August Wellbeing in Partnership

Please find the August Wellbeing in Partnership e-bulletin for Bromsgrove and Redditch below containing updates on different local services and support, events, training and workshops, funding and more.

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

Services / Support – Information Updates

ReNEW Creative Producers Opportunities for 16 – 25 year olds
ReNEW: Sharing Stories, Shaping Futures is an Arts Council-funded cultural development initiative that empowers young people to build skills and experience in the arts through creative training, apprenticeships, and co-produced projects. Young creatives aged 16 to 25 are being currently being recruited to join the programme as Creative Producers who will play a key role in developing and delivering community-led projects across visual, digital, and performing arts. Working alongside professional artists, young people will help design and create public art projects at the heart of their communities. These projects will celebrate local heritage, amplify diverse voices, and promote cultural inclusion across Redditch and Bromsgrove. For more information, please see the attached referral guide and leaflet or visit renewcreative | Linktree. Please share with your networks and young people.

FREE Escape-pain Classes
ESCAPE-pain classes will be starting in September in Bromsgrove and Redditch, providing a free 6-week programme that helps people with chronic pain and integrates educational self-management and coping strategies with an exercise regimen individualised for each participant. Class start dates and times are as follows:

• Bromsgrove Sports & Leisure Centre – Starts Monday 7 September and will run weekly on Mondays at 1.30pm and Wednesdays at 2.00pm.
• Abbey Stadium, Redditch – Starts Wednesday 16 September and will run weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2.30pm.

12 sessions are provided over 6 weeks and participants need to attend twice a week on the days stated. Anyone wishing to take part in the sessions should register their interest via the online form at: Escape Pain | Bromsgrove.gov.uk or Escape Pain | Redditchbc.gov.uk or contact Sports Development by emailing sd@bromsroveandredditch.gov.uk.

FREE Couch to 5K – Bromsgrove and Redditch
Couch to 5K is back this September! For details of the upcoming sessions visit Couch to 5k (bromsgrove.gov.uk) and Couch to 5k (redditchbc.gov.uk). Please help raise awareness – Flyers attached.

Stronger 4 Longer Programme – Falls prevention Could You Deliver a 30-Minute Talk about your service?
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 available on 7 or 14 September, or 5, 19 or 26 October, and would like to attend one of the sessions and deliver a talk from 1.30pm to 2.00pm, please get in touch with Laura Wilson at laura.wilson140@nhs.net.

Wellbeing Walks Do you know of any community groups or a new group who could benefit?
Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (WCRP) are running a Wellbeing Walks project whereby university students, trained as walk leaders provide guided wellness walks to help tackle isolation, promote connectedness and sustainable travel that link with the Rail Trails walks. Walk leaders are offering existing community groups or new groups the opportunity to get involved and enjoy a guided walk, incorporating the local rail trails across the Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough. These walks can be a one-off event or a regular occurrence. If you know of any community groups or any potential new groups (doesn’t have to be a walking group!) that would be interested in participating in a guided walk, please get in touch with Hayley at hayley.cartwright@wmre.org.uk.

Megan Baker House – Conductive Education Services
Megan Baker House provides specialist Conductive Education programmes for children and adults living with neurological conditions, including Parkinson, stroke, cerebral palsy, DCD (Dyspraxia), multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injury. They offer personalised support designed to improve mobility, balance, independence, and confidence, helping individuals achieve their goals in everyday life.
Based in Herefordshire, with REACHOUT sessions across four counties including Worcestershire, Redditch and Bromsgrove residents can access their services at Newsong Community Church in Sidemoor with programmes tailored to suit people of all ages and abilities. They offer: • Individual and group sessions for children and adults • Support for mobility, balance and coordination • Programmes to improve independence and daily living skills • Specialist neurological rehabilitation and education • Free initial consultations and self-referrals welcome. Home visits are also available. For further information or to arrange a free consultation, please contact the team at: 01531 633840 or email Sue Mechan at sue@meganbakerhouse.org.uk.

Generation Changemakers Mentor Programme….. Could you become a mentor and help young people realise their potential?
Age UK North Worcestershire are currently recruiting volunteer mentors for their pilot Changemakers Programme, which supports local young people in education to build confidence, leadership skills and, aspirations for the future. Generation Changemakers is a student-led initiative that sees students working in teams as if running their own business, creating and delivering awareness and fundraising activities for Age UK North Worcestershire, supported by guidance from local business mentors. For young people, having a mentor can be life changing; for mentors, it’s a rewarding opportunity to develop coaching and leadership skills while making a real difference in the local community. The programme is seeking mentors who can commit to: – A 12-week mentoring programme and around 3 hours per month (during school hours). The pilot programme will launch in mid to late September and run through to Christmas. Full training and ongoing support will be provided throughout the programme. Further information can be found attached. Interested in finding out more? Contact Sarah Diston, Head of Fundraising, Age UK North Worcestershire at sarah.diston@ageuknorthworcs.org.uk or call 07813 810 533.

Tryangle Awards 2026 – Nominate a young person for an award!
Young Solutions are excited to launch the 2026 Tryangle Awards, celebrating local inspirational young people and adults. Now in their 21st year, these premier annual awards celebrate the efforts of local inspirational young people and adults. Anyone can nominate including teachers, youth workers, coaches and instructors, parents and neighbours. Every person nominated receives a certificate in recognition of their efforts and achievements, and the most outstanding receive one of our special Tryangle awards presented at our AGM evening. If you know a young person or adult who volunteers in the community, promotes well-being or supports and inspires others, then nominate them here. Nominations close on Monday 28th September 2026.
Volunteer Centre for Bromsgrove and Redditch – Awarded the VCQA quality mark
BARN (Bromsgrove and Redditch Network) runs the local Volunteer Centre for Bromsgrove and Redditch and over the last few months they have been undergoing their Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) and it has been announced they have been awarded the quality standard once again. The accreditation, awarded by the National Association of Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA), ensures the holder provides a high quality and effective local service, awarded only after the rigorous assessment process. You can find out all the details at: https://barn.org.uk/volunteercentre/your-local-volunteer-centre-has-successfully-achieved-the-vcqa-quality-mark/.

Want to volunteer or need volunteers? Get in touch with BARN! Their contact details can be found at Get in touch | Bromsgrove and Redditch Network

Events / Roadshows / Multi-Agency Drop-ins

FREE Falls Prevention and Slipper Exchange Event – Rubery Refer in / Get involved
Bromsgrove PCN is holding a Falls Prevention and Slipper Exchange event on Tuesday 15 September 10am – 2pm at the Royal British Legion Rubery Memorial Club, B45 9HY. This event is specifically for residents aged 65 and over (or 50-64yrs with an existing health condition that contributes to limited mobility or history of falls). Although taking place in Rubery, it is open to any eligible resident living in Bromsgrove District. They will be professionally measured by Humphries Shoes staff for their new FREE pair of slippers. Slippers will be available for collection from Rubery Library on Monday 28 September.
Partner organisations are welcome to refer anyone they are working with who meets the criteria and would benefit. All appointments must be booked in advance which can be done by call, text or email. Booking details can be found in the flyer attached. Please help promote and refer in.
Please note – There will also be opportunities for people to speak with partner agencies and learn more about falls prevention. Any partner organisations involved in falls prevention work are invited to take part on the day – to get involved, contact katie.kehoe1@nhs.net.

Bromsgrove Youth and Community Hub – Mental Health Awareness Day Get Involved!
The Bromsgrove Youth and Community Hub will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness Day event in Bromsgrove High Street on Saturday 10th October 26. Local organisations and services that support mental health and wellbeing are invited to take part by hosting a stall on the day. The event will provide an opportunity to engage with members of the public, raise awareness of available support services, and help promote positive mental health across the community. Funds raised through the event will support The Hub’s work delivering mental health support to young people. Alongside community information stalls, Seal Fitness will be completing a sponsored bike ride, finishing at the top of the High Street around lunchtime, and young people will be performing live music in the afternoon. If your organisation would like to get involved, please contact The Hub team at info@thehubbromsgrove.org.

Woodrow Hub – What’s On! – Redditch
There’s lots going on at the Woodrow Hub! Please find attached the latest weekly schedule, which provides details of all activities taking place at the Hub, along with contact information if you would like to book the venue FREE of charge. Also attached are:
• A flyer for the Tuesday Community Drop-in’s involving Citizens Advice, CAP, Redditch Foodbank, Old NeedleWorks
• The Nightingales Primary Care Network (PCN) Monthly Health Promotion Flyer – The next monthly drop-in will take place from 12noon to 2pm on Wednesday 16 September. These free drop-in sessions provide residents with easy access to a wide range of advice, support services, and health checks, all in one convenient location. Further information can be found at Upcoming Events – Nightingales Primary Care Network, Redditch.
Please help us spread the word and promote these opportunities within your networks. Want to be involved? Get in touch with Pete Martin at pmar2711@yahoo.co.uk or call 07500 693452

World Suicide Prevention Day – 10th September 2026 Get Involved – share and promote support
Worcestershire Public Health wanted to share what’s happening across Worcestershire and beyond for World Suicide Prevention Day. This year they are encouraging activity between 10th September (World Suicide Prevention Day) and 10th October (World Mental Health Day). If you’re short on time, a simple but meaningful way to get involved is by sharing positive messages and promoting available support throughout the month. See attached for further details including the Mental Health Hub Campaign for mental health | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust; Online Information and Support Sessions hosted by the Recovery College; PAPYRUS Funded Suicide Prevention Training; and Zero Suicide Alliance Online Events and more.

Training / Courses / Workshops

FREE Act on Energy – Energy Advice Training *1 hour*
Act on Energy is offering frontline workers who work with people who may be struggling to pay their bills the opportunity to attend a free 1 hour online training session that will provide them with the essential knowledge and skills to better support clients and to understand what is going on in the world of energy. Don’t miss out on this FREE training! Various dates available during September and October… Book your free ticket now using this link.

FREE Domestic Abuse Awareness Training
Please find attached details of the latest Domestic Abuse Awareness Training programme. Courses are now open for bookings with the remaining dates:
• An Introduction to Domestic Abuse (3 hours) – 26th November 26 & 2nd February 27
• Module 1 – Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse (1 Day) 6th October 19th January 27
• Module 2 – Working with Those Who Are, or Maybe Experiencing Domestic Abuse (1 Day) 20th October, 25th November, 25th February 27
• Module 3 – Understanding and Working with Perpetrators (1 Day) 3rd November & 11th March 27
• Targeted Session – Understanding the Link: Domestic Abuse and Suicide (3 hours) 15th September 26
It is asked that Modules 1 – 3 be booked and attended in order and run from 9.30-16.30. To book on, please visit: https://booking.talkinglife.co.uk/ and enter PIN 77988.

FREE Beginners Lipreading & Managing Hearing Loss Course – Redditch *15 September at 12.30-2.30pm*
Central England Lipreading Support Trust is providing a Beginners Lipreading & Managing Hearing Loss course at Redditch Library starting on Tuesday 15th September 2026 at 12.30-2.30pm. The class is FREE and led by an ATLA Accredited Tutor, though donations to support the charity are warmly welcomed. Further information and details on how to book on can be found in the flyer attached.

FREE Digital Skills Courses – WCC Adult Learning *Book Now for Autum Courses*
Adult Learning Worcestershire is now taking bookings for its FREE Digital Skills courses this autumn. Courses are available to anyone aged 19 or over who lives in Worcestershire and can be booked through the Courses Search page. Whether learners are completely new to digital technology or already have some basic IT skills and would like to build their confidence, there is a course to suit a range of abilities. Courses available include: Digital Skills for Absolute Beginners, Smartphone/Tablet Skills, Essential Digital Skills for Life (for learners with basic computer skills) and Essential Digital Skills for Work (for learners with skills beyond a basic level). All courses are free of charge, and learners will be provided with a laptop to use during lessons. To find out about other Adult Learning courses taking place across Bromsgrove and Redditch, please visit: Adult Learning Worcestershire | WCC. (Please note: When referring learners, ensure they are booked on the course that best matches their current skill level. More detailed information about the content and requirements of each course is available on the website).

FREE Herefordshire & Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College – Courses and Workshops
Please find attached details of some brand new free courses and workshops from the Wellbeing and Recovery College with lots starting in September! To get booked on, register at: https://www.hwwellbeingandrecoverycollege.org.uk/register/ Courses and Workshops are constantly updated, for all the latest details of what’s on offer visit: https://www.hwwellbeingandrecoverycollege.org.uk/event-directory/.

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.

SURVEYS / CONSULTATIONS

My Neighbourhood Surveys 2026 – Bromsgrove District Council & Redditch Borough Council
Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Council have launched the My Neighbourhood Survey 2026 and are encouraging all residents to take part to share their views about life in the local areas, community safety, environmental issues, council services, and quality of life. The results will help inform future priorities and improvements across both areas. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and open until 9am on 21 September 26. The links to the surveys can be found below; please help promote by displaying the attached posters and digital images and encourage as many residents as possible to complete the survey to help build a clearer picture of what matters most to local people. Flyers and partner media pack attached.
– Bromsgrove Neighbourhood Survey
– Redditch Neighbourhood Survey

Calling all Dads and Male Carers!
Worcestershire Family Hubs are keen to hear from all dads and male carers, to help shape the support, services, and activities that work for dad’s and families. Please help ensure male carers and dads from Redditch and Bromsgrove are heard by letting them know of the survey. Poster is attached for display / to share which includes a QR code.

Also….If any Dad’s or Dad-to-be would like information and advice on what’s available locally for them, please direct them to: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/dads

Help Shape Future Care and Support in Worcestershire
Residents across Worcestershire are invited to take part in a survey about planning for future care and support needs. Your feedback will help improve local information, advice and services, enabling people to make informed choices, plan ahead with confidence and remain independent for longer. Whether or not you have thought about future care before, your views and experiences are important. To complete the survey, visit https://www.cabr.org.uk/preparingforcare. Flyer Attached – please help promote.

Worcestershire Unpaid Carers Survey– Do you know anyone who provides unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour?
Worcestershire’s All-Age Carers Strategy is being refreshed, and unpaid carers are being invited to share their experiences to help shape future support, services and priorities across the county. Carers are at the heart of our communities, and whether residents are supporting a parent, partner, child, friend or neighbour, their feedback can make a real difference. Unpaid carers do so much for the people they care about, often balancing caring responsibilities with work, education and family life. We know caring can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. That’s why Worcestershire County Council wants to understand what is working well, the challenges carers face, and what support would make the biggest difference in the future.
Please help Worcestershire County Council reach carers by sharing the survey link: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/CarersStrategyRefresh2026. The survey will remain open until 30 September 2026.

Big Conversation on Care – your opportunity to shape the future of adult social care
The Big Conversation on Care is a chance for everyone in England to have their say on the future of adult social care. Adult social care affects millions of people across the country. It supports older people, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions with a wide range of everyday tasks, helping them to live independently and safely. However, the reality is that adult social care is not working well enough for many people, and change is needed to ensure that those who need support can get it. The Big Conversation is part of the work being undertaken by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, also known as the Casey Commission. Please take this opportunity to help inform the Commission’s recommendations to Government and share your ideas and experiences and vote on proposals: The Big Conversation on Care | The Casey Commission.

Funding

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: Stay Connected Grants and Physical Activity Grants; 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

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)

*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:
• NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 18 August 2026
• DWP Touchbase – 21 August 2026
• Basement Project Newsletter – August 2026

Redditch
• Carers Careline August 2026 Newsletter – 2026-08-August-Carers-Careline-newsletter.pdf
• Reimagine Redditch – Our September News is here!

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