Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove & Redditch – Update 42

Dear all,

Please find the latest information bulletin below.  (Please note: These bulletins are designed to replace our monthly e-newsletter for the time being.)

COVID Vaccinations – Book NOW if eligible

You do not need to wait to be contacted if any of the following apply:

• you are aged 30 or over*  (*correct at the time of sending on 7/6/21 – check NHS website if viewing this at a later date)
• you will turn 30 before 1 July 2021*
• you are at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)
• you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
• you have a learning disability
• you are a frontline health or social care worker
• you get a Carer’s Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority OR your GP record shows you’re a carer

If you’re an eligible unpaid carer but you cannot book an appointment online, please speak to your GP surgery.

You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or a pharmacy that provides COVID-19 vaccinations.

Book your coronavirus vaccination appointments online or by telephoning 119.

Can’t find your NHS number to book an appointment?  Then use this link:  www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/

If you are NOT eligible yet, please wait to be contacted.  Further information can be found at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

COVID Testing – Rapid Lateral Flow Tests – for people who DO NOT have any symptoms

Everyone can access FREE regular rapid tests.  Regular, twice weekly rapid testing is encouraged, even if you have been vaccinated.  Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms.  Getting tested regularly finds hidden cases, ensuring you don’t pass it onto family members, friends or workmates.  If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.

There are now more local places to get a free rapid asymptomatic COVID-19 test.  You can book at test, order online or simply pick up home testing at a range of local venues across Bromsgrove, Redditch and Worcestershire.  Your employer may also offer free rapid lateral flow testing.  The tests give you a result in just 30 minutes.  Further information, including FAQs, can be found here.

Have symptoms and need a PCR test?  Further information on both types of tests can be found here.

COVID Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme – *Reminder* of recent change to include parents/guardians

Please be reminded there was a change to this scheme in March as it was extended to parents and guardians who are not legally required to self-isolate, but who need to take time off work to look after a child or young person who is self-isolating.  Applicants will need to satisfy the existing eligibility criteria for the main or discretionary scheme to receive the payment.  Attached is more information.  For residents in Redditch and Bromsgrove, they can visit these links to find out more:

https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/money,-education-skills/benefits-help/nhs-covid-19-test-and-trace-self-isolation-support-payment.aspx

https://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/money-education-and-skills/benefits-and-help/nhs-covid-19-test-and-trace-self-isolation-support-payment.aspx

REMINDER – Public Health Worcestershire & NHS – latest Vaccination / COVID data and messages

• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Communications Update – please find attached the latest communications update from 4 June 2021

• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Vaccine Inequalities Programme – please find attached for your information their most recent Stakeholder Briefing on 28 May 2021.

• Worcestershire COVID-19 Vaccinations Dashboard – The latest Worcestershire vaccination data is publicly available online and includes a District and MSOA (middle-layer super output area) breakdown by age group.

• Real Time Worcestershire Coronavirus Data – is publicly available.  The live dashboard shows the numbers of new cases Worcestershire wide and also by District.  Further information about COVID-19 cases in Worcestershire can be found through the LG inform data website.  There are also interactive maps covering all of the UK can be found on the gov.uk website.

• COVID-19 Self Isolation – Guides available – Please follow this link to download the Covid-19 Self Isolation guide produced by Public Health Worcestershire to help anyone who needs to self‑isolate.  There is also a family version of the guide available using this link.  They explain why it’s important to self-isolate when required, highlights help available (including financial support), provides advice and tips, and answers frequently asked questions.

• Please see the Worcestershire Public Health pages – for any local messages in relation to the lockdown, including further advice.  Those pages can be accessed here – www.worcestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus.  Information can also be accessed at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.redditchbc.gov.uk/coronavirus.

REMINDER – The Local Community Responses aimed at supporting residents through the Covid-19 pandemic  

Further details on the local community responses aimed at supporting residents through the Covid-19 pandemic is attached but basic contact details are listed below.  Please help ensure all local residents are aware so everyone is directed to and receives the support they need during this time:

• Support Bromsgrove – www.supportbromsgrove.com – Tel: (24 hr answerphone) 01527 306490 or Email: 
• Redditch East Stronger Together (REST) – Tel: 01527 919869
• Support Redditch Emergency Network (SREN) – Tel: 01527 359008 or Email: 
• Here2Help Worcestershire – www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help – Tel: 01905 768053

Service / Support – Information Updates

• *8 June 10am-1pm* – Bromsgrove Social Prescribing Team – Drop in Session for residents at Bromsgrove Library – The Social Prescribing Team is holding a drop in session for residents at Bromsgrove Library from 10am until 1pm on Tuesday 8 June themed around volunteering and connecting with community groups.  Please see attached flyer.  For those who may have missed it, also attached is a general social prescribing leaflet which includes contact details for the Bromsgrove team.

• YSS ‘Families First Support Service’ – Families First supports children and families with practical and emotional support where a parent is in prison or about to be sentenced.  There are no systems in place to help identify these families and children and young people are often the hidden victims.  Further information is attached on the kind of support available to the whole family and how to refer.  You help in raising awareness of the support that is available would be appreciated.  All contact details you need are attached.  ALSO YSS are holding a Families First Stakeholder Meeting on 9 June 10-11am so if you’d like to join to find out more, contact Lia for joining instructions: 

• Rona Hub – One-stop-shop for education leavers – Worcestershire County Council have evolved the Rona Hub to become a one-stop-shop for school and college leavers who may not know what their next steps are, what they can do with friends or how to enjoy their summer safely.  The Rona Hub is there to help young people find out anything from sports activities to information on finding their first job.  There is also information included for parents too:  The Rona Hub | Worcestershire County Council

• FREE to All Communities – Inclusive Art and Craft Party in Bromsgrove – Please help promote this local Creative Art Showcase event which aims to create fun and inspiration for all!  A continental street party feel with stalls selling handmade Midlands designed goods for home and garden.  Original local art and craftwork at affordable prices will be available.  Get hands-on experience of learning a new skills with Midlands based artists.  The event will be held at Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa between 9-11th July.  Further information and free tickets are available online at: www.creativeartshowcase.org.  ALSO…There is pre‑event at the BirdBox!  Head to Bromsgrove Town Centre on 2nd-3rd July for this great community event.  All are welcome – please help promote!

• *REMINDER* Act on Energy – Short term funding available for Energy Debt and Broken Boilers – Please find attached further details on the funding available for local residents until the end of June 2021.  Please help promote so we can ensure all qualifying families / individuals living in Bromsgrove District or Redditch Borough benefit from this support.  Further details attached, including a poster and Facebook link.  Applications can be made by calling Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881 or by emailing .  If partners have any queries, they can contact Amanda Munro at: 

• Skills 4 Worcestershire – Finding Employment Support – For individuals looking for information, advice and guidance, please visit the Skills 4 Worcestershire website which provides details on programmes that offer a free service to support users in identifying and securing their next pathway into employment in Worcestershire:  http://www.skills4worcestershire.co.uk/careersportal/info/46/support_for_people_who_have_been_made_unemployed_during_covid/31/entry_to_employment_programmes

(Note: If there is any information you believe needs updating, please contact Jayne Wilson at )

• Here2Help Worcestershire is evolving – Here2Help was originally dedicated to helping those who needed support during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is now evolving and will offer advice, support and help to a wide range of services across Worcestershire.  If you are a charity, community group or business which provides services to residents, why not register your services on the new Here2Help Community Directory.  Visit the website for further details at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

Workshop

• Blue Light Workshop – 22 July 9:30am-12:30pm – This workshop will be of interest to anyone working with people experiencing multiple vulnerabilities including drug or alcohol dependence, homelessness, poor mental health and involvement in the criminal justice system.  The aims of the workshop are to review the impact of the Worcester City Blue Light Project and explore the feasibility of rolling out the approach to other Districts.  Further information is attached as well as online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/worcestershire-blue-light-workshop-tickets-158123697235

Surveys / Consultation

• Do you deliver youth provision?  NYA National Youth Sector Census – Worcestershire County Council are keen to ensure as many groups and organisations who deliver youth provision and out of school activities are able to complete the survey to best reflect the activities available in Worcestershire.  Organisations can register to take part in the census at https://nya.org.uk/national-youth-sector-census/.  Further information, including a short guide and helpful FAQ’s can be found here https://nya.org.uk/national-youth-sector-census/

• Autism Training? – Worcestershire County Council’s Autism Partnership Board want to gain a good understanding of what specific autism training is available to individuals, organisations and businesses in Worcestershire to inform the Autism Strategy and Action Plan.  If you are aware of any autism training available to people in Worcestershire please complete the short survey (link below) to enable us to collate this information.  Survey link : https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=161830761547

Funding

• *FINAL CALL* Bromsgrove Equality Small Grants Scheme  – Smaller voluntary, charitable and community groups in Bromsgrove District are invited to bid for up to £750 for local projects.  The Equality Small Grants Scheme makes funding available for activities that address community issues and support wider community involvement and equality.  The grants will support projects to be delivered between 1 July 2021 and 31 March 2022 and bidding closes at midday on Wednesday 9 June 2021.  Further information can be found at: Equality Small Grants Scheme – bromsgrove.gov.uk

• *Reminder* Bromsgrove Community Grants Scheme – The Community Grants Scheme replaces the New Home Bonus Community Grants Scheme and groups can bid for up to £5,000 per local project.  It will close at 5pm on Friday 18 June 2021.  Applications forms, guidance notes and FAQs are available using the following link Community Grants Scheme – bromsgrove.gov.uk.

• Ready Steady Worcestershire – Application for Summer Holiday Activity and Food funding now open!  The link to information about the programme and the funding application can be found here: Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in Worcestershire and further details from Worcestershire Children First are attached.  Deadline is 12pm on 21 June but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Courses / Training

• *Reminder* Adult Mental Health First Aid and Time to Change Courses – FREE for community organisations – Please see attached for further details of courses running July, August and September.  Further details on what Adult MHFA course covers can be found using this link.  Places are limited so if you would like to book or you have any queries, please contact Sarah at 

Other Newsletters

• Herefordshire & Worcestershire Involvement Network update – latest update 4 June attached.

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Touchbase – latest edition from 4 June attached for information.

• Active Bromsgrove and Active Redditch – the latest editions of the Active Newsletters for Redditch and Bromsgrove are attached.

We hope you find some of the information above helpful.  Please let us know if you would like any information put into these bulletins by emailing us at  .  We are currently sending out bulletins fortnightly.

Kind Regards,

Della McCarthy & Helen Broughton

Bromsgrove Partnership / Redditch Partnership

Email: