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The latest news and information from Rotherham Town Centre, Canklow, Moorgate, Broom, Herringthorpe, Clifton, Wellgate and Wharncliffe.
September 2022
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The Social Supermarket is about so much more than food!
As well as paying a visit to the shop, members can join activities, receive support in making positive life changes and find a new community to belong to.
How does the Social Supermarket work?
- Those struggling to afford food can become members for three months, paying £3 a week.
- They then book a slot at the Social Supermarket, which is open from 11.00 - 2.00pm Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Members can pick from a choice of healthy food, including fresh fruit and vegetables. (All donated from local sources).
- During their visit, members can take part in activities and learn something new.
- We will also offer access to coaching and other support to help members make life changes.
- All involved are encouraged to share their skills and time with the community.
For more information about the Social Supermarket either to access the service or to offer support visit Social Supermarket on the Rotherham Minster website.
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The Council’s Energy Crisis Support Scheme provides a payment of up to £250 to households struggling to meet the costs of their energy bills as a result of the significant rise in energy costs.
In order to qualify for the Energy Crisis Support Scheme, applicants will be asked to provide information about their current financial situation, along with a recent bank statement and estimated monthly expenditure and income.
Applicants must have no more than £150 a month left over after paying for all their essential costs such as food / rent / utility bills. If you have more than £150 left over each month, then you may not meet the criteria at this time.
Support for pensioners with household living costs
In addition, pensioners in need of support with energy costs, may also be able to access an additional £150 to support them with the wider increases in the cost of living. Only one application is required, and the Council will assess applicants for support from both schemes.
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Food banks are primarily aimed at families and individuals that are in desperate need. Predominantly people on low incomes who are struggling to buy food and essentials, which also includes asylum seekers, immigrant workers and refugees.
Below are details of food banks that are able to be accessed by people in living in the Boston Castle Ward
Rotherham Food Bank
The food bank is based in central Rotherham and requires a referral from an agency who will provide you with a voucher to collect food.
No one in our community should have to face going hungry, that’s why Rotherham Food Bank provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
If you or anyone you know needs an emergency food parcel from the food bank, please contact Rotherham Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7911.
If you feel you would like to help the food bank by donating, there are several drop off points across the borough.
To find out more about how to access the food bank or about how to help please visit their website the Rotherham Food Bank website.
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Liberty Church Food and Baby Bank
The food and baby bank operated by Liberty Church provides food parcels to families and individuals in need.
Their baby bank supports families either with emergency essential supplies like Nappies and Formula Milk, or with our Newborn Baby Pack that includes everything baby needs for a healthy and safe start. Ongoing support and pastoral care is also offered to people in need.
The food and baby bank requires an agency referral, such as from Rotherham Council, Rotherfed and REMA.
The food and baby bank operates from several locations, there is a base close to Rotherham Town Centre.
For more information or to find out how you can make a donation please visit the Liberty Church website.
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Critters Kitchen Pet Foodbank
The main aim of Critters Kitchen is to keep pets and their families together. Founded in 2021, Critters Kitchen has been working hard with the help of volunteers to support individuals in Rotherham.
Their work is dedicated to funding and offering pet food & accessory parcels and they strive to inspire and improve the lives of those who need assistance.
To find out more about Critters Kitchen and to access their services or offer support please visit their website or telephone 07988 357167.
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Citizens Advice Rotherham and District offers free and impartial advice and support covering a range of topics including;
- Energy Advice
- Debt Advice
- Cancer Advocacy
- Immigration
- Benefits
They also provide referrals to other services including food banks. You can contact them in a number of ways including by telephone or online via webchat. For more information please visit their website.
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Rotherfed is working in partnership with Citizens Advice Rotherham and District to change the way communities think and talk about managing money. They are offering community led solutions to the issues that matter most to local people.
Through community support delivered, this project will provide the tools people need to deal with the issues that are most important to them. It’s about supporting local people to make real change happen.
The 3-year project started in January 2021 and operates across several areas in Rotherham, including Masborough, Canklow, Springwell and Middle Eastwood.
The project aims to help people reduce their expenditure, increase their income, and renegotiate outgoings.
Activities you could get involved in include:
- skills transfer sessions
- one to ones
- group training
- ways to cut energy consumption
- utilities switching
- simple home insulations
- skills swaps
- cost effective ideas to eat well
- benefits checks
- creating food bank outlets
- referrals to support organisations (Food Banks, Credit Unions)
- charity grants
- anti-loan shark campaigns
- community food gardening
- support to access statutory services such as from job centres, colleges, and Rotherham Council
For more information visit the RotherFed website or by calling Claire Stinson on 07398 013796 or Karen Jay on 07398 013824.
Download the flyer here
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Rotherfed have a telephone befriending service. Whilst this is not a financial service, it is a great way for those that are lonely and isolated to receive information they may not get otherwise.
They take self-referrals or professional referrals for Rotherham residents who are lonely or isolated for whatever reason.
People accessing the service will receive a weekly call from one of Rotherfed's friendly volunteers who can pass on details of other services or just have a general chat.
Email Nicola Evans or call 07376 666191 to register.
See the attached flyer for more information about how to contact the service.
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There are a number of useful websites you can visit which give you information about energy efficiency, debt, grants and benefits to help with the cost of living.
Warm home discount scheme – this is a government scheme that provides people on low incomes and certain benefits with £140 discount on their winter electricity bill. The next program of discounts is due to be open for application from November 22 and is accessed via your energy provider. For more information and to check eligibility visit the Warm Home Discount Scheme page on GOV.UK.
Turn2us - Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. On their website you can access a benefits calculator, information about grants for people/families on low incomes and information about support with the costs of water and energy bills. They also have lots of other information available whatever your circumstances, you can visit their website.
National Debtline - National Debtline is a charity.who give free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. They have a number of tools and resources available to access on their website including budgeting sheets, support information for people worrying about energy bills and advice about making your money go further. To access National Debtline services visit their website or telephone 0808 808 4000
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