Cost of Living Update – Bulletin 3 – Redditch & Bromsgrove

Cost of Living Update – Bulletin 3

REMINDER – Leaflets & Digital Campaign – Please help spread the word!

Do you know what support is available?

If you don’t know what support is available, the chances are, neither do our residents!  However, in addition to a digital campaign, just a little reminder that there are joint ‘at a glance’ cost of living leaflets available to help.  You can pick up FREE printed copies so you can distribute to your service users to help spread the word.  Simply collect them from Customer Services at either Redditch Town Hall or Parkside in Bromsgrove.  Alternatively, please find a printable version attached should you prefer to print your own copies and a website version is attached too for you to share.

Need more detail?

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.

Don’t forget there are more detailed leaflets available too – one for Bromsgrove and one for Redditch.  A printable and a website version can be found attached.

Reminder – Household Support Fund Phase 3 – 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:

**NOW OPEN for New Applications** 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.

**Temporarily PAUSED** Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch – help with food and other essentials

Although this has been temporarily PAUSED due to demand, please keep an eye on the website for updates as once the applications that have been submitted to date are processed, it is expected this will reopen at some point in the New Year, and if you are working with residents that are struggling and need support with food and wider essentials, they can apply to the Household Support Fund Information | Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch (cabr.org.uk).  Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch are working closely with Bromsgrove District and Redditch Brough Councils to provide this support.

Warm Spaces & Community Meals

Local Warm Spaces (and Christmas Day meals) – Don’t miss out…..still time to book!

In addition to the warm spaces identified in the last bulletin, we wanted to share the latest information that has been confirmed.

Christmas Eve Meal – Redditch

A meal is being cooked at St Andrews Church, Church Hill on Christmas Eve and being served between 12noon and 1pm. Volunteers are organising this event and can deliver the meals around the Redditch area. Anyone in need of a meal who would like to take up this offer should call 07891549333 by no later than 22^nd December 22.

Christmas Day Lunch plus….Warm Space and Free Meals 24- 30^th Dec – Radiate Redditch

Ecumenical Centre’s Christmas Hub is open for a Christmas Day lunch, turkey with all the trimmings (vegetarian option available) to book, please contact Sarah Leeson or Sharon Forrest on 01527 65952.  The hub will also be open from 11-3pm from Saturday 24^th December until Friday 30^th December and will provide free hot drinks, snacks, and a lunchtime meal (12.30-1.30pm) as well as conversation and entertainment.

Charford Fish Bar

A FREE Christmas Day Meal is being offered to Charford residents (wider Bromsgrove residents can be included too) who may be on their own or need a helping hand.  If you or someone you know would like a chip shop meal on Christmas Day between 12-2pm. Collection or delivery available, please call or text 07563 789 176, bookings being taken right up until Christmas Day. The following options are available, doner kebab meat and chips or sausage and chips and curry sauce.

*NEW*

Warm Places Redditch – Abbey Ward, Central Ward, Greenlands Ward, Redditch North and South

Please find attached flyers that outline warm spaces and activities across the wards in Redditch.

Sandycroft Centre

The Sandycroft centre has now signed up to the Warm Welcome Network, and offers provision Monday to Friday 9.30 – 5pm.

Christmas Activities at the Libraries

Please find attached a leaflet detailing all the activities on offer at the libraries over the festive period. A reminder that 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 – full details can be found attached.

Shared Previously

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.

All Saints’ Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove

The Church hall will be opening their doors every Wednesday from 2.00 to 3.30 pm (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.

Seetec Pluss – Warm Space at Parkside  

Seetec Pluss, based in Parkside in Bromsgrove, who deliver the Restart Scheme locally, are opening 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

The Wythall Warm Hub Network is now up and running,  full details are attached including the Christmas and New Year hours.

Catshill – Warm Spaces

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

Weekly Community Meal at 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.

St Godwald’s Community Spirit

Please find attached a leaflet with details of the warm space offering from St Godwald’s Church in Bromsgrove that will run between November to March. Tea, coffee, and cake will be available on alternate Friday’s from 10am-12.30pm.  On alternate Wednesdays, the Warm Welcome Café will be open from 12-3pm offering soup and a roll, tea and coffee.

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 2023.

Churches Together in Redditch – Updated booklet attached.

Redditch Churches are offering a warm welcome in a warm space with a variety of activities and clubs, many with food and drink provision.

Oasis Christian Centre

The Oasis Christian Centre, Redditch is now signed up to Warm Spaces. Their availability is Mondays 10am to 12pm and Sunday mornings at the service times, between 10am and 12.30pm.

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: .

Warm Welcome Network

The Warm Welcome Network was set up to support and champion the community response to the cost-of-living crisis. Any organisation that has opened or is opening 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.

Thinking of setting up a Warm Space?

Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert has created a guide: A Warm Welcome, setting up a warm space in your community. This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information needed if you are considering setting up a warm space in the community.

Looking for Funding?

Information on relevant funding is available at: Cost of living Crisis charity trust foundation grant funding (charityexcellence.co.uk)

Christmas Opening Hours

Teams and volunteers of our local charities will be taking a well-deserved break over Christmas…. Opening hours of some them (plus the Councils) can be found below.

Main Local Foodbanks

NewStarts

NewStarts will be CLOSED between Christmas and the New Year.  NewStarts Facebook page and emails will be checked for any requests.

Catshill Baptist Church Foodbank

Catshill foodbank will be closed after their final session on Wednesday 21st December and will re-open on Wednesday 4th January. Their normal telephone service will resume on the 3rdJanuary 2023 at 10am. However, during this period, you can contact them on 07754 567800; any messages left will be picked up on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th December between 12 and 2pm, there will be a very limited service, but will try to respond to any genuine emergencies.

Redditch Food Bank

Redditch food bank is CLOSED on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th December and Monday 2nd January. Normal opening hours for all other dates.

Basement Project

Basement Project will be CLOSED 23rd to 27th December and Monday 2nd January but OPEN 28th and 29th December 10am to 2pm.  Normal opening hours from Tuesday 3 January.  (All existing clients have contact details of their support worker if needed.)

Other Organisations

Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Wyre Forest

Christmas opening hours can be found here

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch

Will close on Friday 23rd December and reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023. Please see attached a Christmas message from the Citizen’s Advice Team.

Act on Energy

The team will be off from Friday 23^rd December and will be back on Tuesday 3^rd January 2023.

Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils

Closed Monday 26^th to Wednesday 28^th December inclusive and Monday 2^nd January.

Other Help and Information

Free School Holiday Activities – HAF Christmas 2022

Free School Meal eligible families are invited to book free activity sessions this Christmas. There’s lots on offer over Christmas including Christmas parties, learn to swim crash courses, horse riding, Santa visits, Pantomime trips, climbing, football, cricket, multi-sports, bouncy castle, arts & crafts, theatre club and more… all free!  All activity clubs include a healthy lunch, with many clubs also offering activity packs and Christmas hampers to take home for participating families. To find out more and sign up, visit www.haf-it.co.uk

DWP – Benefits payments over Christmas and New Year

Please see the link for information regarding payments over Christmas and New Year – Benefit payments over Christmas and New Year – gov.uk

Warmer Worcestershire

Please find attached information and advice from Warmer Worcestershire, it contains useful cost of living support, from understanding your bills, myth busting, scam awareness, as well as understanding smart metres and your heating controls.

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.

Fuel Poverty Advice and Information

Please find attached some information provided by Worcestershire County Council that was part of an e-learning course on fuel poverty. Whilst the course itself can not be accessed, the attachment contains a wide range of advice and support and useful links for you and your teams.

HWFRS Winter Warmth Campaign

The Prevention team at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have developed a Winter Warmth Campaign and will be supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Cost of Living: Steps to stay safe 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)

Funding has been secured from the Electrical Safety Fund to purchase a further stock of oil filled radiators and extension leads to support occupiers during the cost of living crisis and those who are currently in fuel poverty during the winter months. In addition, the service has purchased a number of 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.

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.

Do you know about Worcestershire Safe Haven?

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

A date for early January – Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

As part of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Suicide Prevention Programme the Public Health Team at WCC have designed and developed a programme of activity for workplaces across the footprint to encourage and support employers and employees to raise awareness about suicide prevention and create opportunities for early intervention. (Please see attached)

The next free online session is on Thursday 12th January 2pm. To find out more see the attached flyer or to sign up, please fill in our registration form.  A mental health and wellbeing resource hub for businesses, including a downloadable suicide prevention policy has also been created which can be accessed at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/suicidepreventionintheworkplace

DWP Latest Partner Update – Hot of the press, please find latest update attached.

Worcestershire Winters Well Events – Cost of Living Support – Would you like to be involved?

Cost of Living / Wellbeing Support Event events are planned for early 2023 at large libraries in the New Year.  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. They will be called ‘Worcestershire Winters Well Events’ and will be open to all and partners are welcome to have a free stall at the event.  The dates are:

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 .  Libraries will arrange everything for the event – your team member would just need to come along with any promotion material.