21 October 2022

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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Keppel's Column reopens after 50 years

Keppel’s Column was reopened to the public on Saturday 10th September and on Sunday 11th September after being closed for more than 50 years.

The popular landmark which is around 35m high and more than 250 years old, will re-open in the spring for bookable tours - keep subscribing to the Rotherham Round-up for details.

Read the full story.

South Yorkshire bus and tram fares to be capped at £2

Bus and tram fares across South Yorkshire will be capped at £2 from November to March 2023, as part of plans to boost public transport use and help passengers during the cost-of-living crisis.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is behind the £600k scheme, with passengers saving up to 50% on some trips, reducing the cost of over 700,000 journeys.

The price freeze will apply across South Yorkshire more than two months ahead of a national £2 cap on bus journeys which will come into force between January and March.

Read more on the SYMCA website.

Plan your journey on the Travel South Yorkshire website

Have your say on Maltby bus corridor improvements

We want your comments on proposed bus priority improvements on the A631 between Maltby and Rotherham. The measures will provide residents, students, employees and businesses in and around the Maltby and Hellaby areas with faster and more reliable bus services. Read more and share your comments.

Top class care the Conway way!

A Rotherham care home that provides respite accommodation for people with learning disabilities and autism has been rated ‘good’ in all areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Council-run home at Conway Crescent specialises in caring for people on a short-term basis, to enable carers to take a well-earned break.

The CQC inspection report was produced after two visits to the home in July 2022, when inspectors noted that the accommodation is safe and well-run, with effective, caring and responsive staff.

VIDEO: Watch our short film about the fantastic work that goes on at Conway Crescent.

Read more about what the CQC had to say.

New £2m day centre to help people with support needs

Cabinet members at Rotherham Council have approved plans for a new £2.1m day centre in Canklow to provide day opportunities for people with high support needs. Under the banner of ‘Living my best life’, the new Castle View facility on Warden Street will be supporting people with complex support needs, and acting as a hub for wider community activity, learning and skill development. Read all about how the centre will help people.

Take the time and be the one... to talk

Suicide survivors and family members affected by suicide are featured in a new video encouraging people to open up and talk to others if they are thinking about taking their own life. The video, commissioned by Rotherham Council and NHS South Yorkshire, is part of the Council’s suicide prevention strategy and hopes to raise awareness of the importance of talking to others if they are thinking of taking their own life. Watch the short video.

Rotherham NHS to continue with Children's Public Health

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT) will continue to deliver our Children’s Public Health Nursing Service after it was successful through an open tender.

The Healthy Child Programme (HCP) is the national programme for children aged 0-19, which brings together health, education, and other key partners to deliver support and intervention.

Read the latest news from the service.

All about our Arthur and Black History Month

With Rotherham United celebrating promotion and hosting the UEFA Women's EURO 2022, it's been a memorable period for Rotherham football and an even better time to share this film celebrating our own Arthur Wharton, the world's first black professional footballer.

Watch the video.

Can you 'Take 10' to get help get Rotherham reading?

Whatever your age and whether you're an avid reader, new to reading or trying to get back into the habit, you could feel the benefits of reading. That's why we're launching our new 'Take 10' campaign to get Rotherham Reading. Find out more about boosting your mental health and wellbeing.

Children celebrate Summer Reading Challenge success

Over one thousand children across Rotherham celebrated their completion of the Summer Reading Challenge at an event at Magna Science Adventure Centre.  Ministry of Science - Live!  helped the audience dives deep into the world of science and take a look at how science shapes the world, with their theatre performance. Read the full story.

Supermarket voucher scheme continues in half-term

The Council's supermarket voucher scheme for families with children eligible for free school meals continues during next week's October half-term holidays. The families of around 12,000 local children will receive £15 vouchers per child as part of the Council's cost-of-living support package. The value is the same as the average cost of providing free school meals to children when in school. The vouchers are being distributed by local schools on behalf of the Council. See our website for details about the range of cost-of-living support available in Rotherham.

Have your say on housing and jobs

We're consulting on additional guidance for its borough-wide plan which provides details of where new housing and employment sites are located and can be built across Rotherham. Read more and have your say.