Archive for month: March, 2025

Please find the February Partnership bulletin below that includes cost of living information at the top, as well as other news and updates.

Household Support Fund (HSF) – Funded by the UK Government – Local information below:

In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced that the Household Support Fund will be extended for another 12 months from April 2025 to March 2026 (HSF7).  The funding details and government guidance for HSF7 have not been released yet, so the following information only applies to Household Support Fund Phase 6 which runs to 31 March 2025. There is still time for eligible Bromsgrove and Redditch residents to apply for support with household costs, details on how to apply can be found below.

Act on Energy – Worcestershire Household Support Fund**Open for Applications**

This scheme offers qualifying residents across the county of Worcestershire support with their energy costs, fuel debt and where required, assistance to repair or replace broken boilers and heating systems.  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. Residents can apply online or by calling 0800 988 2881. Further information can be found here: Worcestershire Household Support Fund Phase 6 | Act On Energy.

Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN)_– £75 Cash voucher for eligible pensioners, disabled and carers **Available to Bromsgrove and Redditch residents**

 To further help distribute HSF support to those most in need of support, Worcestershire Advice Network (made up of our local Age UKs, Citizens Advice and Disability Information Advice Line) are again offering a £75 cash voucher to eligible pensioners NOT in receipt of Pension Credit, people with disabilities or a long term health condition of any age, and carers of any age.  New for this phase is a £75 voucher for those who have high energy usage medical devices too.  Some may be eligible for more than one CASH voucher.  There are just a few simple questions to find out if they are eligible.  This scheme is being administered by Age UK Wyvern (formerly known as Age UK Worcester and Malvern Hills) and supported locally by Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest and Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch. Further information can be found at: Worcestershire Advice Network | Advice services working in Partnership.

Please Note: Any resident who applies to Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch for our local HSF scheme mentioned above, will automatically be checked to see they are eligible for this countywide scheme too, making it easier for residents reaching out. However, some residents may choose to apply for this scheme only, so we wanted to make all local agencies aware of it.

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – help with food and other essentials  *Bromsgrove scheme – CLOSED*  / *Redditch scheme – OPEN*

 *BROMSGROVE* – All available funding for our Household Support Fund scheme for Bromsgrove has been allocated.  Unfortunately, this means no new applications can be accepted.

However, residents may be able to receive support from Act on Energy to help cover energy bills, energy debt and/or assistance towards repairing broken boilers and heating systems.  Plus, if they are an eligible pensioner, have a disability and/or are a carer of any age they might also be entitled to receive a voucher through Worcestershire Advice Network.  See details for both above.

 *REDDITCH* – If you are working with any Redditch residents that are struggling and need support with food and other essentials, and has not received this support in the past, they can still apply to the Household Support Fund here: Redditch HSF Scheme.

Even though the local HSF scheme has closed in Bromsgrove, 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.

Other Cost of Living Information

Business Card of Useful Numbers – Bromsgrove and Redditch 

A reminder that the business card of useful contact numbers covering Redditch and Bromsgrove are still available and you can pick up supplies for FREE to give out to your service users to help spread the word. You can collect a bundle from Redditch Borough Council’s Customer Services in the Kingfisher Centre (5 George Walk behind Primark) or Customer Services at Parkside in Bromsgrove. The cards are ideal to pop in a purse or wallet……Let’s work together to get these out far and wide to help ensure our residents know where to turn to for trusted information, advice and support, should they need it.  (Template is attached so you can see what they look like!)

FREE Energy Advice Line

Act on Energy works with the Councils to provide the Bromsgrove District Council’s Energy Advice Service and the Redditch Borough Council’s Energy Advice Service which is FREE to residents.  Independent and impartial advice is available to help residents with concerns such as: cutting energy bills; minimising home energy use; reducing carbon emissions; referrals for energy saving measures; and avoiding scams. Act on Energy can also help eligible residents access government grants.  We are aware many residents are not sure who to trust and may not be aware of this award winning charity, so please help spread the word and direct to Act on Energy – Freephone 0800 988 288 or email .  There are also free online resources, hints and tips available too.

Age UK BRWF – Free Home Energy Checks Don’t miss out….

Age UK BRWF still have a few remaining appointments for its Free Home Energy Checks. To find out more / book an appointment, please visit  Age UK BRWF – FREE Home Energy Checks or call the Age UK BRWF team on 01527 570490.

Cost of living webpages – so our residents know where to turn for support

Don’t Forget… There are cost of living webpages on both Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils’ websites at: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving and www.redditch.gov.uk/costofliving.  See something missing on the webpages?  Let us know as they can be updated anytime. Need a leaflet?  Worcestershire A5 cost of living leaflets are available – digital version is attached.  And don’t forget our new business cards of useful telephone numbers are also available – pick up at customers services at either Bromsgrove or Redditch Councils (see top of this blue section for details)

Services / Support – Information Updates

Moving landline phones to digital technology – rolling out now

The technology we use to make landline calls is being upgraded.  All analogue telephone lines will be replaced with digital services by January 2027 and these changes have already started.  Telecom providers (e.g. BT, Sky) will be contacting customers.  It’s important that anyone vulnerable who relies on their landline (e.g. does not have a mobile to make calls, has equipment that uses the telephone line) makes certain their telecoms provider is aware of this to ensure their service is not interrupted and they are properly supported with the switch.  Further information can be found at: Moving landline phones to digital technology: what you need to know – Ofcom.  BT are also planning ‘digital voice’ events to provide information and answer questions and will be in the West Midlands in September 2025.

Healthy Worcestershire

A reminder about Healthy Worcestershire, which commenced last year and is a free health improvement programme. The sessions run weekly and are free to join and cover topics such as: Improving strength and balance, supporting mental wellbeing, social activities and healthy eating.  The aim is to help anyone aged over 18 who lives in the County to be active and healthy and have fun meeting new people in their neighbourhood. Details of all the sessions can be found at: healthyworcestershire.org.uk. Here’s a reminder of all the sessions so far across Bromsgrove and Redditch – please help promote.

• Fathers Barn in Rubery on Fridays 2-4pm
• Catshill Village Hall on Thursdays 2-4pm in Bromsgrove.
• Blackwell Community Hall on Mondays 2-4pm (except Bank Holidays).
• Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Wednesdays 2-4pm  (Finstall Rd, Finstall, B60 3DH) *Launched end of last month – flyer attached*
• Willow Trees Community Centre on Fridays 10am-12pm in Redditch
• Sandycroft Centre on Tuesdays 10am-12pm in Redditch.
• Abbeydale Community Club on Wednesdays 10am-12pm in Redditch.
• Redditch Borough Football Club on Saturdays 10am-12pm (Cherry Tree Walk, B97 6PB). *Launched earlier this month – flyer attached*

Call or email for more information and to book or residents can simply turn up on the day – Tel: 01905 928185 or 0800 772 0307 / Email: .  Please help raise awareness. 

Not clear what ‘Healthy Worcestershire’ is?  It’s a programme, funded by Worcestershire Public Health and delivered by Solutions 4 Health, offering an integrated range of health improvement services in a way that brings people together and builds social connections.  Further details, including what to expect at the sessions, can be found at: healthyworcestershire.org.uk.

*New* LGBTQ+ Suicide Bereavement Support Group – SpeakOUT

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) are delivering ‘SpeakOUT’ which is a free and confidential online peer support group for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ who has lost a loved one to suicide.  SpeakOUT will be facilitated by volunteers with lived experience of both Suicide Bereavement and the LGBTQ+ community, so are in the very best place to support LGBTQ+ individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide. They also support the loved ones of an LGBTQ+ person who has died by suicide. Please see flyers attached and share to help raise awareness.

Bromsgrove Older Peoples’ Forum

A reminder that the Bromsgrove Older Peoples’ Forum will take place on the 2^nd Wednesday of every month 10am – 12noon at Chandler Court, Bromsgrove, B61 8DT. The re-launch session last month saw high numbers of attendees who came together to socialise and in addition, receive information on health, local services, community updates and local events. If any partners would like to link in and perhaps be a guest speaker at one session or if you would simply like to find out more, please contact Katie at in the first instance. A promotional flyer is attached.

Knowledge Bank – Online Directory of Local Services

A quick reminder about the Bromsgrove and Redditch Online Directory Knowledge Bank that lets residents know where they can go to find local support. A social media image is attached with posters and business cards available on request, simply get in touch here. Please help promote this local online directory available to anyone to access.  It’s never too late if you need anything amending or adding or wish to apply to be listed, simply complete the attached Knowledge Bank Agency Template form and email to .

Dementia Road Map Tool

Please find a link to the Dementia Road Map Tool of dementia services in Worcestershire: https://dementiaroadmap.co.uk/.

Disability Cycling Sessions in Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove District Council in partnership with Midland Mencap are funding free inclusive cycling sessions taking place in Sanders Park during March, see the flyer attached for further information. Sessions will continue during the summer and further dates will be shared soon, please visit Disability Cycling for the latest updates.

New Children’s Group – Creative Carousel – Redditch

Please see the attached flyer for information about a new venture for children, set up by members of Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugee’s, Redditch Ukrainian group.

Events / Roadshows

*FREE* Evening Menopause Event – Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove PCN have organised their first evening menopause event that will take place on Monday 3^rd March at 7:15pm – 8:15pm at Bromsgrove Leisure Centre. There will be several guest speakers attending on the night covering topics such as exercise, relaxation, and nutrition. Tickets are FREE and can be reserved via this link. It will be a friendly and informal event with a Goody Bag on exit too!  Please help raise awareness by sharing the attached flyer.

Community Workers Network Meeting – Redditch

The next Redditch Community Workers Network meeting will take place on Wednesday 5th March, 12pm – 2pm, at The Bridge, Headless Cross, Redditch B97 4JX. The meetings offer frontline community workers from the voluntary community sector and statutory agencies the opportunity to come together and share information, opportunities, and advice. The meetings will also provide an opportunity to highlight the needs of the local community and what issues our communities are facing. A light lunch will be provided. For further information or to book a place and advise on any specific dietary requirements, please email Ann at Bromsgrove and Redditch Network ">.

Bound Together Event – Redditch

Please find attached details of a family fun event that Bound Together CIC are holding on 8 March 25. This event is a celebration of their Community Makers commission from Reimagine Redditch, working alongside Creativity UK and the artist Thomas Cross as well as members of the community and organisations within the community.  Please help promote this community celebration.

Young Creators Flyer – Bromsgrove and Rubery

Please see the flyer attached from Creative Arts Showcase regarding an open call for Young Creators Online Exhibition for under 18 years old who love creating. There will be free workshops during March and April 2025.  Please help promote.

Training / Courses / Workshops

*FREE* Suicide Prevention Training Don’t miss out…..Last 3 dates – only a few spaces left!

A final reminder about the Free Suicide Prevention training funded by Worcestershire County Council available to anyone living, volunteering or working in Worcestershire (and Herefordshire) who come into regular contact with adults, in particular: Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Sector, Pub & Bar Staff, Barbers & Hairdressers and Unpaid Carers. The 3 hour training session is aimed at anyone who wants to understand more about suicide, how to talk directly and comfortably about suicide and what we can all do to offer practical support.  Details of all remaining sessions can be found here Suicide Awareness Training Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite . Anyone who completes the training will be able to sign up to the Orange Button Community Scheme that enables you to wear an ‘Orange Button’ to make your training and skills more visible to others.

Are you from a school or college? FREE Early Suicide Prevention Training specifically aimed at educational settings

Did you know that a 1-day workshop can be delivered at your school / college between now and end March 2025.  For further details, please contact Emily Halderthay at MIND South Warwickshire and Worcestershire on 07881 536832 or email .

Drugs & Alcohol Training *Free*

Young Solutions are putting on an open session of the Hope UK Drugs and Alcohol training that has previously been offered to organisations in Worcestershire to enable those with small cohorts or staff /volunteers who missed the training to attend.  After the course, attendees will be able to access e-learning modules linked to all the learning outcomes, download activities for youth work and access copies of the course presentations. The training will take place on Monday 17th March 11am to 1pm at Young Solutions, 32 Ombersley Street West, Droitwich, WR9 8QZ. To book a place visit: www.youngsolutions.org.uk/drugs-alcohol-training. Please feel free to share this free opportunity with your networks and teams.

*FREE*Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – Community Advice First Aider Training*(not to be confused with emergency first aid!)

Open to both Bromsgrove AND Redditch!  Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch are providing free training to upskill community members, frontline volunteers and staff in other local organisations / businesses who are Bromsgrove OR Redditch based to become Community Advice First Aiders.   Anyone who comes into contact with people and would like to be able to help signpost Bromsgrove and Redditch residents at an early stage would be ideal for this – from the local hairdresser to a community volunteer, a local Councillor to frontline staff – this could be for you!  The 3 ½ hour training course will give the guidance people require to deliver initial help and information (not financial advice) to the public, including how to signpost and refer clients to the Citizens Advice Service if required. All those who attend training will receive a certificate.  Session dates and details are below but be warned, sessions are filling fast!! 

• Friday 7th March
• Tuesday 11th March
• Friday 21st March
• Friday 28th March
• Wednesday 2nd April  (**All sessions will run from 10am to 1:30pm at CABR, Bromsgrove Office, 50-52 Birmingham Rd, B61 0DD**)

If you, a team member or any of your volunteers would like to take advantage of this FREE training opportunity to help others, or you have any queries about the training, please get in touch at .  A flyer is also attached – please share. 

3 FREE training opportunities organised by BARN (Bromsgrove and Redditch Network) for voluntary and community sector organisations AND volunteers from public sector organisations

• *FREE*Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Awareness Training

This training will be taking place Wednesday 12th March, 9.30am – 1pm, in Bromsgrove. The session will be delivered by Kate Bennett on behalf of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and will help to:

• Identify the benefits of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in voluntary and community organisations
• Understand the legal framework around equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Understand the different types of discrimination
• Understand un-acceptable behaviour and how to ask non-accusatory, sensitive and open-ended questions
• Understand how to challenge unacceptable behaviour in a constructive and fair manner

• *FREE*Health & Safety Awareness Training

This training will be taking place on Thursday 13th March, 9.30am – 1.30pm in Redditch. The session will be delivered by The Midlands Training Company and will touch on: Risk Assessment; Fire Safety; Manual Handling; Health & Safety Signs; Legislation and Responsibilities.

• *FREE*Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Training*Group Sessions now available, Plus Online!*

This FREE Level 2, Food Hygiene & Safety training is available online and in a group setting with IT support for those who feel less comfortable with IT and/or completing the course online. BARN are organising 2 separate sessions – one in Bromsgrove, one in Redditch, using local IT suites and with BARN staff on hand to help – dates/venues to be confirmed. Obviously, they can’t help with the course itself but can support any IT issues e.g. helping people to log on, move around the course etc. Course details: Tailored towards those who have direct and frequent contact with food and a central role in food preparation and handling. It takes approximately 1 – 2 hours with an exam at the end consisting of 25 multiple choice questions covering the three core sections – responsibilities, hazards, and hygiene. Once you’ve passed, you’ll receive a CPD Group accredited digital certificate.

Places for all 3 courses are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis but if you think this FREE training will be useful for you, a team member or one of your volunteers, please get in touch at .

Child Sexual Abuse Response Pathway Webinar & Training dates for 2025

Please find attached the Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Response Pathway Webinar and Training dates for this year – this workstream is being led by Solihull Children’s Services who, in collaboration with all regional Children’s Services, Policing and other agencies, are aiming to embed the CSA Centre’s response pathway for the West Midlands, Warwickshire, West Mercia and Staffordshire. Please follow the appropriate link for the relevant webinar / training for full details and to book a place.  Please feel free to share with your teams and other relevant agencies.

Domestic Abuse Awareness Training – available to ALL *Sessions still available for March!*

North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership are working with Martin Lakeman, Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Consultant, in raising awareness around the devastating impact of domestic abuse through the #Cut It Out initiative. Initially, this initiative was aimed at health and beauty professionals but it is now open to an all professionals in any sector.  The aim is to help professionals recognise the signs of domestic abuse, whilst raising awareness of where to signpost to for help and give professionals the confidence to start a difficult conversation. See the attached flyer for further details and how to book on.

*Last chance to book!* Multi-Agency Domestic Abuse Training – January to March 2025

Please find attached details of Domestic Abuse training that has been commissioned by Worcestershire Country Council (Public Health) and is taking place online via zoom and delivered by Sarah Wigley Associates. There are three modules of training, the learning outcomes can be found on the attached flyer.

The 3 modules of training are:-

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 on this free training, please email: .

Funding

Redditch Borough Council – VCS Grant Scheme*Last Chance…..Closes today at 4pm!*

Full details of the grant scheme can be found in the following link: Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Scheme 2025/26. The Closing Date is 4pm on Friday 28^th February 2025.

Grant Funding for Life-Saving Trauma Kits *Reminder*

Worcestershire organisations and groups can now apply for funding to enhance emergency preparedness with trauma kits – equipped to save lives during traumatic incidents. The kits are like a first aid kit and designed for anyone to use and include trauma dressings and tourniquets to help control severe bleeding before the paramedics arrive, with clear instructions provided, so no prior training is needed. Trauma kits are already available in Worcestershire’s main libraries. This project also supports preparations for the forthcoming Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill), which requires businesses and organisations to adopt best practices in protecting people during emergencies. This supports us all to keep the public in Worcestershire safe. Please complete the Trauma Kit Request form online at Worcestershire County Council grant funding for trauma kits in support of Martyn’s law or to find out more visit https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk//MartynsLaw.  Applications are open until 31 March 2025.

Community Clean Up Grant – Bromsgrove and Redditch*Reminder*  

This grant scheme is intended to assist any voluntary, charitable or community group, and provides funding towards environmental community clean-up projects in Bromsgrove and/or Redditch.  Further details can be found at: Community Clean up Grant | Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (barn.org.uk).

Stay Connected Community Grant **Bromsgrove and Redditch Applications Welcomed!**

An important reminder… The Stay Connected Community Grant invites community-based organisations across Worcestershire to apply for one-off grants of between £250 to £2,500 to support projects in the community which aim to tackle loneliness, isolation or any combination of the two. To apply, organisations need to complete an online application form. All applications will be considered, and funding will be allocated using the criteria. For full details and further information, visit The Stay Connected Community Grant. Not sure if you quite fit the criteria?  Have questions? Contact Public Health at .

Consultations

Shaping the future of the Health and Work Strategy – Opportunity to be involved!

The NHS Integrated Care System across Worcestershire and Herefordshire is seeking to engage community organisations, stakeholders, health, and employability providers who work with residents who access support for health conditions and disabilities in employment. The organisers are keen to gain insights and input to shape the future of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Work Strategy. There will be two, free events taking place taking place as follows: Wednesday, 19 March 2025, 1:30 – 3:30pm, in Hereford, Midlands Centre for Cyber Security & Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 1:30 – 3:30pm, in Worcester, Worcestershire County Cricket Club.  Further information can be found attached and to book a place, please use this link

Other Newsletters

Please find the following attached (or link provided), in no particular order…

Both Districts / Countywide:

• Worcestershire Health Champions Newsletter – February 2025
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 3 &14 February 2025
• Young Solutions E-Bulletin w/e 14 & 21 February 2025
• Young Solutions Newsletter – February 2025

Redditch:

• Carers Careline – February Newsletter

We hope you find the above useful. Don’t forget, if you have information relating to Bromsgrove and/or Redditch which you would like to be included in a future partnership bulletin, simply email:

Kind Regards,

Della McCarthy & Ali Wakeman

Bromsgrove Partnership & Redditch Partnership

Email:

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