News

By Dan Barron and Sam Dixon, Heart of the Community Project Workers

Shaftesbury House is a residential unit that resides in the center of Rotherham. It comprises 69 self-contained flats run by Rotherham Council (RMBC), with 6 available for use by the NHS for people with care needs coming out of hospital but are unable to go back to their own properties.

Heart of the Community has been working with the group at Shaftesbury House for a number of months, building up relationships and gaining the confidence of the group. Shaftesbury House Association are a motivated group that regularly deliver a range of activities to get residents together to tackle the social isolation.

As a project we worked with the group to promote their activities and there has been an immediate increase in engagement from residents. The quiz night, for example, was regularly seeing an attendance of 5 or 6 residents, this week 14 residents attended.

After several meetings, projects workers learnt that residents would benefit from a multi service drop-in supported by the various RotherFed teams and RMBC. We planned a four-hour event with free refreshments. In attendance were the More Energy Know How team, Making Our Money go Further, the local housing officer and the Estates Services Officer.

The event was positive with 19 residents engaged with the RMBC Housing services to discuss issues they are experiencing in the housing complex. The same residents were also supported by the More Energy Know How team talking about how they could save on bills with the frosty chill of winter on the doorstep. RotherFed were able to deliver a busy session overall with plenty of hot drinks, biscuits and cakes flowing with some residents happy they were able to speak to services.

By the Making Our Money Go Further and Energy Know How Teams

Making Our Money Go Further & More Energy Know How along with other agencies, including Citizens Advice Rotherham & District, Rotherham Council Housing Support & Neighbourhood teams and the Job Centre have offered support to residents affected by the floods at Catcliffe. The teams have attended many sessions at Catcliffe Memorial Hall.

Primarily, the support offered by the Money team to residents has been on an emotional level by providing a ‘listening ear.’ Engaging with residents by acknowledging the emotional trauma they have been through and allowing these emotions to be expressed, whether they be anger, frustration, fear for the future, or hopelessness.

The Energy team have been there offering support and advice around energy queries i.e., contacting energy providers to establish energy usage balance outstanding for gas and electricity, reviewing standing orders or direct debits to reflect changes in circumstances, notifying residents of charities or energy providers support schemes to assist residents with funding or grants.

Other practical support provided included signposting to other agencies, referral to Citizens Advice when they have been unable to attend, and the offer of Winter Warm Packs.

The media attended many of these sessions as well as Chris Reed, Leader Rotherham MBC, Sharon Kemp, CEO Rotherham MBC, Government Officials, and local councillors.

They are many resources available to residents affected by the floods including financial assistance provided by Rotherham MBC, Central Government, Charities and Community donations. Free food, cleaning materials, and clothes and bedding are also available. The local community have played a large part in relieving the practical and emotional needs of residents.

These sessions will continue into November,

By Dan Barron & Sam Dixon, Heart of the Community Project Workers

Sanctuary Gardens is a community organisation located in Rotherham Town Centre, with a mission to provide a nurturing environment for people struggling with mental health issues and individuals on their path to recovery. The group has been active for a few years now and has had its share of success and setbacks. One volunteer at the heart of the group is Andy who is filled with a pure passion about the allotment and what it can do to support people with their health and wellbeing.

The group recently was able to resign their constitution and bring in more active volunteers and has new volunteers active on the allotment. These new volunteers have brought in a fresh sense of enthusiasm to the group and have lots of new ideas about how to take the group forward. 

Over the last few months, the group have been working with the Bomer and Kirkland group, a construction company working in Rotherham. Bomer and Kirkland recognise the importance of having a positive impact in the communities they work in and have decided to extend a helping hand to Sanctuary Gardens Allotment Group. They contributed by supplying a new petrol strimmer, outdoor furniture and pledged to build new raised beds for the gardens. This partnership was driven by Bomer and Kirkland’s commitment to social values and corporate responsibility. 

The provision of a new strimmer was a game-changer for Sanctuary Gardens. It significantly eased the maintenance of the site, making it more accessible and welcoming for members. This simple yet impactful contribution from Bomer and Kirkland enabled the group to keep the allotment plot in a better and more manageable condition, providing a tranquil space for individuals seeking solace and mental well-being.

Additionally, the company has pledged to build raised beds for the group that will allow for more diverse plantings, encouraging members to take an active role in gardening. The expansion of planting opportunities will not only support the mental health of the community but also foster a sense of ownership and involvement among members. 

The group have also begun working with the Rotherham in Recovery project funded by Voluntary Action Rotherham. The project supports those in their journey of recovery and has begun creating a network across Rotherham to create a better support network through services and community projects. Rotherham in Recovery are a welcome addition to the Sanctuary group who will be able to benefit from each other. 

By Janet Malsch, Community Engagement Officer

At an Open Arms session held at Wath Library, Janet’s willingness to lend a helping hand brought relief and support to Lisa who came to the hub for support. 

Lisa initially approached Janet with concerns about her energy tariff. She shared her struggle in navigating the complex world of energy plans, feeling overwhelmed by the task. Everyone she asked seemed to advise her to make the decision alone.

We were able to offer to schedule a free appointment with the Energy team at RotherFed, who would guide Lisa through the process and help her make an informed decision about the most suitable tariff for her needs. Lisa replied thanking Janet saying: “it is lovely knowing there is somebody you can reach out to as sometimes life can feel overwhelming.” 

As the discussion continued, Janet discovered another challenge that Lisa faced as a council tenant. A large tree near her house had become a concern. Lisa and her partner were unable to maintain or trim the overhanging branches due to health concerns, especially during autumn when wet leaves posed a hazard. Despite the tree being on council property, and raising this concern with the council, no action has been taken.

Janet put Lisa in contact with the local ward councillor who could investigate and address the tree issue. This simple act of support held the potential to improve Lisa’s living conditions significantly. 

Further into their conversation, Janet learned that Lisa’s partner was not in the best physical health. Concerned for their well-being, Janet suggested conducting a benefit check. Lisa gladly accepted this offer, and Janet referred her to the Rotherfed Money team. 

As Lisa left the Open Arms session, she expressed her gratitude by saying, “I’ve got so much on at the moment, and this means a lot.”  

By Nicola Evans, Senior Project Officer

Sally’s* journey with RotherFed has been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. 

Sally’s involvement with Rotherfed initially began during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when she volunteered for the “Friendship Calls” project. This initiative was launched to combat the profound isolation and loneliness that many in the community were experiencing during these challenging times. 

However, as life often goes, Sally found herself at a crossroads. After dedicating many years to her secure job, she realized that it was time for a change, a new chapter in her life. This decision marked a significant turning point for her, as she embarked on a journey to discover a new purpose and direction for her future. 

It was in this transitional phase that Sally chose to return to RotherFed, this time as a volunteer in a different capacity. She joined the Open Arms team, eager to contribute to the well-being of her community. 

Since becoming a part of the Open Arms team, Sally has been a consistent and dedicated volunteer. She’s not only gained new experiences but has also become an invaluable member of the team. Her approachable and friendly demeanour makes it effortless for clients to approach her with their concerns and questions. Furthermore, her presence brings a sense of warmth and levity to the team, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. 

*Change of name

By Rachel Cole, Senior Project Worker

Rachel is currently in the process of working with Rotherham Council officers to support a group of residents to set up a TARA on the Fitzwilliam Estate. They held a couple of meetings early this year, where residents attended and expressed their interested in getting involved and starting a group. They agreed to hold a Litter Pick and a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in August as their first event. 

Due to the success of the Litter Pick and Teddy Bear’s Picnic event, at the meeting in September, the group agreed that they wanted to hold a pumpkin painting event in the October school holidays. Rachel did the group a donation letter and they contacted Tesco who supplied 40 pumpkins, I used some of my budget to purchase the extra 20 they needed. FLUX agreed to come along and support this event and provided an artist to help with the painting. The event was held on Tuesday 25 October from 11am until 2pm and despite the cold wet weather, 60 children and their families took part in the pumpkin painting, which took place under gazebos on Calladine Way. They group did a raffle which raised over £45. It was another fantastic event which everyone enjoyed. 

Rotherham Council are running a Christmas grotto on the estate for the families, this will be on Wednesday 13 December, the group have agreed to hold a tombola at this to hopefully raise more funds. 

Four residents from the group are attending the Tenants Conference on Tuesday 31 October at New York Stadium and there are also have residents who are interested in joining the HIP meetings and Scrutiny meetings. 

It has been a long time since there was a TARA on this estate, therefore, they are really pleased to see the progress and hope that it continues. Rachel will continue to support the group until they are more established and then hopefully, they’ll become constituted, which will enable them to apply for additional funding allowing them to deliver activities/events/trips for the estate. 

By Rob Gooding, Community Engagement Worker

Peregrin Way TARA, with a history spanning approximately 15 years, has encountered significant changes in response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, the group played a pivotal role in operating the local food bank. This critical phase saw the original committee stepping down, and a new committee to be formed to ensure the group’s continuity. 

Despite the substantial changes they have actively expanded their involvement in the community, offering a variety of activities from their neighbourhood centre. These initiatives are all purposefully designed to combat social isolation and alleviate the loneliness within their community. 

Relying primarily on self-generated funds, the group delivers an impressive five sessions per week. In their commitment, the group decided to explored funding options. With the guidance and assistance of Rotherfed staff, the group successfully applied to Awards for All for a grant. 

This grant will play a vital role in supporting some of the group’s most cherished sessions, including the Luncheon club, coffee mornings, Gardening club, arts, and craft sessions, and the “nit and natter” group. Furthermore, the funds obtained will enable the group to hold four subsidized day trips for members throughout the next year and the organization of a community-wide Christmas party. It is with great pleasure that we report the group’s success in securing this grant, which will empower them to continue their expansion over the coming year. 

By Madiya Shokat, Community Energy Advisor

A colleague from GROW got in touch with the energy team as she had a client, who was struggling with energy bills. She has a range of physical illnesses and is less mobile. This means she spends a lot of her time indoors. She said that due to that she struggles with energy bills and to keep the house warm for herself. She is on benefits. 

Madiya phoned the client to speak more about her energy usage and used this opportunity to offer a variety of support. The client explained she is finding it very difficult in her house as her house is always cold. The client has already spoke to CAB but feels like they put her through more debt. She is on ESA and isn’t getting any warm home discounts as she found out that she wasn’t eligible for it this year.

Client explained how she lives alone and is finding it difficult as 1 person is paying the bills. She explained that she is on a prepayment meter and feels like she is paying more than she owes. While Madiya was speaking to client, Madiya offered a green doctor’s referral and a winter warm pack which she reckons she will benefit from. Client wanted to see if she was able to get any vouchers for her gas and her electricity as CAB keep ignoring this question when she asks. Client was advised that only sometimes not all the time, green doctors can issue vouchers when visiting. Client explained how she has plug ins for her stairs, so she is able to see at night when going to the bathroom. Madiya advised client to replace these with battery operated fairy lights/candles as this way she will save more on her electricity by not having these plugged in all night. Client is advised other energy saving tips and is advised she can save up to £487 a year by doing these energy saving tips. Client is advised she will be contacted by green doctors. Client is also informed about winter warm packs and client thinks she will benefit from one. Madiya will arrange a time and date to pass on this winter warm pack to client. 

Client is overwhelmed and suffers with anxiety, which meant she didn’t want to leave the house to receive the winter warm pack. Madiya contacted the colleague from GROW as she regularly meets this client; Madiya arranged to meet up with the colleague to pass on a winter warm pack to client. 

Whilst visiting Catcliffe Memorial Hall, Madiya was speaking to the colleague from Citizens Advice who mentioned offering fuel vouchers. The colleague from Citizens Advice managed to set up a fuel voucher for client. Client was also contacted about this and felt relieved with the help provided and given. Client also mentioned from the last time she spoke to Madiya to now, she has had the green doctors visit and done the energy saving tips around the house and it has helped so far.