Wellbeing in Partnership News
Please find the June 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
Neighbourhood Wellbeing Stories Do you have a story to share?
In relation to ‘Neighbourhood Health’, Public Health are collating ‘Neighbourhood Wellbeing Stories’ to help to show a range of examples of how different partners working in our communities contribute to supporting people to live healthy lives and remain independent, taking a preventative approach.
As you may be aware, the Government’s aim with ‘Neighbourhood Health’ is to help people to live well in their local areas, with a focus on prevention and a shift from hospital to community. Many of our NHS colleagues may be unaware that partners are already providing support in communities which positively impacts on health, including reducing health inequalities. As a starting point, we need your examples (and often you will have more than one great example so feel free to provide more than one!) to show this is already happening in Bromsgrove and Redditch and that more could be achieved if we work, not just closer but differently together, in relation to ‘Neighbourhood Health’.
Please can you help by submitting your Neighbourhood Wellbeing Stories – here is an online form that you can use: Neighbourhood Wellbeing Story Template – Fill in form. It’s possible some of you may have been already asked for this info from Public Health directly for instance – you do not need to supply it more than once – all information will be pooled. Please note the deadline is 31 July 2026.
MMR vaccination – Cases of Measles on the Rise – are you protected?
The rise in measles cases in Worcestershire has prompted a renewed call for adults to check their vaccination status. Measles spreads very easily and in some cases, it can make you very ill and lead to serious health problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. Symptoms to look out for include:
*high temperature, *runny or blocked nose, *sneezing and coughing, *red, sore, watery eyes, *a rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.
The advice is: If you think you or your child may have measles or any of the symptoms, call your GP surgery or NHS 111 first, before turning up at a healthcare setting. This will help to stop the virus from spreading. Having the MMRV or MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent yourself from becoming very ill. Residents can ask their GP surgery if they’re not sure if they or their child has had either of these vaccines. GP’s can vaccinate for free on the NHS. More information on the symptoms, vaccination, and what to do if you think you have measles or have come into contact with someone who has measles, is here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/. Please help raise awareness.
Social Prescribing – Nightingales Primary Care Network (PCN) – Redditch (and Hollywood/Wythall)
Please find attached a flyer outlining details of the Nightingales PCN Social Prescribing service offering a short term, light touch service for patients struggling with non-medical issues that are impacting their physical and mental wellbeing such as loneliness, debt, housing and unemployment. Social Prescribers support and empower individuals to improve their wellbeing by creating plans/goals around what is important to them and being connected to local services. Who can they support? Anyone aged 18yrs + and registered at one of the following GP surgeries: Crabbs Cross Surgery, The Medical Centre Crabbs Cross, Hollyoaks Medical Centre, Hollywood Medical Centre, The Ridgeway Surgery, Winyates Health Centre.
Also….The Kingfisher PCN provides a Social Prescribing service that covers the following GP surgeries in Redditch: Elgar House Surgery, Hillview Medical Centre, Maple View Surgery, St Stephens Surgery, The Bridge Surgery, The Dow Surgery. Further details can be found at Social Prescribing (Self-referral) – Kingfisher PCN – Joy.
Looking for information about the Social Prescribing Service in Bromsgrove?… The Bromsgrove PCN has details on its website and it covers the following GP Surgeries: Barnt Green Surgery, Catshill Surgery, Churchfields Surgery, Cornhill Surgery, Davenal House Surgery, New Road Surgery Bromsgrove, New Road Surgery Rubery, St Johns Surgery and The Glebeland Surgery. Partners can refer in and self-referrals are accepted too. Partners can contact the team directly at: hwicb.spbromsgrove@nhs.net.
West Mercia Police SNT Contacts
Want to know who your local contact is at the Police? Please find attached details of the West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) for Bromsgrove, Rubery and Redditch.
Co-Producing the Future of H&W Health and Care NHS Trust Engagement
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is developing a new five-year strategy. It will explain how the Trust will work with the people and communities it serves. The Trust wants the new strategy to build on what has been achieved so far and is inviting patients, carers, NHS staff, volunteers, local residents, and partners from education, social care, charities, community and faith organisations and other sectors to attend one of its upcoming co-production events. Together, participants will help shape the Trust’s new strategy for:
*Engagement and involvement, *Patient and carer experience, *Reducing health inequalities, *Volunteering and participation
This is an opportunity to influence how the Trust listens to, works with and supports its communities over the next five years. The Trust wants to hear from people with lived experience, those who use its services, those who work within them, and those who support people in its communities every day. An online and in-person events are available in July and August, and you can Register Your Place by completing a sign-up form: Co-Production Event Sign Up Form – Fill out form – Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged
Can’t Attend? If anyone is unable to attend but would like to contribute their thoughts, experiences or ideas, the Trust would be love to hear from them by emailing: Whcnhs.communityengagement@nhs.net.
Free The Koala Tree – Postnatal Wellbeing Group – Summer 2026 – Redditch
This new group will be running throughout the summer for parents with babies 6 months and under. The group hopes to be a supportive space for new parents to connect, reflect and feel less alone in the realities of early parenthood. Across 5 sessions, they will explore identity, expectations, relationships, emotions and the pressure to be the ‘perfect’ parent. A space to share experiences, meet other new parents and learn strategies for wellbeing and self-compassion along the way. This group is ideal for new parents who may be feeling low, anxious or alone after having a baby and will run on a Tuesday from 28th July for 5 weeks (28th July, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August) from 10:30-12:00 at Oakenshaw Community Centre, B98 7YB. To find out more, please get in touch at Contact | The Koala Tree or contact Amy Woolston on 07904 008845.
Woodrow Community Group Meeting – Redditch
Please find attached a poster for the Woodrow Community Group meeting being held on Tuesday 7th July at 1:30pm at Woodrow Library. If you know anyone that wants to make a difference in Woodrow, please pass on the details. Further information can also be found at Woodrow Library or the Woodrow Link Second Hand Shop.
Baby & Toddler Groups / Health & Wellbeing Group, plus more! – Redditch
Please find attached flyers for the following groups run by REACH CIC at The Link, Winyates Centre:
- Golden Gatherings Lunch Club & Activities – Tuesdays from 12noon to 2pm
- Craft Workshop – Mondays 12.30pm – 2.30pm
- Sensory Play – Tuesdays 9.30am – 11am
Have a question? Give REACH a call on 01527 919869
Digital Switchover – Quick Reminder… Please encourage anyone vulnerable to contact their telephone provider NOW
As you may know, by January 2027, the UK’s old copper telephone network will be switched off. These changes will affect everyone who has or relies on a home phone, particularly for a telecare alarm, medical device, or burglar alarm. For older or vulnerable residents, it can be confusing and potentially risky as ignoring provider messages could mean the services people rely on may be disrupted. It’s important people respond when BT, Virgin Media, O2 or their landline provider, like TalkTalk, Sky, Zen, EE, PlusNet or any other provider contacts them, or even better – DO NOT wait to be contacted and instead contact your provider today and they will be supported through the process. For most, it’s as simple as plugging your phone into your router instead of the wall socket.
Please can partners help raise awareness by sharing and displaying the one or both of the attachments. Further information and support are available on BT’s Connected Together site www.bt.com/about/all-ip/connected-together, or by calling 0330 1234 150. (Note: Any NEW Lifeline customers do not need to worry – their service is already digital but if anyone has questions, they are welcome to get in touch with the team.)
Worcestershire CRF Oil and LPG Energy Support Scheme – *Open*
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. The scheme forms part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), funded by the UK Government, and is being delivered by Act on Energy on behalf of Worcestershire County Council. 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 or residents can call Act on Energy’s freephone helpline 0800 988 2881 and can even offer free at-home support for vulnerable clients.
Are you working with someone who is vulnerable and needs extra support to apply? 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. (Note: Further CRF information provided in the last bulletin can be found further down).
Summer Vigilance Campaign
As we head into the busy summer sporting events calendar, Counter Terrorism Policing are asking partners to use this key opportunity to promote the ‘Summer Vigilance campaign’ which runs until the end of August, to reinforce protective security messaging in environments where large crowds will gather to watch and celebrate. Details of a dedicated sporting events toolkit is available via ProtectUK and the summer vigilance campaigns is also available to be shared with event organisers: Summer Campaign Digital Toolkit | ProtectUK. Event organisers can play a key role in amplifying vigilance messaging, reinforcing in places people use every day or at big events. By using these materials, you can: – Make vigilance messaging visible in your environment, – Support public awareness and confidence, – Contribute to a consistent national approach.
Events / Roadshows / Multi-Agency Drop-ins
Redditch Library Events
Please find attached flyers for two upcoming events that will be taking place this July! Please help promote….
- Saturday 4th July at 12.00 midday – 3pm at Redditch library – The Great Bangla Heritage Bazaar, celebrating all things Bangladeshi, come into our amazing Bazaar and enjoy artwork, history, craft, henna art, food tasting, music and much more.
- Saturday 4th July at 12.00 midday – 1pm at Redditch Library – Redditch Pride CIC Event – Join us for a fascinating and thought-provoking talk exploring often-overlooked stories from LGBTQ+ history. Hosted by PRIDE CIC historian and archivist Sandy Wainwright, this session will shine a light on the lives and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals during World War II, as well as the historical context surrounding the conflict. The talk will explore themes of identity, resilience, and remembrance, including the significance of the pink triangle and the experiences of those whose stories have too often gone untold.
Jobs Fair (Recruit fest) – Redditch – Opportunity to get involved!
Redditch Jobcentre (in conjunction with the local MP Chris Bloore) is hosting a Jobs Fair event on Friday 10th July, 10am – 2pm at The Canopies, Old Market Place. Partners can get involved and have a stand at the event by contacting Joanne Murray joanne.murray8@dwp.gov.uk or Gavin Phipps gavin.phipps@dwp.gov.uk to reserve a table. In addition, if partners have customers that they feel would benefit from attending, please signpost them to this event. Flyer attached – please help promote.
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 July, Tuesday 11 August, and Tuesday 15 September, 9.30am – 12.30pm at Maple View Medical Practice, Church Hill, Redditch, B98 9AA. Citizens Advice, WorkWell Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Age UK NW, Social Prescribers, Carers & Communities, Carers Careline, Act on Energy and Community Power, 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.
Bromsgrove and Redditch Parks – 6 Week Summer Fun Programme
There’s lots going on in our parks over the summer! Please find attached details of the Summer Fun Programmes taking place in Sanders Park Bromsgrove, Morton Stanley Park and Arrow Valley Country Park, Redditch. Flyers are attached – please help promote.
BDHT Family Fun Days – Bromsgrove – Not signed up yet? – Booking Form attached
Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) popular family fun days will be taking place as follows:
- Friday 31 July 2026 – Catshill
- Friday 14 August 2026 – Sidemoor
- Friday 28 August 206 – Charford
For partners that have attended previously, the booking form should have been emailed out to you. If you have not received it already or if there are any partners that have not been involved previously, but would like to be, please complete the booking form attached and email it to 360support@bdht.co.uk to secure your stall.
Training / Courses / Workshops
*Reminder* Peer Mentoring Individuals with Complex Needs – FREE Training Offer in Redditch – 6th to 8th July
Public Health are offering the opportunity for partners to participate in Peer Support for Individuals with Complex Needs training. The OCN Level 3 accredited training course is 2 ½ days in total taking place in Redditch between 6th and 8th July. Further details can be found attached with a link for you to sign up. Places will be offered on a first come, first allocated basis. (It is hoped additional sessions will be offered in the near future, dependent upon uptake.) If you have any questions or if you are interested but cannot attend on these dates, contact Anthony at: apridding@worcestershire.gov.uk
SP-EAK (Suicide Prevention – Explore, Ask, Keep-Safe) – FREE Online Training – 20th July
This is a FREE introduction to Suicide Prevention skills, aimed to help equip you (or your team) to recognise the signs and have an open, safe and sensitive conversations with someone having thoughts of suicide. It is aimed at anyone living or working in Worcestershire (funded by Public Health). Further details and to register, please go to: https://wwSpeakWorcestershireCC2.eventbrite.co.uk.
(Polite request: If you book and your diary changes and you are unable to attend, please ensure you cancel so another person can benefit. Thank you!)
*Free* Herefordshire & Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College – Courses and Workshops
Please find attached details of some brand new free courses and workshops on offer from the Wellbeing and Recovery College. To get booked on, register here: 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/.
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 July and 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.
Safeguarding Training *FREE Training for VCS Staff and any Volunteers*
This free training will take place on Thursday 23rd July, 9.30am – 12.30pm in Redditch and is suitable for all managers, frontline staff, volunteers, co-ordinators and those holding delegate safeguarding responsibilities within their organisation, this session is designed to give you an overview of both Adult and Young People’s Safeguarding. It will cover:
- Recognising safeguarding concerns involving both Adults and Children;
- Professional curiosity and responding appropriately;
- Recording, reporting, and escalation;
- Boundaries, responsibilities, and information sharing;
- Realistic case examples and group discussion.
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 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
National Lottery Community Fund – Two New Programmes
The National Lottery have 2 new programmes – The Step Forward Fund that is designed to help grassroots groups from Global Majority and racially minoritised communities take that next step from smaller scale funding to longer term and higher value investment and the The Change Makers Fund, a much larger strategic programme which is being launched soon. Funding of between £1m and £5m for up to 5 years will be provided to fund organisations that can support community leaders who are making change in and for their communities. Further information about both funds can be found attached, including links to webinars to find out more.
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
Healthwatch Worcestershire – Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Survey
Healthwatch wants to hear from people in Worcestershire living with psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as those who care for someone with one of these conditions. They’ve created a short survey to understand: – What is working well in local services; – Where people are facing challenges; – What could be improved. Feedback will help shape future health and care services across Worcestershire. Take the survey here – It only takes a few minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please contact Rowan at rowangrigg@healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk.
Facebook post attached – Please help promote.
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
Have Your Say To Help Improve Air Quality
Local residents and partners are being invited to complete a survey about air pollution and public perception. The questionnaire aims to capture insights into issues like awareness and use of local air quality tools, lifestyle changes to improve air quality, and communication preferences on the important topic. This survey is being carried out by Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS), which works on behalf of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Council, and delivered in partnership with Worcestershire County Council. An evaluation was previously carried out in 2024 and respondents voiced concerns about public health, the environment, urban planning and quality of life. It is hoped the new survey results will continue to help make a difference to the future of work to improve air quality and will see more engagement with the communities to achieve this. The survey closes on 31 July 2026, open to anyone over 16 and can be found at: Air Quality | Worcestershire Regulatory Services.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
Crisis and Resilience Fund *Further details to follow*
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.
Worcestershire County Council, working with the 6 District Councils and VCSE partners, are currently developing the local scheme in line with Department for Work and Pensions guidance. Further details about the support available will be shared as soon as the local scheme is confirmed and updates will be available on the County Council’s website, as well as District and VCSE partner websites, to keep you up to date.
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.
LGP and Heating Oil Support – As stated above under the first section of this bulletin, the Worcestershire Oil and LPG Energy Support Scheme, delivered by Act on Energy, is now live. Full details, along with the online application form can be found here: Crisis & Resilience Fund | Act On Energy
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 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.
For all the latest information, please visit, Worcestershire County Council website and Bromsgrove District Council or Redditch Borough Council websites for further updates.
Other Newsletters / Bulletins / Reports
In case you missed them, please find the following attached (or link provided), in no particular order…
Both Districts / Countywide:
- Public Health – Worcestershire-Health-Champions-Newsletter-July-2026.pdf
- DWP Touchbase – 11 June 2026
- Community First June E-Bulletin
- NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 22 June 2026
- Act on Energy Summer Newsletter
- Youth Connect – YMCA Worcestershire’s Youth Newsletter – June 2026
- Stop Loan Sharks Spring 2026 Newsletter
- Herefordshire & Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust – Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Services Newsletter
Redditch
- Carers Careline June 2026 Newsletter – 2026-06-June-Carers-Careline-newsletter.pdf
- Reimagine Redditch June Newsletter
Hopefully you have been enjoying the recent 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