October 2024 Newsletter

Over the past few months, the Council, the local NHS, Rotherham College, and the Police, alongside the private and voluntary sectors, have been continuing to work together to support residents like you. And as we come to the end of the year, we have much to reflect on.

As we head into the winter months, there is still so much happening in Rotherham.

This edition of the Rotherham Together Partnership newsletter focuses on some of the highlights of the festive season from cultural events to craft sessions to festivals.

Councillor Chris Read, Chair of the Rotherham Together Partnership

A programme of amazing events and activities are happening throughout the festive period, so come along. From the Rotherham town centre Christmas Lights Switch On, Rotherham Theatre, Clifton Park Museum, to events in your communities at Rotherham Libraries, and much much more.

Find out more at:

• RMBCEvents
• FluxRotherham
• Childrens Capital of Culture website
• Christmas at Clifton Park

If you’re concerned about your finances this winter, don’t struggle alone. There is a range of help and support from Rotherham Council, RotherFed, Age UK Rotherham, Citizens Advice Bureau and Voluntary Action Rotherham.

Whether you have questions about Pension Credit, want to save energy and cut down on your energy bills, or want to know more about benefits and support available for you, we can help. Get in touch with our teams today! Go online to: www.rotherham.gov.uk/money-matters for more information.

Applications are now open for Rotherham Council’s Energy Crisis Support Scheme.

This scheme offers payments of up to £250 for households that are struggling to meet the costs of their energy bills as a result of the significant rise in energy costs.

Find out more on the Rotherham Council’s website or call 01709 382121.

2025 is the year Rotherham becomes the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture

Residents across Rotherham can expect a 365-day festival programme, filled to the brim with enriching events and activities designed by children and young people, for everyone to enjoy. From Arts Award opportunities to creative learning in schools, as well as public events and festivals such as Signals, UPLIFT and Rotherham Show, get prepared for Children’s Capital of Culture 2025! Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and activities at: www.childrenscapitalofculture.co.uk

Welcome to Otherham Coming in January 2025

As part of the year-long celebration of the Children’s Capital of Culture, Rotherham will host a free Winter Festival in January 2025. The festival will feature a captivating trail of projection installations across the Town Centre with the renowned theatre company, imitating the dog. This is “Otherham,” a magical town where stone walls might open portals to new worlds, where you can order the weather with your coffee, and where kindness is delivered by fluttering butterflies. A reimagined Rotherham which invites you to see the town through a new lens.

Rotherham Music

Rotherham Music returns with their popular series of Christmas concerts this December.

• Schools Christmas Concert Rotherham Minster Tue 3 Dec
• St. Alban’s Church, Wickersley Wed 4 Dec
• Music Centre Ensemble Concert St. Albans Church, Wickersley Sat 7 Dec

Keep up to date by following Rotherham Music on social media: https://linktr.ee/rotherhammusic

Shop local at Rotherham Markets

Whilst exciting renovations take place at Rotherham Market, the outdoor market along Effingham Street and the indoor market are open as usual Monday to Saturday. Shop local and pick up unique and locally made gifts this Christmas at these special festive markets:

• Traditional Christmas Crafters Market Sat 14 December, 10am to 3pm
• Traditional Christmas Gift Market Sat 21 December, 10am to 3pm

Wentworth Woodhouse

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Wednesday 4 to Sun 29 December 2024 Wentworth Woodhouse are bringing a yuletide treat based on the classic poem A Visit from St. Nicholas. This enchanting visitor-led experience through the State Rooms includes a magical light trail in the West Front Gardens. Enjoy a festive delight inspired by the traditional poem, featuring mice, sugar plums and stockings hung by the chimney with care!

Find out more at: wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/whats-on/ From 5 December, enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea in Wentworth Woodhouse’s long gallery

Grimm and Co

There are more festive activities than you can shake your broomstick at happening at Grimm and Co this winter.

Christmas Cake Decorating

Thurs 5 December, 6pm to 8pm Hosted by their highly experienced chef and catering manager, Rebecca, this 2-hour session will show you, step-by-step, how to decorate your own Christmas Cake baked in house by our catering team. A warming glass of mulled wine (or spiced apple juice) and a mince pie will be offered on arrival too.

Find out more at: grimmandco.co.uk/ Don’t forget to pop into the apothecary for all your magical supplies, Tuesday to Saturday every week. Feeling hungry? The Feastery is now open to both mortals and magical beings!

Rotherham’s first cinema in more than 30 years has opened on Rotherham Council’s flagship development, Forge Island.

The official launch of the new eight-screen independent The Arc Cinema took place in September, with Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read, calling ‘action’ with a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

Forge Island which has been completely transformed from a derelict site into a landmark leisure destination for the town, delivered by the Council in partnership with nationwide place maker, Muse.

The celebrations marked the launch of the new waterside public spaces and the striking new pedestrian bridge which provides a vital link between the flagship development and the town centre.

The town’s first branded hotel, Travelodge Rotherham Central, also opened at Forge Island in July.

Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements at Forge Island are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough.

Winter can add challenges to people already managing their health conditions, especially during periods of severe weather.

The dark nights are upon us and the temperature has dropped, so say yes to helping yourself to stay well during the winter.

If you are eligible then it’s important that you get your flu and Covid vaccines to help keep you protected and well over the winter months. Visit the NHS website to see if you are eligible.

If there are occasions that you may need some medical attention, then ring 111 or visit NHS 111 online if you are in need of medical help. There are a range of services in your local community, such as pharmacists, physios and nurses, that you can help with most common illnesses.

It’s important that you look after your mental wellbeing as much as your physical health. Regular physical exercise is a great way to improve both so wrap up warm and go for a walk, even if it’s only a short one. The Five Ways to Wellbeing identify things you can do to help yourself stay well during the winter. For more information visit: https://rotherhive.co.uk/wellness-hive/

Check on your neighbours during the winter, especially elderly and those living on their own. Does someone near or close to you need help with medication, shopping or keeping warm?

There are a range of services available to help. Open Arms are community support hubs that provide cost of living advice and support: Open Arms - Community Support Hubs - Rotherham Federation

Staff at Rotherham’s Talking Therapies are urging people who are struggling to balance work and their wellbeing to self-refer to them for support with both.

NHS Talking Therapies is run by the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) and offers free talking therapies for anyone over 18 years old who is experiencing symptoms of common mental health problems, such as stress, depression, anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Treatments are offered face-to face, over the phone, via video call and also by typed text messaging via the RDASH eClinic app.

You can sign yourself up for Talking Therapies treatment by calling 03000 215 108 or head online to complete a self-referral form at talkingtherapies.rdash.nhs.uk.

You can also ask your GP or health professional to refer you to the service.

The WalkSafe App is now available for download and gives users as much information about their surroundings as possible.

As well as helping people plan their routes with safety in mind, it can be used between friends to track each other’s journeys, let each other know when you are home safe or share your live location.

WalkSafe has been working with South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham Council and other Local Authorities in South Yorkshire to develop the app for the local area, ensuring that venues featured on the app meet requirements.

Walksafe is free to download and use from your usual app store.

Tackling Hate Crime

Rotherham Council has been working with schools and young people across Rotherham to help build stronger communities.

Earlier this year, students from across Rotherham were invited to design a poster on the theme. The winning design was chosen by Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Safe and Clean Communities, Cllr Saghir Alam, and will be distributed to all secondary schools.

A huge well done to the winner, Maddy from Winterhill School, and to all students who were involved.