Archive for category: News

Services / Support – Information Updates

 

Christmas Toy Appeal and Pop-Up Toy Shop – Bromsgrove

NewStarts are working with Bromsgrove Rugby Club, and their traditional new toy collection is underway! They are trying to collect as many new toys as possible this year, so that children of Bromsgrove District will all have a toy to open on Christmas Day. Toy donations are welcome and can be dropped at Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Sunday 30th November between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Flyer is attached – please help spread the word.

 

The Pop-Up Toy shop will open soon! Please keep an eye on NewStarts socials for the latest information at NewStarts | Bromsgrove | Facebook. If you know of any families who are struggling to buy toys or gifts for their children, please let them know!

 

Free School Holiday Activities – HAF Christmas 2025

Free School Meal eligible families are invited to book free activity sessions this Christmas. There’s lots on offer with various Christmas family events and activities including SEND provision… all free!  All activity clubs include a healthy lunch. To find out more and sign up, visit  Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme | Worcestershire County Council.

 

Woodrow Community Hub – Redditch  Want to get involved?

Redditch Self Defence Association in partnership with Public Health (Worcestershire County Council), West Mercia Police and Redditch Borough Council are opening a New Hub right in the Heart of Woodrow Centre. The Hub will be available free of Charge for providers to use to deliver their services. Residents will be able to pop in and get support on a range of topics including Mental Health Support, Counselling, Housing, Careers, Volunteering, Health and Wellbeing, Nutrition, Art, Practical Skills and First Aid. If you would like to join other agencies and have a space at the Woodrow Community Hub to deliver or promote your services, please contact Pete Martin, Redditch Self Defence Association at pmar2711@yahoo.co.uk

 

Bromsgrove Social Prescribing

There is a new way to refer into the Bromsgrove Social Prescribing service, which is open to anyone 18+ registered at one of nine GP surgeries that are part of Bromsgrove Primary Care Network (PCN). Professional referrals can now be made using the attached referral form and self-referrals can be made by calling 0300 303 5291, emailing rbccg.spbromsgrove@nhs.net or by asking their GP to refer in.

Promotional material, including printable posters and a social media image, can be found attached. If you have any questions about social prescribing, please get in touch with Lou Hall at louise.hall@worcestershire.gov.uk.

 

Bump & Splash – Pregnancy Swim – Bromsgrove

Weekly Bump and Splash sessions are now taking place at Bromsgrove Sport & Leisure Centre. The sessions take place every Wednesday 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), and 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, and there’s no need to book, participants can simply turn up on the day. On the 2^nd Wednesday of the month the Family Hubs team will attend with pregnancy vitamins available to buy, plus information on breastfeeding and breast pump hire. On the 4^th Wednesday of the month, the session will be a midwife-led aqua natal class followed by an open Q&A. Flyers available soon – contact Katie Kehoe at katie.kehoe1@nhs.net. Please help promote.

 

Worcestershire Winters Well

Residents can find advice and support to stay physically, mentally, and financially well this winter on Worcestershire County Council’s Worcestershire Winters Well webpage. There’s information on a wide range of helpful topics, including: *Tips on preventing falls and staying active, *Ways to support your mental health, *How to sign up for cold weather alerts and flooding advice, *Information on cost-of-living support and energy savings, *Warm spaces available in libraries, *Information on Healthy Worcestershire, the free group-based lifestyle support and community safety advice programme and advice on staying safe while travelling in winter conditions. For more information visit worcestershire.gov.uk/winter.

 

West Mercia Police – Safer Neighbourhood Teams

Please find attached the updated Safer Neighbourhood Team contacts for Bromsgrove and Redditch.

 

Smokefree Homes – Stop Smoking Support Service

The Smoke Free Homes service is available to support individuals to quit smoking and is open to mums, dads, carers, and anyone who lives with a child or young person under 19 in Worcestershire. The friendly team can help with: *Setting a quit date  *Access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)  *Access to rechargeable vapes (for anyone over the age of 18)  *1:1 or joint family support sessions with a trained advisor  *Ongoing monitoring and support for 12 weeks. To access support email: whcnhs.smokefreehomes@nhs.net or find out more at Our services | Smoke Free Homes Worcestershire | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

 

DWP West Midlands State of the Group Report – November 2025

Please find attached the November 2025 West Midlands State of the Group Report from DWP colleagues.  Please note: The new West Midlands Group is formed of three Districts: • Birmingham and Solihull (comprises Birmingham and Solihull local authority areas) • Black Country and Coventry (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Coventry) • The Shires (Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire). Feel free to share the report with colleagues.

 

Stop Loan Sharks – Black Friday and Christmas Social Media Toolkit

The ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ Black Friday Content can be found attached and is ready for use across your channels to raise awareness during this busy shopping period. A Christmas Social Media Toolkit packed with seasonal content to help spread the message is also available and can be found at: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/social-media-toolkit-3-2/.  Further information can also be found on the Stop Loan Sharks website: Home – Stop Loan Sharks and also see the Winter 2025 Newsletter. If any partner agency needs further advice and information, contact Nadeem, Liaise Officer from the Illegal Money Lending Team at nadeem.mahammed@birmingham.gov.uk.

 

Act on Energy: Keep Warm Appeal

Does your organisation want to support residents who are struggling to stay warm this winter? Act on Energy is running a ‘Keep Warm Appeal’ for local organisations to take part in. Local businesses, schools and community groups can become a donation point for warm items that Act on Energy can deliver to the residents they see across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. It’s up to you how you advertise it, whether it’s only for in-house employees or students/parents/members, or whether you become a contact point for your local community to donate items. Full information can be found at Keep Warm Appeal toolkit and if you are unable to take part, there is also a general toolkit with information about Act on Energy and how residents can get in touch.

 

Basement Project – Wellbeing Sessions

The Basement Project provides support for young people aged 25 and under in Worcestershire. Every Tuesday between 10am – 12noon they host wellbeing sessions that can include a Walk and Talk, Coffee Morning, Craft and Calm and a Values and Strengths session. If you are working with any 16-25 year olds who might be interested in attending, they can call or WhatsApp 07402 166391 to book a session. For all the latest news and details on these weekly sessions, visit The Basement Project | Bromsgrove | Facebook. Flyer attached – please help promote.

 

HeadGym Foundation

The HeadGym Foundation is a local charity who will be running various projects starting early 2026 aimed at young people aged 10 – 18 years. Details of all the projects can be found in the flyer attached and anyone who wants to find out more or book a place, can contact Neil Ordish at neil@headgym.co.uk or telephone – 07856 606 307.  (Based in Redditch, but open to both Redditch and Bromsgrove young people)

 

Positive Pathways 2026: Supporting Young People (15-17)

Positive Pathways is a research project exclusively available across the Midlands for 15–17 year olds. Following the successful delivery of the Positive Pathways programmes in 2024 and 2025, it has been announced they are accepting referrals for their 2026 residentials (taking place from February 26 onwards) – all still completely free. Further information and details of how to refer in can be found attached.

 

Healthy Worcestershire *Please help promote*

A reminder about  Healthy Worcestershire, a free health improvement programme (funded by Public Health) that offers weekly sessions that 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. Residents can simply turn up on the day or they can book a place by emailing Healthy.Worcestershire@nhs.net or calling 01905 928185 or 0800 772 0307.  Venue details of all the sessions, plus further details, can also be found at: healthyworcestershire.org.uk, but here’s a quick reminder of where and when – please help promote.

 

Bromsgrove Sessions: Blackwell Community Hall on Mondays 2-4pm St. Andrew’s Church in Charford on Mondays 9.15-11.15am Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Wednesdays 2-4pm *Please help promote* Catshill Village Hall on Thursdays 2-4pm Fathers Barn in Rubery on Fridays 2-4pm

Redditch Sessions: Sandycroft Centre on Tuesdays 10am-12pm Abbeydale Community Club on Wednesdays 10am-12pm Oakenshaw Community Centre on Thursdays 10am-12pm *New Venue – Flyer attached Willow Trees Community Centre on Fridays 10am-12pm Batchley Community Centre on Saturdays 10-11am *New Venue – Flyer Attached

 

Plus…FREE Hybrid Physical Activity Sessions

In addition to the above mentioned sessions, Healthy Worcestershire are now offering new hybrid sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6:45pm – 8:00pm where participants can join in virtually, allowing them to take part in physical activity sessions from the comfort of their home. Find out more here: Hybrid Physical Activity Sessions – Healthy Worcestershire’s Services.

 

And….FREE Virtual Nutritional and Lifestyle Course 

A rolling 12 week weight management rolling programme is also running as part of Healthy Worcestershire.  The free virtual sessions run on Mondays 1-2pm or 5.30-6.30pm to support weight loss and keep it off.  Find out more here: Nutrition and Lifestyle – Healthy Worcestershire’s Services.  Please help promote – updated flyer attached.

 

Events / Roadshows

 

Chandler Court – Bromsgrove

Chandler Court, Recreation Road, Bromsgrove are holding the following events and local residents are very welcome to attend.

• Christmas Fayre – Saturday 29th November 11am – 2pm – Enjoy festive fun, refreshments, and browse stalls with a selection of Christmas crafts and gifts.

• Wills and Power of Attorney – Thursday 4th December 10.30am – 12noon – Go along and chat with legal experts Ian Beavon and Lauren Cerri from MFG Solicitors, they will be explaining the importance of wills and having a Power of Attorney in place for your loved one. Refreshments will be served, and there will be the opportunity to have a viewing of Chandler Court.

To register your interest for either event, please contact Rebecca Pearce, Customer Relations Manager Chandler Court at  Rebecca.Pearce@careuk.com.

 

White Ribbon Campaign – Bromsgrove

This event will take place on Tuesday 2nd December 11am – 3pm on Bromsgrove High Street (by the old post office). Visit the stand for advice, support, and information from domestic abuse support services from the Community Safety team. Flyer attached – please help promote.  (Redditch event was held earlier this week)

 

Christmas Event at Bromsgrove Library

Bromsgrove Library are holding a Uke & Sing Festive Performance on Friday 5^th December at 10.30am. All welcome to enjoy coffee / tea and mince pies whilst listening to Uke & Song’s festive tunes. Please help promote – flyer attached.

 

Over 50’s Festive Celebration and Lunch – Bromsgrove

The Bromsgrove Youth & Community Hub are holding a festive celebration on Saturday 6^th December 12.30pm – 3.30pm for the over 50’s and inviting local residents to join them. The event is £5 and includes a 2 course meal and entertainment. To book a place please contact Gomez at gomez.vincent@bromsgrovehub.org.uk or visit: Home – The Hub Bromsgrove for further information. Flyer attached – please share with anyone who might like to attend!

 

Training / Courses / Workshops

 

*Last Session ….Don’t miss out!* Energy Advice Training – Act on Energy FREE

 

Are you a frontline worker who works with people who may be struggling to pay their bills? If so, Act on Energy would love to meet you at one of their sessions!

Attending a training session will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to better support your clients and to understand what is going on in the world of energy. Key issues covered includes:

 

*What is Fuel Poverty – and its impact        *Understanding the Energy Crisis and where we are now with pricing and billing              *What help is available now                    *Longer term solutions

 

The final training session will take place on Tuesday 9th December 11.30am – 1.30pm….. Book your ticket now by registering at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/energy-advice-training-tickets-1033626273007?aff=oddtdtcreator and feel free or pass this link on to a colleague!

 

2 FREE training opportunities from BARN (Bromsgrove & Redditch Network) – open to voluntary and community sector organisations and volunteers from public sector organisations

 

• *Free* Business Planning and Development training for VCS organisations!

Are you responsible for financial planning? Do you need help developing a business plan? This training can help and will take place on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 10:00am – 1:30pm in Redditch and will help you understand where you are now, where you want to be, and how to develop a plan to get there. The session will be delivered as an interactive face to face workshop and will cover:

• Mission, Values, Objects and Activities (MVOA)
• Understanding where you are now and where you want to be
• Developing your business on a page (Business Model Canvas)
• Resourcing the plan
• Practical tools/ templates to help.

By the end of this session delegates will have a good understanding of how to develop and resource a business development plan, an understanding of their market and where they fit and will have developed an initial business model canvas (plan on a page). Sessions are tailored to the attendees and will be adapted to meet the needs of the people attending. Places are limited, so please email office@barn.org.uk to find out more or book a place.

 

• *Free* Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Online Training

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 staff, including unpaid and voluntary staff. 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 but if you think these FREE training opportunities will be useful for you, a team member or one of your volunteers, contact the team at office@barn.org.uk.

 

*FREE* Domestic Abuse Training – September to December 2025  Various dates available!

This 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:

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: bookings@sarahwigleyassociates.co.uk.

.

 

Household Support Fund (HSF) Phase 7 – Latest Information

 

**OPEN**Act on Energy – Worcestershire HSF7 Scheme

This scheme offers qualifying residents across Worcestershire support with their current energy and water costs, energy and water debt and where required, assistance to repair, service or 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 details are online and residents can apply via an online form or by calling 0800 988 2881.

 

**OPEN**Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN) HSF7 Scheme – £75 Cash voucher for eligible pensioners, disabled and carers

Worcestershire Advice Network (made up of our local Age UKs, Citizens Advice and Disability Information Advice Line) are 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, carers of any age and those who have high energy usage medical devices.  Some may be eligible for more than one CASH voucher.  There are just a few simple questions to find out if they are eligible.  This scheme is being administered by Age UK Wyvern and supported locally by Age UK North Worcestershire and Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch. Further information, including contact telephone numbers, can be found at: Worcestershire Advice Network | Advice services working in Partnership.

 

Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch HSF7 Schemes – help with food and other essentials** Bromsgrove scheme – OPEN / Redditch scheme – PAUSED **

Alongside the Worcestershire HSF7 scheme, there are our local Bromsgrove and Redditch HSF7 schemes to help struggling residents with food and other essential household costs:

• Bromsgrove – If you are working with any Bromsgrove residents who are struggling and have not received this support in the past 12 months, they may be eligible to Go to: Bromsgrove HSF Scheme.
• Redditch – Due to the demand, our Redditch HSF scheme has been paused whilst CABR work through all the requests received to date. Please visit the website regularly for updates on available funds.

 

Cost of Living – Other Local Information

 

Business Cards of Useful Contact Numbers – Bromsgrove and Redditch Free to collect

We know some residents simply don’t know where to turn for support which is why this small business card of useful contacts across Redditch and Bromsgrove has been produced.  You can pick up your FREE supply for your service users. You can collect a bundle from Redditch Council’s Customer Services in the Kingfisher Centre (5 George Walk behind Primark) or Bromsgrove Council’s Customer Services at Parkside. 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 attached so you can see what it looks like).  A poster version is also attached – please feel free to display and share that too!

 

Act on Energy – Energy Advice Service Free for our residents

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 advice@actonenergy.org.uk.  There are also free online resources, hints and tips available too.

 

Cost of living webpages – so our residents know where to turn for support

Don’t Forget… There are cost of living webpages on 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.

 

 

Consultations / Surveys

 

Bromsgrove District Budget Consultation 2026/27 and Redditch Borough Budget Consultation 2026/27*Takes just 5-10 minutes to complete!*

These surveys are open to residents and business owners of Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough, and the aim is to gather views on the councils’ budgets and where they should prioritise spending for 2026/2027. The surveys should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

• The Redditch Borough Budget Consultation is available here: www.redditchbc.gov.uk/budgetsurvey and closes at 9am on Monday 29 December 2025.
• The Bromsgrove District Budget Consultation is available at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/budgetconsultation and closes at 9am on Friday 2 January 2026.

 

 

Funding

 

Quick reminder…Funding from Public Health and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

The  Stay Connected Community Grant allows community-based organisations to apply for one-off funding between £250-£2500 to support projects that aim to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

The Youth Innovation Fund provides up to £3K for youth organisations to support innovative projects that will prevent crime by increasing physical activity or mental wellbeing projects. Projects that reduce drug and alcohol use may also be considered.

The Innovation Grant for Educational Settings enables small grants to be made to schools (and other education settings) to support innovative mental health and wellbeing projects and prevent crime by increasing young people’s engagement in art, cultural activities, or physical activity.

PLUS the Physical Activity Wellbeing Grant from Public Health offers grants to the voluntary and community sector of up to £3k specifically for physical activity, exercise and active travel related projects.

And finally there is also the Micro Grant scheme offering up to £250 for resident led activities. Have a question or want to discuss an idea? Any questions on the grants? Please contact the Public Health team at hwbadmin@worcestershire.gov.uk.

 

Other Newsletters

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

 

Both Districts / Countywide:

• DWP Touchbase –  7 & 14 November 2025
• Worcestershire-Health-Champions-Newsletter-November-2025.pdf
• Community First – November 2025 Latest News
• Stop Loan Sharks – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025.pdf – Google Drive
• DWP Budget Update – 27 November 2025

 

Redditch:

• 2025-11-November-Carers-Careline-newsletter.pdf

 

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

 

Kind Regards,

 

Della McCarthy & Ali Wakeman

Bromsgrove Partnership & Redditch Partnership

Email: partnership@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

 

 

SNT Engagements – Bromsgrove August

During August Bromsgrove Safer Neighbour Hood Teams will be available for a face to face chat at the following locations and times: 🗓️ Tuesday 05th August, Morrisons Buntsford Park from 11:00-12:00 📆 Friday 08th August, 3A Aston Fields from 11:00-12:00 🗓️ Saturday 09th August, Bromsgrove Library, Market Street from 10:00-11:00 📆 Sunday 10th August, Argos High Street from 14:00-15:00 🗓️ Tuesday 12th August, Waitrose , 3 Saint John Street from 18:00-19:00 📆 Sunday 17th August, The Methodist Church Stratford Road from 10:30-11:30 📆 Monday 18th August, Asda, Market Street from 10:00-11:00 📆 Tuesday 19th August, Pets At Home from 14:00-15:00 🗓️ Saturday 23rd August, Cost Cutter Stoke Prior from 14:00-15:00 📆 Friday 29th August, The POD, Charford from 11:00-12:00 If you have any community concerns or issues you wish to raise with us and you can make it, please come along. Alternatively, you can contact the team on bromsgroveSJ.snt@westmercia.police.uk and bsr.snt@westmercia.police.uk

🚨 APPEAL FOR INFORMATION – ILLEGAL E-BIKES – BROMSGROVE SOUTH 🚨

Bromsgrove South Police are appealing to the public for information following multiple reports of illegal e-bike activity in the Wellington Road and Warwick Hall Gardens areas.   We are particularly keen to identify three males seen riding illegal e-bikes, all reportedly wearing balaclavas. The group is believed to be operating in and around the Oakalls and Aston Fields areas.   📍 Areas of interest: ·  Wellington Road ·  Warwick Hall Gardens ·  Oakalls ·  Aston Field   👀 What we’re looking for: ·  CCTV footage or doorbell camera recordings ·  Photos or dashcam footage of the males or bikes ·  Any witness accounts of the group’s movements or behaviour These bikes are not road-legal, and their use poses a danger to the public and the riders themselves. We are eager to identify and speak to those involved to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of our community.   📞 If you have any relevant information,  reach out to our local policing team email bsr.snt@westmercia.police.uk or social media channels. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.   Your help could make a real difference in keeping Bromsgrove safe.   Thank you for your support. PCSO Johnathan EVANS 40596 Bromsgrove SNT South and Rurral

We are looking for one member of the public to serve as an independent lay co-opted member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel for a four-year term. The Panel covers the geographical areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire. Support for the Panel is provided by Worcestershire County Council.
The Panel is part of the governance arrangements for policing in the West Mercia area. Its role is to maintain a regular check and balance on the performance of the directly-elected West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
The role of the Panel Member is an important and demanding one. The commitment required from a Panel Member will vary but is expected to average one day a month (including preparation time). Meetings will generally be held during normal working hours at venues throughout the West Mercia police force area.
All Panel members can claim a reasonable amount for travelling and subsistence expenses and will receive induction and other appropriate training. This is not a paid position.
The Panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities in West Mercia and welcomes applications from all eligible people (there are some exceptions which are listed in the application pack).
Applications from people with experience (in paid or unpaid roles) in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be particularly welcomed.
Applicants must be resident in or work within the West Mercia police force area.
If you wish to find out more information about the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel and for details on the application process, please visit our website:
West Mercia Police and Crime Panel | Worcestershire County Council
Please return applications by 5pm on Friday 16 May 2025 either by email to: sjmorris@worcestershire.gov.uk
or by post to:
Samantha Morris, Interim Democratic Governance and Scrutiny Manager,
Worcestershire County Council,
County Hall
Spetchley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP