SPACES are still available for those hit by huge floods earlier this year wanting to learn what support they can get.

Worcestershire County Council, the six district councils in the county, the National Flood Forum (NFF), Severn Trent and the Environment Agency are really keen to ensure that those affected are receiving all the help and support they need.

A number of support sessions tailored to focus on specific parts of Worcestershire still have spaces available.

Two sessions will be held on Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17 for residents in Worcester.

Residents in Powick and living near the River Severn in the Malvern Hills district can attend sessions on Friday, June 18 and Monday, June 22.

A further session will be held for residents in Tenbury and Teme valley on Friday, June 26.

Those wanting to attend a virtual session needs to book a slot by calling the National Flood Forum on 01299 403101. The NFF will then provide the joining details of the online sessions for each part of the county.

Residents and business owners will be able to speak to representatives from the NFF, many of whom have flooded in the past themselves, about their experiences and get advice about issues such as insurance and property re-instatement.

Also, representatives from the county council, the district councils, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent will be available at the sessions to help with a wide range of other flooding issues.

Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment,

Councillor Tony Miller, cabinet member for the environment at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We’re painfully aware that recovery from flooding is a long and often traumatic and stressful process and we planned to ask the NFF to tour the county with their community support trailer during April.

“However, the Covid-19 lockdown prevented this from happening and, at the same time, added to the existing difficulties being faced by those who were flooded.

“Therefore, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with the NFF and our other partners to develop and roll out these support sessions and I urge anyone who flooded during the autumn and winter to join them, share their experiences and get the advice and support they need.”

Heather Shepherd, community support manager and flood recovery specialist for the National Flood Forum said: “Having been flooded myself I understand how traumatic it is.

“I know that the process of recovery is fraught with a number of stresses and pressures, which is why I would urge anyone who has any flood-related issues or questions to come and talk to us.

“We are here to help, offer advice, signpost you to the best sources of professional support and actively listen to your concerns.”

Dave Edwards, partnership and strategic overview leader at the Environment Agency, said: “We’re pleased to be able to work with partners to continue to engage with communities affected by the recent autumn and winter flooding.

These virtual support sessions for communities in Worcestershire are an excellent platform for us to engage with residents and business owners when we can’t easily meet in person due to the coronavirus pandemic. These sessions mean we can continue to work to protect the public and the environment.”

The National Flood Forum, a national charity which is based in Bewdley, has been commissioned by the Worcestershire councils, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent to use its considerable expertise and experience of working with flooded communities to run and host the online sessions.

Advice on flooding and resilience issues can also be sought at any time by contacting the National Flood Forum Helpline on 01299 403055 or visiting www.floodforum.org.uk.