Archive for month: July, 2022

Dear all,

Please find the Partnership bulletin below, a bumper edition covering all the latest information, training news and events!  There are a couple of important updates to draw your attention to:

• Covid latest – New pop-up vaccination events and roving clinics are taking place across the County, some local details below.
• Household Support Fund – The latest information, promotional posters and details of lunchtime learning sessions from Act on Energy for staff and volunteers

We also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about some changes within the Partnership staffing structure. Della McCarthy will now cover Bromsgrove and Redditch in her role as Partnership Manager and will be supported by Ali Wakeman, Bromsgrove and Redditch Partnership Officer, who is new in post.

Services / Support – Information Updates

Covid – **NEW** Pop-up Vaccination Events

If any partners or organisations would like to join any of the current or future dates of the pop ups, please can contact Katie Lowe: 

Bromsgrove summer vaccination outreach plan – static and micro outreaches:

• 7th July – The Pod, Charford (Micro Outreaches at: Harvest Close/Wheatridge Road, Astley Road/Royal Worcester Crescent) 10:00 – 17:00.
• 12th July – Bromsgrove Library (Micro Outreaches at: Humphrey Avenue/Francis Rd, Railway Walk)  09:00 – 16:00.

Redditch summer vaccination outreach plan – static and micro outreaches:

• 6^th July – Woodrow Centre (Micro Outreaches at: S&G general, Woodrow Street/Longden Close) 10:00 – 17:00
• 21^st July – Oasis Christian Centre (Micro Outreaches at: Shirehampton Cl, Healthfield Rd/Middle Piece Dr) 10:00 – 17:00

It is expected that additional dates and locations will be arranged in Bromsgrove and Redditch in July and details will be added to the online calendar here: www.swhealthcare.org.uk/vaccinevan.  They are often at short notice but partners are welcome to join if they are available.

Walk in clinics are on-going for first, second or booster vaccinations, click here for all details: Walk-In Clinics Worcestershire – Boosters, 12-15s, and 5-11s — SW Healthcare

Household Support Fund (Phase 2) – Do you work with pensioners / families / other households that need help with household essentials? *Please help promote – materials attached*

Please refer to Act on Energy for help with energy and water cost (FAQs attached)

The Spring/Summer 2022 Household Support Fund offers qualifying residents across the county of Worcestershire support with their energy costs, fuel debt and where required assistance to replace broken boilers and heating systems, subject to funding.  Eligibility criteria for support is not restricted to solely vulnerable households in receipt of benefits, but criteria will be applied for the different elements of support on offer.  Further information can be found online at:  Worcestershire Household Support Fund – Act On Energy  Residents can apply online or by calling 0800 988 2881.

Please refer to Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch for help with food and wider essentials

If you are working residents that are struggling need support with food and wider essentials, they can apply to the Household Support Fund at Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch.  (Please note, due to significant levels of applications, there may be times where this is paused briefly to enable the team to work through all the applications as quickly as possible.  Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch are working closely with Bromsgrove District and Redditch Brough Councils.)  Further information can be found at:  Household Support Fund – bromsgrove.gov.uk    /    Household Support Fund – redditchbc.gov.uk

Do you work with Pensioners?  Please encourage them to get in touch with either or both of the agencies above to ensure they receive what they are entitled to.  It is expected that a third of the funding received is spent on pensioners however we know that they are often reluctant to come forward.  This is an ideal time for them to replace broken boilers and heating systems ready for winter, for instance, but we need your help to encourage them to apply.

Household Support Fund *Lunchtime Learning* for staff – Act on Energy

Want to know more about what support is available?  Staff and volunteers working in Worcestershire can sign up to an online 20 minute presentation followed by 10 minute Q&A provided by Act on Energy on any ONE of the following dates:

–        Tuesday 19 July 12:00-12:30

–        Tuesday 2 August 12:30-13:00

–        Tuesday 9 August 12:00-12:30

Click HERE to register for your chosen session

New Energy Advice Service for Bromsgrove and Redditch residents

Separate to the Worcestershire Household Support Fund, Act on Energy has replaced YES Energy as Bromsgrove District Council’s and Redditch Borough Council’s official energy advice service.  Anyone living in Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough can get in touch to speak to expert advisors about their energy bills and minimising their home’s energy consumption while keeping warm and safe.  There are several ways residents can get in touch with the Energy Advice Service including via the Freephone advice line 0800 988 2881 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).  Further details are attached.

Bereaved by Suicide Service in Worcestershire – *Free Webinar*

Victim Support offers a bereaved by suicide support service for children and adults living in Worcestershire and referral forms are attached.  An ‘Introduction into Worcestershire Bereaved By Suicide service’ webinar is taking place on the 11 July at 2pm which will provide an overview of the service and is suitable for anyone who may come into contact with those who have been affected by a suicide. To sign up, click the link here and order a free ticket.

Please note: Information on this and other support available to those bereaved or affected by suicide in Worcestershire, can be found at: Support for those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide | Worcestershire County Council

New Suicide *Prevention* Resources

For details of support, advice and a confidential phoneline service, click here: Now Were Talking Together To Prevent Suicide | Healthy Minds (whct.nhs.uk)

Resources are available for partners from The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Suicide Prevention Programme. For A4 posters and A5 signposting flyers, please get in touch with the suicide prevention team who will  post out to your organisation.

Exploring the impact of loneliness – This was the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week earlier this year and in case you missed it, information on loneliness can be found on the NHS Better Health, Every Mind Matters website: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness/

Alcohol Awareness Week is moving to a new date!

The next Alcohol Awareness Week will now take place from 3-9 July 2023 with the aim of helping more people to take part. Please do add this new date to your calendar and spread the word among your teams.  If you have any questions about the move, please do get in touch

Timeline:

• June/July 2022: We’ll be sharing our new guides packed with ideas for running Dry January and Alcohol Awareness Week in your community.
• Mid-autumn 2022: Dry January resources – shared with you via email.
• Early December 2022: Launch of Dry January.
• March 2023: Alcohol Awareness Week resources  – shared with you via above link
• 3-9 July 2023: Alcohol Awareness Week

Health Walks Scheme & New Walking Friends Scheme

In addition to the established Worcestershire Health Walk programme, Onside are now running health walks in various rural locations across the County. To find out more, including dates and times, see attached.

Home Fire Safety Visits & NEW online Home Fire Safety Checks – Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS)

How safe are you?  HWFRS have launched a new online Home Fire Safety Check and are encouraging everyone to complete one for them or a family member, friend or neighbour, if they do not have access to a computer, to see how safe they are – www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc.  Leaflet is attached – please help promote.  If you would like to request some leaflets for distribution, please email .

For those most at risk, partner agencies can complete a referral form for a Home Fire Safety Visit.  A Home Fire Safety Visit is a FREE home safety visit that is tailored to an individual’s needs and is aimed at those who are more vulnerable such as the elderly, people living alone and those with reduced mobility.  Further information can be found here  Home Fire Safety Visit | Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (hwfire.org.uk) or you can contact the team on 0800 032 1155

Additionally, HWFRS are happy to visit with any groups/attend events to take face to face referrals or give fire safety talks. Partner agencies can contact direct at: 

Adolescent Health Profile 2022

A profile of adolescent health in Worcestershire has been published as part of the Worcestershire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

Topics covered within the profile include: The Wider/Social Determinants of Health, Health and Wellbeing, Health Behaviours of young people and Young People Experiencing Additional Challenges.

The report can be found here: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/15794/2022_adolescent_health_profile.pdf

Events and Roadshows

Dementia Meeting Open Day Events in July – Bromsgrove & Redditch

Please find attached open day posters for Bromsgrove and Redditch Dementia Meeting Centres taking place on 25 July and 26 July 10:30am to 12:30am  – please share and pop along. If anyone is interested in attending or has any questions, please contact Kelly Baya, Meeting Centre Service Manager at Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire – 

Let’s talk about dementia Event – Free event at Chandler Court in Bromsgrove on July 26th – Details attached.  There is also a FREE guide available to download: Lets-talk-about-dementia.pdf (careuk.com)

Gen22 – Opportunity for young people – information attached.

Gen22 is a 2 year project for 16-24yr olds from the West Midlands to gain employability boosting opportunities through the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It’s for young people who might otherwise struggle to access Games related opportunities. Barriers could include: lack of confidence; being a young carer or young parent; or having a criminal record. Participants are supported to undertake a 30-hour social action volunteering assignment. This will be connected to: Physical activity and wellbeing; Creative; or Digital. They will also receive a package of support to ensure they are able to maximise the benefits from the opportunity.  Do you know of any young people who you would like to nominate?  The Gen22 team are looking for organisations to nominate young people they work with to the programme.  The Gen22 team are also looking for organisations that might be able to offer one or more Gen22 participants the opportunity to undertake their assignment with them.  Assignment Providers can be from any sector – for example charities, businesses, sports clubs or educational establishments.  If you would like to get involved but are not sure how, please email 

Green Fun Days

• AVCP Redditch – Sunday 17^th July, 11am-4pm (working with the Lions Club)
• Sanders Park Bromsgrove – Sunday 14^th August, 12pm-4.30pm

If any of your teams would like to attend to promote relevant work and provide advice and guidance to our residents, please contact the events team: 

*Summer fun in Bromsgrove!*

Bromsgrove Festival – Events are planned up to Sunday 24th July 2022 – Check out what’s taking place across Bromsgrove

Active and Creative Bromsgrove – See attached for all the latest activities and events.

BDHT Family Fun Days – Taking place every Thursday in August from 12.30 – 2.30pm

• 4^th August – Burcot
• 11^th August – Wythall
• 18^th August – Sidemoor
• 25^th August – Charford

To find out more or get involved, please contact: 

*Summer Fun in Redditch!*

Check out the latest summer fun in Redditch at Arrow Valley Countryside Park, Morton Stanley Park and Town Centre. Something for everyone!  Click here to see what’s going on near you.

Active and Creative Redditch – See attached for all the latest activities and events.

Active Redditch Families

This FREE fun activity programme is running at various locations in Redditch, providing 5-11 year olds and their families and 12-16 year olds with fun activities each week and will include refreshments and a healthy snack.

BRAVO **Volunteers Wanted**   Current opportunities to volunteer in your local community include:- Worcestershire Health Walks, Walking Football, Walking Cricket, Walking Hockey

Visit here for all enquiries

Consultations / Surveys

Young People’s views – School Nurse and Chat Health Service

The Starting Well Partnership would really like to gain feedback and suggestions from Young People (11-19yrs) around the School Nurse and Chat health service.

Please display the attached flyer and encourage any Young People you work with to complete the short survey (all they have to do is scan the QR code and it will take them straight to it).

Redditch District Collaborative – Asset Mapping – Is your service included?  

Many of you will be aware that the two Primary Care Networks in Redditch (which bring together local GP practices) have set up a Redditch District Collaborative (RDC).  An asset mapping exercise is currently underway and some of you will have been contacted.  If not, to make sure your service is not missed, please complete this quick survey.  The aim is to collate a picture of the hubs, services and roles within Redditch which will allow RDC to build a greater understanding of the offer for Redditch people, what that looks like in relation to target audience as well as identify any gaps and opportunities.  Questions?  Contact Claire () or Anthony ()

Training/Courses/Workshops

Explore Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop

Want to know more about what ABCD actually is?  This is a great opportunity to attend a one-day, interactive workshop, presented by the ABCD team. The workshop introduces the values, principles and methods of Asset Based Community Development and explores the implications for your own practice. Click the link to find out dates and book a FREE ticket: Exploring Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Free Mental Health Workshop Opportunities (Worcestershire) – Springfield Mind

Springfield Mind, working with Hereford and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College, commissioned by Worcestershire County Council, have a number of free workshops available to you and your networks, supporting the mental health of our communities. These free workshops are for:

• Male Suicide Prevention
• Small Businesses
• Working Mums

 For more information or to book a workshop or place, please contact the training team: , 07881 412756

British Red Cross- fully funded workshops in tackling loneliness, first aid and adapt and recover from adversity

British Red Cross are running fully funded tackling loneliness digital workshops and further information in links. (Free First Aid and Adapt and Recovery from Adversity workshops can also be booked using this link).   Workshops can be booked for a group of 5-35 people (using this /bookings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">link) or for an individual (using this /bookings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">link– limited availability).

NEW DATE – Free Deaf Awareness course for organisations operating within Bromsgrove District

Action Deafness, supported by a grant from Bromsgrove District Council, are delivering some free 2 hour training. The course is open to organisations who operate within the Bromsgrove District.

New date – Wednesday 19^th October at Parkside Market St, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA.  You can pick between the morning session (9.30am – 11.30am) OR afternoon session (12-2pm).

To register for the course please email:  saying which session you would like to attend, morning or afternoon.** Places are limited**

Making Every Contact Counts (MECC) – online sessions

The training gives individuals the skills and confidence to have brief opportunistic conversations to improve the health and wellbeing of others. Upon completion, they will gain a certificate which counts towards their CPD. To book a place for the skills training and to find out about additional course dates, availability and venues, visit the MECC booking website

Become a Dementia Friend

A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community.  Dementia Friends help people living with dementia by taking actions – both big and small.  Actions do not need to be time-consuming.  Anyone can become a Dementia Friend and it’s really easy.  Volunteer Ambassadors are running in-person Information Sessions as well as virtual Information Sessions that you can book on to attend. Or you can watch our short online video to join.  Click here for further information

Other Newsletters

*NEW* NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire – Bulletin – July 2022 – A new NHS organisation formally established 1 July 2022.  Find out more in first Bulletin which is attached.

Healthwatch Worcestershire News Bulletin – June 2022 – Includes surveys and consultations to enable all to have their say: HWW News Bulletin – June (mailchi.mp)

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 29th June 2022 – Find attached

DWP Partnership Newsletter & DWP Touchbase– June 2022 – Both attached

Community First E-Bulletin- July 2022 Newsletter – Find attached

Worcestershire Growth Hub – Business Support Newsletter – June 2022 – Find attached

Worcestershire County Economic Summary – Find attached

Looking for information and advice about Covid-19?  Please go to  Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Worcestershire County Council for information and advice covering vaccinations, travel, testing and more.