March Wellbeing in Partnership Bulletin
Please find the March 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….
Household Support Fund (HSF) Phase 7…ending
Household Support Fund 7 is ending this month and the Worcestershire HSF Scheme (delivered by Act on Energy) as well as the Bromsgrove HSF7 Scheme and Redditch HSF7 Scheme (both delivered by Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch) are now closed to applications while they process the last few applications and pay out remaining funds.
Crisis and Resilience Fund …starting
The new Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is due to come in but please note it is NOT a like-for-like replacement: 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.
Worcestershire County Council, working with the 6 District Councils and VCSE partners (including Act on Energy), are currently developing the local scheme in line with Department for Work and Pensions guidance. Updates will be available on the County Council’s website, as well as District and VCSE partner websites, from April 2026 to keep you up to date.
Housing Payments – As part of CRF from 1 April, Housing Payments (currently known as Discretionary Housing Payments) will be available to those who receive Housing Benefit and/or Universal Credit and need extra help for short term specific housing related crisis. More details will be online from 1 April at Bromsgrove District Council – Housing Payments and Redditch Borough Council – Housing Payments
LGP and Heating Oil Support – As recently announced by the Government, support for low-income households that rely on heating oil or LPG and are struggling with rising costs has been added to CRF. This support is designed to help people in acute need. Further details about the support available will be shared as soon as the Worcestershire scheme is confirmed. In the meantime, Worcestershire households can access free, confidential advice and support through their local Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN) partner. WAN partners, including Citizens Advice, Age UK and the Disability Information Advice Line, can provide support through the Alternative Fuel – Oil and LPG Home Energy Support scheme.
Don’t forget, alongside this the Bromsgrove Energy Advice Service and Redditch Energy Advice Service, delivered by Act on Energy on behalf of the Councils, will continue to be available providing free and impartial advice for all our residents.
We will include information in future bulletins but from 1 April, please visit Worcestershire County Council website and Bromsgrove District or Redditch Borough Councils websites for further updates.
Services / Support – Information Updates
Woodrow Hub – do you want to be involved?
You may be aware that, due to the pre-election period in Redditch, events for partners and the community originally planned for today and tomorrow have been postponed and instead will happen after the May elections. However, that does not mean partners cannot still get involved as work at the new Woodrow Hub continues! If you would like to be involved and book a free space at the new Woodrow Hub, or maybe you would just like to find out more, please contact either Pete Martin at pmar2711@yahoo.co.uk or Anthony Pridding at apridding@worcestershire.gov.uk.
Connect to Work – Worcestershire
Connect to Work is a new, free programme designed to help people in Worcestershire who are finding it hard to start or stay in work due to health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers. One-to-one support is provided to build confidence, support with job searching, and help to find employment. It is a voluntary scheme for those aged 18+ who need more intensive support to find or stay in work. Participants can receive up to 12 months support. There are different ways to register, including by completing an expression of interest online form or by calling Adult Front Door on 01905 768053 (choose Option 3 and state “Connect to Work”). To find out more, please visit: Connect to Work | Worcestershire County Council. If any partners have a question, please contact the team at: CTW@worcestershire.gov.uk
Redditch Nightstop – Request for Help…
This local charity works towards preventing youth homelessness by providing short term accommodation and are seeking hosts so they can continue to be there for young people, 16-25 years of age, who are at risk of sleeping rough. The team are reaching out to the local community to see if anyone would be interested in offering their spare room (costs payable) to host young people at risk of homelessness, whilst Redditch Nightstop work to find permanent accommodation for the young person. Redditch Nightstop support hosts and guests every step of the way….. Please help to spread the word by displaying the attached poster and if you would like to know more, please get in touch with the team at info@redditchnightstop.co.uk.
New Chair Yoga Class – Bromsgrove
This new group runs every Thursday 12pm – 1pm at Bromsgrove Sports & Leisure Centre (BSLC). The class is suitable for all abilities, including beginners and those recovering from injury, or with limited mobility. Sessions cost £5.00 and further information can be found on the flyer attached. Please help promote.
Bromsgrove Dementia Clinic
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 21st, 22nd and 23rd April 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.
Are you a Carer? – Bromsgrove Survey
Bromsgrove & District Primary Care Network (PCN) would like to gain more of an understanding of carers living in the Bromsgrove District and their experiences. From the feedback they are planning on organising some events/groups aimed at carers. It’s a short survey and all answers are anonymous. Follow this link to complete the survey or see the QR code on the flyer attached. Printed copies are also available! Partners can contact PCN Assistant Manager, Laura Wilson at laura.wilson140@nhs.net with any questions. Please use the attached to help reach as many local carers as possible.
Togetherness – New Pathway – Parenting Resources for Schools and Families
Togetherness provides NHS‑developed resources to support children’s emotional wellbeing and strengthen parent-child relationships and has recently launched a new, free learning pathway which will be highly valuable for families and professionals across SEND networks. The Understanding your deaf child for hearing parents – Togetherness is an online, bitesize learning pathway designed for hearing parents, carers and grandparents of deaf children aged 6 months to 19+ years. Details of how to access this pathway and enrol can be found attached or visit Worcestershire | Togetherness – Togetherness to find details of the fully funded resources that can be accessed by families at any time by using the free access code PARENTSROCK – Please help promote.
Healthy Worcestershire *Please help promote*
A quick 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 for convenience below are the local sessions – please help promote.
Bromsgrove Sessions:
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Redditch Sessions:
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Plus…FREE Online Physical Activity Sessions
In addition to the above mentioned sessions, Healthy Worcestershire offers 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.
Finally….FREE Stop Smoking Support
There are specialist advisors available giving free expert help to stop smoking as part of the Healthy Worcestershire provision. Find out more at: Stop Smoking Support – Healthy Worcestershire’s Services
Events / Roadshows / Multi-Agency Drop-ins
Improving Digital Confidence Sessions – Age UK North Worcestershire & AbilityNet – Free Digital Drop-ins for Bromsgrove older residents
Age UK North Worcestershire’s Amphlett Hall Computer Club runs its monthly Digital Drop In sessions (held on the first Wednesday of every month, 1.30pm-3.30pm) for anybody seeking help with their mobile phone, tablet or laptop. To help with increasing awareness and improving digital confidence and skills, they are working in partnership with AbilityNet, a charity which focuses on supporting older people and those with disabilities to get online. The focus of their next session on 1st April 2026 (1.30-3.30pm) at Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, Bromsgrove, B61 8DW, will be Staying Safe Online. Attendees will need to bring their own phone or tablet. These monthly Drop In sessions are free, but donations are welcomed. Poster attached – please share with anyone who may benefit from attending.
Drop-In Support Session – Maple View Medical Practice in Redditch – open to all across Redditch!
The Primary Care Networks (PCN) in Redditch have arranged further Drop-In Sessions on Tuesday 14 April, Tuesday 12 May, and Tuesday 9 June, 9.30am – 12.30pm at Maple View Medical Practice, Church Hill, Redditch, B98 9AA. Citizens Advice, WorkWell Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Social Prescribers, Carers & Communities, Carers Careline and Act on Energy will be available to provide free support to local residents. You do not have to be registered with a local medical practice to attend. Further information can be found on the flyer attached. Please help promote.
Quick Reminder BDHT Family Fun Days – Bromsgrove – Provisional Save the Dates!
The team at Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) have provided provisional dates for these popular family fun days, please save the dates as follows:
- Friday 31 July 2026 – Catshill
- Friday 14 August 2026 – Sidemoor
- Friday 28 August 206 – Charford
For partners that have attended previously a booking form will be emailed to you early Spring. If there are any partners that have not been involved previously, but would like to get involved, please email 360support@bdht.co.uk and you will be added to the mailing list.
Training / Courses / Workshops
DWP – Disability Services Advocacy Team Awareness Sessions – Free training for partner agencies
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering Disability Awareness Sessions (some as little as 1 hour) for external partners during April and May 2026. 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, along with details on how to register.
Digital Skills – Adult Learning – Redditch
Adult Learning Worcestershire is offering free Digital Skills courses this Summer Term at Redditch libraries. Learners will have access to a laptop during lessons, no equipment needed! Each course runs for 5 weeks, giving learners the opportunity to build their confidence and develop practical digital skills in a supportive environment. Learners who attend may also be eligible to receive a free smartphone or tablet (*subject to eligibility). Also find attached the course progression chart, which shows how learners can build their skills and progress through the courses. Please share this information with anyone who may benefit from improving their digital skills!
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To find out more or book a place, please see the links above and for all other adult learning courses in Bromsgrove and Redditch, please visit: Courses Search.
HOW College – A range of community Courses
Please find attached details of a range of Community Courses starting after Easter, delivered in partnership with a variety of local community venues. Most courses are free to attend, although learners will need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Courses on offer include: yoga, a wellness course, creativity course, sewing course, Reiki and more! Further information about all the community courses on offer can be found at Community Courses! | Heart of Worcestershire College. Also, applications are still being accepted for the following courses: Digital & IT Skills, Cyber Security, Adult English & Maths and ESOL – Details on how to find out more, or apply, can be found in the flyers attached.
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College – NEW Courses and Workshops
Please find attached details of free courses and workshops, including some brand new ones that are taking place over the next few months. To get booked on, please use the following link to register (if you have not done so already) https://www.hwwellbeingandrecoverycollege.org.uk/register/. The Wellbeing and Recovery College are constantly updating their offer, so please keep checking in on the ‘Courses and Workshops’ page for the latest information. Please share with anyone who could benefit.
Want to know more about what the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College has to offer? Visit HW Wellbeing & Recovery College | NHS Charities Together.
*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. 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
Coming soon…Bromsgrove Small Equalities Grants 2026/27
The Bromsgrove District Council’s Small Equalities Grants Scheme for 2026/27 is anticipated to open early April (which is next week!) so please keep an eye out for details. If you would like to be on the circulation list to receive that information directly, email the team at equalities@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
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 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), 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
Other Newsletters
In case you missed them, please find the following attached (or link provided), in no particular order…
Both Districts / Countywide:
- DWP Updates – DWP Touchbase – 6th & 20th March 2026
- NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 2nd & 27th March 2026
- Public Health – Worcestershire-Health-Champions-Newsletter-March-2026.pdf
- Act on Energy – Spring Newsletter 2026
- Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) Stakeholder Newsletter
- Young Solutions – E-bulletin w/e 27 March 2026
- Healthwatch Worcestershire Bulletin – March 2026
- Youth Connect – YMCA Worcestershire’s Brand-New Youth Newsletter – March 2026
- SpeakEasy N.O.W. – SpeakEasy N.O.W. Spring newsletter 2026
Redditch:
- Carers Careline March 2026 Newsletter – 2026-03-March-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