Wellbeing in Partnership Information

Please find the July Wellbeing in Partnership e-bulletin below aimed to help keep you updated as it includes information we’ve received relating to local services/support, events, training, funding and more – all relevant to Redditch and/or Bromsgrove District.

 

Please take a moment to glance through and pick out what’s useful to you or your team….

 

Services / Support – Information Updates

 

Local Government Review (LGR)

For anyone who may not have seen it, please find attached a message emailed to Partners on 16^th July 2026, on behalf of John Leach, sharing that local authorities in Worcestershire have been made aware by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) Samantha Dixon MP that from 1 April 2028, the county’s current seven borough, city, district and county councils will be replaced with two unitary councils, one in the North and one in the South. 

(Note: Please also see under ‘Surveys / Consultations’ below a new consultation relating to Bromsgrove District Council gathering views on future Local Governance)

 

Community Power –  Community Cancer Champion

Community Power would like to increase the number of Community Cancer Champions in Bromsgrove and Redditch to help our communities to stay healthy.  A Cancer Champion is someone who cares about their community – you don’t need to be a health expert, just happy to have conversations about cancer and wellbeing.  FREE training is available! Want to get involved or learn more? Contact Sophie Johns: 07493 788897 / sophie@communitypower.org.uk or Noreen Parvaiz: 07925 873451 / Noreen@communitypower.org.uk or visit: www.communitypower.org.uk. Flyer attached – please help promote to increase the number of trained Cancer Champions to support our residents.

 

Worcestershire Cool Hubs – Could you offer a Cool, Safe Space for your Community?

Worcestershire County Council, in conjunction with multi-agency partners, are creating a list of Cool Hubs – locations where people can go during hot weather to get cool. A Cool Hub would have the following characteristics: – Open to the public during the hours of 11am and 5pm (preferably to 6pm); – Naturally cool inside / has air conditioning; – Free access to drinking water; – Accessible entry with comfortable seating (accessibility is not a mandated element but is preferred); – Capacity for a good number of people (e.g. at least 10 people). If you are interested in becoming a cool hub, please complete this MS Form so that your location can be mapped.

 

Sensory Matters Connection Groups

Sensory Matters Worcestershire (formerly known as Sight Concern) run local monthly groups that support people who are living with sight impairments. The groups meet for a cuppa and chat, friendship and support and take place from 10.30am – 12.30pm on a Tuesday at Chandler Court in Bromsgrove (next group – 4^th August) and 10.30am – 12.30pm on Wednesdays at Redditch Library (next group – 12^th August). Further information and the dates of the groups can be found on the flyers attached.

 

Dementia UK Clinics

Dementia UK is offering free, confidential clinic appointments with a specialist dementia nurse, known as an Admiral Nurse, and will be at Bromsgrove Nationwide Building Society on 18th, 19th and 20th August 2026 and Redditch Nationwide Building Society on 1st, 2nd, 3rd September 2026. You don’t need to be a Nationwide customer – Everyone is welcome! To book an appointment, please visit Admiral Nurse Clinics | Free Dementia Support Appointment – Dementia UK or send a text message with the word: APPOINTMENT to 0747 872 4000, and they will call you to help make a booking. Further information can be found on the flyer attached – please help promote.

 

Stronger 4 Longer Programme – Are you involved in falls prevention work? Could You Deliver a 30-Minute Talk? 

Bromsgrove PCN is running a Stronger 4 Longer programme every Monday at Bromsgrove Methodist Church Centre. The programme is based around falls prevention with each session split into 2 sections – first is an hour of PSI/exercise and the second is for socialising with a guest speaker. The PCN are looking for guest speakers to attend to talk about their services and how it can benefit the patients who attend that class. All attendees are 65+, have fallen recently, are on medication for hypertension and coded on their health record as moderately frail. If any partners are involved in falls prevention work and would like to attend one of the sessions and deliver a talk from 1.30pm – 2.00/2.15pm, please get in touch with Laura Wilson at laura.wilson140@nhs.net.

 

CAP 1-2-1 Budget Coaching Service – Redditch  

Please find attached details of a new 1-2-1 budget coaching service in Redditch. This service is approved by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and offers free, friendly support to help people build a personalised budget and gain confidence in managing their money. During the session, clients and CAP will work together to: Create a clear, realistic budget tailored to their circumstances; Understand where their money goes each month; Identify simple changes that make a real difference. Clients can book directly using this link: CAP 1-2-1 Money Coaching Budget Session. This service does not provide advice on debt solutions, financial products, or routes out of debt. However, clients will be signposted to other organisations where appropriate and can be booked into the CAP Debt Centre for free, expert debt advice if needed.  If you have any questions, please contact Emma – emma.marshall@capuk.org

 

Summer Reading Challenge at the Libraries

This popular FREE event is now running across all local libraries and children aged 4-11 can take part in this fun summer reading challenge. To find out more see the attached information or visit Summer Reading Challenge | Worcestershire County Council. Please help encourage parents & carers to sign up their children and young people to this free and enjoyable programme so as many of our local children and young people reap the benefits. Libraries also have activities for children to enjoy during the summer holidays, just ask at your local library or visit the library events webpage.

 

Read to the Beat – Bromsgrove Library

Please find attached details of ‘Read to the Beat’, a fun workshop taking place at 2pm on Friday 31^st July and Thursday 20^th August and offers children the chance to explore poetry and songwriting through games, rhythm activities and imaginative writing exercises. The workshop is suitable for ages 6-11 and full details on how to book can be found on the flyer attached.

 

NEW  Outdoor Exercise Sessions

There are 2 new sessions taking place this summer… Redditch – Tai Chi In the Park and Bromsgrove – Yoga in the meadow (flyer attached – please help promote).

There’s also lots of other different sessions taking place locally… from walking groups, fitness classes, health support classes and walking sports!  You can find out more, including how to get involved, by visiting: Bromsgrove – All Health & Exercise and Redditch – All Health & Exercise.

 

Aqua Natal Bump & Splash – Pregnancy Swim – Bromsgrove

These sessions take place every Wednesday at Bromsgrove Sports & Leisure Centre and offer a gentle, pregnancy-safe swim followed by a relaxed social. Sessions are as follows: Swim 1pm-2pm (cost £2.56) and Social 2pm-3pm (free), for those who don’t fancy a swim, they are very welcome to go along just for the social. Both sessions are open to all mums-to-be – bookings can be made in advance at Bromsgrove Sport & Leisure Centre | Gym, Swim & Spa | Everyone Active or participants can simply turn up on the day. Flyer attached – Please help promote.

 

Knowledge Bank – Online Directory of Local Services

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

 

Healthy Happy Summer Holidays Guides for Teenagers and Parents/Carers

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Suicide Prevention Programme team have put together two guides to support teenagers and parents and carers over the summer holidays. The parents and carers guide can be found here: Healthy Happy Holidays Summer 2026 – Parents and Carer’s Guide (PDF) and the Secondary school age guide here: Healthy Happy Holidays Summer 2026 – Young Person’s Guide (PDF). Please share with anyone who could benefit.

 

EasyPeasy Parenting App for 0 – 5 years (free for families that live or work in Worcestershire!)

The summer holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, play and explore with the adults who care for them. EasyPeasy helps families turn everyday moments into opportunities for learning, with free, expert-backed activity ideas designed for children aged 0–5 years. Please help to promote EasyPeasy through your newsletters, social media and parent communications and help more Worcestershire families access fun, practical ideas that support children’s early development throughout the summer. More information is available here: EasyPeasy App | Worcestershire County Council. Further information can be found attached – please help promote.

 

YMCA Worcestershire Sleep Easy 2026 – Could you be an Official Sleep Easy Community Supporter?

On Saturday 17th October at Redditch United Football Club, YMCA Worcestershire will be holding Sleep Easy 2026 – a fundraising event where participants spend one night sleeping outdoors to stand in solidarity with young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and housing insecurity. YMCA Worcestershire is reaching out to local partners to support this initiative by becoming an Official Sleep Easy Community Supporter and helping to spread the word. Support could be as simple as:

 

• Displaying the attached Sleep Easy poster in your workplace, venue or community space. (Digital media pack available)
• Sharing the event information through your social media channels, newsletters, websites or internal communications.

• Encouraging colleagues, customers, members, friends or your wider network to get involved by taking part, fundraising or supporting the event.

 

A poster is attached along with extra details in the press release. If you would like to find out more or get involved, contact Kellie Dean, Fundraising Manager at Kellie.Dean@ymcaworcestershire.org.uk.

 

 

Events / Roadshows / Multi-Agency Drop-ins

 

Wythall Parish Council – Open Day for Residents– Opportunity to get involved!

Wythall Parish Council are hosting an Open Day on Thursday 24 September 2026 at Park Hall, Wythall Park and would like to invite partner organisation to take part to showcase their services to residents.

 

Key information:

• Set-up: Access from 11:30am – All stands must be ready by 12:00 with stands taken down by no later than 8pm.

• Tables and space: One table per participant will be provided. If you need additional tables or extra space, please get in touch in advance (it is possible to share a stand too).
• The event runs from 12noon to 8pm to allow ample time for the local residents to drop in and explore the wide range of local opportunities and support on offer from partner agencies.

 

If you are available to attend (even for part of the day), please email Maggie Rose Collof at wpc.admin@wythall-pc.gov.uk by Friday 7^th August 2026 to confirm your participation. Once attendance is confirmed, set up arrangements will be given closer to the time of the event. 

 

Woodrow Hub – Health Promotion Sessions – Redditch New Time!

Nightingales PCN are continuing to host monthly Health Promotion events at the Woodrow Hub with a new time of 12noon – 2pm. The free drop-ins will offer residents easy access to a range of advice and support and health checks, all in one place. No appointment necessary!  In addition to support from healthcare professionals, support will be available from Citizens Advice, WorkWell, Social Prescribers, Carers & Communities and Act on Energy. The next event will take place on Friday 21 August starting at 12noon and further information about all events can be found at Upcoming Events — Nightingales Primary Care Network, Redditch.  Flyer attached – Please help promote.

 

BDHT Family Fun Days – Bromsgrove

A reminder that these popular family fun days, arranged by Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) are taking place as follows:

• Friday 31 July 2026 – Catshill
• Friday 14 August 2026 – Sidemoor
• Friday 28 August 206 – Charford

 

Flyer attached, please help promote – These community events, involving lots of different partner agencies, will run from 12.00noon – 3.00pm. Not involved but want to be? Get in touch: darran.moore@bdht.co.uk or kate.harvey@bdht.co.uk.

 

 

Training / Courses / Workshops

 

*Free* Suicide in the Media Advice Sessions

Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Suicide Prevention Programme has funded two online Suicide in the Media Advice Sessions delivered by Samaritans. The sessions are free for anyone living or working across Herefordshire or Worcestershire who might communicate publicly about suicide. The sessions are taking place on Wednesday 19^th August 2026 (11am-12pm) and Wednesday 27^th January 2027 (11am-12pm). These sessions will cover how to talk about suicide responsibly including through positive storytelling. You don’t have to be a communications or media professional to attend…you might work in the voluntary sector and want to learn more about suicide prevention messaging on social media, or perhaps you’re looking to do a suicide prevention campaign in your workplace. There is no limit on places – so if in doubt, sign up! Please use this form to secure your place! for the Wednesday 19th August, 11am-12pm session (Details of how to book the January session will be released at a later date). Flyer attached.

 

Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership – Community Network Session

Please find attached details of an upcoming free learning event taking place in-person on Friday 9 October 2026 at Charles Hastings Education Centre, Worcester (Arrival from 9:30am for a 10:00am start – finishing at 1:30pm, with optional networking until 2:00pm). This session will bring together clinical professionals and parents with lived experience to provide a clearer picture of local neonatal care pathways and the emotional and psychological impact on families. The event is particularly relevant for practitioners, peer support workers, and anyone supporting families with young babies, and aims to build confidence in providing informed and compassionate support.

 

DWP – Disability Services Advocacy Team Awareness Sessions –  FREE training for partner agencies

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering Disability Awareness Session for external partners during August 2026 – various dates available!  The training is free to join; you just need to register but be quick as places book up fast. Further information can be found attached, including details on how to register.

 

*Free* Equality, Diversity and Human Rights  Online Training for volunteers and VCS staff

This free online training course is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of how to promote diversity and inclusion and eliminate discrimination within your organisation/workforce – it’s suitable for all VCS staff, including volunteers from any sector. The course covers: Equality, diversity and human rights; Equality Act 2010; Creating an inclusive environment; Challenging prejudice, discrimination and unfairness and much, much more. Places for are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.  To book or find out more about this and other FREE training opportunities, contact the team at office@barn.org.uk.

 

 

Funding

 

Pride in Place Greenlands and Woodrow – Community Voice Fund

The Pride in Place Community Voice Fund aims to support local residents, businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations to deliver activities that engage local people in conversations about Greenlands and Woodrow, gather feedback, explore ideas and more. The primary purpose of this funding is not to deliver activities alone, but to create meaningful opportunities for local people to share their views and help shape future Pride in Place investment. The minimum grant size is £500 and the maximum is £2000. Applicants should normally be locally based or able to demonstrate strong existing relationships with communities in Greenlands and/or Woodrow. There is no closing date for the grants, however, all activities must have taken place by 31 August 2026. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, and the scheme will be closed when the funding pot has been exhausted. All the details you need is within the attached.  The application portal for grants can be accessed here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CommunityVoiceFund/. If you have any queries, please email community@genecon.co.uk or Lauren Gee laurengee@genecon.co.uk, who is leading the programme.

 

Lloyds Bank Foundation – Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund

The Lloyds Bank Foundation have launched the Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund, investing £8 million in homelessness prevention. This fund will work with community organisations that are supporting people at key turning points in their lives when the risk of homelessness is highest including people leaving the prison system, domestic abuse survivors, young adults leaving care and individuals leaving the asylum system on securing leave to remain in the UK. Further information and details on how to apply can be found at Good Place to Live: New Beginnings.

 

Quick reminder…Do you know about the Public Health Community Grant Programme?

There are various small funds available, up to £3K, within the Public Health Community Grant Programme and details of a range of Community Wellbeing Grants can be found on the Worcestershire County Council’s website.  For example, there are: Community Wellbeing Grants (which are all about backing brilliant local ideas that help people live happier, healthier lives); there is the Micro Grant scheme (offering up to £250 for resident led activities) for neighbourhood and community groups; and there are Educational Wellbeing Grants (for educational settings) and more.  All the information you need can be found online at: Community Wellbeing Programme | Worcestershire County Council.

Have a question?  Or maybe you have an idea but are not sure if it’s eligible?  Get in touch with the team to discuss in advance of applying at: HWBAdmin@worcestershire.gov.uk

 

 

SURVEYS / CONSULTATIONS

 

Have your say on the future of Local Governance – Bromsgrove District

Bromsgrove residents, businesses, and community organisations are being asked to share their views on how local communities should be represented in the future. Local government is expected to change as part of national reforms, and this is an early opportunity to share what matters to you and how decisions affecting your area should be made. Views are being gathered on: • How you feel represented locally • How decisions should be made in your area • Future options for local governance • Particularly in unparished areas (Bromsgrove, Rubery) • Your feedback will help shape what happens next. To find out more, visit Have your say on the future of local governance in Bromsgrove District. Poster attached – please help promote.

 

Bromsgrove District Local Plan & Borough of Redditch Local Plan – Scoping Consultations

Following the introduction of the new national plan-making process, Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council are required to hold scoping consultations in order to progress their Local Plans. The separate scoping consultations are live and will run as follows:

 

• Redditch: Friday 3^rd July to 5pm Friday 14^th August 2026 – Borough of Redditch Local Plan – Scoping Consultation July/August 2026
• Bromsgrove: 24th July to 5pm on 4th September 2026 – Bromsgrove District Local Plan – Scoping Consultation July-September 2026

 

You can use the links above to have your say on either plan.  Please ensure you submit responses by the given deadline for each Local Plan. Further information can also be found at Borough of Redditch Local Plan Scoping Consultation and Emerging Bromsgrove District Local Plan Latest News.

 

 

Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) came into effect on 1st April 2026, but please note it is NOT a like-for-like replacement for the Household Support Fund (HSF) – while HSF focused on cost‑of-living support, CRF is aimed at providing crisis support (due to a sudden financial shock) and strengthening long-term financial resilience.  Below is a summary of current schemes that are open. Further information on support will follow but for the latest updates in between times, please visit Worcestershire County Council website and Bromsgrove District Council or Redditch Borough Council.

 

(Please note:  The 2 schemes below are funded by the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund and delivered by Act on Energy on behalf of Worcestershire County Council)

 

*NOW OPEN* Worcestershire CRF – Heating Repairs and Replacements – Act on Energy

This countywide scheme supports Worcestershire residents whose heating systems have stopped working or developed a fault, and who cannot afford the necessary repairs or replacement because of a sudden financial shock or low household income. Full details, including the online application form, can be found at: Worcestershire Crisis & Resilience Fund – Heating repairs & replacements | Act On Energy.

*Although heating repairs may not be in the forefront of people’s minds in the warm weather, now is the perfect time for people to seek support, ahead of the cold weather – please help promote.

 

 

*OPEN* Worcestershire CRF – Oil and LPG Energy Support Scheme – Act on Energy

Low-income households across Worcestershire who rely on heating oil or LPG and are struggling with rising energy costs can access dedicated support through the Oil and LPG Energy Support Scheme.  It provides assistance to residents who are at immediate risk of running out of fuel and losing the ability to heat their homes or access hot water.  Eligible households can receive a one-off £300 contribution towards the cost of an oil or LPG delivery. Payments are made directly to the fuel supplier and are designed as crisis relief to help households maintain essential heating and hot water.  Full details, including the online application form, can be found here: Crisis & Resilience Fund | Act On Energy

 

*Residents can call Act on Energy’s freephone helpline 0800 988 2881 and they can even offer free at-home support for vulnerable clients*

 

Are you working with someone who is vulnerable and needs extra support to apply for the above mentioned schemes?  Partners can contact Act on Energy’s outreach advisors:  David Hardy (Bromsgrove): dhardy@actonenergy.org.uk or Alison Dix (Redditch): alison@actonenergy.org.uk who will be able to help.

 

Other Support:

 

• Housing Payments – As part of CRF, Housing Payments (previously known as Discretionary Housing Payments) are available to those who receive Housing Benefit and/or Universal Credit and need extra help for short term specific housing related crisis. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at Bromsgrove District Council – Housing Payments and Redditch Borough Council – Housing Payments.

 

• Worcestershire households can continue to access free, confidential advice and support through their local Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN) partner too. WAN partners, include Citizens Advice, Age UK and the Disability Information Advice Line (DIAL), can provide support through the Alternative Fuel – Oil and LPG Home Energy Support scheme.

 

• Don’t forget, alongside the above CRF support, the Bromsgrove Energy Advice Service and Redditch Energy Advice Service, delivered by Act on Energy on behalf of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Councils, will continue to be available, providing free and impartial advice for all our residents.

 

Useful Contact Numbers – A quick reminder that small business-sized cards of useful contacts across Redditch and Bromsgrove are still available.  You can be collect a supply for FREE from Redditch Council’s Customer Services in the Kingfisher Centre (5 George Walk behind Primark) or Bromsgrove Council’s Customer Services at Parkside. A poster version is also attached – please display and share.

 

For all the latest information on CRF, please visit Worcestershire County Council website and Bromsgrove District Council or Redditch Borough Council websites, which will be updated as needed.

 

 

Other Newsletters / Bulletins / Reports

In case you missed them, please find the following attached (or link provided), in no particular order…

 

Both Districts / Countywide:

• DWP Touchbase – 3, 10 & 17 July 2026
• Community First July E-Bulletin
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update –  3 July 2026
• Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service – Prevention Partner Newsletter – Issue 4 2026 – GD26160-Prevention-Partner-Newsletter-2026-V3.pdf
• Basement Project Newsletter – July 2026

 

Redditch

• Reimagine Redditch July Newsletter

 

 

Hopefully you have been enjoying the continued sunshine but may we take the opportunity to highlight that there is information and advice on the NHS website, should it be useful to you and your teams, particularly when working with any of our vulnerable residents: Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather – NHS

 

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: partnership@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk