//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 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 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 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 Tenant Involvement Team
Two outstanding tenant volunteers from Rotherham have been honoured with national awards at this year’s Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) conference, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their communities. This year the conference was held in Lincon.
Nominated by staff at Rotherham Federation (Rotherfed), Barry and Jordan were selected for their continued dedication to volunteering, community support, and driving positive change in council housing. With so many committed volunteers in the area, choosing just two nominees was no easy task.
Barry was awarded the ARCH Tenant of the Year Award for his long-standing involvement in tenant representation, community engagement, and service improvement. His work includes supporting a local foodbank and a range of other community-focused activities, helping to build stronger neighbourhood connections and ensuring tenant voices are heard.
Barry said “I was totally shocked by receiving the award for Community Champion”
Jordan received the ARCH Young Tenant of the Year Award, which recognises volunteers under the age of 30. He was acknowledged for his inspiring leadership and commitment to mental health awareness, as well as his efforts to bridge the digital divide through regular digital inclusion sessions at Riverside House Library.
Jordan said” I was really honoured to receive the award and I’m really proud to be part of a great group of people working hard to make improvements to our community”
The awards were presented at the annual ARCH conference, which brings together tenants, councillors, and housing professionals from across the UK to celebrate best practice in the sector.
These achievements reflect the vital role tenants play in shaping services, building stronger communities, and improving lives across the housing sector.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
The spirit of Maltby shone brightly last week as the community gathered for a vibrant Cultural Kitchen event, a celebration of the diverse residents who call the area home. More than 70 people came together at the Edward Dunn Centre to share food, entertainment, and connection, making the event a resounding success.
The delicious evening was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Maltby Ward Councillors, the Town Council, and the Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT). Their shared goal was simple yet powerful: to create a space where neighbours could connect and showcase the different communities within Maltby.
The main attraction was, of course, the food. Attendees were treated to an exciting culinary journey, indulging in the rich spices and flavours of Asian and African cuisine, followed by a tempting selection of European desserts. Sharing these dishes proved to be the perfect ingredient for breaking the ice and sparking conversation among community members.
But the event offered more than just a feast. The atmosphere was lively and buzzing, with entertainment for the whole family. Local drummers provided an energetic soundtrack, an outside space was turned into a dance floor inspiring people to join in some impromptu dancing. For those looking for a bit more action, a casual game of badminton was also on offer.
The Cultural Kitchen truly highlighted the rich mix of people and activities available right in the Maltby neighbourhood. It was a testament to what can be achieved when local leaders and organisations work together to foster a sense of belonging and community pride. Events like this make it clear that Maltby is a welcoming place where everyone can find a seat at the table.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
As part of our contract with RMBC we are asked to organise and help deliver focus groups throughout the year. Rotherham Council is currently reviewing and updating its Financial Inclusion Plan. This focus group is to get the views, experiences and ideas to help shape the plan, from Rotherham residents. Rotherfed invited three council tenants to the session and other tenants/residents could book onto the Focus Group by contacting Christine Batchford through the Social Supermarket.
The Focus Group was held on Wednesday 20 August 2025 from 11am until 12.30pm at the Rotherham Minister. The session was delivered by Rotherfed and Jackie Cobb, RMBC’s Financial Inclusion Manager. Ten residents attended the focus group and of the ten, nine of them were council tenants. Jackie explained that the last Financial Inclusion Plan was launched in 2017, and they are now revising the plan which will be in place for the next 3 years. The council wants to continue to ensure that no individual or family is left behind. Jackie distributed the Financial Inclusion Plan and a discussion then took place regarding it. Residents gave their experiences, views and ideas on various things including Household/Energy Crisis, Social Supermarket, RMBC website and the wait times when they ring the council, Rothercard, pension credit, Employment Solutions Team etc.
It was a fantastic session, and everyone present, participated in it, which was good to see. RMBC found it very useful and got out of it what they needed to help shape the future plan. For Rotherfed it was also very positive and great that nine council tenants attended. This is the first focus group that has not been housing related and has been held in a completely different location, and we feel the Minister worked well as it made people feel more at ease and more willing to get involved and participate.
It was an excellent focus group all round. Each person who attended received a £10 Tesco voucher thanking them for their time.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
After an initial meeting with the Mowbray Men’s Group, four members requested digital support, which has been facilitated by Brigette on Thursday mornings. The sessions have been going brilliantly. Although the learners were initially nervous and unsure what to expect, over the past month they have learned many things that are important to them individually.
One gentleman is rightly proud to be able to surprise his children with WhatsApp messages. His family were so impressed that they encouraged him to explore other features on his phone, and he now enjoys the sessions so much that he also attends Brigette’s Tuesday drop-in session.
Another member of the group found following verbal instructions difficult due to a language barrier. Brigette went above and beyond by creating help guides and finding resources in his native language.
Brigette not only gives more than four hours per week to support her local community with digital skills, but she also spends many additional hours creating tailored resources to ensure that every learner receives the support they need.
During our after-session phone call, Brigette said, “I can’t wait to get the kids to bed tonight and start on my resources.” We cannot thank or praise Brigette enough for the time, energy, and positive spirit she brings to this project.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
As part of our contract with the Council we are asked to organise a couple of pop-up engagement events in areas that have traditionally been hard to reach, in order to open up conversations between residents and the Council.
A recent family-friendly event at The Lanes Community Centre proved that community engagement can be both effective and enjoyable. The informal gathering was a collaborative effort between Rotherfed, The Lanes community group, RMBC Neighbourhoods, Housing, and local councillors.
Instead of a formal meeting, the event was designed to be a relaxed, fun occasion. It featured a magician, party food, and creative activities like biscuit decorating for children. This casual atmosphere had a strategic purpose: it helped to break down barriers between residents and officials, creating a space for more open and honest conversations. People felt more comfortable connecting with their neighbours and local leaders, rather than feeling like they were just attending another meeting. Residents felt at ease raising important concerns about issues like bin collections, graffiti, and anti-social behaviour.
But the event wasn’t just about airing grievances. It was also about planting the seeds of change. Organisers took the opportunity to show residents how they could get involved, from joining local groups to volunteering on panels.
//By The Tenant Involvement Team
August has been a busy month on the Fitzwilliam estate for the residents, with a coach trip to Cleethorpes, two community skips and a family fun event.
Cleethorpes Trip
Two coaches full of residents enjoyed a trip to Cleethorpes at the beginning of the month. After the success of last year’s trip, the TARA organised another one this year. A small charge was made for the coach and the local Coucillors also helped pay for the coaches with some of their CLF funding. Everyone had a great day in the sunshine, and they are already looking forward to next year’s trip!
Community Skips
Two much needed community skips were organised for Wednesday 13 August. The skips were placed on Calladine Way outside of the shop fronts. The skips allowed residents to get rid of any waste they might have at their properties and both skips were filled within 3 hours. The caretakers also helped with this by collecting large bulky items from residents’ homes. RMBC staff, Rotherfed staff and the local Councillors also supported with getting the skips filled and the rubbish removed. They TARA also made sure that the green space opposite the shops was clean and tidy ready for the family event the following week.
Family Fun Event
The family fun event was held on Monday 18 August and whilst the weather wasn’t as sunny as it had been previously, it stayed dry, and everyone had a lovely afternoon. Over 50 residents attended and took part in the activities that were on offer including arts and crafts, facepainting, an assault course, football darts and taekwondo skills. RMBC youth and library services, FLUX and Children’s Capital of Culture also attended with activities and Sam’s Army Mission were there giving water safety advice. Everyone also enjoyed a free pizza lunch which was provided through HAF. The TARA spoke to residents to gain their feedback on what the TARA have been organising and what they would like to see happen in future. This was only the second event the TARA had organised and ran, and they were really pleased with how it went. They will now be looking at other events/activities/depending on what funding they can secure moving forward.
