Dear all,

Please find the August Partnership bulletin below.  Given the on-going cost of living crisis, Household Support Fund details and other cost of living information remains at the top, but please scroll down for information updates on services, training, events etc.

Services / Support – Information Updates

Household Support Fund (Phase 2 – up to end of Sept) – Do you work with residents that need help with fuel costs and household essentials?

Whilst families are applying for funding in unprecedented numbers, we still need your help to reach our local residents aged 66 and over who may be in need.  A third of the funding is for pensioners, this money can’t go to anyone else and we want to ensure our pensioners receive the support that is just for them.  Promotional material for Bromsgrove and Redditch targeting pensioners has already been circulated, and some additional is attached.  It would be appreciated if you could share, display and hand out to anyone who could apply to Act on Energy and Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – details below:

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.  **Important Note** Funding is now extremely limited for households with children but there are plenty of funds available for pensioners in particular.

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

Residents that are struggling and need support with food and wider essentials may be eligible to apply to the Household Support Fund at Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch.

**Important Note** Unfortunately, due high demand, no further applications from households with children within Bromsgrove District can be accepted as the maximum allocation allowed has been reached.  However, Bromsgrove pensioners can still apply.  There is still funding available for all households in Redditch, however, please check the relevant web page for updates:

Bromsgrove Household Support Fund | Citizens Advice B&R  /  Redditch Household Support Fund | Citizens Advice B&R   Anyone in urgent need of assistance can call 0808 278 7890.

‘Help for Households’ – National cost of living support campaign

The Cabinet Office recently launched the ‘Help for Households’ campaign which explains the 41 different government schemes available to help with the cost of living, including new one-off payments as well as existing benefits and schemes. Details can be found here: https://costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk/.

There is also a toolkit for stakeholders which you may find useful.

Energy Advice Service for Bromsgrove and Redditch residents

Anyone living in the Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough can contact the Energy Advice Service, Act on Energy, to speak to expert advisors about their energy bills and minimising their home’s energy consumption while keeping warm and safe. The Freephone advice line 0800 988 2881 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).

FREE Energy Advice Training for Front Line Workers **Aug & Sept dates FULL but Oct & Nov dates available**

Act on Energy are offering training for front line workers who work with vulnerable clients or worried about how the cost-of-living crisis will impact on service users.  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:

• What is Fuel Poverty – and its impact
• Understanding the Energy Crisis, inc. a global and UK perspective, the price cap and why this is happening
• What help is available now
• Longer term solutions

To view and book onto planned dates please click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-advice-training-tickets-388005614237

Alternatively, if you would like personalised in person training for your whole team please (please note this will require a minimum of 10 staff) email  or call 0800 988 2881

Community Pantry Foodbank, Batchley

This is a fantastic place where locals can join and buy food at a discounted price, they also offer food parcels, and have free produce on a regular basis. The Community Pantry in Redditch is open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11.30am – 12.30pm, Tuesday is Pensioner day from 11am-12 and at 6pm on a Tuesday and Thursday, Greggs products are available. If a family is in need, no need to wait for the allocated time slots, please get in touch with Batchley Support Group on 01527 457291.

Bromsgrove Churches Together Initiative

At least 2 churches in Bromsgrove are looking at the idea of opening their church halls one day a week from October to March inclusive to provide a warm, safe place for anyone who needs to escape the cost and cold of home.  The idea would be to provide a free meal at lunchtime, refreshments, and a level of table activities around which people could gather and potentially end isolation.  This would be open to ALL but any isolated older residents would be particularly key. If anyone is aware of any similar plans in the District or if you can see an opportunity where your organisation could potentially support and work with Bromsgrove Churches Together in some way, please contact Revd David Ford at: 

Ukraine Family Support

Support is available to families in libraries throughout the County – details attached. Further support for Ukrainian guests and their hosts can be found here: Support available for Ukrainian Guests and their Hosts | Worcestershire County Council

HAF Holiday Activities and Food

There’s still time to get involved with all the summer fun!  Free activities and lunch for those entitled to free school meals – Flyer attached or go to: Ready Steady Worcestershire – school holiday food and activities | Worcestershire County Council

Free Leisure Membership in Bromsgrove cared for children and care experienced young people

Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre are offering free membership for cared for children (aged 0-15) and care experienced young people (aged 16-25) which will give them access to a range of facilities depending on their age, including gym, swim, soft play and group exercise. More details can be found here:  Cared for free membership – Everyone Active

Onside Services

Help for over 18’s and children/young people – PLUS People Like Us (PLUS) is available to anyone across Worcestershire aged 18 and over who is experiencing loneliness or isolation.

Act On it is for any student in year 7 or above in selected schools across Worcestershire and is designed to provide children and young people with the skills and techniques to better manage their own emotional wellbeing and improve their confidence and self-esteem. Further details on both PLUS and Act On it attached.

Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

As part of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Suicide Prevention Programme the Public Health Team at Worcestershire County Council have developed ‘a programme of workplace activity’ to encourage and support employers and employees to raise awareness about suicide prevention and create opportunities for early intervention.  Find out more here: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace | Worcestershire County Council.   A suicide prevention policy can also be downloaded from here Guidance – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Policy | Acting Together to Prevent Suicide | Worcestershire County Council For details of mental health support you can access in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, please see the attached leaflet.

The Better Health – Let’s do this – Commonwealth Games Time

For all those inspired by the Commonwealth games, take a look at the Campaign Resource Centre with hints and tips on how staying active can help provide better mental health. The aim is to motivate and inspire people to try something new, taking advantage of the Commonwealth Games as a potential moment to improve health and wellbeing. To find full details and a toolkit of resources, click here: Employers’ toolkit- Better Health | Campaign Resource Centre (phe.gov.uk)

Lung Cancer Campaign- ‘Help Us, Help You’

NHS England are re-launching the ‘Help Us, Help You’ lung cancer campaign to encourage people with a cough lasting three weeks or more to contact their GP practice. The campaign targets adults over the age of 60, who are more at risk of lung cancer, and also targeting friends and family members to encourage loved ones who experience symptoms to take action. Resources can be downloaded from the Campaign Resource Centre.

Repair Café in Bromsgrove

The Repair Café meets the first Saturday of every month and is all about repairing things together! It takes place at All Saints Hall, Burcot Lane, B60 1AD where valuable practical knowledge can be passed on and repair experiences can be shared with the benefit of helping to stop good things going into landfill. The repair café is also running a sewing event on Saturday 3^rd September 3.45 – 4.45pm. This event offers hand-sewing classes for beginners + free sewing kit – Learn how to extend the life of trousers, skirts and how to sew on buttons. Please help promote the Repair Café events and signpost to anyone that would be interested – Find out more on the two leaflets attached.

Co-op – Community Wellbeing Index – (Refreshed Data)

The Co-op developed the Community Wellbeing Index (CWI), a free-to-use online tool, in collaboration with the Young Foundation and Geolytix.  The aim of CWI is to provide an insight into the wellbeing of local communities at a hyper-local level.  Further information can be found at: Community Wellbeing Index (coop.co.uk).  You can also view information relating to your local authority using the online mapping tool.

Events and Roadshows

BDHT Family Fun Days – Still time to join in with the fun!

• Thursday 18^th August – Sidemoor
• Thursday 25^th August – Charford

Both events will run from 12.30 – 2.30pm  To find out more or get involved, please contact: 

Worcestershire Employability Provider Event  Will take place at the Hive in Worcester on 15^th September. The aim of the event is bringing together partners to discuss what employability provision we have across Worcestershire, how we can work together, where are the gaps, what new projects are coming up, sharing ideas & networking. To book a place visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-of-employment-support-for-worcestershire-2022-tickets-394320823197

Lifestyle Showcase Event at Chandler Court Care Home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove is taking place on Friday 16^th September from 10am – 4pm. This is an opportunity to learn more about the care and lifestyle that’s on offer at Chandler Court, meet the friendly team and enjoy some refreshments, activities and local entertainment. If you’d like to attend or find out further details, please call: 01527 907808 or email . Leaflet Attached – Please feel free to share the details with anyone who may be interested in attending.

*New Exercise Class* in Romsley – Age UK BRWF is piloting a new Move More Exercise Class in Romsley (at Romsley Scout Centre) starting Thursday 8th September (12.45-1.45pm).  Please find attached a poster for you to share with anyone who may be interested in attending.

Fire Station Open Day – Bromsgrove – We are awaiting further details but the very popular open day at Bromsgrove Fire Station is hopefully back this year!  The proposed date is Saturday 17 September.  A number of partner agencies have supported in the past so if you would like to engage this year, or you’d simply like to know more, you can contact Lee Rudge at 

Inaugural ABI Games – Presented by Headway Worcestershire, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, Headway Worcestershire is proud to present the inaugural Acquired Brain Injury Games. People with acquired brain injuries from anywhere in the UK are invited to participate in this event. Partnering with the University of Worcester Sports Arena, the event will be held on 27 & 28 August 2022. See here for more details: Headway Worcestershire | Supporting people affected by brain injury

New Over 50’s Social Group – Bromsgrove – We have been contacted by the Oddfellows society and asked to share with partners details of a new group they will be hosting on the first Monday of every month, starting on 5^th September. This group will provide an opportunity to those who would like to meet new people and build new friendships. Flyer attached.

Funding

Youth Investment Fund Round 2 –  Applications are now open, the link to the online portal can be found here.

Consultations / Surveys

2021 Community Survey results for Bromsgrove and Redditch – Can be viewed: Bromsgrove District Council – Community Survey 2021 and Redditch Borough Council – Community Survey 2021

2022 Mental Health Needs Assessment – A needs assessment of Mental health and wellbeing in Herefordshire and Worcestershire during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has been published as part of the Worcestershire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The report can be found from the following link: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/15907/mental_health_needs_assessment_2022.pdf

Are you struggling to recruit? – The Worcestershire Growth Hub would like to hear from you – By completing the 5 minutes survey it will help the Worcestershire Growth Hub team to understand the challenges facing businesses around recruitment and skills. Worcestershire LEP Skills Survey (surveymonkey.co.uk)

Paolozzi Mosaics, Milward Square, Redditch – Redditch Borough Council and Arts in Redditch have launched a survey to gather residents’ thoughts, views, and opinions about the Eduardo Paolozzi Mosaics located in the Kingfisher Centre. The survey also provides residents with the opportunity to put forward their ideas for celebrating a milestone anniversary of the works in April 2023, 40 years since their installation.  The survey can be completed until 23:59, October 9^th at the following address: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TheMilwardSquareMosaicsYourThoughts/

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

If you’ve not had the opportunity to include your service or hub in this asset mapping exercise, there’s still time. Please complete this quick survey.  Once the information is collated it will help to provide a picture of the hubs, services and roles within Redditch which will allow Redditch District Collaborative 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

Climate Change – Training to make a difference

Bromsgrove and Redditch Councils have embarked on a journey of delivering Carbon Literacy Training to all Staff and Councillors which will put climate action into the hands of everyone. With the increasing threat from climate change on our daily lives, our business, and our local spaces, it is important that all organisations are working to reduce carbon from their day-to-day activities.

The course providers, Carbon Literacy Trust, helps participants to become more aware of how human activity is exacerbating climate change and how we need to react to reduce the carbon and other greenhouse gasses from our atmosphere. It also helps to identify the additional benefits that can result as a by-product of an organisation working in a decarbonised way. We all have a responsibility to act in a way that our partners and stakeholders would approve of, and this is great opportunity to show your commitment to a more sustainable way of managing your organisation.

To find out more or sign up, visit  Home – The Carbon Literacy Project and How It Works – The Carbon Literacy Project. Carbon literacy training is delivered through workplaces, educational institutions and communities and can be online or face to face. Typically, there is a saving of 5-15% per person that is trained for your organisation and staff will commit to delivering on carbon reduction activities at the end of the course to become accredited. To register interest with Carbon Literacy Project email  and tell them why you would like to get involved, what kind of organisation you are, size wise, what you do and your carbon reduction aim.

MoodMaster Funded Course available to Worcestershire residents. MoodMaster is an upbeat approach to physical and emotional well-being. Weekly groups will take place online every Friday from 1-2pm. Please promote and signpost individuals who may benefit from this. Further details attached.

Learning Services Exhibition 2022 Launched last month and continuing all summer, the Learning Service Worcestershire are proud to show you learners’ work from this year’s 2022 art courses. For those inspired by the work and would like to give it a go, details of exhibition and art courses starting in September are included in the attachment.

Domestic Abuse training  This recently updated training is taking place online via zoom between September and December 2022. The training has been commissioned by Worcestershire Country Council (Public Health), more information and details on how to apply can be found on the attached flyer.

Other Newsletters

DWP Latest Newsletters – Touchbase – 8 July 2022 (dwp.gov.uk)  /  Touchbase – 15 July 2022 (dwp.gov.uk)  /  Touchbase – 5 August 2022 (dwp.gov.uk)

DWP Weekly Updates – 21^st and 27^th July – Please find both attached.

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 25 July and 8 August 2022 – Both attached.

Carers Careline Newsletter – The latest newsletter focuses on support groups.

Basement Project Summer Newsletter – See 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.

The Fraud & Scam Bulletin

August  2022

Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds