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.)

*UPDATED* 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 before 26 April can book now: 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)

• In addition to invites via schools, parents of 12-15 year olds have the option from TODAY to book an appointment at a vaccination centre.  The closest one locally is the Artrix.  More appointments and local sites will be available from next week, including Knights Pharmacy in Redditch.  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)

• 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.

• 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/

• Most children aged between 12 and 17 years and 9 months require one dose only.  Some children are being offered 2 doses of the vaccine and will be contacted directly by the NHS.  Anyone aged over 17 years and 9 months requires 2 doses.   Who can get the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• 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 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.  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

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

• *REMINDER* VCS Groups call to host Community Builder posts in Redditch – Funding is available in Redditch (and the other districts of Worcestershire) to build on the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) model of community development in our most deprived local areas.  Work has already begun by the ABCD Team from the County Council in Woodrow using this approach.  The next step is to employ “Community Builders” in Woodrow and other areas of Redditch to take this work further.  Redditch Borough Council are providing local Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations an opportunity to apply to host these Community Builder posts in their own organisations to ensure they work with local communities as closely as possible.  If you would be interested in applying to host Community Builder posts in Redditch, please see the attached specification and application form.  Closing date for applications is Monday 25^th October at 5pm.

• Ready Steady Worcestershire – School Holiday Provision – If you are looking for school holiday food and activity information, go to: Ready Steady Worcestershire – school holiday food and activities | Worcestershire County Council.  It includes an interactive map.

·       New Temporary Jobcentres – one in Redditch – Two new temporary Jobcentres will shortly be opening in Worcestershire. These “Rapid Expansion” sites will increase capacity to provide tailored face-to-face support in a COVID-secure environment and help support more people back into work and progress into new roles. The new sites will be in Redditch (Kingfisher Shopping Centre) and Kidderminster (Crossley Retail Park).  DWP will review the need for these temporary jobcentres as the economy recovers.  The Redditch site is likely to open in early December 2021 whilst the Kidderminster site is expected to open in January 2022.

• Heat4Health – Act on Energy, a local charity, offers free information and guidance to residents aiming to improve lives through warmer homes and reduce the number of households living in fuel poverty.  Heat4Health can offer: home visits, phone or virtual consultations; speaking with energy supplier on residents behalf; practical support and guidance with installing low cost energy saving measures within the home, helping residents feel in control of fuel costs and consumption; and referrals for grants and funding which may be available.  If you know anyone who could benefit, please direct them to Act on Energy for support.  Further details can be found online and a leaflet is attached.

• Dementia Toolkit – Act on Energy – As stated above, Act on Energy is a local charity which provides free energy advice.  They are currently designing a Dementia Toolkit to help promote individual independence and wellbeing.  They have been seeking support from other agencies in the design and are also looking to consult with individuals living with dementia and their carers to help inform and evaluate the contents of this toolkit.  If you are able to assist to ensure the toolkit design works for those with dementia, please contact Alvynne Curley direct at 

• Financial Support from Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils – Did you know that both Councils offer support and assistance to any resident of Redditch or Bromsgrove who is experiencing hardship or has concerns about managing their budget?  The Financial Inclusion Team can support in various ways including Discretionary Housing Payments, Essential Living Fund, Local Council Tax Support Scheme, Council Tax Hardship Scheme, and also specialist support.  Two information leaflets are attached with further details and you can contact the team at  or call on 01527 881213.  Please help raise awareness of the support available by circulating the attached leaflets.  Hard copies also available.

• Worcestershire Adult Learning – Digital Skills – Worcestershire County Council’s Adult Learning are offering Computer / Digital Skills training for absolute beginners to more advanced, many of which are running from Bromsgrove and/or Redditch libraries, amongst other local venues.  All the details can be found at: Adult Learning Courses (worcestershire.gov.uk)

• Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest – Please see attached further information regarding Age UK BRWR Classes and Activities in Redditch and Free Home Energy Checks across North Worcestershire.  Age UK BRWF is also recruiting for volunteer Trustees too.  Please see attached for further details.

• Place2Be – Parenting Smart – The children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, has launched a new website aimed at helping parents with typical situations they can find themselves in with their children. Advice can be found on over forty topics including: Understanding sibling rivalry; My child is lying, what does it mean, what should I do?; My child has trouble going to sleep; My child says ‘I hate you!’; Cultural identity: who am I?  Please encourage parents to visit: Place2Be: Parenting Smart: Articles

• New ESCAPE-pain programme in Bromsgrove – Starting on Tuesday 2nd November at Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre.  Places can be booked online at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/escapepain or by calling Hayley Gwilliam on 01527 881404.  Please help promote.  Further information is attached and if you would like hard copies, please contact Hayley at 

• White Goods & Home Essentials Scheme – Catshill Baptist Church are offering emergency help for vulnerable people and households in Bromsgrove (post codes B60 and B61) who need a white goods appliance and/or home essentials.  Regarding home essentials, packs are available including bed linen, crockery and cutlery, together with pots and pans.  Their policy for home essential packs is that a requirement needs to be established, for example, moving into a new home with no facilities.  There is a top limit of £100 for this service per application.  This is a volunteer run scheme and the contact, should you have any queries, is Chris Fabray – .  Application form is attached.

• Helping lonely and isolated people through Walking Sports – Open morning on 12 November – This project launches on Friday 12 November with an Open Morning from 9:30am to 12 noon for interested organisations and anyone feeling isolated and lonely who would like to find out more.  Further details are attached or you can contact Alan Gormley at  or 07731 369942

• Do you need volunteers? Or do you have clients that would benefit from volunteering?  BARN’s Volunteer Centre can help you to advertise your opportunities and recruit volunteers. We also have Volunteer Managers’ Forums to help support you – let us know if we can help. Volunteering also has benefits for volunteers too – confidence boosting, skills development, wellbeing improvements. If you have clients that might benefit from this we can help them find the right opportunity. All our support is free.  Website barn.org.uk/volunteering Email 

Surveys / Studies

• Annual Community Surveys – Bromsgrove and Redditch – Two separate Annual Community Surveys are now open which asks residents for their views and opinions about issues affecting them, their local area, and district/borough council services. The 2021 surveys are available at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations and http://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/consultations. They cover a range of areas and we have undertaken work to streamline the survey meaning it should only take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The results of last year’s survey are also available on the councils’ websites. Closing date for responses is 5pm on Friday 12 November 2021 – Please help promote to local residents.  Hard copies also available.  For more information, please contact the Councils’ Engagement, Equalities and Policy team at 

• Youth Mental Health Study – Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is promoting a study on behalf of the University of Manchester, who are exploring the opinions of young people living with a mental health condition, around digital apps for managing physical health / lifestyle.  The Study is open to young people ages between 16 and 30 years and runs until 1 December 2021.  Further information is attached.

Training and Events – if you missed it in the last bulletin, here is a reminder….

·        Future of Employment Support in Worcestershire Event – this free event is taking place on Thursday 4 November at 10am.  Hosted by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP it will give participants chance to meet new providers, discuss the challenges and support us to enable relationships and understanding to work better together.  Please follow this link for more information – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-of-employment-support-for-worcestershire-since-the-start-of-the-tickets-184654977007?utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing

• Exploring Time Banking in Worcestershire – Worcestershire Public Health Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) team would like to invite you to Exploring Time Banking in Worcestershire on the 4^th November 1-3pm.   This online event is an opportunity for local organisations and community groups to find out more about the potential of time-banking to support and enable communities to help each other and become stronger places. Time banks use time, not money, as currency and have been found to support personal growth and resilient communities. Timebank members report that they learn new skills, meet new people, enjoy better self-esteem and self-confidence, feel healthier and better connected to their community.  This event will provide an opportunity to hear from the experts! Timebanking UK (TBUK), the national charity supporting the development of timebanking, will be presenting and there will be an opportunity to ask questions, network with other people interested in the idea and find out how the ABCD team can support you locally.   For more information on the benefits of timebanking please see the TBUK website https://timebanking.org/.  If you are interested in attending the event please reply to this e mail   and joining instructions will be sent out nearer the date.

• Free Training Opportunity with Act On Energy – Are you a front-line worker who works with vulnerable clients? Has the recent energy crisis worried you or your service users? The last 18 months has left more households than ever having to choose between heating and eating. Having a better understanding of fuel poverty, and what steps can be taken to tackle it, could help you support those most in need.  This free training session will cover: understanding energy; understanding fuel poverty; balancing fuel poverty and climate change; and combatting fuel poverty.  To view and book onto planned dates please click on the following link: Fuel Poverty Training with Act On Energy Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.  Alternatively, if you would like personalised training for your whole team email  or call 0800 988 2881.

• Free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) ‘2 day’ virtual training is available for staff and volunteers working in Worcestershire – MHFA is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. In the same way as learning physical first aid, MHFA teaches people how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health and feel confident to guide someone to appropriate support.  Please see the attached leaflet which provides more information and dates and times for this virtual 2-day course.

Other Newsletters

• 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.
• DWP Touchbase and DWP Weekly updates – all attached for information.
• Worcestershire Children First – Commissioning Newsletter – please see October update 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

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