Archive for year: 2021

The Here2Help Community Services Directory

In September 2021, Here2Help launched its Community Services Directory as part of its wider service to help residents search for a range of services and support offered by charities, community groups, businesses, public sector groups and other organisations in their local area and across the whole of Worcestershire.  These services include mental health and wellbeing, financial advice, assistance and supplies, volunteering opportunities, recreation activities and much more.
Since its launch in September, over 275 organisations have signed up to offer support and services to Worcestershire residents. The Here2Help team have also been out visiting various libraries in the County to talk to residents about the Here2Help Service and the Community Services Directory.
Do you know any local organisations that may be interested in registering their service on the Here2Help Community Services Directory? More information can be found by visiting www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

Your Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion wants to hear from you ahead of setting next year’s policing budget.

As part of the PCC’s ongoing commitment to take feedback from communities and use it to shape his decision making, he is seeking your views for his 2022 budget. Over the next four weeks, you will have the chance to have your say via a public survey.

The survey will ask you about your priorities, what concerns you have where you live and how much you would be willing to pay for the policing element of your council tax.

The PCC is urging you to take the time to have your say, as this is about your police force and this is your money.

To complete the survey, click on the following link:
https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90409334/Budget-consultation

The consultation closes on Monday 3rd January 2022.

Bromsgrove District Council are working with partners to try to better understand how local people feel about Covid-19 and the vaccination programme.

Partners including Public Health, the NHS, Worcestershire County Council and Bromsgrove District Council are working together to determine how residents in the local community feel about covid-19 vaccination and their thoughts and views on having or not having the vaccine.

To gather this information, a survey has been created. An online version is available at: Covid 19 Vaccination 2021 – bromsgrove.gov.uk

In addition to being attached, several hard copy surveys will be available at Parkside in the Customer Services area. A number will also be available in a community location at

The Basement Project

Hanover House,

1 Hanover St,

Bromsgrove B61 7JH

Cllr Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, said: “In completing this survey, you are helping organisations and partners to ensure that local perspectives and concerns are at the heart of the work on Covid-19 going forward. I would urge residents from all communities and walks of life to share their opinions – positive or negative – because they will have an impact on what happens locally going forward.”

The data will be stored by Bromsgrove District Council and only used for the express purpose of supporting the local partnership approach to Covid-19.

The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete and will close at 5pm on Monday 31 January 2022.

Many thanks

Emily

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  

• Is it time for your booster?  People who are over 50 or have a condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 or are frontline health and social care workers are amongst those eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster vaccines.  Anyone eligible who had their Covid-19 second dose six months ago or more can book now.  If it is five months (152 days) since your last dose you can book your booster in advance on the national system: Book or manage a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk).  Further information on who is eligible for the booster can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

*UPDATE* – All people aged 40 to 49 years old will soon be able to book an appointment for a booster too.  It’s expected this will be from Monday 22 November 2021.  Updates can be found on the NHS national booking system for boosters.

• Parents of 12-15 year olds have the option to book an appointment at a vaccination centre. Parents are being encouraged to go online at: Book or manage a 1st or 2nd dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

*UPDATE* – All people young people aged 16 and 17 years old will soon be able to book an appointment for a 2nd dose too, if it’s been 12 weeks since their 1st dose.  Keep an eye on the NHS national booking system for 1st and 2nd appointments for updates.  It’s expected this will be from Monday 22 November 2021. 

• Not had your first or second dose?  Anyone aged 16 or over who are registered with a GP surgery in England, can book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment(s), as well as parents of 12-15 year olds.  To find out more, including information on walk-in sites, go to: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or call 119.

• *UPDATE*  Did you know Artrix is a Walk-In Clinic?  If you are eligible for a booster, are a parent of a child aged 12-15, or are yet to receive your first dose, you may be able to visit one of the Worcestershire walk-in clinics, the closest one being the Artrix.  Walk-in clinics are advertised on an ad hoc basis around the pre-bookable appointments and you can view them using this link.  Use this link to view the traffic light system online to find out whether any of the walk-in appointments are available.

• 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

*IMPORTANT REMINDER* – 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, 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 a test, order online or simply pick up home testing at a range of local venues.  The 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 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

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

• New Mental Health Service – Qwell – Over 18s in Worcestershire are able to improve their mental wellbeing with a new free, safe and anonymous platform. On Qwell, you can talk to a professional, engage in community support or simply read our thousands of self-help articles – all for free.  Please see the attached information (3 attachments) which gives more detail on what the service provides and how to access it.

• Your Ideas – Next Steps Project – This new project in Redditch is aimed at people with lived experience of autism aged between 18 to 35 years.  Please see attached leaflet for further details or contact.

• Here2Help Community Services Directory – Is your service registered? – The Here2Help public facing Community Directory has recently launched meaning the public and professionals can use the searchable database to find out what local provision is available.  If you haven’t already done so, register your service / provision on the H2H community directory to ensure our residents searching for help and local support in Bromsgrove and Redditch can easily find your service / activity / group.

Tried the Here2Help Community Directory and have some feedback for improvement?  The team are keen to hear from you.  Get in touch via the new Operations Manager, Nikki Breakwell: 

• Second Job Centre in Redditch – As you may have seen in the local press, a second Job Centre, located in the Kingfisher Centre is now open.  This will allow us to bring in more of our customers for face to face interviews and is fully covid secure: Second Job Centre for Redditch as vacancies boom across town – The Redditch Standard

• Age UK BRWF – New Exercise Classes – See attached information on new exercise classes that are available in Redditch and Bromsgrove.

• Changes to how you submit Early Help Assessments – As of this week (w/c 15 November) all Early Help Assessments completed by partner agencies need to be completed via the new portal: Third Party Professional Assessment (worcschildrenfirst.org.uk).  Further information can be found within the attached.  Guidance and advice for professionals can be found at: Early Help guidance for professionals | Worcestershire County Council

• White Ribbon Day 2021: Thursday 25 November 2021 & Conference on 26 November 2021 –  Each year thousands of people stand up, speak out and say no to violence and abuse.  North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership is once again supporting the White Ribbon campaign which runs from White Ribbon Day on 25th November and is followed by 16 Days of Action to End Violence against Women.  Everyone is encouraged to wear a white ribbon during the 16 days. The international campaign has a focus on women, but our Worcestershire wide campaign engages everyone, regardless of gender.  We want people affected by domestic abuse to know that they are not alone and let them know where they can get help such as West Mercia Women’s Aid: 0800 980 3331 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) and Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm).  #showsupport #endviolence.

In addition, there will be a joint Herefordshire and Worcestershire White Ribbon Domestic Abuse Online Conference on 26 November 2021.  The Conference aims to help ‘shape the future’ and recognise the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people and how it an affect older people in later life.  Further details are attached.

• New Chief Executive appointed to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) – NHS England and NHS Improvement have recommended that Simon Trickett is the new Designate Chief Executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB, ready to take up the post as soon as the Bill receives Royal Assent.  The Health and Care Bill 2021, which contains a series of measures to formally establish Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), is currently at Committee Stage receiving a detailed examination following its second reading.  The ICB is part of these new ICS arrangements to improve joint working across the NHS, local authorities and a wide range of other local partners; to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.  Further details are attached.

Funding

• Redditch Borough Homelessness Prevention Grant Scheme OPEN – The Homeless Prevention Grant is used to fund a range of homelessness support services and schemes.  These services focus on preventing homelessness, repeat homelessness and supporting households that become homeless.  There is up to £170,000 available for Redditch services and schemes.  An application form for the 2022‑23 Grant is attached.  Deadline for applications is 4pm on Friday 3 December 2021.  It’s anticipated that the outcome of all applications will be known by the end of February 2022.  Any queries, please contact Linda Wright from the Borough Council’s Strategic Housing Team at 

• Worcestershire COVID-19 Impact Focus Groups – Community Grants – Worcestershire Public Health is looking for community groups and providers to run a series of COVID-19 impact focus groups.  Grants of £2,000 are available to deliver targeted focus group conversations about covid impact.  These conversations will explore beliefs and attitudes to being well since the pandemic, how behaviours may have changed and the support that has been accessed, with communities that are rarely heard from.  Further details are available here: Worcestershire COVID-19 Impact Focus Groups – Community Grants | Worcestershire COVID-19 Impact Focus Groups – Community Grants | Worcestershire County Council  If you wish to express an interest in this opportunity, please contact public health on:       Closing date for applications is 12 noon 26 November 2021. 

Training / Events

• Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Training *SHORT TIME ONLY!* – This training gives frontline workers the skills and confidence to have brief opportunistic conversations to improve health and wellbeing.  There are a variety of options to access the training with some sessions taking place on Zoom and other face to face sessions being held over the next couple of months.  This is a great opportunity for staff of various organisations – obviously not only is it a free evidence based training programme to upskill staff, but it will also have a huge impact in terms of prevention and improving health and wellbeing.  After March 2022, the focus will be the ‘train the trainer’ model which means many organisations will be delivering the training themselves to their own staff – so take advantage now and book your staff members a place!  Please see attached an updated flyer for more information and dates of the training sessions.  (Please note: A Bromsgrove date is yet to be confirmed but other dates, including online sessions, are attached.)

• FREE online event – Understanding the Care Cap – 24 November 4-5pm – This free online event has been arranged by Chandler Court Care Home in Bromsgrove.  Further details are attached.  Anyone wishing to join or if you have any queries, email Paul Chambers at: 

• WCC Adult Learning – Absolute Beginners: Essential Computer Skills – Please find attached a leaflet with further details of this course which will be delivered at Bromsgrove Library and Alvechurch Library next year.  Learners will be working at their own pace and receive support from an experienced tutor.  The course is free for anyone who meets the criteria.  Further information is attached and can be found online at: 

Other Newsletters

• DWP Touchbase and DWP Weekly updates – all three attached for information.
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (HW CCG) – Communications Update  – please see latest one attached.
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (HW CCG) – Involvement Network Update  – please see latest one 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.

Kind Regards,

Della McCarthy & Helen Broughton

Bromsgrove Partnership / Redditch Partnership

Email: