PCC newsletter – November 2022

Welcome to my November newsletter.

This month’s edition includes stories on Pin your poppy, #RoadSafetyWeek, how I’m tackling rural crime in West Mercia and more.

Keep reading to find out more…

Remembrance round-up

Thank you to everyone who created and pinned their poppy as part of my first Pin your poppy project. I was humbled to see the amazing poppies that communities across West Mercia lovingly attached to the Tommys.

On Armistice Day, all six Unknown Tommy statues decorated from head to toe in poppies stood proudly in front of Hindlip Hall for the Armistice Day service. At the service I was joined by the Chief Constable and her team as we heard the names of police officers from West Mercia who gave their lives in the two world wars and paid our respects.

Following the service, I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Wisniewski, Marta Kojscarz and Monika Irzyk from Worcestershire Polish Association who brought a special poppy representing Polish and British friendship. I pinned this poppy to a Tommy and also joined them as they laid a wreath at Hindlip’s cenotaph.

Radio interviews then took place with BBC Hereford & Worcester and Worcester News. I spoke about the importance of remembrance, the Pin your poppy project and thanked communities across West Mercia for getting involved.

On Sunday (13 November), I attended a remembrance service in Bewdley while your Deputy PCC Marc Bayliss attended a service in Worcester and your Assistant PCC Paul Middlebrough went to Hereford. We will remember them.

#RoadSafetyWeek

As part of last week’s Road Safety Week, RoadPeace’s Road Victim Roundtable took place in Worcester on Monday 14 November.

I opened the event by talking about the importance of RoadPeace and how I am committed to making roads in West Mercia safer.

The event, chaired by APCC Paul Middlebrough, was an opportunity for victims to talk about their experiences and to listen to organisations who are working hard to curb harm on roads in West Mercia.

Throughout the week, daily posts went out on @WestMerciaPCC social media channels under the hashtag #RoadSafetyWeek.

Rural crime

I fully understand the detriment that crime has on our rural communities. Crimes such as theft not only have a significant impact on businesses and farming, but make people feel more isolated.

In West Mercia, a third of communities live in rural areas, rising to 50% in Herefordshire and Shropshire. Rural crime in September 2022 accounted for 23% of all crime.

To tackle this issue, I have invested in 15 Rural and Business Officers, plus specialist wildlife officers, to work with rural communities reducing crime and offering practical preventative advice.

I have funded SmartWater kits which are used to mark property and is proven to be effective in preventing theft.

Find out more
Policing in Ellesmere

I have heard loud and clear from communities that they want their police force to be visible and accessible.

To ensure residents of the Shropshire town, Ellesmere, continue to have a local policing team based in the heart of their community, officers have moved back to the Town Hall.

This is part of my commitment to maintain police presence and ensure officers are visible and accessible.

Read full story
Tackling domestic abuse

I am working in partnership with West Mercia Police to tackle domestic abuse across West Mercia.

I understand the World Cup is a time of celebration and joy as many of you will be watching your national team compete on the biggest stage. However, this is also a time where some people in West Mercia will live in fear.

Sadly, there is a correlation between England losing a game of football and an increase in domestic violence – I say to perpetrators there is never an excuse to be violent.

Read full story
Cannabis grow seized in Redditch

The third raid in one week took place in Redditch on Friday 18 November with a professional cannabis grow seized, and a man arrested.

Officers obtained an emergency warrant and the team, led by PC Stone, swooped on the address.

Hundreds of plants and equipment were confiscated and an Albanian man, wanted by immigration officials, was arrested and taken into custody.

You can keep up to date with the work of your local policing teams by following them on Twitter.

The Branch Project

I am proudly supporting the West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre by funding a new post.

Thanks to funding I have allocated, WMRSASC has been able to hire a Technically Assisted – Child Sexual Exploitation Project worker.

I passionately support the project that offers support services to children and young people who are sadly, victims or at risk of exploitation. It is important that children are able to receive the support they need to help them cope and recover.

Find out more
Pride AGM

On Friday 4 November, I attended the Bridgnorth Pride AGM, setting out my commitment to equality, diversity and more inclusive communities.

The Safer West Mercia Plan includes a number of commitments to ensure West Mercia Police is inclusive and reflective of the communities it serves. I am also committed to tackling hate crime, where people are targeted because of who they are, and I have invested in a number of projects to provide support for victims and raise awareness.

It was great to hear the views of the group, and for those views to shape my priorities moving forward.

Are you a Kempsey resident?

Get your free SmartWater kit on Friday 25 November from 12pm to 3.30pm at Kempsey Parish Hall!

Through my We Don’t Buy Crime initiative, I have supported the scheme by contributing £3,586 towards the cost of the kits.

SmartWater is a proven way to deter criminals by making properties safer. I am delighted, thanks to close partnership work with West Mercia Police and councillors from Malvern Hills District Council, that the biggest rollout of SmartWater in West Mercia is taking place in Kempsey.

As part of my commitment to reduce crime, I will continue to support initiatives that keep our communities safe.

Safer West Mercia podcast

Have you listened to the new Safer West Mercia podcast?

In the latest edition I talk to PC Jenkins about being a student officer for West Mercia Police.

The podcast is a unique insight into the application process, police training and how PC Jenkins has found her first two weeks on the beat.

Listen here
Quick links

A day in the life

PCC welcomes new powers 

Safer and Stronger Communities project, one year on

Force’s approach to preventing and tackling police corruption

Tackling crime and supporting victims

Want a weblink to the newsletter? Click here.

Fw: Fears over debt as more people could turn to loan sharks to cover Christmas

Dear Partner,

Hope you are doing well.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is concerned that ruthless loan sharks will try to cash in on the festive period as many families struggle to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills this winter.

Christmas is a time for joy and happiness, but for the millions of families struggling with spiralling debt to loan sharks, it can be the most terrifying time of the year.  Our figures show that nearly one in ten people who borrowed from loan sharks last year did so to cover the costs of Christmas.

Loan sharks create an environment of fear, intimidation and control for their victims and they will use almost any means to tempt people into taking out a loan with them. They know how to spot people who are vulnerable and who need money. This creates a vicious cycle of debt for those unable to pay back their loans and often leads to serious financial issues, such as families losing their homes or being pushed into extreme poverty because they do not have enough money to survive.

The only way we can put an end to illegal money lending is with your help. Your support means we can reach more people who are at risk, put loan sharks out of business and help victims rebuild their lives. It’s especially important we spread awareness of loan sharks tactics during the festive season when their activity increases dramatically.

Please support our latest campaign #SleighNoToLoanSharks and help spread the message about the risks of illegal lending and how people can access our support. I have attached our national press release which can be adapted for local audiences, a referral form to report loan sharks and social media resources can be downloaded from our website here.

Loan sharks present a significant threat to the safety, security and well-being of many individuals in your community. They use deceptive tactics that can isolate people from friends, family and support services. You can put an end to the suffering these criminals inflict on borrowers. We’ll teach you about their tactics and techniques, so you’ll know how to spot and stop them. Please contact me if you would like to book a free training session for your organisation.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards

Nadeem Mahammed MPH, MFPH
LIAISE Officer (Leads in awareness, intelligence,support and education) – West Midlands Region & Milton Keynes
England Illegal Money Lending Team

Tel:        07517 539024

Email:   

Attachments

Total Attachments: 2

Download: LIAISE Partners HDO Form (29 KB) Download: Fears over debt as more people could turn to loan sharks to cover Christmas (134 KB)

Live Music at Beoley Village Hall

Hi everyone,
Just a reminder that we have more live music next week at the Hall on Wednesday 23rd November when we welcome the Pedigree Jazz Band.
As our 3rd December 60’s Music Night with the Reflections is also fast approaching, I have included details for you to add to add the date in your diary!
Many thanks for your continued support during these troubling economic times.
Let’s hope we attract sufficient numbers to these events to enable future evenings financially viable for us to arrange.
I hope to see you at one (or more) or our events soon.
Regards,
Richard

Monthly “Trad” Jazz Night “PEDIGREE JAZZ BAND” | Wednesday 23 November 2022

Beoley Jazz Club runs a monthly jazz night, featuring some fantastic “Trad” Jazz bands.

On the 23 November 2022, we have The PEDIGREE JAZZ BAND This is a very welcome return visit for this band, who always draw a good crowd. Some fantastic entertainment is guaranteed. Come and support live jazz and see a great band!

The Hall and Bar open at 7.45pm, with music from 8.15pm. Tickets are £12 each. For further details, or to order your advance ticket/s, call 07973 759340 (before 9.00pm please) or 01527-66646 (again, before 9.00pm please).

“THE REFLECTIONS” | Saturday 3 December 2022

On Saturday 3 Decemberber 2022 – we have the
THE REFLECTIONS. playing a selection of 1960s Pop and Rock & Roll music. The Reflections have played at Beoley Village Hall several times, to a capacity audience, so make sure you order your tickets soon! This event was originally planned for 2021 and we are delighted that, 12 months later, we are finally able to host this incredibly popular band!

The Hall and bar open at 7.15pm with the entertainment starting at 8pm. We expect a high demand for tickets, so please ensure you organise yours in advance. Tickets – £10 – available from Richard Ball – email or Tel: 01527-66646 (before 9.00pm please)

Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove and Redditch – November 2022

Dear all,

Please find the November Partnership bulletin below that includes NEW information on Phase 3 of the Household Support Fund, as well as all the latest news and updates.

Services / Support – Information Updates

**NOW OPEN for New Applications**  Act on Energy – Worcestershire Household Support Fund (Phase 3 – ending 31st of March 23)

 

This scheme has been reopened and offers qualifying residents across the county of Worcestershire support with their energy costsfuel 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.

Bromsgrove & Redditch Cost of Living Webpages and Leaflets

Don’t Forget!  Although shared previously, please find attached a copy of the joint Bromsgrove and Redditch cost of living leaflets.  Printed copies are available at Customer Services at both Redditch Town Hall and Parkside in Bromsgrove which you can collect and distribute to your service users.  There are cost of living webpages on both Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils’ websites too at: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving and www.redditchbc.gov.uk/costofliving.  See something missing on the webpages?  Let us know as they can be updated anytime.

 

Know of a new warm space or any other provision?  We can include in the next cost of living bulletin to help keep all agencies updated.  Please email .  Thank you to everyone who has already emailed information.

Redditch District Collaborative – obesity, frailty, mental health and wellbeing sessions – would you like to join?

Redditch District Collaborative (RDC) are now focusing on their priorities and want to re-engage with partners across the public and voluntary and community sectors and hold specific task and finish group sessions which are as follows:

  • Monday 14th November – 12:30-2:30 (Obesity T&F Session)
  • Monday 21st November – 12:30-2:30 (Frailty T&F Session)
  • Wednesday 23rd November – 12:30-2:30 (Mental Health & Wellbeing T&F Session)

 If you would like to be part of any of the above sessions and have NOT already received an invite directly, please get in touch directly with Claire Lojko, Programme Lead for RDC, at  who will look to include any missing local agencies where possible.  If you have been invited, please remember to accept the invite!

Christmas Food Hampers

 

Newstarts in Bromsgrove and are working alongside other organisations to provide Christmas Hampers for Bromsgrove Residents. Their aim is to ensure that those in need are able to receive a hamper.

In addition to receiving a Food Hamper, this year, Charford Fish Bar are kindly offering a free meal to residents of Charford on Christmas day.

To register for a hamper and/or Christmas Day meal,  Please complete the attached from and return to NewStarts by Midday on Friday 25th November.

 

Spike Bikes in Charford – Sunday 20 November 11am-3pm – All welcome to the FREE event!

 

The Starting Well Team at Bromsgrove District Council are working with Spike Bikes to support families and people with bike safety and basic repairs.  Spike Bikes are running a FREE workshop event on Sunday 20 November 11am – 3pm from the Co-op on Gilbert Road in Charford, Bromsgrove.   People can access from any area – they do not have to live on Charford.  Families or cyclists of any age can pop along and receive safety advice, basic repairs such as punctures, bike health checks or guidance on what bikes to buy.   Please help promote.  Flyer attached with further details.

 

*New* Stop Smoking Support Service for mums with a child up to 3 years old

 

Please see information attached about the new smokefree homes service supporting mums and other household members with young children to quit smoking.

The service will:

  • Support mums (and other household members) with young children
  • Provide 1:1 support with a trained Smoking Cessation Advisor
  • Offer free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Age UK BRWF –  Changes to Groups & Activities in Bromsgrove & Redditch

 

There has been a change to some of the groups in Redditch and Bromsgrove. For full details and a copy of the updated Redditch activities leaflet visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/redditch-activities-events/ and for the Bromsgrove groups, please visit: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/bromsgrove-activities-events/

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire

 

Age UK H&W are currently running several activities including the dementia cafes and meeting centres, walking friends and much more. To find out all the latest that’s on offer, please visit:

Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire| Activities and events

 

Winter Vaccinations Campaign launched  

The Winter Vaccinations ‘Boost Your Immunity’ Campaign is now underway.  The campaign is in support of the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes. To enable you to support this campaign you can register here: Campaign Resource Centre (phe.gov.uk) and download assets from the Campaign Resource Centre.

Self-Employment Support and Training Provision for Worcestershire learners

 

Please find attached two documents that Seetec Pluss have circulated. One provides links to self-employment support in Worcestershire and can help anyone wanting to start a business or become self-employed.  If you know of any other self-employment resources in the region, please email    Also attached is a document that lists the top 20 training providers in Worcestershire and supports the delivery of the Restart Scheme.

DWP – Health Adjustment Passport – Information Sessions on Teams

Attached are details of information sessions that will provide an overview of the new Health Adjustment Passports (HAP). The Health Adjustment Passport can be used if an individual has a disability or health condition that makes it harder to move into work or stay in a job. The sessions will be running for partners in November and December. The dates and Teams links are imbedded within the attachment. Please feel free to forward to other staff or organisations that you believe may find these overview sessions useful, but please note they are for DWP Partner Organisations only and not for members of the general public.

Home Learning Environment campaign launched

 

Better Health Start for Life and the Department for Education have launched a new campaign to encourage parents and carers to chat, play and read more with their children to develop their communication, language, and literacy skills before starting school. A range of resources are now available on the Campaign Resource Centre and for full information on the campaign, visit:  Better Health Start for Life Home Learning | Campaign Resource Centre (phe.gov.uk)

Better Health Start for Life Breastfeeding

 

There are new Better Health Start for Life Breastfeeding resources available on the Campaign Resource Centre along with a range of free orderable and downloadable resources to help promote the suite of digital and hard copy support tools (including the Breastfeeding hub and Information Service for Parents), which assist mums and new parents through their first weeks of breastfeeding and beyond.

Events, Roadshows and Open Days

White Ribbon Domestic Abuse Conference

 

A joint Herefordshire and Worcestershire White Ribbon Conference will be held on Friday 25 November 2022 9.30am to 4.30pm. The Conference is titled ‘Time for Change’ – ending violence against women and girls’ and will focus on ending violence against women and girls and challenging abusive behaviours. More information and the booking link can be found here: Event : White-Ribbon-Conference-2022–Time-for-Change–ending-violence-against-women-and-girls – 17608 (herefordshirecpd.co.uk)

 

The Anti-Violence Bee tour is coming to Bromsgrove, Rubery & Redditch

 

The Anti Violence Bee, produced by the Ironworks in Oswestry will be in Bromsgrove, Rubery and Redditch on the 15th and 16th November 2022. This tour coincides with the national Operation Sceptre – Anti Knife Crime week of action from 14th-20th November.

15/11/2022

Rubery

St Chad’s Park

14:30-16:30

Bromsgrove Police

Station

6 –10pm

16/11/2022

Bromsgrove Bird Box

09.00-1100

Redditch Town Centre

11:30-13:30

Redditch, Woodrow Centre

14:00-16:00

The Future of Employment Support for Worcestershire 2023 – Network Meeting will be held on Thursday 26 January 10am – 1pm

 

This event will focus on the Worcestershire employability provision as well as providing an opportunity to network, share ideas and see what’s going on. Click here to book your place.

Consultations / Surveys

Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-25

 

Please find the link for the Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-25 consultation. This online survey relates to Bromsgrove and Redditch districts, to complete the survey and give your feedback and views, please visit:  Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-2025 The survey closes at midnight on the 6th December.

Training/Courses/Workshops

Stretch Your Money Course – FREE

 

Adult learning Worcestershire are running this course at various local libraries where residents can learn how their phone can help them to budget, with top moneysaving apps, tips and advice! Full details can be found on the attached flyers.

 

*FREE* Domestic Abuse Training – January – March 2023

 

Please find attached the next phase of domestic abuse training dates in Worcestershire. This (recently updated) training is available between January – March 2023 and will take place via zoom.  The feedback received from delegates so far has been exceptionally positive and highlights not only an increase in knowledge but also an increased confidence when applying the learning to professional practice.

There are three modules of training, and the learning outcomes can be found on the attached flyer.

Module 1: Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse

Module 2: Working with Domestic Abuse within the context of Multi Agency Working – promoting critically reflective practice

Module 3: Understanding and Working with Perpetrators

To apply for a place please email: 

 

Healthy Minds Long Term Conditions courses

 

Please find attached details of the new Herefordshire and Worcestershire Healthy Minds courses for people who are living with long term health conditions such as Diabetes, Long Covid and Post Covid Syndrome (PCS).  Post Covid Syndrome (PCS) – These tailored courses are aimed at people living with Long Covid and Post Covid symptoms who are struggling with mild to moderate low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, or panic and presenting with low risks to themselves and others.  The courses are run remotely by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners. People that are interested in these courses can self-refer via www.healthyminds.whct.nhs.uk or call 03000135727. Professional referrals from GPs, practice nurses and other staff are also welcomed, referral form attached.

 

Funding/Grants

Oakland Foundation

The Foundation’s focus is to help ‘disadvantaged children under the age of 16 and their families’. They provide funding support based on the following themes:

*Education: to ensure children get the best education, no matter their background.
*Health and nutrition: to ensure children have access to healthy food.
*Sport: to ensure children have access to sport and activities irrespective of social background or physical ability.

Although open to Worcestershire and wider, they are keen to receive applications from Redditch and/or Bromsgrove in particular.  To find out more visit:  The Oakland Foundation (oakland-foundation.com)

Other Newsletters

DWP Weekly News Update Bulletin, 21 & 27 October and 10 November 2022 – Find attached

DWP Touchbase, 21 & 28 October 2022 – Find attached

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update, 7 November 2022 – Find attached

Note: This edition includes links to a survey on: Older Adults Mental Health hospital at home service and children, young people and their families experience with health and wellbeing services.

Healthwatch Worcestershire News Bulletin – November – Find attached

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

Worcestershire Growth Hub – Newsletter Video Update – November Update

We hope you find the above useful.

The contents of these bulletins are made up of whatever you decide to send through so if you have information you think is relevant and helpful to share with other local organisations, you can email it to: 

Many thanks,

Della McCarthy & Ali Wakeman

Bromsgrove Partnership & Redditch Partnership

Email: 

smaller Redditch_Partnership_logo       LSP - Bromsgrove Partnership Logo - small

First Notice of Order – Road Closure – Beoley – Bromsgrove District – 1343578

First Notice of Order – Road Closure – Beoley  – Bromsgrove District – 1343578
​Please see the attached public notice of a temporary traffic restrictions.

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

PUBLIC NOTICE

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

(U23606 Brockhill Lane, Beoley) (Temporary Closure) Order 2022

Proposed Order: to close that part of U23606 Brockhill Lane from its junction with C2292 Alcester Road to its junction with C2175 Seafield Lane.

Reason: Pole Replacement by BT

Exemptions: to permit access to any land or premises fronting the highway affected where there is no other form of access; and to allow the works to be undertaken.

Alternative route: C2292 Alcester Road, U23604 Whitepits Lane, C2175 Seafield Lane and vice versa.

Maximum duration: 18 Months. Anticipated duration: 1 day Commencing: 8 December 2022

Thomas Pollock Head of Commercial Law (Legal & Governance) County Hall Spetchley Road Worcester

16 November 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1343578 -1 – U23606 Brockhill Lane, Beoley

Streetworks Admin WCPO00051816

 

​Worcestershire County Council

Attachments

Total Attachments: 1

Download: 5003133775 - WYTHALL CAD (639 KB)

Live Music at Beoley Village Hall

Hi everyone,
We have more live music this month at the Hall on Wednesday 23rd November when we welcome the Pedigree Jazz Band.
Details of the 60’s Music Night with the Reflections on 3rd December is also provided and is definitely one for your diary!
Many thanks for your continued support during these troubling economic times.
Let’s hope we attract sufficient numbers to these events to enable future evenings financially viable for us to arrange.
I hope to see you at one (or more) or our events soon.
Regards,
Richard

Monthly “Trad” Jazz Night “PEDIGREE JAZZ BAND” | Wednesday 23 November 2022

Beoley Jazz Club runs a monthly jazz night, featuring some fantastic “Trad” Jazz bands.

On the 23 November 2022, we have The PEDIGREE JAZZ BAND This is a very welcome return visit for this band, who always draw a good crowd. Some fantastic entertainment is guaranteed. Come and support live jazz and see a great band!

The Hall and Bar open at 7.45pm, with music from 8.15pm. Tickets are £12 each. For further details, or to order your advance ticket/s, call 07973 759340 (before 9.00pm please) or 01527-66646 (again, before 9.00pm please).

“THE REFLECTIONS” | Saturday 3 December 2022

On Saturday 3 Decemberber 2022 – we have the
THE REFLECTIONS. playing a selection of 1960s Pop and Rock & Roll music. The Reflections have played at Beoley Village Hall several times, to a capacity audience, so make sure you order your tickets soon! This event was originally planned for 2021 and we are delighted that, 12 months later, we are finally able to host this incredibly popular band!

The Hall and bar open at 7.15pm with the entertainment starting at 8pm. We expect a high demand for tickets, so please ensure you organise yours in advance. Tickets – £10 – available from Richard Ball – email or Tel: 01527-66646 (before 9.00pm please)

PARISH COUNCIL OF BEOLEY – Notice of Casual Vacancy

 

PARISH COUNCIL OF BEOLEY

 

(Beoley Parish Council)

 

Local Government Act 1972 (Section 87(2))

Local Elections (Parishes & Communities) (England & Wales) Rules 2006 (Rule 5(2))

 

 

NOTICE OF CASUAL VACANCY

 

 

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a casual vacancy has occurred for

 

a Councillor for BEOLEY PARISH COUNCIL

 

 

An election to fill the casual vacancy shall be held if notice in writing of a

 

request* for such an election has been given by TEN local government

 

electors for the parish to the Returning Officer,

 

Bromsgrove District Council, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA

 

By 22nd November 2022

 

If no such notice is given, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-

 

option.

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: 3rd November 2022

 

                                                                              

 

Clerk to the Parish Council

 

 

 

*a template of a request is available from the Returning Officer

Attachments

Total Attachments: 1

Download: Casual Vacancy Notice November 2022 (12 KB)