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 

• *NEW* BDHT Fun day “Grab a Jab” – Bromsgrove residents who are aged 18 and over, can grab their Covid jab at a walk-in clinic which is being set up at a family fun day event.  The walk-in clinic will be at the event, run by Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, at the Recreation Ground in Lyttleton Avenue from 12.30 till 2pm on Wednesday August 25th.  The clinic is being delivered by St John Ambulance, and will be offering first doses for anyone aged over 18 and second doses for those eligible who had their first dose at least 8 weeks prior. The clinic will be offering the Pfizer vaccine only so can only provide second doses for those who had the Pfizer vaccination initially.

• 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 first and second vaccination appointments.  Go to: Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or call 119.
• 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

• Guidance relating to children and young people – At the current time, children 12 to 15 years of age with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), severe learning disabilities or who are on the learning disability register are considered at increased risk for serious COVID-19 disease and should be offered COVID-19 vaccination.  Young people aged 16 to 17 years of age who are at higher risk of serious COVID19, should continue to be offered COVID-19 vaccination.

REMINDER – 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.

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 PCR test?  Further information on both types of tests can be found here.

REMINDER – COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme – Includes eligible 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 find out more 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

• 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 regarding easing of measures, 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:  (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

• Worcestershire Community Courses starting in September – please see attached email for community courses from Community and Adult Learning starting in September.

• Worcestershire Jobs Website – please find attached a flyer which gives more information about the Worcestershire Jobs website www.worcesteshirejobs.com .

• Impacts of Covid-19 JSNA report – In 2020 the Worcestershire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) Annual Summary report described the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of the population of Worcestershire. As well as the direct impact of the virus on health, the report also looked that how the pandemic has impacted on other factors that influence people’s health and well-being, for example, their social and economic environment.  As part of the report, a series of tables were published listing the impacts identified. In early 2021 we re-visited and updated these tables using a variety of evidence. The updated tables can be found on the JSNA website at: JSNA Summaries | JSNA Summaries | Worcestershire County Council  We are now in the process of developing the 2021 JSNA Annual Summary. This intelligence report will be published later in the year and will revisit the impact of COVID-19 on health and well-being using the most up-to-date information.

• Herefordshire & Worcestershire Fire Service – offers a range of support to the community and partners supporting vulnerable people including Safe and Well Checks and Fire Safety talks.  Please see attached email for more information.

Funding

• Bromsgrove and Redditch Covid-19 Recovery Grants Scheme – there is a pot of funding (£20k for each area) currently available to statutory sector, VCS and education sector organisations to bid for funding for projects which help tackle issues created by Covid-19 and mitigate its impact.  Guidance for the grant and the application form are attached to this email.  The closing date for applications is Thursday 2^nd September at 4pm – applications can be returned to 

• Countywide Covid Impact Fund – Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Community Foundation are offering grants of up to £10k for projects offering support on a range of themes, please see the website https://www.worcscf.org.uk/grants/covid-impact-fund/  for more details and how to apply.  The deadline for submission of applications is Thursday 16^th September.

Events

• Redditch Street Theatres – you can find further details about Redditch Street Theatre events using the links given.

• Rubery Festival on 5 Sept – have you booked your stall?  Please find attached details of the Rubery Festival planned to take place on 5 September 11am – 5pm at St Chad’s Park in Rubery.  If you haven’t already booked a space, you can do so by contacting Tony Maslen direct at  or call 0121 457 9308.

Other Newsletters

• Vaccine Inequalities Programme – Stakeholder Briefing 06 August 2021 – latest attached
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (HW CCG) – Communications Update – please see latest emails attached.
• Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 05 August 2021 – latest attached
• DWP – Touchbase & Weekly Updates – Latest attached for information.
• Active Redditch and Bromsgrove – see emails attached which detail Active Summer Sessions taking place in each area.

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: 

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

• *NEW* Grab a Jab – Walk-in Vaccination Clinic on Saturday 7 August in Redditch – no need to book – Anyone aged 18 or over in need of their first OR second vaccination can go along to the walk-in vaccination clinic available from 2pm to 8pm at Trafford Car Park, Trescott Road (near Aldi).  No need to book, just turn up and have a vaccine.  Further details online – please help promote.

• All adults aged 18 or over who are registered with a GP surgery in England can book their first and second vaccination appointments.  Go to: Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or call 119.
• 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

• *NEW* Guidance relating to children and young people – At the current time, children 12 to 15 years of age with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), severe learning disabilities or who are on the learning disability register are considered at increased risk for serious COVID-19 disease and should be offered COVID-19 vaccination.  Young people aged 16 to 17 years of age who are at higher risk of serious COVID19, should continue to be offered COVID-19 vaccination.

REMINDER – 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.

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 PCR test?  Further information on both types of tests can be found here.

REMINDER – COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme – Includes eligible 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 find out more 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

• 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 regarding easing of measures, 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:  (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

• Would you like to be a Volunteer Walk Leader? Need some training? – Do you know anyone who would like to volunteer to lead short walks in either Redditch or Bromsgrove District?  Volunteers would be supported by our Sports Development Team at Bromsgrove and Redditch Councils and there is even training on available on Wednesday 1 September 10am-1pm at the Town Hall in Redditch.  The walks would be an hour or less at a time and place to suit the volunteer.  Ideally the volunteer would need to commit to one session a week but if there is enough volunteers then they could simply share the load!  Have questions?  Why not get in touch with Hayley Gwilliam direct on 07974 748254 or email  – Please help promote

• Ready, Steady Worcestershire – Summer Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme – please see the attached which outlines what holiday club provision is in place for children in receipt of benefits related to free school meals across the county.  A list of all the clubs across Worcestershire, including Bromsgrove and Redditch, is also attached.  With 70 different locations across the county, there is something fun to suit every child.  All places for Free School Meal eligible families can be booked through the online booking system HERE.  A healthy meal is included at every club.

• 10 Minute Shake Up Your Summer – Public Health England and Sport England have teamed up with Disney to help get kids active by playing 10 Minute Shake Up Games.  Further details are attached and parents can also a FREE 10 Minute Shake Up Pack too!

• Inspiring Worcestershire – Careers Worcestershire – please see attached two flyers detailing opportunities for young people aged 18 – 24 to understand their next steps with training and employment options, including career summer clinics taking place across Worcestershire, with ones taking place in Bromsgrove and Redditch later this month.

• *NEW* Long Covid – FREE 6 week programme – interested? – Further details are attached of the proposed programme due to start in Redditch at the end of the month but if any partner agency working in Redditch or Bromsgrove would like to find out more, please contact Hayley direct at  / 07974 748254.  Please help promote using poster attached.

• Strong and Steady Classes – please help promote – These classes aim to improve strength and balance and are running in across Bromsgrove (Wythall, Rubery, Bromsgrove central and Sidemoor) and Redditch (Batchley and Hunt End) with more to be set up with increased demand.  Partner agencies can make referrals by email or the person can self refer by telephone.  Flyers are attached and hard copies are available.  Participants are kept safe through cleaning, social distancing etc and exercise bands are provided for them to keep.  If you would like to refer, or you would like a supply of the printed flyer attached to help promote, or you have any other queries, please contact Hayley Gwilliam –  / 07974 748254

• Heart Of Worcestershire (HOW) College – Hobbies and Leisure Courses in Sept 2021 – please see attached information about courses starting in September.

• *REMINDER* Act on Energy – Short Term Funding available for energy debt and boiler repairs – there is still funding available to local residents who need boiler repairs, replacements and fuel vouchers – please see the poster attached.

• NHS H&W Integrated Care System (ICS) – Chair recruitment process – For your information, attached is a message from Simon Trickett (H&W ICS Chief Exec) regarding the ICS and the process to recruit a Chair for the anticipated NHS Integrated Care Board.

• FREE office furniture to collect – NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG is looking to redistribute as much of the excess furniture following the closure of Barnsley Hall and Barnsley Court in Bromsgrove.  Local charities and other partners organisations are welcome to collect the free furniture.  To do so, please contact Alison Braithwaite at  by Friday 6 August 2021.  Further details attached.

• Adult Learning Worcestershire – Tutors required for Wellbeing courses – Adult Learning Worcestershire  are getting more and more requests for Wellbeing courses in September and with this in mind they are looking for more tutors to join the team.  Further details are attached.

• North Worcestershire Business Awards – nominations please – The second North Worcestershire Business Awards organised by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) and North Worcestershire Business Leaders (NWBL)  is now open for entries.  The aim is to recognise individuals or teams who have ‘gone the extra mile’ or ‘made a real difference’ at the heart of our business community.  Further details can be found at www.nwbusawards.org

Funding

• *REMINDER* The National Lottery’s Community Fund – Local Connections Fund (round 2) – Designed to help small charities and community groups working to reduce loneliness by building community connections.  Grants between £300 to £2500 are available but the closing date is 5pm on Friday 6 August.  Further details can be found at: Local Connections Fund – Round 2 | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

Events

• Bromsgrove and Redditch Street Theatres – you can find further details on the FREE Bromsgrove Street Theatre and Redditch Street Theatre events using the links given.

• BDHT Family Fun Days – please find attached details of the BDHT Family Fun Days planned.  If your agency would like to attend, there may still be time but be quick and email Ashlea Green at .  Please help promote these FREE events.

• Adult and Community Learning Art Exhibition – please see attached an email containing details of the online exhibition which is being held by Adult and Community Learning showcasing some of the art work created by students in the summer term.

Other Newsletters

• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (HW CCG) – Communications Update & Involvement Network – please see latest emails attached.
• DWP – Touchbase & Weekly Updates – Latest attached for information.
• Active Bromsgrove and Active Redditch – both newsletters from Sports Development Team at BDC & RBC are attached giving information on summer activities available locally.

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: