Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove and Redditch – January 2023
Dear all,
Please find the January 2023 Partnership bulletin below that includes all the latest information on the Household Support Fund, as well as other news and updates.
Due to the date, can we draw your attention to the Cost of Living / Wellbeing Support Events locally being held at Bromsgrove Library on 27 January and Redditch Library on 8 February – space is limited so if you’d like a stall at the community event, you need to act TODAY by contacting Nicki or Michele. See ‘Events and Roadshows’ section below for further details.
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Reminder – Household Support Fund Phase 3 (ends on 31/3/23) – Latest information on local support available |
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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**OPEN for New Applications**
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**Complete an Online Request Form** If you are working with residents that are struggling and need support with food and wider essentials, please direct to Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch (who are working closely with Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils to provide this support). They can complete a simple online request form – further information, including eligibility criteria, is available on the CABR website. Bromsgrove residents can complete the online request form here: Bromsgrove Household Support Fund and Redditch residents can complete the online request form here: Redditch Household Support Fund
In addition, did you know about the extra support for eligible pensioners, carers of any age and people with disabilities or long term health conditions in Worcestershire? Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch (CABR) are one of a number of agencies part of Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN) working with Worcestershire County Council to identify those who are eligible for an additional £75 voucher. Anyone contacting CABR to apply for the above local scheme who are eligible for this extra support, will be identified. Other local agencies assisting to identify eligible residents are Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, North Worcestershire DIAL (Disability Information Advice Line) as well as their counterparts in South Worcestershire, who are all part of WAN.
Bromsgrove & Redditch Cost of Living Webpages & Leaflets
Don’t Forget……FREE printed copies of the attached cost of living leaflet are available for agencies to collect and help distribute. Pick them up at Customer Services at Parkside or the Town Hall. 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.
Are you a front line worker in Worcestershire? Want to understand support available for your customers during the energy crisis? Free 1.5 hour training available for staff and volunteers on various dates/times during Jan to March! See ‘Training/Workshops/Courses’ section below for details.
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Services / Support – Information Updates |
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NHS – Help us to Help You – Winter campaign There is a new NHS campaign urging people to do six things to help themselves, their loved ones and the NHS. Here is a link to a recent press release and further details are also attached:
Being Well in Worcestershire – Useful Resources A recent ‘Being Well in Worcestershire – Making it Happen’ event took place. The aim of the event was to bring together all those working in wellbeing roles in Worcestershire, particularly roles within primary care and the voluntary and community sector. The event organisers have shared a list of links and resources that may be helpful.
Living Well for Longer project The project was launched in July 2022 and the Public Health’s Living Well for Longer team has been busy promoting free resistance bands and seated exercises to over 50s across Worcestershire. More information about the work of the team can be found here: Looking back over the year – The Living Well For Longer Project! | Worcestershire County Council Did you know?…..
Coming soon…..
Important to Note: The ‘LifeCurve’ App (which was another initiative running under the Living Well for Longer project) has now been discontinued. However, this should not be confused with the resistance bands initiative, with is going from strength to strength. Work also continues on new initiatives, all of which will form part of the Living Well for Longer Project)
HWFRS Winter Warmth Campaign The Prevention team at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have developed a Winter Warmth Campaign. The campaign encourages people to take simple steps in the home to protect themselves from accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. 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:
Damp and Mould – Messages from Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht) & Redditch Borough Council Please find attached a messages from bdht and a briefing note from Redditch Borough Council regarding damp and mould which were circulated separately during December. Please note that the Council’s briefing note covers both Redditch Borough Council’s housing stock and private sector housing, including relevant contact details should you need any further information.
Bromsgrove Walking Sports Centre Bromsgrove walking sports centre are an independent group and offer 7 walking sports sessions a week in Bromsgrove. The sessions offer fun, friendship, and fitness through sport; with over 100 participants each week taking part in walking hockey, netball, cricket, football, and rugby. Please see the link to a mini documentary that a local film maker has put together about the walking sports centre. The short video provides a good insight to what the centre has to offer and find attached a poster that provides further details.
*New* Stop Smoking Service Please find information attached about the new stop smoking service for mums and other household members with a child up to 3 years old. The service will:
Chat Health – Sexual Health Support Chat Health provides a service for 11-19 years that enables them to speak to a School Health Nurse for confidential advice and support around a variety of issues, including sexual health, bullying, emotional health, relationship problems, alcohol and drugs. Please find attached a sexual health support flyer to display and/or share, full details of the ChatHealth service can be found on the Starting Well Website.
Suicide Prevention: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities Public Health in Worcestershire commissioned a suicide prevention film with Rural Media called ‘Hold out a Hand’ to stimulate conversations around mental health and suicide within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community. The film also encourages people to engage with available support in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and on a national level. A report was also produced detailing barriers and recommendations around engaging with traveller communities on mental health and suicide. Both the film and report can be viewed and downloaded here Traveller’s Times website and further information can be found here Friends, Families and Travellers.
PLUS – The Loneliness Service Please find attached an information leaflet regarding 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.
VCSE Worcestershire Alliance – Trustee Briefings The Alliance was launched on the 1st July 2022. It is a collective of Worcestershire Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations working together to strengthen the sector and develop partnerships, helping to make our county a better place to live and work. The Alliance has set up some briefing sessions to provide trustees with the following information:
Briefing sessions will be online and in-person across the county, full details can be found attached.
Redditch District Collaborative – Communications & Engagement Role An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team working with the Redditch District Collaborative. For more details and how to apply, please see the attached advert.
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Training/Courses/Workshops |
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*NEW* The Energy Crisis – what help is available? *FREE 1.5 hour training for both staff and volunteers* Are you a front-line worker in Worcestershire helping people who may be in fuel poverty? If so, this training is designed for you, 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 (January – 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. Click on ‘more options’ under the ‘date and time’ to see the full list of dates/times*
*New Dates* Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Workshops 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. This free, in person ABCD workshop is open to everyone working & living in Worcestershire. Professionals & community groups working to improve community health & wellbeing will find this workshop of interest. With a focus on community building, ABCD looks at what is strong, building on the gifts (skills, experiences, knowledge & passion) within local communities and connects neighbourhood assets together to build citizen power. The workshop will help attendees: Understand & apply ABCD principles, become aware of the tools & support available in ABCD application; communicate the value of an ABCD approach with teams & partners. Use this link to book and for more information: Exploring Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Also find attached an ABCD promotional social media flyer to share within your networks.
Adult Learning – IT courses at Bromsgrove Library – Digital Skills & Excel & Smartphone/Tablet Please find attached details of IT based courses that are starting early January at Bromsgrove library. There’s something for absolute beginners and for those who already have some IT skills. There’s also a FREE course for those who’d like to get the most from their smartphone and tablet, the course starts in January with a further course starting in February. Information is attached but all courses offered by Worcestershire County Council can be found here Courses Search (worcestershire.gov.uk)
Age UK BRWF Groups & Activities – 2023 Age UK BRWF’s groups and activities will be resuming after the festive period from Monday 9th January 2023. There is a change of venue for some classes with those groups/ activities previously held at Community House moving to YMCA Willow Trees Community Centre (Loxley Close B98 9JS). For full details on what’s on offer, please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/
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Events and Roadshows |
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*REMINDER* Cost of Living / Wellbeing Support Events – Bromsgrove Library & Redditch Library – have you booked a space? Still time to get involved…… Bromsgrove and Redditch Libraries have organised Cost of Living support events, and still have a few spaces available if any organisations not already involved would like to attend and have a free stall. The Fairs will offer residents easy access to advice, guidance, and support in one place, in a friendly and relaxed environment with free refreshments. Large libraries have around 5-600 visits a day without this type of event so it’s a real opportunity to engage with people needing support. These ‘Worcestershire Winters Well Events’ are taking place as follows: Bromsgrove Library – Friday 27 January 10am-1pm and Redditch Library – Wednesday 8 February 10am-1pm
If your agency can offer support to our local residents and you haven’t already got a space, get in touch with Nicki (Bromsgrove) or Michele (Redditch) at by no later than 16th January. Libraries will arrange everything for the event – your team member would just need to come along with any promotion material.
Early Help in the Community Events Worcestershire Children’s First are running 6 Early Help in the Community events that will provide an exciting opportunity to bring together a wide range of organisations and groups who work in your community and county wide who offer support, advice or services to children, young people, and their families locally. The local events will take place as follows:
For more information and details about all the events visit here or to book a free place at an event, please email
Redditch Pride Parade 2023 This year’s event will be held on Saturday 3rd June, starting at 11am from Redditch Town Hall. To get involved or to book a free stall to promote your organisation, please contact Karen Martin: to receive a booking form.
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Health Data / Strategies |
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Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022 to 2032 – Good Mental Health and Wellbeing The Health and Wellbeing Board is required to develop a strategy for improving the health and wellbeing of people who live / work in Worcestershire. Following consultation with residents, partners and stakeholders, good mental health and wellbeing was identified as the main priority. View the strategy and further details online at: Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022 to 2032 | Worcestershire County Council.
Worcestershire JSNA Annual Summary The Worcestershire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) Summary 2022 has been published as part of the Worcestershire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The JSNA summary is used to determine what actions are required to meet health and social care needs, reduce inequalities and to address the wider determinants that impact on health and well-being. It is designed to inform and drive future investment priorities to plan services more effectively ensuring services meet the needs of the population. The report can be found here: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/16286/jsna_summary_2022.pdf and on the website along with further information: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20122/joint_strategic_needs_assessment/1500/jsna_summaries Data can be explored further using the Worcestershire Insights tool https://data.worcestershire.gov.uk/
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Funding/Grants |
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Barnardo’s Grant – Support for Refugee Families If you are working with or know of any Ukrainian families that are in need, funding is available for clothing, toiletries, household items and other support – Full information on attached flyer (Note: We’ve been made aware the support has been extended to include all refugee families, not just Ukrainian, although not stated on the attached).
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Other Newsletters |
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DWP Touchbase – 13 January 2023 – Find attached
DWP weekly update – 6 January 2023 – Find attached
Get Active and Creative in Bromsgrove in 2023 – Find attached
Get Active and Creative in Redditch in 2023 – Find attached
Community First E-Bulletin- January 2023 Newsletter– Find attached
Stop Loan Sharks Winter Newsletter – See here
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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
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From: PERRY-SMITH, Helen (NHS HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE ICB – 18C) <>
Sent: 13 January 2023 2:27 PM
To: partnership <>
Subject: FW: Help us help you – please share the six things campaign
Can you please help to share the new campaign – six things people can do to help us help them. Please share this with other partners as well for them to share onwards.
The press release explains the campaign: Six things people can do to help themselves and the NHS this winter :: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System (hwics.org.uk)
Here is the link to the assets, including the video, poster, social media etc, but please download them before Wednesday when the link will expire: https://we.tl/t-QYtqxFELfm
Thank you very much
Helen Perry-Smith
Senior Engagement Manager
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Please note my working days are Wednesday – Friday
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From: Anderson,Graeme
Sent: 06 December 2022 8:58 AM
Subject: Damp & Mould Communication
Dear all,
Clearly, the death of Awaab Ishak in a housing association property in Rochdale has shocked the nation. However, the uncomfortable truth is that damp & mould in properties of all tenures has been a problem for years. The causes are complex, and individual but some of the issues are:
- In a small number of cases, persistent leaks that penetrate the fabric of the building, and provide moisture for mould to grow
- In most cases, condensation from normal family living (cooking, bathing, drying clothes, occupancy levels) will result in seeing surface moisture within the home, and enabling mould growth
- Poor ventilation doesn’t allow air movement or moisture to escape, compounding the issues. Also, the addition of thermal improvements within the home such as double glazing, external insulation, uPVC doors, and modern heating systems has seen more homes becoming ‘sealed’ homes creating more condensation problems
- Overcrowding doesn’t help (as more humans produce more moisture) and too many families need to move
- The cost-of-living crisis means homes will be colder, and people will be even more reluctant to use heating systems or open windows and ventilate
None of these issues remove our obligation and duty as the largest provider of affordable housing in Bromsgrove to do everything in our power to resolve problems. I have spoken to all my staff about having the right attitude, to listen properly, and empathise. We have a robust process to tackle problems, and we are constantly reviewing that.
If during your casework, you see problems that you don’t think are being resolved properly, please contact us immediately on 0800 0850 160. This is especially true if there are vulnerabilities within the household (under 12s, over 75s, any pre-existing respiratory conditions).
If you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Graeme
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From: Department for Work and Pensions <>
Sent: 13 January 2023 2:40 PM
Subject: Touchbase – 13 January 2023
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From: Sherriff Gwyneth DWP Mercia District Partnership Manager <>
Sent: 06 January 2023 9:57 AM
Subject: DWP weekly update
Good Morning
Below please find this weeks updates.
Regards
Gwyn
Gwyn Sherriff | Partnership Manager, Herefordshire and Worcestershire/Ex-Offender Lead Mercia | Department for Work and Pensions | Work Services Directorate | Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire (Mercia District) | mobile 07741 296030 | www.gov.uk |
7 Follow us @JCPinWorcester and @JCPJobsPlusMore
Please consider the environment before printing
Find out more about the Disability Confident scheme here
This week’s updates includes:
- Cost of living payments
- Disability confident
- Planning for retirement
- Local travel
Millions of low-income households to get new Cost of Living Payments from Spring 2023
Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the Government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today announced more detail on the payment schedule for the next round of cost of living support unveiled in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, building on payments made to over eight million people in 2022.
The new £900 cash boost for over eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, starts in Spring and will go direct to bank accounts in three payments over the course of the financial year. There will also be a separate £150 for over six million disabled people and £300 for over eight million pensioners on top of their Winter Fuel Payments.
Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time, but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year. They will be broadly as follows:
- £301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
- £150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
- £300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
- £300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
- £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024
The Guidance on getting an extra payment to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits has been updated to include a link to information about Cost of Living Payments during 2023 and 2024.
Employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme
Updated 4 January 2023
This document lists the employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme, and their status (committed, employer or leader).
The Disability Confident scheme aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives. The Disability Confident scheme has 3 levels that have been designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey. Employers must complete each level before moving on to the next.
It is free to sign up and use the guidance
Plan your retirement income: step by step
Check what pensions and financial support you can get, and decide when to retire.
New Year cheer: £2 bus tickets for thousands of routes
Millions of people across England can now save money and ‘Get Around for £2’, thanks to £60 million government funding to cap single bus fares until the end of March.
From 1 January 2023 until 31 March 2023, over 130 bus operators outside of London will charge no more than £2 for their single tickets across over 4,600 routes, helping families, commuters and other passengers save money on travel.
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From: Community First <>
Sent: 11 January 2023 3:37 PM
Subject: Community First E-Bulletin- January 2023 Newsletter
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