Residents urged, 'help yourselves to medicines'

The Coronavirus pandemic resulted in thousands of calls to the Rotherham Community Hub from people asking for volunteers to collect and deliver their medicines.
While the Government’s advice was for those in at risk groups to shield, to reduce the risk of infection, all requests were met.

But since the advice changed, there is no longer a need for people to stay in. The new guidance is that it is okay to go out for some fresh air and exercise, which also supports good mental health, as long as the appropriate precautions are taken (social distancing, face covering etc.)Where people struggle to collect prescriptions they should use the same methods they did before the lockdown was introduced – for example. family members, friends and pharmacies’ own delivery arrangements.

Another free delivery services that residents can sign up to is Pharmacy2U. Signing up is easy and your medicines are delivered direct to any UK address you choose, even your workplace if that is more convenient for you.

You can find more information and sign up at: https://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/prescriptions/electronic-prescription-service-nhs

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

In 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was designed and launched when London Gatwick Airport asked "How can we identify that one of our passengers may have a non-obvious disability?". We created a simple sunflower design on a green background for a lanyard - a subtle but visible sign to enable airport staff to identify that the wearer (or someone with them) may require some extra help, time, or assistance when moving through the airport.

Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately obvious, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment. Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the challenges you face. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues and health professionals that you have a hidden disability and you may need additional support, help or more time.

To find out local organisations that recognise this scheme and to order a lanyard, click here

Borough's playgrounds begin to reopen

The playgrounds are being re-opened on a planned, rolling programme and there will be regular updates on which facilities have re-opened on the Rotherham Parks Facebook page.

Before any playground is re-opened, a full maintenance check needs to take place and signage installed, so that parents and children know about the new guidance they need to follow while using the facilities.

To ensure accessibility to children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities, the use of the play area from 10am-11am is reserved for their use only.

Please help keep everyone safe by following the below guidance when using the parks.

Get updates from Rotherham Parks on Facebook

Listening Ear Bereavement Service

Launched earlier in the year, the Listening Ear South Yorkshire Bereavement Service has been extended until December to help people who have lost loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.
Open to anyone who has lost loved ones during this difficult time, whether from the virus or otherwise, local health and care organisations across South Yorkshire wanted to make sure there were services available to support people whilst they may be physically distant from their families and friends.

Find out more about the Listening Ear Bereavement Service

Join our team!

We are looking to appoint three Volunteer Coordinators to develop and support new volunteering opportunities across all communities in Rotherham.

For further details see the Volunteer Coordinator job vacancy page on the Council website. The closing date is Sunday 20 September.