The Story so Far

Delivering regeneration across Rotherham, inspiring people and creating great places.

Key projects

Opening of Grimm and Co’s magical new base in the town centre, following an extensive refurbishment that has transformed an old church into a fantastical Emporium of Stories.

An inspiring creative and cultural pro gramme, including the Uplift Rotherham skate and art festival, the WOW (Women of the World) festival, which was co-curated by a group of young people from Rotherham, and Signals, a nine-day music festival with free gigs, concerts and music-making workshops, delivered by the Children’s Capital of Culture team and Rotherham Music Hub

Creating opportunities for everyone to participate in and benefit from a growing economy.

Key projects

Joint initiatives and commitments on social value and promotion of the Real Living Wage, including holding a social value celebration event for suppliers to showcase impact and inspire others.

A strategy has been developed to address digital exclusion in Rotherham, helping people to enjoy the benefits of being online.

A range of initiatives are underway, including digital champions and free sim cards for those on low incomes.

Visit the Rotherham Digital website to find out more: www.rotherhamdigital.co.uk.

Building a healthy and attractive local environment, whilst acting on the climate crisis

Key projects

A new community woodland has been created in Dinnington, where 7,700 trees have been planted with funding from the Woodland Trust’s Grow Back Greener programme. Before any of the trees were planted, children from Laughton all saints primary school took part in a litter pick to help clear the site.

Youth Cabinet members have been formally trained in carbon literacy and can now deliver the training programme peer to peer within their schools and other youth groups.

Enabling people to lead healthy lives, tackling inequalities and focusing on prevention.

Key projects

Implementation of ‘family hub’ approach in children’s centres to provide integrated support to families, with up to 16 services now co-located in hubs across the borough.

Representatives from Rotherham’s Health and Wellbeing Board pledged their support to make Rotherham a breastfeeding friendly borough at a launch event in August 2023.

 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust also launched Rotherham Backs Breastfeeding, a campaign to promote advice, guidance and support services for new mothers and families.

Working with individuals and communities on the things that matter most to them.

Key projects

The annual Rotherham Show took place on the 2nd and 3rd of September 2023, with around 88,000 visitors. Throughout the weekend, the show celebrated the spirit of the borough and gave people the chance to enjoy an amazing free festival of culture, entertainment, and family fun.

A wide range of projects have been undertaken with a total of 68 primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of hate crime and how to report it.

Activities included: 

• A project with Y1s in 29 primaries using road safety as a vehicle to introduce hate and bullying as a discussion topic.
• Artwork on the theme of hate crime by Swinton academy students was the subject of an exhibition at Swinton library to help guard against community tensions.
• Hate Crime Awareness Week activity in October 2023 bringing together Brinsworth Academy, Victim Support and SYP.