Category: Open Arms

By The Open Arms Team

During the summer holidays we held one of our free events. At this session the parents and children had the opportunity to meet a variety of fascinating animals. The experience was both enjoyable and educational which allowed them to learn about reptiles, mammals and how to care for them safely and responsibly. During the encounter, they met several reptiles including snakes, lizards and tortoises. The people that attended learned about their habitats, diets and unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. They also met a range of furry animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals. The handlers explained how each animal behaves and what they need to stay healthy and the people who attended was given the chance to gently handle some of the animals under the supervision of the trained staff.

Quotes 

“Fantastic – Brilliant range of animals.  All ages enjoyed it”. 

“It was amazing!  The children loved seeing all the types of animals and handling them.  Staff were really friendly”. 

“Absolutely loved the session!”. 

“Great experience, kind and friendly.  Would definitely come again”. 

“I found this really fun because I leaned facts about the animals and I also go to touch them”. 

“Lovely, friendly, hands-on experience.  Amazing opportunity for the children.  Thank you”. 

“Amazing Session – Thanks!”. 

“Amazing experiences for the children to experience so many animals, especially the snake.  Loved every moment.  Can’t wait for next time.  Thank you.” 

“I liked it.  Liked our chance to hold spider. Was very good.  Thank you.  Very welcoming and different.  Enjoyed it”. 

Reptile Rendezvous shared our poster on Facebook, and someone posted  “had a great day yesterday even cracked the fear of spiders.”   

By The Open Arms Team

Lee met a lovely lady at one of our outreach sessions this month. She came to see how Rotherfed and Citizen’s Advice by working together could help her and help others under her wing. She was very appreciative of the service we offered on the day and followed this up with the following email: 

Dear Lee, 

I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for taking the time to speak with me and for sharing such valuable information and contacts. 

Your guidance has already made a significant difference. I’ve begun making referrals today, and I genuinely believe that the support you’ve signposted us towards has the potential to have a profound and positive impact on this participant’s life. Knowing where to turn for the right help can make all the difference, and I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge. 

Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to supporting people within our community. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to work together more closely in the future. 

I look forward to welcoming you soon. 

Warm regards, 

By The Open Arms Team

A lady came to see us at one of our outreaches requesting assistance completing a PIP form. She had never claimed benefits and was unsure about the process.  She once had a successful career helping others thrive in life. Unfortunately, as time went by the future was not kind to her and she developed some serious health conditions and basically gave up caring for herself as she experienced constant fatigue, breathing and mobility difficulties. 

She told Lee that she had no family and no longer had friends.  As soon as she became ill she started cancelling social events, and noticed her friends ghost her one by one and her social circle eventually dissipated. She became lonely and withdrawn and when she developed mobility issues and was unable to breathe without aids this was the last straw and she stopped going out completely. 

Lee was very concerned what she was hearing from this lady and spent quite a while with her.  She came to see her a few times and emailed too. 

Lee told her not to give up and just take small steps at a time.  Lee provided a list of social events in her local area and made suggestions regarding Tai Chi which she expressed an interest in, pain management, hydrotherapy, swimming sessions and chair exercises and physio via her GP.  All these would be gentle on her joints and may even control her breathing. 

Lee said these were all free to attend although no doubt there would be a wait list but could be accessed via GP and VAR Mental Health Connectors. Lee also sent her a flyer promoting Rotherham Safe Space as she said her loneliest times were during the evenings and at weekends. The team also provide social and practical support to participants as well as emotional so she would also benefit here. 

Regarding the social aspect of her concern, Lee talked about various craft and social groups across the Rotherham borough and with the help of Door to Door (a local community transport service for individuals who struggle to use public transport) is far cheaper than the cost of a taxi. 

Lee’s time with this lady paid off and she received an email which was upbeat stating that after a very long drawn out wait, the Department of Work and Pensions had finally awarded her PIP for both daily living and mobility at the high rate.   

She went on to say, this was all thanks to Lee’s support and she wanted to let us know how grateful she was because without Lee she would have given up even though she knew constant support was needed daily. 

She stated what a wonderful service and support Open Arms provides in the community and how relieved she is as going through the process was very stressful and she is so glad it’s finally come to an end.

By The Open Arms Team, Maria Jones and Lee Lazenby

A participant who was facing a challenge where they had worked numerous years was struck down with illness which caused them to be in a position where they had been unable to work for several months and would not be able to be able to return to work.  The participant had become depressed due to the illness and had remained at home not wanting to go outside but gained the courage to come to one of the Open Arms sessions. Upon attendance the participant was shy and tearful and was greeted by one of the team who made them feel comfortable who was then able to make progress and talk through their concerns.  This allowed the Open Arms team to provide clear, accurate and easy-to-understand information so that the individual was able to quickly find the answers they needed. Complex details were explained in a straightforward manner, helping them make informed decisions with confidence.  

The participant expressed relief and gratitude after receiving the guidance. They said that after having access to clear information this had reduced their stress and saved valuable time. What had initially felt overwhelming became manageable once the information was presented in an organized and an accessible way.   

By The Open Arms Team, Lee Lazenby

As it was Easter we arranged a free family event – Patsy’s Easter Fun Show at Thrybergh Parish Hall on the 8th of April 2026.   Patsy, the entertainer has delivered several successful events on behalf of RotherFed and now appears to have a following by some of the returners to the Open Arms sessions. Patsy played some games, such as pass the parcel, “go fetch me”, “wrap the bunny” and standing still and carried out some balloon modelling with the children. During her show she gave away prizes which included sweets and bags of chocolate eggs to the children who won the games and she made sure that she did not leave any child out.

RotherFed provided a chocolate egg for Patsy to give away and did a free raffle to win a cuddly toy bunny rabbit. During the event, tea and coffee was available for the adults and orange and mixed berry juice available for the children. Snacks were also provided which included some fruit: oranges, bananas, strawberries, Easter biscuits, chocolate rolls, wafer biscuits, baby-bel mini cheese and mini chocolate bars. These went down a treat with the children and gave them the energy they required to continue with the games that Patsy was keeping them entertained with.

Rotherfed staff filled a box with sweet treats which included mini eggs, milky way chocolates and Easter Haribo packets and let the children take some away with them to eat later. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this free event.

By The Open Arms Team, Lee Lazenby

A lady recently attended an outreach session for support with completing her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application. Having worked for more than 20 years before leaving her role due to ill health, she explained that this was the first time in her life she had ever needed to access benefits support.

During the appointment, she spoke openly about the uncertainty she was facing regarding future employment. Although she felt she may eventually look for other work, she admitted she was unsure what direction to take next. While looking around the room, she casually mentioned that she thought she “wouldn’t mind working in a library maybe for a couple of days each week.”

At the time, the comment seemed simply part of a wider conversation about rebuilding confidence and considering future possibilities. Unfortunately, there was not an opportunity to speak with her again before she left the session.

A few days later, staff became aware that further vacancies within library settings were expected to become available locally. Remembering the earlier conversation, a decision was made to contact the lady directly to make her aware of the opportunity.

She immediately remembered the conversation and was genuinely uplifted by the news, commenting that it was “the best thing she had heard all week” and that it had really cheered her up.

As part of the discussion, she was also encouraged not to wait for the vacancies to be formally advertised, but instead to contact the employer directly to express an interest in the roles. She agreed this was a good idea and said she would contact the council in the hope of finding out further information about when the positions may become available.

Although similar vacancies had previously been filled, it was unexpected that the roles would potentially be advertised again, making the timing feel particularly fortunate.

The conversation served as a reminder of how important simple listening and follow-up support can be. Sometimes a passing comment can open the door to renewed confidence, optimism, and the possibility of a fresh start.

By The Open Arms Team, Lee Lazenby

A lady recently attended Open Arms Community Hub seeking support with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review. She had previously been awarded the standard rate but was unsuccessful in receiving the mobility component. At the time, she chose not to pursue a mandatory reconsideration, however due to her health conditions worsening, she has now decided to reapply in the hope of securing the additional support she needs.

While waiting to arrange an appointment with Citizens Advice for assistance with completing the forms, we spent some time talking and it quickly became apparent that she had been carrying a great deal emotionally as well as physically.

She shared how difficult she had found it to come to terms with her diagnosis and how, over time, she had learned that her prognosis was worse than first anticipated. Prior to becoming unwell, she had enjoyed a successful career holding senior roles for major corporations across the world. She described herself as an independent and respected businesswoman who had spent much of her life helping others develop and succeed.

Now, however, she found herself struggling to ask for help. She spoke openly about feeling that needing support went against the values and standards she had always set for herself. Having always been self-sufficient, she admitted she felt uncomfortable relying on others or accessing financial support, something she never imagined she would have to do.

We reassured her that reaching out for support was a positive first step and acknowledged the courage it had taken to walk through the doors of Open Arms. During the conversation, a range of wellbeing and support options were discussed to help improve both her physical and emotional health.

This included signposting to chair-based exercise groups, chronic pain workshops, hydrotherapy and swimming sessions, and Tai Chi classes, all of which could be accessed through her GP and mental health connector services to support her wellbeing, fitness, balance, and coordination.

Recognising that loneliness and emotional wellbeing can become more difficult during evenings and weekends, we also provided information about Rotherham Safe Space alongside details of local women’s support groups and community coffee mornings across the borough.

All information was also sent via email so she could revisit it in her own time and at her own pace. She expressed gratitude for being listened to so attentively and for being provided with practical, compassionate guidance during what has clearly been a very challenging period in her life.

By The Open Arms Team, Lee Lazenby

During the February Half Term school holidays, we organised a family activity to raise awareness of the project and support the community, within the Ward we were delivering the project, and hosted a Patsy’s Fun Show at Dalton Parish Hall on Monday 16 February 2026.  We initially promoted the session within the Ward to allow the community within Dalton & Thrybergh to secure a place. We continued to promote the session on social media sites and once again this became fully booked. 

Trudi entertained the children with a circus workshop and balloon modelling. Although Patsy, a well-known leading children’s entertainer, who has been in show business since she was 7 years old, and a third-generation entertainer was not the main entertainer that day, she was on hand to talk to the children and catch up with some of her followers. Refreshments were provided which included a selection of fresh fruit and cakes and sweet treats. All the children had a great time and were provided with information relating to Open Arms events taking place at Dalton Parish Hall the following week.  As the participants left, they were given the choice of having a chocolate. Everyone enjoyed the sessions and one participant, who arrived late because of some issue, said that whilst the day had started off not great, the session had cheered her up and she left with a smile and a happy child. The event was to capacity with 23 adults and 42 children attending. 

Feedback Quotes: 

Brilliant event for everyone! Thank you 

Great session.  We always love attending open arms sessions.  The staff always go above and beyond for the parents and kiddies. Thank you x 

Fun session for the children playing with things they wouldn’t usually play with.  Really good service with free drinks and snacks.  Would recommend to others. 

 Good participation and helpful people around. Fun activities.  Super involving. 

Lovely activities.  Fun for the kids.  They felt involved and nice to have a coffee and a biscuit. 

Brilliant! We have been to lots of the Rotherfed venues, and my kids have loved them.  Really enjoyed Patsy’s circus workshop.  Would happily pay to come to these and makes a lovely change to do something the kids enjoy, other than internet based.   

By The Open Arms Team

Lee spoke to the Tenancy Support Officer from the council about a lady who had a concern regarding an unpaid bill for council services which she disputed. She had been given 7 days’ notice to pay.

After hitting several brick walls, she called into the outreach the day before seeking help with obtaining a way forward so, Lee had signposted her to the debt team the following Monday.

After this chance meeting with R.M.B.C. she took advantage of the situation, rang the participant there and then, explained the current situation and the participant was over the moon and gladly give her permission for the Tenant Support Officer to interject as she was a council tenant.

She agreed and within just half an hour later, an email was received from her and then forwarded on its way for discussion with the relevant parties whom she had not been able to contact for one reason or another. 

She was so relieved as she did have a prior appointment on the Monday and would have been struggling to make both.