Cost of Living Update – Bulletin 4

*REVISED* Leaflet – Please help spread the word!

*Revised* Cost of Living Leaflet for Bromsgrove and Redditch

The cost of living challenges are set to continue and to try and ensure all local residents are aware of the support available, partners have helped devise a second cost of living leaflet.  The ‘at a glance’ leaflet gives details of key contacts who can provide expert help and signpost to relevant local support.

A copy of this revised flyer will go out to all Bromsgrove and Redditch residents with the 2023/24 Council Tax bills in March, but in the meantime, please help promote – both a printable and a website version of the leaflet are attached.  There are also supplies of printed copies available at Customer Services at both Redditch Town Hall and Parkside in Bromsgrove which you can collect and distribute to your service users to help spread the word.  We are particularly keen to reach those who may be digitally excluded. (Have copies of the original leaflet?  Don’t worry, they are still relevant and accurate so can still be used).

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.

Financial Support Leaflets – one for Redditch and one for Bromsgrove

A reminder that these leaflets are in addition to the joint cost of living leaflets and contain more detailed information about help that is available locally.  A printable and a website version can be found attached.

*New* – Cost of Living Survey – Your views matter!

Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils and other local partners would like to gather the views of the local community and better understand their experience of the cost of living crisis, how it is affecting them and look at how to improve the help, advice and support available. The link to the Redditch survey can be found here and the Bromsgrove survey here. A printable version is attached, or copies can be collected from Customer Services at both Redditch Town Hall or Parkside in Bromsgrove.  The survey should take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The closing date for responses is 5pm Friday 10 March 2023.

Household Support Fund Phase 3 ends on 31/3/23 – Latest information on local support available

Quick reminder that eligible Redditch and Bromsgrove residents who are struggling with the cost of household essentials can get help with food and household costs and there are 2 ways they can apply:

Act on Energy – help with energy costs, energy debt, broken heating systems etc

This scheme offers qualifying residents across 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 (actonenergy.org.uk). Residents can apply online or by calling 0800 988 2881.

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch– help with food and other essentials  ***Temporary Pause on Requests for the Household Support Fund Phase 3***

Due to the demand for the household support fund phase 3, CABR have temporarily stopped taking further requests for both Bromsgrove & Redditch residents. Please visit the CABR website regularly for updates on available funds.  Even though HSF3 is temporarily paused, that doesn’t mean residents cannot seek help and contact CABR.  If any partner agency is aware of a service user / resident that needs support from CABR, please do continue to refer them as there may be other ways CABR, working with the Councils’ Financial Inclusion Team, can help.

Training

The Energy Crisis  *FREE* 1.5-hour training for both staff and volunteers

Are you a front-line worker in Worcestershire? Want to understand support available for your customers? Sign up for The Energy Crisis training, delivered by Act on Energy, and will cover: 

Fuel Poverty  

·        What is Fuel Poverty?  

·        Fuel Poverty impacts in Worcestershire 

·        What does Fuel Poverty actually look like – how can you spot it? 

·        The issues with damp and mould 

 Energy Crisis  

·        Myth busting  

·        Top tips on talking with suppliers *

·        How we can mitigate against higher prices 

·        Grants and funding available 

 To view and book onto planned dates (February – March) please click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-update-myth-busting-and-cost-of-living-advice-tickets-510531612797

*Some dates already sold out – but plenty of dates still available so don’t miss out. 

Warm Spaces

Warm Welcome Network

A reminder that local organisations that have opened free, warm, welcoming spaces for the public can register the details of their offer on the  Warm Welcome Network so that anyone can search for local warm spaces in their area. 

Local Libraries across Worcestershire

The libraries are registered with the ‘Warm Welcome Network’ and are continuing to offer warm, welcoming spaces for residents to access free services, find information and support, take part in events and activities, and connect with other people. To find out the latest information about what’s happening in your local library, visit Worcestershire Libraries | Worcestershire County Council

Local Warm Spaces in Bromsgrove

All Saints’ Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove

The Church Hall will continue to open their doors every Wednesday from 2.00-3.30pm (Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove,  B60 1AC) for anyone who would like some company in a warm space, as well as a hot drink and a biscuit or cake.

Barnt Green Warm Spaces

Please find attached a flyer providing details of the warm spaces that will be available in Barnt Green throughout January and February.

Bromsgrove Baptist Church

Local residents are being offered a warm welcome and free meal in a friendly environment.  The meals are available every Thursday (during term time) at 7:30pm at the Bromsgrove Baptist Church. There is no need to book, you can just turn up, but if it’s a larger group, it would be helpful to let them know in advance. Further information can be found on the attached leaflet.

The church is also running “The Coffee Pot” on the third Thursday in the month from 10.30am-12.00 noon, serving tea, coffee, cakes, and light refreshments which might be suitable for people who don’t or can’t go out in the evening.

Bromsgrove Methodist Church

For the months of February and March, every Thursday between 10.30am – 12.30pm, the Welcome Coffee shop will be offering a warm space for anyone wanting to chat, play games, work, or read in a warm friendly environment. Further details on the flyer attached.

Catshill – Warm Spaces

Please find attached the updated leaflet with details of Catshill’s warm welcome offer.

St Godwald’s Community Spirit

Please find attached a leaflet with details of the warm space offering from St Godwald’s Church in Bromsgrove. The next Community Café will be on Friday 17th February at 10.00 am until 12 noon and will continue alternate Fridays. The next Warm Welcome Café is on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 and every alternate Wednesday thereafter, go along to the Ruth Heald Room from 12pm until 3pm for soup and a roll and tea/coffee. No charge but donations always very welcome for both events.

Warm Welcome in Rubery

Please find attached a leaflet which contains all the warm space offer in Rubery. The Monday to Sunday provision offers places to go whether you are looking for a friendly chat, a free cuppa or simply a comfortable way to spend a few quiet hours. Please note* Beacon’s warm space on a Tuesday is now 10am – 2pm but it is open later during school holidays.

Seetec Pluss – Warm Space at Parkside  

Seetec Pluss, based in Parkside in Bromsgrove, who deliver the Restart Scheme locally, are continuing to open their doors every Friday from 1.30 – 3.30pm and are offering hot drinks and refreshments, a place to charge up your phone, digital facilities as well as the opportunity to book an appointment with National Careers Service. See the attached flyer for full details.

Wythall Warm Hub Network

Find attached the leaflet detailing the Wythall Warm Hub Network offer.

Local Warm Spaces in Redditch

The Old Needleworks

The Old Needleworks are now officially a family warm hub and can offer free and subsidised meals for families. Children are more than welcome and can be provided with activities for them to do. To find out all the latest that’s on offer, please visit The Old Needle Works Foundation – A hub of Wellbeing

Churches Together in Redditch

Redditch Churches are offering a warm welcome in a warm space with a variety of activities and clubs, many with food and drink provision. Please find attached the latest booklet with all the details.

Oasis Christian Centre

The Oasis Christian Centre is available to all on a Monday 10am to 12pm and Sunday mornings at the service times, between 10am and 12.30pm.

Radiate Redditch

The monthly Community Café is open on the second Monday of every month.  Doors open to guests at 4.30pm with meal service at 5pm and close at 6pm. Upcoming dates are Mondays 13^th February,13^th March, 17th April and 15th May (due to Bank Holidays). Details will also be published on their Facebook page – Radiate Redditch – Creating the Warmth of Community | Facebook.

Also, find attached the Christmas hub newsletter with photos and updates from the warm hub provision over the festive period.

Sandycroft Centre

The Sandycroft centre is signed up to the Warm Welcome Network and offers provision Monday to Friday 9.30 – 5pm. Find attached the 2023 prospectus with details of all that’s on offer at Sandycroft up to April 2023.

Other Warm Spaces in Redditch – There are lots of activities / groups happening in warm spaces so don’t forget to check out places like Batchley Support Group,  REDI Centre,  Ecumenical Centre or pop into the café at Oasis – Woodrow .

Local Warm Spaces – Do you know of any others?

If you do set a warm space up or know of any others in Redditch and / or Bromsgrove or have any other plans in relation to supporting local residents during this time, please do let us know so we can raise awareness of the work you’re doing. We can share with other agencies who can signpost to you and local residents.  Our email is: .

Other Help and Information

Home Energy Checks for the over 50s **FREE**

Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Wyre Forest can now offer free home energy checks, full details can be found here.

HWFRS Winter Warmth Campaign

The Prevention team at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have developed a Winter Warmth Campaign.  Further details on this campaign can be found here – Cost of living: Steps to stay fire safe (nationalfirechiefs.org.uk).  The service has purchased Winter Warmth Packs for high-risk members of the community who meet relevant criteria. The Winter Warmth Packs contain: Fleece Blanket, Thermos Mug, Hat, Socks, and Gloves. A stock of oil filled radiators and extension leads are also available for those who are currently in fuel poverty during the winter months.

To access any of the equipment outlined above, individuals must be referred to the Prevention Team who will undertake a HFSV and will provide relevant equipment.  This can be done the following ways:

• Members of the community can complete an online Home Fire Safety Check for themselves or their friends / family. The form can be accessed via the Service website Request a check | Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (hwfire.org.uk)
• Call the Prevention team on 0800 032 1155 where the skilled team can offer fire safety advice and take details to arrange a visit.
• Partners only can refer using the HFSV referral form attached

DWP Update  

Latest Partnership Weekly News (dated 9 Feb) attached for information.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Now We’re Talking –

 New *Professional Portal* launched

The Now We’re Talking Partnership, led by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust alongside other local organisations, has also launched a new ‘Professionals Portal‘ which hosts resources to help people who may come into contact with staff or clients struggling with mental health or suicide.  It includes free training resources and tips and tools to help start a conversation.  A recent press release is attached.

It also includes advice and signposting to more practical support with concerns such as the cost of living crisis, domestic abuse, housing issues and relationships.  Is your service included? This is a great resource and is still being developed so we need your help to ensure that services in Bromsgrove and Redditch are listed and the information is correct.  Let us know if any changes or additions are needed and we will pass that on.

Anyone needing urgent support, for example if they have an urgent concern about their mental health or that of a loved one, can contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24/7 urgent mental health helpline on 0808 196 9127. The service is open to residents of all ages, across both counties. Alternatively, you can visit the Urgent Help webpage for further information and support.

Improving Signposting to Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

As part of the ‘Now We’re Talking‘ campaign, local health and care organisations are working together to help people navigate to the right mental health and wellbeing support more quickly and easily.  Further information is attached on this but essentially:

For adults – a recently developed website – www.nowweretalking.nhs.uk which provides links to lots of local services and resources for adults including community support, online programmes, Healthy Minds, and help for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

For children and young people – A recently launched children’s mental health website – www.camhs.hacw.nhs.uk – which also includes lots of resources to support children or young people who are experiencing mental health or wellbeing challenges.

There are also ‘mental health map on a page’ which aims to highlight the range of things people can access themselves, from advice to maintain positive wellbeing, help if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and contact details for urgent and emergency services.  Please display for your service users.  There are three versions attached – one for children and families; one for young people; and one for adults.

Quick reminder….

The Samaritans

The Samaritan’s offer support to anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, but also about taking action to prevent the crisis. The Samaritan service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be contacted by calling 116 123 for free. Did you know there are other ways to contact the Samaritans? You can write them an email or letter, chat online or use their self-help app. Visit here to find out more.

Worcestershire Safe Haven  (based in Redditch)

Safe Haven provides telephone support and face to face appointments to Worcestershire residents who are experiencing mental health crisis, which may well be caused by worrying over finances during this difficult time.  Based in Redditch town centre, Safe Haven offers a listening ear, support and signposting information and the service runs 7 days a week every evening from 6pm to 1am.  Individuals aged 18+ in need of this service can access it directly by calling 01905 600400.  This service is run by MIND South Warwickshire and Worcestershire and funded by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.  Further information can be found at: Worcestershire Safe Haven

Orange Button Community Scheme – Suicide Awareness and Prevention

The orange button scheme offers signposting and support to people in Worcestershire with suicidal thoughts or anyone concerned about someone who might be.  The orange button is worn by people who have relevant training in mental health and suicide prevention.

The aim of the scheme is to:

·        create a community of people trained in suicide awareness that have gained skills, including active listening, from quality assured training;

·        create a network of organisations that have orange button wearers in place that can be identified, listen and signpost;

·        ensure all communities are aware of the Orange Button, what it signifies and how people can be involved, by promoting from within the community.

Anyone who wants to get involved can apply for an orange button via the Now We’re Talking website. Further resources and advice about preventing suicide can be found here: Acting Together to Prevent Suicide | Worcestershire County Council

PLUS – The Loneliness Service

The PLUS [People Like Us] service that works across Worcestershire to support anyone aged over 18 registered with a Worcestershire GP who is experiencing loneliness and/or isolation. The service is delivered by Onside with their two delivery partners Worcester Community Trust and Simply Limitless. The PLUS service provides skilled and trained staff and volunteers who can provide support and encouragement to help people build the confidence to become more active and engaged in their communities. For more information, please visit https://www.onside-advocacy.org.uk/plus.