Archive for category: Community

ADVERTISING ON BEHALF OF ALVECHURCH PARISH COUNCIL

Whilst the following position is offered as an employed post, the Parish Council will also consider applications from self-employed/sole traders

(on a negotiable rate basis)

ALVECHURCH PARISH COUNCIL

 General Handy Person/Caretaker Vacancy

We are recruiting a Part-Time Handy Person/Caretaker

to join the Parish Team

Salary £25,992 – £27,711/pa (Pro-rota) subject to experience and qualifications, plus Workplace Pension, Essential Car User Allowance, 23 days annual leave/Bank Holidays (pro-rata).

Flexible hours and overtime subject to work requirements.

Alvechurch Parish Council is seeking a General Handy Person/Caretaker to join their small team that supports the Councillors in the ‘day to day’ running of the Parish.  Alvechurch Parish Council provides a range of services within the Parish including; parks, play provision, sports facilities, allotments and a community centre.  We are looking for an all-round, practical, handy person with good experience in general maintenance and repairs.

This is a very hands-on role and every day will be different.

Duties:

• Perform general maintenance tasks, to include park equipment and surfaces
• Undertake visual checks of play equipment
• Litter picking (as necessary)
• Bus Shelter maintenance
• Minor repairs and decoration of council buildings
• Replenishing grit bins

Ideally you will have experience in carrying out DIY maintenance work to high standard, knowledge of power tools, the ability to solve basic maintenance issues, and the ability to undertake heavy manual work. Training will be provided as well as appropriate PPE.

This is a part-time role consisting of initially, 15 hours per week over five days – Monday to Friday, with occasional evening/weekend attendance required to cover community events (working pattern/increase in hours will be subject to negotiation). 

Please Note – the role requires a high degree of flexibility that will require you to work/represent the Parish Council around the whole of the Parish of Alvechurch.

If you wish to join a small friendly team, are enthusiastic, with good interpersonal skills and you are able to work with minimal supervision, please contact the Parish Clerk via email – for further information/an Application Pack.

Closing date for application forms is Thursday 17^th April 2025 @ 12 noon.

Alvechurch Parish Council

Council Offices, 1a George Road, Alvechurch B48 7PB

 Phone: 0121 447 8016

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

Household Support Fund (HSF) Phase 6 – Funded by the UK Government – Local information below:

A quick reminder on the latest cost of living information….

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.

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – Household Support Fund schemes **Pause on Requests for the Household Support Fund Phase 6**

Due to the demand for the Household Support Fund (HSF) Phase 6, CABR have temporarily stopped taking further applications from both Bromsgrove & Redditch residents whilst they work through all the requests received to date. Please visit the CABR website regularly for updates on available funds for the Bromsgrove HSF Scheme and the Redditch HSF Scheme.

Our local Bromsgrove and Redditch HSF schemes provide struggling residents support with food and the costs of other household essentials.  But even when the local HSF schemes have been paused, it 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.

ALSO…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 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.

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 buddle 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!)

Quick Reminder…SMS Scam Alert

Please be aware and help spread the word about Scam SMS messages stating they are from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and/or the Home Office asking residents to apply for financial support by clicking the link in the message. Attached are two examples of scam messages that we are aware some people have received.

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.

Pension Credit – Do you know someone who is eligible? 

Did you know……Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including help with Council tax, NHS dental care and for those over 75, a free TV licence. Please encourage all pensioners – family, friends, neighbours, customers to check if they are eligible to apply for Pension Credit:  www.gov.uk/pensioncredit

Pension Credit Leaflets from Age UK

Did you know that Age UK can provide Pension Credit Advice?  Leaflets are available at local Age UK charity shops across Bromsgrove and Redditch and there is information online too (including information guides and factsheets) at:  Pension credit advice | Age UK.  Claiming Pension Credit doesn’t just top up people’s income, it provides a gateway to access other help too.  So even if a resident is means tested and is eligible for only a tiny amount of pension credit, they will still be eligible for other support including Winter Fuel Allowance and Cold Weather Payments.  Even if they have previously been turned down, they can make a new claim each year.  Please encourage any pensioners you are working with to check they are receiving all the support they are entitled to and, if they need information or support, please direct them to Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest FREE Information and Advice Service on 01527 570490

Age UK BRWF- Fee 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)

Local Warm Spaces

With the cold snap continuing, here’s a reminder of a few of the Warm Spaces….

• Local Libraries across Worcestershire – The libraries 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. Full details of their offer can be found here Warm welcome | Worcestershire County Council or on the Warm Welcome website (where you can search and find other local warm welcome spaces too).

• Fairfield Village Hall – Warm Space –  warm space is on offer at Fairfield Village Hall, every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm – 3.30pm; which will include free activities: 1st Wednesday – Table Tennis, Indoor Curling & Boccia, 2nd Wednesday – Guest Speakers, 3rd Wednesday – Coffee & Natter or Board Games, 4th Wednesday – Social Activity. Hot drinks and biscuits are available and people can charge their mobile phones (must bring own charger).

• The Old Needleworks in Reddtich – The Community Café at the Old Needleworks in Redditch is a warm hub which can also offer free and subsidised food.  People can ask at their reception or the café for a warm hub card, so they can discreetly help out anyone who is struggling.  There is more information, including opening times, on their website: Healthy Mind Café – The Old Needle Works Foundation.

• Bromsgrove Baptist Church – Please find attached a flyer with details of the warm space available at Bromsgrove Baptist Church each Thursday from 10am-2pm called ‘The Living Room’. This is open to everyone, those who attend can chat, do puzzles, bring a craft (e.g. knitting), colouring etc. Warm drinks and cakes are available. A free lunch (donations welcome) is provided at around 12:30pm followed by a short scripture reading and a prayer. For more information, contact Siân at .

• Catshill Warm Spaces – Catshill Together are keeping the community warm and connected.  Details can be found on the flyer attached or visit here for further information.

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, 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. Our email is: .

Warm Welcome Network

A reminder that the Warm Welcome Network was set up to support and champion the community response to the cost-of-living crisis and helps to ensure everyone in the UK can find a place of belonging and reconnection at a Warm Welcome Space near their home. Any organisation across the country that has opened or is opening any free, warm, welcoming spaces for the public over this winter can register and provide details of their offer so that users can search for local warm spaces in their area. Remember – If you signed up previously, you may want to check the details showing remain correct and up to date.

Services / Support – Information Updates

NEW Lifeline

Over the Christmas period you may have seen family members you haven’t seen for a while and noticed that, as they are getting older, they need a little extra support.  Or maybe it’s someone in the community you work with or perhaps you heard that someone had fallen, or been poorly, and needed help. NEW Lifeline offer a 6-week free trial to anyone referred.  It gives people the opportunity to “try before they buy”.  The service offers a wide range of equipment and support to meet a variety of needs and health conditions. Call 01527 534060 or email to find out more. Their leaflet is attached – feel free to share.  The service covers Redditch and Bromsgrove and they can also travel over the border a few miles.  The team are available 24/7 if you need them.

Batchley Support – Community Shower Facilities coming soon in Redditch!

Batchley Support are aiming to offer shower facilities to anyone who needs it in Redditch.  In future, they are also hoping to be able to provide access to a washing machine too, again, for community use.  It’s anticipated the shower will be available at some point in February – please help raise awareness of this new community facility and point people in the direction of Batchley Support at 47 Prospect Hill, Redditch B97 4BS or give them a call on 01527 457291 or 07979 314083.

Healthy Worcestershire *New sessions for Bromsgrove and Redditch*

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).
• *NEW for 2025* Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Wednesdays 2-4pm  (Finstall Rd, Finstall, B60 3DH) – Launched 29th January 2025

• Willow Trees Community Centre on Fridays 10am-12pm in Redditch – *Please help promote this one in particular and encourage more residents locally to try this out – flyer attached*
• Sandycroft Centre on Tuesdays 10am-12pm in Redditch.
• Abbeydale Community Club on Wednesdays 10am-12pm in Redditch
• *NEW for 2025* Redditch Borough Football Club on Saturdays 10am-12pm (Cherry Tree Walk, B97 6PB) – Launching 1^st February 2025

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.

Bromsgrove Older Peoples’ Forum*New format and Venue*

By popular demand, the Bromsgrove Older Peoples’ Forum is back up and running! The Bromsgrove Primary Care Network (PCN) have responded to the voice of local residents and the forum will re-launch on 12^th February 2025 and thereafter take place on the 2^nd Wednesday of every month 10am – 12noon at Chandler Court, Bromsgrove, B61 8DT. The group will provide an opportunity for older residents to meet new people, receive information on health, local services, community updates and local events. In addition, there will be regular guest speakers and attendees are encouraged to put their ideas forward for the monthly sessions. Refreshments will be available each week in the warm and friendly environment. To find out more or link in, please contact Katie at . A promotional flyer is attached, please help promote.

New Classes Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest – Move More Exercise Classes

Thanks to funding from Public Health Worcestershire, Age UK BRWF is starting two new Move More exercise classes as follows:

• Cofton Village Hall – Mondays (starting 20th January 2025), 1.45-2.45pm
• Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall – Thursdays (starting 23rd January 2025), 2.30-3.30pm (although just over the border, Bromsgrove residents may find this one convenient and are welcome!)

Promotional posters can be found attached and for more information about the Move More classes and all other Groups & Activities, please follow this link: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/.

HAF Easter 2025

Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) funding has been confirmed for this year, and applications are now open for Easter. The link to the application form specific for Bromsgrove and Redditch providers can be found here Worcestershire HAF Funding Application – Easter 2025 – COPY – Formstack. Applications will be open until Monday 3^rd February. If you have any questions, please contact Gomez Vincent at .

Child Protection – Core Group Practice Professionals Briefing

Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership have completed a Core Group Practice Briefing for Professionals. Details can be found here JN2425.228 Core Group Practice Professionals Briefing. Please share widely throughout your own organisations.

Knowledge Bank – Online Directory of Local Services

Please find attached promotional material to help publicise the Bromsgrove and Redditch Online Directory Knowledge Bank and let residents know where they can go to find local support. In addition to the attached social media image, posters and business cards are available on request, please get in touch here. It’s not 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 . Please help promote this local online directory available to anyone to access.

Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils – Appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Deputy CEO

Following a recent recruitment process, it has been announced that John Leach has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for both Councils and Robert (Bob) Watson has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer.  Sue Hanley and Pete Carpenter will remain in their roles of Chief Executive and Interim Deputy Chief Executive/S151 Officer until John and Robert’s employment commences.

HW Health & Care NHS Trust – Appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Please find attached details regarding the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust.

Training / Courses / Workshops

*Free* Learn My Way – Bromsgrove Library

Ideal for anyone wanting to get online, Learn My Way is a free course for beginners to help develop digital skills and to safely make the most of the online world.  Bromsgrove Library will be running a course starting in February and offering a short session on 17^th February 2pm – 3.30pm where anyone can go along to find out more. Flyer attached, please promote to your clients who may be interested.

*Free* Functional Skills Courses – Batchley Support Group – Redditch

Please find attached a flyer providing details of the Free accredited Functional Skills courses on offer at Batchley Support Group. Learners can gain Edexcel recognised qualifications in English, Maths and Work skills. There are no formal entry requirements for the courses, but learners must be aged 19 plus. Enrolment will take place in February 2025. To find out more, please call: 01527 457291 and speak to a member of the team.

Resistance Band – Train the Trainer *Free*

Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire are offering free Resistant Band Train the Trainer Workshops in February and March that are aimed at Community Organisations or Groups looking to deliver strength & resistance exercises to their ageing populations. Further information and details of how to book on can be found by following the links below.

• February – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resistance-band-exercise-train-the-trainer-workshop-tickets-948874768977?aff=oddtdtcreator
• March – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resistance-band-exercise-train-the-trainer-workshop-tickets-948874307597?aff=oddtdtcreator

Suicide Prevention Training*FREE* – Don’t miss out…..Only a few spaces left!

A quick 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

Domestic Abuse Awareness Training – available to ALL *New dates available in Bromsgrove and Redditch*

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.

*Reminder* 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: .

New Dates Available! Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – Community Advice First Aider Training*FREE* (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!! 

**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. 

*FREE* Bid Writing training

Don’t miss out on this FREE ‘Introduction to Bid Writing’ training taking place on Tuesday 11th February 2025, 9.30am – 12.30pm in Redditch.  This session will explore the basics, including identifying the right funder, the differences between applying for a grant and a contract, and useful tips and tricks to help you avoid common mistakes – and hopefully help make your bid stand out from the crowd!
Places are limited so allocated on a first come, first served basis. We’ll initially limit the number of places per organisation too until we know the level of demand, but we do have a waiting list if you think you’d like more than one place. So, if you think this FREE training for you, a team member or one of your volunteers, please get in touch soon and book a place by emailing touch at

*FREE*Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Training*Group Sessions now available!*

As you know, BARN is offering FREE Level 2, Food Hygiene & Safety training to all VCS organisations and any volunteer delivering services across Bromsgrove and Redditch. Although well received, they’ve been asked if they can arrange for the training to be carried out 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 are still 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 .

Training Opportunities at Sandycroft – Redditch

Please find attached details of various opportunities available this term at the Sandycroft Centre, including Mood Master, Reiki and more! Details on how to apply for the courses can be found in the individual flyers.

Adult Learning Courses in our Libraries

Courses for 2025! Please find attached details of the various courses on offer in Bromsgrove and Redditch libraries throughout the year. Further information can also be found at Adult Learning Courses in libraries | Worcestershire County Council.

Events / Roadshows

Prostate Cancer Awareness Talk – Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove & District Primary Care Network PPG have teamed up with Kidderminster & Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group to hold their second joint Prostate Cancer Awareness Talk. It will take place on Tuesday 4th February at 2pm – 3pm at BHI Parkside. There will be 2 guest speakers from The Kidderminster & Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group attending the event who will be on hand to answer questions, offer newly diagnosed men a buddy to talk to, and will be informing the group of events happening over the county. Tickets are free and can be reserved on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/prostate-cancer-awareness-talk-tickets-1189232689989?aff=oddtdtcreator. A poster is attached, and partners are asked to please help promote to reach local residents who may find this of use.

Disability Confident Event – Redditch Jobcentre

Please find attached details of an event that will take place on Wednesday 5^th February 10am – 1pm at Redditch Library Jobcentre. A range of local employers and support organisations will be in attendance along with Job Centre Work Coaches.

Multi Agency Monthly Drop-in at Redditch Library*NEW FOR 2025*

Dates for your diary! Throughout 2025, there will be monthly Monday multi agency drop-ins at Redditch Library from 11am – 2pm where residents can pop in to receive support and advice from a wide range of agencies who are on hand to help. In addition, the ‘Your Health Bus’ will also be in attendance and without an appointment residents can access, free health checks, blood pressure checks, mental health support, signposting advice, and more. Dates can be found on the flyer attached along with details of the Weekly Wednesday drop in at The Old Needleworks Foundation. If any partners are interested in getting involved with the library events, please contact Lou Hall at who can tell you more. Please help to spread the word – promotional material attached.

Women’s Events – Invitation to Coffee/Breakfast and Afternoon Tea – Bromsgrove and Redditch

The North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership (NWCSP) is conducting a research project to improve domestic abuse support services in the Bromsgrove and Redditch area and inviting survivors of domestic abuse to participate in a survey to share their thoughts and experiences with local support services. The survivor survey can be found here:  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DASharingStories/\ . Organisations that provide domestic abuse support services are also invited to participate in a brief survey to gather information about their services, target audience, and contact details. To participate, visit:  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DAOrganisationSurvey/.

In addition, a series of morning events, including coffee/breakfast mornings and afternoon tea days from end of Jan to middle of Feb have been organised to help Build Community: Connect women and share experiences, Raise Awareness: Highlight local support organisations, Promote Well-being: Offer self-care and relaxation, Conduct Research: Gather survivor input through relaxed survey participation. All women are welcome to attend, even if they do not wish to participate in the survey. Full details can be found attached – please share.

Community Workers Meeting – Bromsgrove

The next Community Workers Bromsgrove meeting is due to take place on Tuesday 25th February, 10am – 11.30am at the Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1GN.  The meetings are for frontline community workers and volunteers from the voluntary and community sector and statutory agencies who actively provide services in the Bromsgrove area – all Community Workers are welcome! It will be an informal and friendly gathering with a cuppa and a biscuit – no set agenda, just an ‘Open Mic’ session for those who want to share what they’re doing and/or who may need help or advice and of course, lots of opportunity for networking! Interested in attending? Then please email Ann at Bromsgrove and Redditch Network to book your place – feel free to forward this message on to other frontline community workers or volunteers you feel would benefit from joining us too.

‘Big Dementia Conversation’ – Chandler Court Care Home – Bromsgrove

On Wednesday 26th February 2025 2pm – 4pm Chandler Court will be opening their doors to anyone wanting to find out more about adjusting to a diagnosis of dementia. Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders, share insights into how a journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way. To find out more visit Chandler Court Care Home- Bromsgrove or to book on to this free event, please call 01527 907808 / email Rebecca Pearce at .

Prostate Cancer Screening Event – Redditch

South Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group have arranged a Prostate Cancer Screening Event at Oakenshaw Community Centre, B98 7YB on Saturday 8 March 2025, 9:30am-12:30pm.

MEN aged 40 or older in Redditch are invited to take part in a prostate health check that involves a simple blood test with results set to be received within 48 hours. The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests are conducted by NHS phlebotomists employed by the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust based in Warwick. Although all spaces are taken, there is a waiting list people are being added to. Further information can be found here: PSA Testing Events @ PCS – Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Funding

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……As part of the new Healthy Worcestershire Programme, the Stay Connected Community Grant offers a new £50,000 funding package to empower local organisations to help tackle loneliness and social isolation. The Stay Connected Community Grant will be used to help strengthen Worcestershire’s voluntary and community organisations which bring people of all ages together and help them establish connections, prevent loneliness, strengthen our communities, and improve people’s lives. The grant invites community-based organisations across Worcestershire to apply for pots from £250 up to £2,500 to support activities in the local community. 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 .

The Royal Countryside Fund – New Funding for Rural Communities*Reminder*

The Royal Countryside Fund Supporting Rural Communities grant programme opened for applications on Friday 10th January 2025. This funding opportunity is available to rural community organisations across the UK, with grants of up to £25,000 for projects that address key themes such as: *Keeping young people in the countryside, *Powering up rural communities, *Environmental sustainability, *Building emergency resilience in rural areas. For full details on the programme, eligibility, and the application process, please visit the Supporting Rural Communities page or visit Open 4 Community webpages. The application deadline is Friday 21st 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.

Surveys / Consultations

Improving pharmacy services across Worcestershire*Deadline TODAY*

For anyone who may have missed it, the Public Health Team from Worcestershire County Council is reaching out to get your views on the county’s pharmacies.  They are conducting a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) to help shape the future of services in Worcestershire and this work will help them monitor and improve current pharmacy provisions, by identifying gaps in the current provision, understanding how well services are being delivered and assessing if these services can meet the needs of our communities in the future. Please encourage your teams and contacts to complete the survey before it closes on 31 January 2025 via this link: Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. Paper copies of the questionnaire will be available in libraries across the county for anyone unable to use the online survey. For more information, please visit: JSNA Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Worcestershire County Council

 2024/25 Tenant Satisfaction Survey – Redditch

Redditch Borough Council’s annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey asks tenants about their recent housing experiences, including how they feel about the condition of their property, maintenance services, communications from the council, and their overall satisfaction. Tenants have received information, including text messages, on how to participate in the survey from the council and its survey partner We Love Surveys. Please help spread the word to make sure all tenants voices are heard.  A link to the survey can be found at The 2024/25 Tenant Satisfaction Survey and the deadline is 5pm on 14 February 2025.

Other Newsletters

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

Both Districts / Countywide:

• Worcestershire-Health-Champions-Newsletter-January-2025.pdf
• DWP Partnership News – 8th January 2025
• DWP Touchbase – 24th January 2025
• Worcestershire Association of Carers – Winter 24-25 Edition of Caring News
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 6 January and 20 January 2025
• The Basement Project – January 2025 News
• Young Solutions E-Bulletin w/e 31st January 2025

Redditch:

• Carers Careline – January Newsletter
• Radiate Redditch – January 25 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:

Beoley Parish Council invites you to join the commemoration of the 80th D-Day Anniversary.

Parish Councillors and members of the local community will light a ‘lamp light of peace’ and undertake a reading of the ‘International Tribute’ at 9.15pm on 6th June at the following locations;

• St Leonards Church, Beoley
• Hillcrest Park
• Portway, Parish Noticeboard

Email the clerk for further details