//By The Tenant Involvement Team
Over the last two months, our team at RotherFed have worked with five fantastic community groups on the Miss Penlington Community Chest Grant. Supporting the group to write funding bids and assisting through the application process.
All five groups submitted a funding bid, each group had a different focus and priority, from new equipment for the group to arts and crafts sessions.
//By Sam Dixon, The Ripple Effect Project
RMBC and Flux have been working together at the Edward Dunn Centre to deliver a youth club for 11- to 15-year-olds from the Maltby area. The aim of the project is to bring young people together to have fun in a safe environment, connect with others and receive a light meal.
Around 15 young people attended the January event on a very dark and dismal evening. Chip butties were provided as well as creative and engaging activities. A competition was held to design a logo for the project, and it was won by a young resident who designed a logo that included a sloth.
Rotherham Ripple Effect did some nail painting and engaged in conversation with some of the young people. We asked.
It seemed like a big thing locally when the flags went up. What did you think?
What is it like around here after dark?
Are there any areas that you feel more comfortable in than others? The young people had quite a lot to say on all matters, it was great to see that they had enough confidence to share their opinions.
It was quite surprising to hear 3 different points of view from young people who live in the same community. This is the first time an engagement has been done through this project, and it will be interesting to examine the wider communities’ thoughts and feelings as the project progresses.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
Swinton Community Focus Group is a well-established group whose aims are to make Swinton a safer, more connected, cleaner and healthier place to live. The group has currently recruited two new members. The group organises social events, litter picks and holds regular meetings. They also engage with the residents to find out what residents want to see happen in the area where they live.
This month, the group held, what has become, their annual Winter Warmer event at the Civic Hall in partnership with the Honeypot Café. This is a free event to bring the community together to help prevent the post-Christmas blues. Over 40 local residents enjoyed pie and peas followed by trifle and refreshments. There was also bingo, a quiz and a raffle. The residents were kept entertained by Steve Gore, a professional magician, who had them all stunned with his magic acts. Feedback from the residents was very positive, they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and this feedback will be useful to the group when applying for future funding.
The group applied for funding to make this a free event and open to all residents in the area. Sponsorship came from Cllr Monk, Century Cladding, Excel Money, and Underfloor Heating Services.
The group continues to hold their regular litter picks, usually two a month covering all areas of Swinton. Last year they collected an impressive 243 bags of rubbish and this year they are hoping they can beat that. Big well done to the group!
The group are currently looking at other funding opportunities to potentially put activities on for St George’s Day, Yorkshire Day, Remembrance Day and Christmas.
//By The Open Arms Team
During the week commencing 15 December 2025, as there was no Open Arms Sessions, the team volunteered to assist other local organisations within Rotherham, with the added pressures involved with the preparation of Christmas food hampers over the festive period:
Salvation Army, Quarry Street, Rawmarsh: Lee reached out to the Salvation Army offering help during the busy period, as they have been willing to provide food parcels in exceptional circumstances over the past year. As a gesture of goodwill, Lee wanted to return the favour. On Monday 15 December 2025, we met with Captain Sandra Chamberlain from the Salvation Army, to assist with the packing of Christmas hampers. Maria and Lee, alongside a few other volunteers, unpacked donations received throughout the day and packed up over 40 Christmas hampers which were being distributed locally to residents and families. We also assisted with the preparation of the next day hampers. Captain Sandra Chamberlain was really pleased with the support and help provided and said, “with Open Arms Team volunteering to help with the preparation of Christmas hampers, this made the task quicker, which allowed time for pick-ups to be arranged that day.” She also said, “With the Open Arms Team’s support during the festive season this had made her task less stressful than previous years”.
Rotherham Foodbank, Parkgate, Rotherham: Karen contacted Victoria the Foodbank offering help during the period. On Thursday 18 December 2025, we met Victoria at the Rotherham Foodbank to assist with preparation for food parcels. Maria, Lee and Karen assisted the volunteers with unpacking all the donations being made throughout the day and sorting these into crates. We stayed until all food had been sorted. This task made it easier for volunteers to then pack food hampers. Victoria, who runs the foodbank was thrilled with all the support and help the team at Open Arms Team had provided. She was amazed at how much quicker this task was carried out with this support.
Quote from facebook posted by Rotherham Foodbank
“Shout out to the wonderful Rotherfed staff who came to help out at Rotherham Foodbank!”
“They were amazing!”
Sunnyside Supplies: Karen contacted Tony at Sunnyside Supplies offering help during the period. On Friday 19 December 2025, we met with Tony at Sunnyside Supplies, to assist with preparing Christmas hampers. Together with the wonderful volunteers, we made over 50 Christmas hampers to be distributed locally to families and residents. Sunnyside supplies are such a brilliant community group that also runs a weekly community café where anyone can pop along to. There were numerous volunteers and together we made the task quicker and everyone was grateful for the assistance.
Following the support given by the Open Arms Team we were invited along to a buffet that Sunnyside Supplies were having on Tuesday 23 December 2025. Maria, Karen, Rachel (Rotherfed) and Sandra (Rotherfed) attended and received a warm welcome. The atmosphere was great and we were able to have a chat with some of the volunteers whilst having some refreshments. Photos were taken at both events and placed on social media where some comments were received such as “lovely seeing you all”, “awesome” and “thank you for all your help”.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
On Monday 15 December, the Buddy’s group had the pleasure of welcoming the Mayor of Rotherham, Rukhsana Ismail, to one of their regular sessions. The Buddy’s group is made up of autistic adults who meet weekly for a friendly chat and a chance to connect with others in a supportive environment.
During the visit, members offered light refreshments and enjoyed an engaging conversation with the Mayor. The session provided a great opportunity for her to learn more about the group’s work and the positive role it plays within the community. The warm atmosphere made the occasion memorable for everyone involved.
//By The Energy Know How Team
We met Patricia at a winter wellbeing event at Riverside library on 8th October– she was just browsing and mentioned she had an issue with her energy provider. She did not have time to discuss it however, she took away our leaflet and contact information and was encouraged to call us if she was unable to resolve the situation herself.
Patricia contacted us about a week after and requested support, We met Patricia at Riverside library. She brought lots of paperwork and we explained it would take time to sort through the correspondence and get a full picture of the issue before any actions could be considered.
She has an issue with her bills from British gas with both her gas and electricity bills.
She received a bill in February 2025 for over £900.00 after being in the house less than 3 months, she said it could not be correct as her boiler did not work properly. She had no reliable hot water or heating. She has visited Citizens advice who after two meetings said they could not support her anymore. She said they had lodged a complaint however until her paperwork was sorted out, we could not be sure of this.
She had tried to dispute this bill and is certain the gas meter was faulty – British gas had recently removed the gas meter and installed another (on 8th October) but had not yet informed her of the outcome of their tests – if they deem the meter as ‘accurate’ she would be charged £175 for the new meter.
We agreed to take the paperwork to sort through and review. Patricia was asked that if British Gas ring her, to ask them to contact us so that we can get their understanding of the issue and ascertain whether an ongoing complaint is in place. We said we would meet with Patricia again when all her paperwork is sorted and we have had chance to speak with British Gas.
After many hours we had her paperwork in order and had separated bills from her former property and her current one, however the bills were very confusing.
We had several long and lengthy conversations with the complaint handler at British Gas and explained our concerns – it was eventually agreed to cancel all the previous bills and start again, and this would then include the meter exchange although no result of the meter test had been received at that point. We were assured that ‘actual’ readings would be used and that the bill would then be correct – the bill however would not show the payment made by Patricia of £912.46 in March as their billing system fails to show payments made when bills are re-issued.
The bill was re-issued and emailed to us however we noticed at this point that the calculation to take gas units to KWH’s was incorrect and that Patricia had been overcharged – not a great deal but potentially a large issue if it affects lots of customers – we mentioned this to the complaint handler who confirmed by email that we was correct, the calculations were inaccurate and that this had been reported internally – A £5.00 credit was offered to cover the over-charge.
We were then informed that the meter test had recorded that her gas meter was accurate however due to the length of time it took to arrange and report back – British Gas would waiver the cost of £175.00. Patricia now had to make a decision whether she was happy with this offer.
We met with Patricia a second time at the library to update her on the work that had been done on her case and to discuss her options.
We handed Patricia her documentation back in 3 files which we had prepared for her. The first contained all her bills letters etc for her former home that she moved out of in December 2024. The second was a cardboard folder which contained all the envelopes that had her notes on along with pages of notes she had made whilst trying to sort out her billing issue earlier in the year and the third folder contained the information for her current property and was sectioned to have bills, price change notifications, reminder letters and letters from BW legal when she was being chased for unpaid and inaccurate bills. She was also given a £10 note which was in one of the envelopes when we were sorting out her paperwork after our first meeting. This was the first opportunity to return this to her in person.
We explained the work that had been done to establish an accurate bill, confirmed that the findings of the meter test had shown her gas meter to be accurate (she had received notification directly of this) and explained the conversations with Heather at British Gas.
The situation is now that she has an accurate(ish) bill – the calculations are inaccurate, but she has been awarded a £5.00 credit which should show on her next bill and this more than covers the over-charge.
Heather from British gas has said they will waive the charge for the meter test of £175.00, they have also during the complaint reimbursed 2 charges of £44 for her account being sent to debt collection – they were not prepared to offer any further recompense.
The bill (from 20th December up to 12th November) stands at £999.17 Patricia paid £912.46 in March making a total energy bill of £1,911.63 – an average of £173 per month.
There must have been some escape of gas just after she moved in as her usage was excessive in the first day or so or her heating was constantly on high, either case the gas had passed through the meter so was chargeable.
We explained that Patricia has the option to accept this and pay the £999.17 or refer the case to the ombudsman, it was her decision.
Patricia was concerned (as we are) about the inaccurate calculations however, she accepts that her bill is now accurate (sort of) and wants to draw a line under the situation.
She will pay the bill but has no confidence in British Gas and their billing system.
She was told that she has another bill due in December, but she will look to change providers. She asked for the phone number for Octopus energy so this has been given however we have stressed we are in no way recommending them as an alternative provider. She needs to call them if she wants to proceed with a switch and discuss payment options as she does not want a direct debit.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
This is a lovely active group who see the Centre as an extension of their homes and say they would be lost without it; this Centre is the perfect example of how a neighbourhood centre can be used to support the residents who live close by. Many of the residents near this Centre live alone so meeting up regular gets them out of the house and is company for them all.
On a weekly basis they hold coffee mornings, craft sessions, armchair aerobics and bingo. They also meet at the Centre for lunch on Sundays, they have this delivered in from the local Cafe. As well as activities in the Centre they have trips out as a group when they can and are looking forward to their annual trip to Rotheram Civic in January, to see the Pantomime, which this year is Snow White.
I visited the Centre this month for this first time since the Summer. It was lovely to see the residents and the group were really pleased to see me; however, I was saddened to hear that two of the residents, who were regulars at the Centre, had passed away recently.
The Centre is all trimmed up for Christmas and the group have a made a chimney at their craft session which is lovely.
The residents all enjoyed wreath making recently, this was funded and delivered by RMBC. This is the first time they have done this, and everyone really enjoyed it. They also held their Christmas fair at the beginning of the month. The groups make items to sell at the fair throughout the year at their craft sessions.
I also attended the groups Christmas party this month, were they enjoyed a buffet, music and played bingo. The craft group had made their own crackers containing dobbers for the all important games of bingo! One of the residents, Jean, was also celebrating her 90th birthday so there were extra special celebrations.
I will continue to support this group, where I can, in the New Year.
//By The Ripple Effect Team
Reclaim the Night has a long and powerful history as a movement across the UK, originating in Leeds in 1977.
Reclaim the Night has been prominent in cities and towns across the UK for nearly five decades. Its initial message in the 1970s was the rage and anger that women felt about being given curfews in response to severe violence against women and girls. These reactions are still prevalent today, as women show their fury at having to take extra measures to ensure their own safety within their daily lives.
The event typically takes place around the period of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25th to December 10th. The march focuses on “reclaiming the streets” to highlight that public spaces should be safe for everyone, especially women.
Rotherham has been holding the event for 10 years, since 2015, and every year it highlights just how important safety and equality is to the communities of Rotherham. The event provides an effective platform to discuss and protest issues of safety and violence that affects women in the town.
Wow Rotherham had this to say on the lead up to the event
“As part of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we will take back our streets. Working with local businesses and venues, we will light up the town centre and celebrate our high street. Expect joy, hope, and inspiration. Free for all ages, all genders and men are encouraged to be allies.”
The 2025 event has proven to be just important to Rotherham communities as it ever has been.
Partner organisations in the VCS and community members worked together to create banners and lanterns that were used in the march and displayed in local businesses that support the event.
Crafting activities at Grimm started the evening to create more lanterns, magical wish wands and flowered crowns to lift the aesthetic of the march.
Shouts of “Reclaim the night” and “Who’s streets?……. Our Streets!!” rang around the town centre, even the typical British weather didn’t put a dampener on spirits.
Singing led by a local choir held a captive audience until the inspirational and thought provoking panel took place in the town hall.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
To show how much we appreciate all the fantastic work our member groups do, RotherFed staff went out to deliver Christmas chocolates and biscuits, along with a Christmas card wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year. It’s a small way to say a big thank you for the dedication of all our member groups. The chocolate, cards and biscuits were very well received.
While out visiting, the staff heard that three of our groups were having a bit of a tricky time gathering enough donations for the selection boxes needed for their Christmas parties, we didn’t hesitate to step in and donate 20 selection boxes to each of the three groups!
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
Debra met up with Brigette and the Men’s Mowbray group on Thursday 6 November. It was only during their conversation that the group realised Brigette is actually a volunteer. They were surprised to discover that everything she has done for them, and all the valuable time she has given, has been on a voluntary basis.
The group described Brigette as selfless and said that “every community needs a Brigette!”
Recently, the group were offered free digital training from another agency, which included a certificate after four hours of learning. However, they chose to remain with Brigette’s sessions, which are tailored to their interests and delivered at a pace that suits their learning style.
