.jpg)
Community Partner News
Wellbeing News
Movember 2025 – Men’s Health Awareness Month
Movember 2025 takes place throughout the entire month of November, uniting millions of people around the world to grow moustaches, raise awareness, and fund life-changing projects for men’s health.
Why Movember Matters
Men are facing a health crisis that often goes unnoticed. On average, men die four to five years earlier than women, and many of these deaths are preventable. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among men aged 15–49, and millions more battle untreated mental health conditions.
Digital Drop-In Sessions
1st Wednesday of the month, 1.30-3.30pm
Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, Bromsgrove, B61 8DW
-
Our monthly Digital Drop-Ins provide a friendly space to ask questions or get problems with your Phone, Tablet or Laptop solved
-
No need to book, just come along with your device and speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly Volunteers
Local Events
Charity Christmas Fayre
At the ecumenical centre, Evesham walk, Redditch town centre
29th November: 10-2pm come and support local charities and groups making a difference in our community.
Children’s activities, Cake stall, Handmade craft gifts, Guess the name of the Teddy competition, Handmade stocking fillers, Win a hamper and more...
The Hive Christmas Fayre 2025
Sunday 30 November 2025 10am-3pm at The Hive in Worcester
This popular annual fayre will showcase a Christmas market offering festive products, most of which are lovingly crafted in Worcestershire. You'll find unique crafts, handcrafted fashion accessories, jewellery, cards, artwork, soaps, and delicious treats. With such a variety of stalls, you're sure to find the perfect Christmas gift!
For the little ones, we have plenty of free festive fun lined up: Father Christmas will be telling stories, there will be Christmas craft making, treasure hunts with free gift and lots more.
Village Hall News
Health and Safety Risk Assessments.
These matters are quite simple in a village hall setting. Halls are generally low risk environments, not much more than a simple box, in which activities take place. The MC is responsible for providing a safe box and the activity provider for running their activity safely and appropriately. The model hire agreement I can supply sets these responsibilities out clearly and is very important.
The most important duty for the MC is to risk assess its hall and to take reasonable steps to mitigate any risks. It does not have to eliminate all risks. Risks include physical injury, fire and other matters like safeguarding, a further risk assessment would help in relation to financial risks and data protection.
Advice notes and templates are available to members of our network for free. Email richardt@comfirst.org.uk for more information
Rural News
Rural Community Businesses Hold The Key To Renewal But Remain Overlooked
New research from Plunkett UK reveals that rural community-owned businesses are already delivering social, economic and environmental benefits that align directly with government ambitions – yet they remain under-recognised and under-supported in doing so.
Plunkett’s annual report, Community Ownership: A Better Form of Business, shows that the sector has grown by 59% over the past decade, defying the trend of economic decline in many rural areas.
Exploring Digital Health Solutions For Rural Communities
Digital tools and technologies have the potential to make access to health and care services easier and improve engagement and outcomes for patients. However, ongoing gaps in digital connectivity, skills and confidence in rural areas mean that health inequalities could worsen if approaches are not tailored to specific rural contexts.
The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, Fit for the Future, acknowledges the need for tailored service offers to deliver personalised and coordinated care in rural communities.
Funding News
Grants of up to £7,000 Available to Support Older People Maintain their Independence (UK)
We only fund projects exclusively for the benefit of older people (over 60s) in the following sub-categories:
- Programmes aiming to alleviate isolation and depression in older people, including informal day care, or regular social, physical and recreational activities.
-
Programmes which give practical help, assistance and support for older people living in their own homes.
-
Programmes addressing the emotional and practical needs of people with dementia and their carers.
Funding for Projects that Teach Children about the Countryside
Grants Charities, not-for-profit organisations, and schools can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the CLA Charitable Trust to support projects that help children and young people connect with nature and the countryside.
Funding is aimed at initiatives that improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people who are disabled or disadvantaged, including those who are financially, physically, or mentally disadvantaged, or who live in areas of deprivation. can be used to support projects, capital works, and running costs.
Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Increase Employment Opportunities for Disadvantaged Adults
The Trust offers grants up to £5,000 for specific projects rather than general organisational costs that improve communication skills for disadvantaged adults and supports NEET people into employment. Beneficiaries must gain at least one accredited vocational qualification during delivery or within two months of project completion.
Energy Resilience Fund
Who Can Apply?
Community businesses in England owning a building or with a significant lease (12+ years) and who have been declined by a bank.
