and or mental health issues. The programme also offers a linked (ex-) partner support service upon referral, provided by West Mercia Women’s Aid. Further information is attached, including a referral form, and can also be found online at: www.cranstoun.org/services/domestic-abuse/men-masculinities-hw/ If you have any questions please contact in the first instance.
- REMINDER Covid Recovery Programme – The Councils are offering a FREE education and exercise programme to support people living with COVID symptoms. They are piloting a 6 week progressive course in each area (Redditch and Bromsgrove) to include education around breathlessness, self-care and understanding the role that physical activity has to play in health. Details of the programme, which started this week, can be found at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/covidrecovery and www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/covidrecovery. Please use the link on the webpages to book a place. They are open to all adults.
- REMINDER Worcestershire Life Curve – as part of the Positive Ageing project, the Worcestershire LifeCurve has gone live! The LifeCurve is a new website and mobile app to help people in Worcestershire find out how well they are ageing, and whether they are losing the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Following a quick self-assessment, users will have access to locally tailored information on their current wellbeing, access to local resources and advice on staying active. You can access the website via: worcs.lifecurve.uk/ (do download the app and give it a go). And for further information visit Living Well in Later life: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/livingwellinlaterlife
Training and Events
- LAST CHANCE! Redditch Borough Council are offering support for VCS organisations to Improve their social media – With World Mental Health Day approaching the Council’s Comms Team are offering a fast-track training session to give charities top tips on enhancing their Facebook, Insta, Linked-in and Twitter presence. You are welcome to attend a Teams session on Thursday 30 September at 12pm or 5pm. To register interest please contact Helen Broughton by emailing
- World Mental Health Day Event – 6 October 10am-12pm – During this event, which is being held at Worcester Arena, you will hear different perspectives and experiences from our panel of experts, learn more about local support and have the chance to contribute with your own comments and questions. Further details are attached. If you have any questions, email or use this link to book a free place.
- Adult Skills Open Event – The event will provide details on a host of qualifications, some of which will be free (where learners meet eligibility). A great opportunity to explore the first steps to a career change or upskilling to improve employability. Event is on 20 October 5-8pm at Redditch and Worcester campuses, HoW College. Details attached.
- ‘Autism and Anxiety’ Training for parents / carers – Two FREE on-line training workshops in October for parent/carers of autistic children aged up to 18 or children waiting to be assessed for autism. Further details are attached. For more information please email: or call 0121 450 7575 (ALSO ‘Autism and Anxiety’ Free Training for professionals is available, go to: Events and Activities | Autism West Midlands Shop for further information)
- ‘Understanding the care cap’ FREE online webinar event – This 1 hour event, hosted by Chandler Court in Bromsgrove, is taking place on Wednesday 24th November 2021 4-5pm and will include an opportunity for people to ask their own questions. Details are attached. For more information or to book a free place please contact Paul Chambers on 0776 540 7246 or
Surveys
- LAST CHANCE! Tell us what you think about Bromsgrove Shopmobility – Bromsgrove District Council is interested to know from current and potential users what is important to them and any changes we may need to consider in the future. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will close at 5pm on Thursday 30 September 2021. Here is the link to complete the survey – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BDCShopmobility2021/
- Digital Access to Healthcare – Please help promote – Healthwatch Worcestershire want to understand what people think about acceding health caser and information digitally – online and by phone. During Covid-19 health services have been using telephone and video call consultations in place of face-to-face appointments. There has also been an increase in the use of email and text message communication and ordering of prescriptions online. We know not everyone has access to the internet or finds it easy to use so we want to hear from as many people as possible. The survey can be accessed online, however, paper copies of the survey are available or people can complete the survey by phone – 01386 550264 / . A flyer is also attached.
Other Newsletters
- NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (HW CCG) – Communications Update – please see latest one attached.
- DWP Touchbase – latest attached for information.
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