Rotherham community news letter …

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Rotherham Community Hub Newsletter

15th May 2020

We always start this newsletter with a great big thank you and we really do mean it. We’ve received some fantastic emails, photos, videos and good news stories about the wonderful work that our Community Hub is doing. You’re all making such a big different to those who need help and support.

Don’t forget to send your news and pictures to us at corporate.comms@rotherham.gov.uk and we may feature you in a future newsletter.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!


Stay safe when supporting others

One of the most important things we need to get right is keeping our volunteers safe and well while. Of course, you will already be following the Government guidelines.

We want to also remind you of some of the health and safety basics that are equally important. So, if your volunteers are carrying heavy bags of shopping, they need to be careful not to injure themselves. Here’s more information about manual handling, lifting hand moving heavy objects.

There’s some tips and advice here for any volunteers who are walking dogs for those in self-isolation.

Thank you again for all you’re doing to help the people of Rotherham and stay safe.


Heroes needed at Rotherham Citizens Advice

Fellow Rotherham Community Hub members, Rotherham Citizens Advice, are appealing for volunteers. They’re currently experiencing a high volume of enquiries and need all hands to the pump to help the local community. You’ll be helping to provide up-to-date advice and information that’s free, impartial, confidential and independent over the phone or via webchat.

You’ll be volunteering from the safety of your own home and full training and support will be provided (remotely).

If you have a minimum of half a day per week to spare, please do get in touch with Rachel on:rachel.daley@citizensadvicerotherham.org.uk


Up to date with the latest guidance

The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS.Here’s a link to the government handy FAQs


Bin lorries with extra rainbow sparkle

Did anyone notice the fantastic new artwork from local children on our fleet of bin lorries this week? Thank you to everyone who’s sent us their rainbow pictures. Keep on sending your pictures to corporate.comms@rotherham.gov.uk

bin lorry rainbow


Heart of Harthill… and surrounding areas

A brand-new group with over 100 volunteers has formed to help the community of Harthill, Woodall, Thorpe Salvin and Laughton-en-le-Morthen. Not only are they delivering food, walking dogs and making befriending phone calls, they’re also holding quizzes, repairing bicycles and they’ve even had a children’s bake-off competition (all done remotely, of course).

Harthill volunteer group

Photo credit:

Dave Poucher, Rotherham Advertiser


Jigsaws needed at Rotherham TimeBuilders

The volunteers at Rotherham TimeBuilders have been supporting local residents, not only with food parcels but with activities to help beat boredom at home.

So much so, that they’re now appealing for your unwanted jigsaws. If you’ve got any that are just collecting dust, they’ll happily take them off your hands.

Please email Christine.Batchford@timebuilders.org.uk

Rotherham Timebuilders 2


Aston TARA pay thanks to keyworkers

Aston Tenants and Residents Association are supporting the S26 (Aston Aughton Swallownest) Food Bank and have rallied the support of local business who have provided food, printing and much needed local support for their vulnerable residents. To pay thanks for their hard work and commitment, Aston TARA have been surprising keyworkers with hampers of appreciation. They’ve also surprised a few local businesses, who have donated produce and help, with surprise cake deliveries. Yum!


Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week which aims to promote the message of good mental health for all. This year’s theme is ‘Kindness’ and will celebrate the thousands of acts of kindness that are so important to our mental health. Find out more information about the national Mental Health Awareness Week.

If you, or your organisation, are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week, we’d love to see your pictures and read your good new stories too. Please email them tocorporate.comms@rotherham.gov.uk

Alternatively, tag us in your social media updates using @RotherhamCouncil for Facebook or @RMBCPress for Twitter.


Mental Health Support

People of all ages are using this time to be creative and mentally stimulated; choirs coming together through social media, individuals sharing their artwork, people cooking together, others learning a new language and households exercising together. All these things are good for our mental health and wellbeing. You can find more practical tips on the “Every Mind Matters” website.


Support available for those suffering Domestic Abuse

There’s never an excuse for domestic abuse. Reaching out for help while in self-isolation can be extremely difficult.

If you or someone you know is being abused don’t stay silent. There’s help and support available to you.

In an emergency, always ring 999. Press 55 if you are unable to speak to the operator.

Details of local and national support services can be found on our website.


Have your circumstances changed?

If you’ve registered as a volunteer but your circumstances have changed, for example, you are now in self-isolation, or you may have returned to work please do let us know and we can update our records. Simply email us to let us know atcorporate.comms@rotherham.gov.uk

CONTACT US
Visit: www.rotherham.gov.uk/volunteer
Telephone: 01709 807319