19th November 2021
Welcome to the Rotherham Round-up, your regular email update with news, video and events from Rotherham Council.
If you would like to comment on any articles included in this bulletin, or suggest what you'd like to see in future issues, please drop us a line at corporate.comms@rotherham.gov.uk
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 Countdown to the festive season officially starts next week!
The countdown to Christmas in Rotherham officially begins next week, when the town's Christmas lights are switched-on.
Join us from 6-8pm on Friday 26 November for lots of entertainment across the town centre including music, street theatre, light installations and walkabouts, hosted by RB1 Radio.
Full details are available on the Rotherham Council Events Facebook page.
 VIDEO: Click the image to see the message from Ben Anderson, Director of Public Health for Rotherham
Covid's not gone yet - stay safe this Winter
The Director of Public Health for Rotherham, has issued an update on the current Covid-19 position in Rotherham and issued advice on how we can all reduce the risk of catching and transmitting the virus.
The number of infections in Rotherham are falling currently but remain higher than the national average and the number of people in hospital being treated for Covid-19 remains high.
To help reduce the strain on the NHS and protect friends and loved ones, there are some simple steps you can take:
- book a Covid-19 vaccine when it is offered to you
- wear face coverings in busy public areas, especially indoors or on public transport
- take regular lateral flow tests at home - many people can have the virus without realising it
- keep your home well ventilated, especially if you're having visitors
- wash your hands regularly when you're out and when you get home
VIEW THE VIDEO MESSAGE HERE.
 Spot the signs campaign - if you see it, report it
This week is Safeguarding Awareness Week, which is highlighting how we can all play a part in helping to keep local children safe from sexual exploitation, both on and offline.
There are a number of warning signs to look out for if you suspect a child may be the victim of sexual exploitation, including:
- Change in behaviour & friendship groups
- Links to unknown adults
- Mood changes
- New mobile phones, Sim cards, snapped Sim cards
- Seen in different cars
- Increased Internet activity
- Change in language
- Unaccounted monies or possessions
- Truanting/absences from School/missing from education
- Large amounts of condoms
If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person you can share your concerns anonymously, and in confidence online or by phone:
Your concerns will be taken seriously, and will be acted on promptly and appropriately.
For further advice, the Thinkuknow website is a good resource, with information aimed at children of different ages, parents and carers and people who work with children.
We inviting people to comment on a new strategy, which aims to improve services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2022 – 2027 aims to assist the Council, Police and other partners who work together ito provide a joined-up response to those affected by domestic abuse.
As well as focusing on support for victims and survivors, the strategy will also aim to break the cycle of abuse by ensuring offenders seek the assistance they need to change their behaviour and use preventative tools to support this work.
To take part in the consultation, please visit our website.
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 Join us as Rotherham reclaims the night
Rotherham will stand in solidarity against sexual harassment and violence against women and girls at the Reclaim the Night event on Thursday 25 November.
The event is one of thousands taking place across the world to mark the annual United Nations Day to End Violence Against Women.
With shocking, high-profile attacks on women this year, it is more important than ever for the community takes a stand.
The walk will set off from the Hygge Cafe, 18 High Street, Rotherham at 6pm this Thursday.
Further information is available from the Rotherham Reclaim the Night Facebook page.
 A fair day's pay for a hard day's work
This week is Living Wage Week, when the rates of pay for the lowest paid workers at more than 9,000 UK employers - including Rotherham Council - are set for the coming year.
As a Real Living Wage employer, Rotherham Council has committed to pay it's lowest-paid workers at an hourly rate which is independently calculated according to the cost of living - taking into account typical price rises for items like fuel, energy, rent and food.
This year the rate has been set at £9.90 per hour - an increase of 40p per hour on last year - and higher than the Government's National Living Wage, which will increase to £9.50 per hour from April.
As well as paying our own staff at this rate, we're committed to working with our contractors to secure the same rate for employees providing services on behalf of the Council, where possible.
Further information about the Living Wage, visit the Living Wage Foundation website.
 Panto is back at Rotherham Civic Theate - oh yes it is!
Pantomime is back in spectacular style at Rotherham Civic Theatre from 2nd December, with the family-favourite Aladdin.
Tickets are selling fast for the show, which stars Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Paul Burling as the hilarious Wishee Washee.
Paul was a huge success on the television talent show in series 4 and made it all the way to the final with his wide range of impressions of everyone from Harry Hill to cartoon characters and an unforgettable rendition of The Proclaimers ‘500 miles’. Following on from his success on the show ITV gave Paul his own one-hour special, It’s Paul Burling.
To book tickets:
Rotherham remembers
 Hundreds gather to remember the fallen in Clifton Park
Remembrance events were held across the borough last Sunday as Rotherham fell silent to remember its fallen.
The Civic Remembrance Sunday event - which had been cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic - followed a new format this year, with proceedings contained entirely within the grounds of Clifton Park.
The switch to an entirely outdoor event was brought in to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission and by hosting the event in the grounds of Clifton Park, it provided a shorter, flatter parade route for older veterans.
The parade, led by Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews included local dignitaries, the South Yorkshire Police band, local uniformed groups, the Royal British Legion and veterans. The event included a Service of Remembrance led by Rev Phil Batchford of Rotherham Minster.
Visit the Council's website to see a photo gallery from the event.
The ever-popular Poppy Cascade at Rotherham Market, which includes more than 20,000 hand-knitted poppies will remain on display until 4 December. See the website for details.
Your opinion matters
Did you know the Council is regularly asking local residents and businesses for their views on a huge variety of topics?
From taxi licensing to cycling strategies and our annual budget to local plans, we would really like to hear your views on what's happening locally, what you support, what you're against - and why. Public opinion matters.
Current consultations include the new Domestic Abuse Strategy and Manvers Way to Watch Cycle Route.
All our live consultations are available to view on our website, which is regularly updated.
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