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)

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:

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 – 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: (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

  • 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

  • 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

 

  • 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!

  • 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

 

 

  • 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.

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/

 

 

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

Email: 

From: Alan Gormley <>
Sent: 24 September 2021 8:34 PM
To: Della McCarthy
Subject: Helping lonely and isolated people through Walking Sports.

 

Helping lonely and isolated people through Walking Sports. 

Hi Della. 

We’ve had some fabulous news. Our Lottery bid was successful and we’ve been awarded a small grant to help enable lonely and isolated people access our Walking Sports Centre more easily, be that as players or volunteers. This could be at our Centre or as an Outreach, for example, in a care home. 

I wonder if you could share this through your network please? Thank you. 

The project ‘Walking Sporty Friends’ has 3 main threads. 

  1. Holding an Open Morning (or afternoon) for organisations/ agencies that look after isolated / lonely people (and if possible some of those people too) so that they can see and experience the opportunities we provide. Possibly 2 events. 
  2. Subsidising some sessions for people for whom cost is a barrier to taking part
  3. Facility hire and refreshments for the Open events. 

We are very excited at the potential of this project and we would like to invite organisations to be part of our Open Day and then work with them on the subsequent delivery to lonely and isolated people. 

So far we have Age UK, local Primary Care Networks (Including GP’s), churches, Sport Par  and Worcestershire libraries on board. 

Kind regards 

Alan Gormley

Kind regards

Alan Gormley

Bromsgrove Walking Sports Centre

Mobile 07731 369942

Good afternoon,

I am really excited to announce that Cranstoun is now accepting referrals onto the ‘Men and Masculinities Programme’ in Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

Men & Masculinities is a group programme designed to deepen men’s understanding of themselves and their relationships. It is 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. The programme will work with 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 Womens Aid.

A copy of the referral form is attached. All referrals need to be sent to  after which we will complete suitability assessments and if accepted they will be invited to join the 24 week rolling programme. We are aiming for the first groups to commence in late Sept and early October 2021 and there are currently spaces available.

Hard copies of the service leaflet will be available soon. A digital copy is attached, or there is a copy on the website, if you need them before distribution: https://www.cranstoun.org/services/domestic-abuse/men-masculinities-hw/

If you have any questions please contact  in the first instance.

Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues and any external networks that may have clients who could benefit from this new programme.

Regards,

Donna

Donna Rubin
Drive Administrator

Worcester Police Station
Mobile: 07843 363701

Team email Worcestershire

Team email Herefordshire:  

Please note my working hours are: Mon – Thurs 9am – 4.30pm & Fri 9am – 2pm

You can report non-urgent crime via our website. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Please visit our website for information or assistance, or follow our social media accounts for police news in your area.

This email may contain information that is privileged, sensitive, or otherwise protected from disclosure.  Any unauthorised use, disclosure, copying or alteration of this email is strictly forbidden without express authorisation from West Mercia Police.  This email is intended for the recipient(s) only; please notify the sender immediately if received in error. Email activity is regularly monitored, including the content. Internet email is not to be treated a secure means of communication. Expressed views or opinions do not necessarily represent those of West Mercia Police.

This email and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, privileged, sensitive, or otherwise protected from disclosure. Its unauthorised use, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted. If received in error, please destroy all copies and notify the sender immediately by return email. Internet email is not a secure medium of communication. Any views or opinions expressed in this email do not necessarily represent those of West Mercia Police. All email activity may be may be monitored, recorded and retained by West Mercia Police in accordance with relevant legislation.

Please be aware that all information provided to West Mercia Police will be held and treated in confidence in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. It may be shared with other Force departments. Personal information may also be used for statistical purposes, for fraud and crime prevention and may be checked with/disclosed to regulatory bodies. The information provided may be held electronically and/or in paper form and will be kept secure at all times. Your personal data will be processed for the performance of tasks carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of the Police’s official authority and to comply with legal obligations. 

From: Worcestershire Wellbeing Hub <>
Sent: 15 September 2021 11:51 AM
Subject: Join us for a free World Mental Health Day event on October 6th

View this email in your browser

Mental Health in an Unequal World: Acting Together to Prevent Suicide –  is it Time to Change?

Wednesday 6th October 10am -12noon
Worcester Arena, University of Worcester, Severn Campus, Worcester WR2 5JN

In support of World Mental Health Day 2021 Time to Change Worcestershire have teamed up with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Suicide Prevention Programme to host an event which will explore the question:
Is suicide a mental health matter, a matter of social safety or a matter of social inequality?

There are 3 parts to the question because:
• Suicide prevention is often seen as needing to be part of mental health services because 80-90% of people who take their own life have a mental health condition, (though not all are diagnosed)
• Only 28% of people who take their own lives have had contact with MH services in the year leading up to their death
• The demographics of those most at risk tell us that those who live in deprived areas are more likely to end their own life

During this event 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

Chair: Jonathan Sutton, CEO of St Paul’s Hostel, Worcester
Speakers: Joy Hibbins – founder and CEO of the charity Suicide Crisis and author of “Suicide Prevention Techniques: How A Suicide Crisis Service Saves Lives”
Rosie Ellis – Community Development Officer, West Midlands at Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide
Louise McEvoy – Advanced Public Health Practitioner Suicide Prevention at Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Suicide Prevention Programme Lead

To find out more contact: 
To book your free place https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-in-an-unequal-world-acting-together-to-prevent-suicide-tickets-168072012915

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Our mailing address is:

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Web Bug from https://comfirst.us1.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=c04bda84a7041a21e04f8f8c4&id=1dc0324e14&e=d3ad47b01a

From: Early Help Partnership <>
Sent: 15 September 2021 3:41 PM
Subject: Autism and Anxiety Training

Dear All,

Please find the leaflet attached for free Autism and Anxiety training sessions for parents and carers.

Please could you share with your teams and families you are working with who may benefit from this training?

Kindest Regards,

Laura

Laura Evans

Business Support Officer

Early Help Partnership

Worcestershire Children First

County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP.

Tel: 01905 843817

Mobile: 07894327271

Email: 

 

**********************************************************************
Confidentiality Notice
This message and any attachments are private and confidential and may
be subject to legal privilege and copyright. If you are not the
intended recipient please do not publish or copy it to anyone else.
Please contact us by using the reply facility in your email software
and then remove it from your system.

Disclaimer
Although this email and attachments have been scanned for viruses and
malware, Worcestershire County Council accepts no liability for any
loss or damage arising from the receipt or use of this communication.

Monitoring of Email
Worcestershire County Council may monitor traffic data and the content
of email for lawful business purposes.

**********************************************************************

From: Paul Chambers <>
Sent: 28 September 2021 1:19 PM
Subject: Care UK Chandler Court: ‘Understanding the care cap’ – a FREE online webinar EVENT on Wednesday 24th November 2021 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm

 

Join Us!

We would like to formally invite you to a virtual event being held at Chandler Court via Microsoft Teams.

‘Understanding the care cap’ – a FREE online webinar EVENT

Wednesday 24th November 2021 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Join us for our ‘Understanding the care cap’ FREE online webinar event at Chandler Court on Wednesday 24th November.

Join us to hear SOLLA Accredited Care Funding Specialist Nicky Cave from Eldercare Group share insights into the care cap:

  • State support for self-funders (no nursing care needs)
  • What happens if capital is eroded to the capital limit?
  • What about the Care Cap?

There will also be a chance to ask your own questions in our Q&A box and of course the opportunity to get in touch 1-2-1 following the webinar session.

Places will be limited!

We use Microsoft Teams which is an online meeting space, which is easy to use. Once you have booked your place, I will send you the meeting details and tips for getting most out of attending an online event.

For more information or to book your free place please contact:

Paul Chambers on 0776 540 7246 or email .

Warmest regards,

Paul Chambers

Paul Chambers │  Customer Relations Manager │ Chandler Court

| DDI 01527 917510 | M: 07765407246| www.careuk.com

Chandler Court |  Recreation Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 8DT

              

together we can

Disclaimer

This message contains information that may be privileged or confidential and is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Care UK. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorised to read, print, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use this message or any part of this message. If you receive this message in error, please notify us immediately by emailing  and deleting all copies of this message.

Care UK filters and monitors all Internet communications.

Care UK is registered and incorporated in England under company registration number 1668247.

Please consider the environment and only print this email if absolutely necessary.

**WARNING** This email is from an external source. DO NOT click on any links or attachments unless they are expected and from a verified source

Dear Members of the Ageing Well Group,

As not all was included in the latest B&R partnership bulletin, I’m forwarding the following information which may be of interest to you:

  • Dementia Café opens at the Pod in Charford – please find details attached

  • Worcestershire LifeCurve is now live! See attached email from Public Health colleagues for further information

  • Free online Dementia Friends on 22 September at 3-4pm – last chance to book a free place.  Further details attached.

Kind Regards,

Della.

 

 

Della McCarthy

Bromsgrove Partnership Manager

 

Tel: 01527 881618

Email: 

Bromsgrove District Council

Parkside

Market Street

Bromsgrove

Worcestershire

B61 8DA

www.bromsgrove.gov.uk

BDC%20Logo%20Colour%20RGB

www.bromsgrovepartnership.org.uk

 

LSP - Bromsgrove Partnership Logo - small

Under the General Data Protection Regulation, we have a legal duty to protect any personal information we collect from you. Information contained in this email and any attachments may be privileged or confidential and intended for the exclusive use of the original recipient. If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email, including emptying your deleted email box. For more information; Redditch and Bromsgrove

From: ENGAGE, Hw (NHS HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE CCG) <>
Sent: 17 September 2021 4:35 PM
Subject: Communications update – 17/09/21

Hello All,

Please see below and attached our Communications Update dated 17/09/2021. Please do use the resources with your staff and service users, or forward the email onto your networks.

Many thanks,

Ruth

Engagement Team Inbox

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG

.
A close up of a logo

Description automatically generated

Communications Update – 17/09/21

.

 

Welcome to our 2021 weekly communications update.

This weekly bulletin has been produced by health and care partners across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and provides an update on the key areas of focus across the STP/ICS along with a range of materials you can use to support national campaigns, for example articles for newsletters and social media assets to cascade through your own communication channels.

 

Covid-19 updates

Vaccinations 

This week it was announced that all children aged 12-15 would be able to receive one dose only of a Pfizer vaccination. Plans for providing boosters for all over 50s in the Autumn were also publicised, and these will start to rollout through Primary Care Networks (PCNs) by invite only later this week.

From next week, people over 50, care home and frontline health and social care workers who are 6 months from their second dose will be able to start booking into Vaccination Centres, through the national booking system for their booster.

We have some FAQs about the booster vaccine programme hosted on our website. You can find these here: Herefordshire and Worcestershire ccg – Covid-19 booster vaccinations

Meanwhile, it remains vital to keep reminding people who haven’t yet taken up the vaccine to do so. They can book online here Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or simply walk-in at their nearest walk-in centre, which can be found using this link: Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Assets to support the vaccination campaign, particularly focused at young people and pregnant women can be found here: https://we.tl/t-ySvdI9qHSH

Covid-19 Restrictions 

‘Lets keep life moving’ assets encourage us all to take precautions to keep everyone safe. Please continue to share the assets, linked here, on your networks: https://we.tl/t-VK5CoA6jHp

Testing and Isolation

Lateral flows are, quick, easy and free. As 1/3 of Covid19 cases are asymptomatic, these tests play an important role in helping to stop the spread of the virus. They can be ordered here: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Please keep reminding your networks that if they have symptoms of Covid19, no matter how mild, they must isolate and book a test here Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or call 119.

Assets supporting testing and isolation requirements are linked here: https://we.tl/t-dCdjuMaxaQ

 

Flu Vaccinations

All PCNs across Herefordshire and Worcestershire (Primary Care Networks – groups of GP practices working together) will be offering flu clinics and are starting to send out invites now.

People are asked not to ring the surgery regarding flu jabs as everyone eligible will be invited. Clinics will comprise of a variety of appointment offers including drive through and walk through in some areas. All flu clinics will have Covid safe measures in place.

Please find assets promoting health and care staff flu vaccinations here: https://we.tl/t-cSgpPc89Ny

 

 

Access

 

GP Access and Cancers

Spotting cancer early improves the likelihood of treatment being successful. We continue to share these assets https://we.tl/t-XcP6j4o8FV to raise awareness of the signs of Lung, Abdominal and Urological cancers.

If you have had a cough for 3 weeks or more and it isn’t covid, tummy troubles such as discomfort or diarrhoea for three weeks or more or blood in your pee – even just once book an appointment to see your GP.

GPs remain ready to see their patients in a variety of ways, including using phone call and video technologies. Find assets supporting this messaging here: https://we.tl/t-ZgW105CVFn

NHS 111 First

Please continue to share messaging promoting NHS 111 first, especially that with a focus on signposting  to 111 online: NHS 111 online

111 helps patients make informed decisions about the care they need, which helps to ensure they can be seen as efficiently as possible. Assets for 111 are linked here: https://we.tl/t-IecPXYPuHZ

Minor Injury Units (MIUs) 

MIUs have the capacity to diagnose and treat many different conditions, including breaks and sprains, burns and other non-life-threatening injuries.

Resources which can be shared on your channels to promote MIUs are here: https://we.tl/t-ZfznBYbxty

 

RSV 

Sharing information for parents with children who are having respiratory difficulties remains a priority. A&E’s are seeing high levels of children presenting with breathing issues, so please continue to share resources surrounding RSV: https://we.tl/t-CRI83yuQSc  and the HandiApp: https://we.tl/t-w1EmQ1kqDE

 

 

 

Health Apps

 

App of the Month distrACT

Thank you to partners who have come forward to ask more about our app of the month and how it is tying in with other regional campaigns, such as Now Were Talking Together To Prevent Suicide | Healthy Minds (whct.nhs.uk)

DistrACT provides easy, quick and discreet access to general health information and advice about self-harm. It features on suicide prevention, crisis support, signposting to services/support and self-care.

Further information can be found here: https://we.tl/t-AAW97RJDOX

NHS App 

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet, including the NHS COVID Pass. Find a range of resources to share with your networks here: https://we.tl/t-KzTTsqPdxk

  

 

 

Coming Up

 

 

If you know of anyone else who would like to receive this update or you no longer want to receive it, please email 

 

************************************************************************************** ******************************

This message may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient please:
i) inform the sender that you have received the message in error before deleting it; and
ii) do not disclose, copy or distribute information in this e-mail or take any action in relation to its content (to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful).
Thank you for your co-operation.

NHSmail is the secure email, collaboration and directory service available for all NHS staff in England. NHSmail is approved for exchanging patient data and other sensitive information with NHSmail and other accredited email services.

For more information and to find out how you can switch visit Joining NHSmail – NHSmail Support

From: Department for Work and Pensions <>
Sent: 24 September 2021 3:17 PM
Subject: Touchbase – 24 September 2021

Touchbase

Brought to you by the Department for Work & Pensions

24 September 2021

 

Roundup of recent DWP announcements 

 

Health and disability green paper – two weeks to go

Don’t miss the chance to shape the future of the benefits system by responding to the Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper consultation.

 

The 12-week consultation closes on 11 October.

 

It is running alongside a series of consultation events with disabled people and those with health conditions and their representatives. This includes face-to-face events in the following locations:

 

Leeds – Tuesday 28 September on Improving Employment Support

 

Glasgow – Wednesday 29 September on Rethinking Assessments

 

London – Tuesday 5 October on Improving Employment Support

 

Bolton – Thursday 7 October on Improving the Design of the Benefits System

 

 

Support for those arriving from Afghanistan

 

As part of Operation Warm Welcome, DWP is working with other government departments to provide support to help Afghan nationals integrate into the UK. We are offering individual, step by step, clear guidance on benefit applications and routes into work using our network of work coaches in local jobcentres.

 

Find out more

 

 

Universal Credit journal message

 

We have recently updated Universal Credit claimants’ journals to remind them that the temporary increase to Universal Credit is due to end soon. Claimants are signposted in their journal to advice and support on managing their money.

 

The journal message is below for your information:

 

‘We introduced a temporary increase to Universal Credit payments in April 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means you have been receiving up to an extra £20 a week (£86.67 a month).

 

This temporary increase to Universal Credit is ending soon for all claimants. Your payment on [relevant date] is the last time you will receive this extra amount.

 

Get help with managing your money in the ‘How to manage your Universal Credit claim’ guide.’

 

 

Kickstart scheme toolkit

 

Following the launch of the Kickstart Scheme, DWP has updated its Kickstart Communications Toolkit for employers who want to share awareness of the scheme.

 

In the toolkit employers, stakeholders and partners can find downloadable assets, suggested social media and newsletter copy to recommend the Kickstart Scheme and influence businesses to sign up and help them understand how it could benefit them and young people across the country.

 

Read the Kickstart Scheme employer prospectus to find out more about the scheme and what employers are saying.

 

DWP runs regular Kickstart webinars for employers to which you can sign-up for free.

 

 

Every employee in Great Britain to be given right to request flexible working

 

Under new Government proposals announced this week workers will get more choice over when and where they work. Separately, the Government has also announced that it will be giving unpaid carers who are balancing a job in addition to caring for a dependant with long-term needs one week’s unpaid leave, as a day one right.

 

A consultation – Making flexible working the default – is now open and looks at a range of flexible working methods such as job-sharing, flexitime, compressed, annualised and staggered hours, as well as phased retirement – not just working from home.

 

You can read and respond to the open consultation on GOV.UK which is due to close on 1 December.

 

The Government response to the consultation on Carer’s Leave, published on 23 September, sets out further detail on the new right for unpaid carers.

 

Read more

 

 

Department for Work and Pensions logo