Category: Open Arms

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. 

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 Open Arms Team

On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September 2025, the Open Arms Team along with other Rotherfed staff attended the Rotherham Show.  All staff from Rotherfed attended on a rota basis to showcase the services that Rotherfed provide to the community of Rotherham. The weather was good, and the event was well attended.  We saw a constant flow of people from the community attend at our stall where they were given valuable information about the work we do. We were also assisted by volunteers and some of our trustees whose help was greatly appreciated. We handed out leaflets, trolley key chains, pens, stickers, flower necklaces, sweets and blew up animal headbands for the children. It became clear that our stall was gaining a reputation by the fact that we were receiving requests from children wanting an animal headband which was their favourite and someone saying that they had seen other children wearing them and made it one of their missions to search the stall out giving the headbands. We also saw some happy faces when the parents of the children learned that as the headbands were free, as some things at the show were quite expensive.   

Whilst visiting our stall, as well as providing information about the Open Arms Sessions, the people were also invited to enter a free competition by guessing the price of the hamper.   

It was a very busy two days, and we spoke to loads of people and had over 400 entries to the competition. Some participants took it very seriously and counted the items within the hamper and even considered the items carefully and made a calculated guess. It certainly did seem that the activity gave people something to think about and was fun and entertaining and we heard lots of laughter and did make the day an enjoyable experience. One participant who guessed the lowest amount guessed £14.00 and the participant who guessed the highest price was £367.00. The correct price of the hamper was £47.81. 

After checking the entries, the winner nearest to the correct guess was only 6p out! The winner kindly asked that the hamper be donated to a foodbank, and in accordance with their wishes, this was delivered to the Social Supermarket at Rotherham Minster and will make such a difference to their members.

By The Open Arms Team

Rotherfed, Citizens Advice Rotherham and District Laser Credit Union and Voluntary Action Rotherham have partnered to develop and deliver a co-ordinated response to support communities. 

The project, called Open Arm (now in Year 4) is aimed to deploy Community Development Workers and Advisers to deliver information, advice and guidance ‘one stop shops’ across 5 libraries and 20 wards in Rotherham throughout the year, ending at the end of March 2026.  It will also help develop community leaders to offer support to their communities too. Drop-in sessions are free for anyone to attend. 

All support delivered will have a strong focus on financial and social inclusion, it will aim to empower communities with a foundation of support and make better use of community assets. The support provided involves a range of issues including, money management, energy advice, cost of living support, digital support and community support.

The Open Arms Sessions delivered in libraries 

Drop-in-sessions began in April 2025 across Rotherham libraries as listed below, held on a fortnightly basis from 9.30 am until 3.30 pm: 

Mondays: East Herringthorpe – Mowbray Gardens Library 

Tuesdays: Wath – Wath Library 

Wednesdays: Dinnington – Dinnington Library 

Thursdays: Munsbrough – Greasbrough Library 

Fridays: Maltby – Maltby Library 

Open Arms Sessions delivered in Wards 

We are now 5 months into the programme and as well as delivering to the above 5 libraries fortnightly, we have now delivered Open Arms sessions to the following Wards: 

Hoober Ward – 7-11 April 2025 

Keppel Ward – 22-25 April 2025 

Hellaby & Maltby East – 6-9 May 2025 

Sitwell – 19-23 May 2025 

Rawmarsh West – 2-6 June 2025 

Wales – 16-20 June 2025 

Boston Castle – 30 June – 4 July 2025 

Bramley & Ravenfield – 14-18 July 2025 

Rotherham West – 28 July – 1 August 2025 

Aughton & Swallownest – 11-15 August 2025 

Rawmarsh East – 26-29 August 2025 

5 months delivering The Open Arms Project 

To date we have welcomed 288 new attendees to the Open Arms Project in libraries and 161 new attendees to the Open Arms Project in Wards in Rotherham, making a total of 449 people. Support has also been provided to individuals who have found the Open Arms Project an asset and returned for assistance.

How the Open Arms Project has developed over the first 5 months of the Year 4 contract 

Funding was approved for the project at the very last minute, so as soon as notification was received, Rotherfed made enquiries about securing venues. Initially, we wanted to find out more about the Wards of Rotherham where the Open Arms Project had been requested to deliver to.   

So, our first step was to liaise with RMBC Neighbourhood Co-ordinators to identify appropriate venues and enquire as to whether there were any organisations/groups that the neighbourhood would like to see in that Ward, so that we could approach them with a view to inviting them along to the sessions. We have liaised with Neighbourhood Co-ordinators regarding this and continue to interact with the Neighbourhood Co-ordinators and have found their input very helpful. 

We have also discussed appropriate venues with Rotherfed staff, who were happy to assist with identifying venues, describing their facilities and assisting with neighbourhoods and identifying what information and assistance would be mostly likely required.   

Once the appropriate venues were identified it was necessary to contact them. Whilst for some venues a quick internet search revealed contact details, for others this was not always possible and quite often involved making several phone calls to reach the person in charge of hire of the venue. Some venues had online booking platforms and complex hire agreements that required completion, which all required to be navigated. It was also essential when making enquiries, that consideration be given to the facilities that are required for delivering of the session, such as having access to hot water so drinks can be prepared, wi-fi, parking facilities, a confidential room available when Citizens Advice attend so that any advice can be given privately.   

Furthermore, for the children’s activities that have been delivered over the Summer School Holidays, it was necessary to check the facilities were suitable for the various activities taking place and capacities were adhered to when booking.  

During the children’s activity weeks, the Open Arms Team at Rotherfed came together to ensure that the delivery of the children’s entertainment went ahead without any issue. Therefore, organising the children’s entertainment, sorting out the paperwork, providing refreshments and ensuring that the entertainment went ahead without issue.   

Once venues were secured it was necessary to create flyers and advertise. These flyers were shared amongst partner agencies, social prescribers, with venues, Ward Councillors, Neighbourhood Co-ordinators, schools and generally in the public to promote the services. We have carried out further promotion by attending public places like attending libraries, swimming pools, local businesses, busy Ward areas and schools with handing out leaflets to raise awareness of the Open Arms Project.

April 2025  

As venues were secured Rotherfed have created flyers and continued to advertise the sessions. Further work was underway working on future venues in other Wards and compiling contact information of community organisations and/or groups with a view to inviting them to venues.   

May 2025 

Hellaby & Maltby East Ward at 3 venues: Redwood Community Centre, Hellaby Parish Hall and Bartholomew’s Community Room.  During these sessions we were accompanied by organisations; ‘Dying Matters’, Working Winn, Sharon (Energy Project Rotherfed), Clare Moseley the Neighbourhood Co-ordinator and two Police Community Support Officers to enable information to be provided to the community.  

Sitwell Ward at 3 venues Herringthorpe URC, Whiston Parish Hall and Broom Methodist Church where we were accompanied by organisations: AGE UK and Sharon (Rotherfed).   

June 2025 

Rawmarsh West Ward at 4 venues: The High Street Centre, The Steadlands, Salvation Army and St Mary’s Church, Rawmarsh and we were accompanied by organisations; AGE UK, Sharon (Rotherfed)   

Wales Ward at 3 venues: Kiveton Park & Wales Village Hall, Kiveton Park Library and Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust where we were accompanied by organisations; Neelam (Rotherfed) and RMBC adult mental health strategy.   

July 2025 

From April until the middle of July 2025, the Open Arms Sessions ran from Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm with Rotherfed, Laser Credit Union and Citizens Advice in attendance. On Monday, Thursday and Friday a general advisor attended from Citizens Advice and on the other days Tuesday and Wednesday the other projects that the Citizens Advice run attended such as Healthwatch and Digital IT. When a general advisor from the Citizens Advice was at venues, it was necessary to book a confidential room where possible which often dictated the venue. 

Boston Castle Ward at 4 venues: Canklow Pavilion, Riverside Library, Tesco’s Community Rooms and the Unity Centre. We were accompanied by organisations; Neelam (Rotherfed), RMBC adult mental health strategy, South Yorkshire Fire Service, AGE UK and Working Winn.   

Bramley & Ravenfield Ward at 2 venues: Ravenfield Parish Hall and Bramley Parish Hall where we were accompanied by organisations; Sandra (Rotherfed), RMBC mental health strategy and AGE UK.   

Rotherham West Ward at 2 venues: St Paul’s Church and Liberty Church. For the 2 days that we were at St Paul’s Church, Peter from the Church arranged to put on a craft session where children could attend and make wooden coasters and a couple of children attended and were really pleased with their creations.  We were accompanied by organisations: John (VAR).  For the 3 days we were at Liberty Church, we hosted 5 children’s activities which were very well attended namely, Mr Dan’s Circus Workshop, Daisy’s Animal Friends Session A and B, Mr Dan’s Disco and Patsy’s Fun Show.  During these activities we were joined by Beth who carried out face painting and Kelly with her ice cream van. We were accompanied by organisations; Sharon (Rotherfed), Phil (Rotherfed)and David (VAR) and Andy (VAR). 

August 2025 

Aughton & Swallownest Ward at 2 venues, Swallownest Community Centre and Swallownest Baptist Church. For the 3 days we were at Swallownest Community Centre, we hosted 5 children’s activities which were once again well attended namely Mr Dan’s Circus Workshop, Pasty’s Fun Show, Barney Baloney music, puppets and magic and Jungle Jo’s Exotic Animal Show Session A and Session B. Once again, during these activities we were joined by Beth who carried out face painting and Kelly with her ice cream van. We were accompanied by Sharon (Rotherfed).   

Rawmarsh East Ward at 2 venues, Liberty Church Parkgate and Rawmarsh Library. For the days we were at these venues we hosted 4 children’s activities which once again were well attended namely, Trudi Knotrites Cirus Skills, Daisy’s Animal Friends Session A and Session B and Jungle Jo’s Exotic Animal Show.   

Over the last 5 months as you can see, we have attended several venues in quite a few Wards within Rotherham which has supported the community and raised awareness of the assistance that is available at libraries every fortnight.   

The Open Arms team continue to deliver the services amongst other Wards from September onwards and in the 5 libraries. It is envisaged that during the school holidays, within the duration of the project, whichever Ward we will be delivering the project we aim to organise a family activity which will raise awareness of the project and support the community.