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The latest news and information from Brampton, Harley, Manvers, Nether Haugh, Wentworth and West Melton.
December 2024
Christmas message from Ward Councillors
Councillors Brent, Lelliott and Williams, would like to send their warmest regards and wish all residents of Hoober Ward and their loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Tis the season to be jolly
Christmas was launched in style by Ward Councillors Brent, Lelliott and Williams with the Christmas Tree Lights Switch On at Masefield Avenue, West Melton and the covering of snow, along with the cold, clear and crisp night, did not spoil the Christmas spirit or the festivities, as residents of the area joined them and came together to give Christmas a warm welcome.
Social Eyes started the proceedings with their singers, treating all with their talented and heartfelt renditions of Christmas songs, getting everyone in the party mood. This was followed by the loud and enthusiastic countdown to the Christmas tree lighting up in a blaze of wonderful twinkling colours - eyes were definitely all aglow - and the finale was from pupils of Highfield Farm Primary School with their tuneful and beautiful voices singing out with traditional Christmas Carols.
Ward Councillors wrapped up the event by hosting refreshments afterwards at the nearby Oaklea Retreat to warm everyone up again.
An ardent and hearty thank you is sent by Councillors Brent, Lelliott and Williams, to all those who braved the weather, especially Social Eyes and pupils of Highfield Farm Primary School, who made the evening so special.
   
Visit to Social Eyes
Social Eyes is a day service for adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism and Ward Councillors Brent, Lelliott and Williams had the pleasure of having a guided tour from one of the co-founders, Claire Hobson-Davies, at their new premises in West Melton.
They have drama groups, singing, cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, life skills and so much more. Councillors witnessed the hive of activity there and were treated to the wonderful smell of cookies and muffins as they were preparing for their Christmas Fair.
Claire said she loves the warm welcome they have received in the area and looks forward to engaging more with the community. Ward Councillors thoroughly enjoyed their visit and are keen to support Social Eyes to develop and further embed themselves in the local area, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more information on this in the coming months.
  
Make your money go further
Councillor Lelliott joined Hoober Ward Residents at York Gardens Community Centre in West Melton which played host to RotherFed's Make Your Money Go Further Team and staff from the Cortonwood Comeback Centre to find out just how you can get more bang for your buck and stay warm and well with the help of the Green Doctor or even a Winter Warmer pack.
   Did you know that if you only fill the kettle with the water you need, you could save up to £43 a household per year, or that by washing at 30 degrees and doing 1 less wash a week, you could save up to £34 a household per year. Plus, by turning off equipment you leave in standby, you could save up to £65 a household per year and by replacing your bulbs with LED's you could save up to an incredible £100 a household per year!
And how much heat do you think is lost from your home:
 It surely makes you think and how with just small changes, a big difference can be made.
The wonderful staff from RotherFed and Cortonwood Comeback Centre can also help you with claiming benefits or checking that you are in receipt of all eligible benefits.
So, if you want to learn more and keep those pounds and pence safe and sound in your pocket, the next event is on Thursday 19 December, 2024, 2pm to 4pm at the Mechanics Institute (off Friers Croft), Main Street, Wentworth.
Christmas at Cortonwood Comeback Centre
Don't be stuck at home this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, get yourself down to Cortonwood Comeback Centre on Chapel Avenue, Brampton.
Enjoy the festive season with a Christmas service by Reverend Charles Burton, settle back for a Christmas tale by the children of Brampton, remember loved ones on the Tree of Remembrance and relax with mulled wine, mince pies and cake, all on Christmas Eve.
Then on Christmas Day, if you're on your own and would like some company, go make new friends and join them for breakfast or brunch.

Busy bees at Cortonwood Foodbank
Cortonwood Foodbank offers help and support to those in need year round and is always a hive of activity.
Every week Ward Councillors Brent and Lelliott can be seen hard at work sorting and packing the food ready for Councillor Brent to deliver, as he's done since Covid, and at this time of year it's up another gear as they're both super busy preparing for the Christmas food hampers.
Christmas Round-up
Christ Church Christmas Fair
Residents and bargain hunters alike flocked to see the stalls galore and soak up the atmosphere at Christ Church's Christmas Fair and enjoy the festivities and blessings of the season.
 Harley Christmas Fair
Residents and savvy shoppers, including The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Sheila Cowen, John Healey MP and Hoober Ward Councillor John Williams, came out to grab a bargain at Harley's Christmas Fair - it was so popular, that you had to queue to get in. Cynthia Shaw, resident meeter and greeter, surprised everyone this year by dressing as a Fairy Godmother.
Good news for Packman Road and the surrounding areas
Thanks to the outstanding efforts and hard work of all involved in the remedial works on Packman Road, West Melton, this project has been successfully brought in ahead of schedule.
Subject to everything going to plan, the traffic management system in place on the highway is set to be removed on Friday, 20 December, 2024 and traffic will be able to resume its usual flow.
Transportation and Highways would like to acknowledge the residents who were directly affected by this project and will continue to work with them, and would like to extend their thanks to people for their continued patience and understanding whilst the works have been carried out.
Christmas support
Whilst for many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, for some it is not and can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation which can impact greatly on physical and mental wellbeing, so be sure to look out for family, friends, loved ones and neighbours, who may need a little extra support.
B:Friend: face to face home visits or telephone calls
A FREE service for those over 65 years, living alone and suffering from social isolation. You are matched to a DBS checked volunteer and they will carry out a one hour visit weekly.
Please note that they are unable to support older neighbours with a health diagnosis that would require specialist care (e.g. those living with dementia, learning disabilities or severe mental health difficulties).
What our befrienders can help with:
- Friendly company and conversation in the older neighbour’s home or over the phone
- Having a nice cuppa and a laugh
- Making a new connection in the community through friendship
To make a referral, please use their website.
Silver Line Helpline (55+)
FREE confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The person who wants the service will need to ring as they do not accept referrals from other sources.
They offer: immediate friendship chats and comfort to lonely and isolated older callers and help with information on all issues faced by older people/refer older callers to other sources of support. They will also signpost callers to appropriate support services they may find helpful in their area and support older callers who may be suffering from abuse or neglect.
Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90 (freephone)
Reengage Call Companions
Would you like a regular friendly chat over the phone with your very own call companion?
Call Companions is a FREE service for anyone aged 75 years and over who are lonely, isolated or in need of companionship and feel they would benefit from a regular chat over the phone with a friendly volunteer.
Whatever you chat about, it will help lift your spirits, make you feel you again and more connected to the world.
Contact them by telephone on freephone 0800 716543 or via their website.
Rainbow Call Companions
A FREE telephone befriending service for LGBT+ people who are lonely, isolated or in need of companionship and feel they would benefit from a friendly phone call every week or two. This is a service specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender plus (LGBT+) people aged 75+ who would like to speak to someone who is also LGBT+.
Calls last for half an hour or so and you can chat about anything that interests you. What's great is that the same volunteer phones you every time, so you can get to know each other and share stories and laughter - for as long as you both want.
Contact them by telephone on freephone 0800 7165453 or via their website.
Specialist Support
Samaritans
A unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
Telephone: 116123 (freephone)
Papyrus
The national charity dedicated to preventing young suicide in the UK.
Telephone: 0800 068 4141 (freephone) Text: 07860 039967 Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Andy's Man Club
The group is a is a peer-to-peer support group open to any man over the age of 18, regardless of where they live.
Jason Darbyshire, one of the group facilitators said: “We gather for a brew and a chat. It’s raw and real, with laughter and sometimes tears. The hardest thing will be taking the first step into the club; we’ve all experienced that and felt that was the hardest part of the night. Our ethos is simple - it's good to talk".
To find your nearest group visit their website.
Please note they do not open on Bank Holidays
At A Loss
An online directory of support available for anyone bereaved, whatever your loss, age or location.
Website: https://www.ataloss.org
RotherHive
RotherHive provides a range of practical mental health and wellbeing information, support and advice for adults in Rotherham.
Website: https://rotherhive.co.uk/
Who to contact
Over the Christmas period, should you need the help of the NHS, Fire or Police:
In an emergency, always ring 999
If you want to speak with the NHS for a non-emergency:
Ring 111
Use the NHS APP
Use 111 online
If you want to speak with the Police for a non-emergency:
Ring 101
Textphone service for hearing or speech impaired 18001 101
For Children and Young People Services:
If the matter is urgent and requires immediate response call 999 or the out of hours service on 01709 336080.
For Adult Social Care:
If the matter is urgent and requires immediate response call 999 or ring 01709 822330.
Christmas and New Year opening hours
Rotherham Council services will have different opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.
Details of our essential services can be found on our website along with the opening times of our main visitor attractions which will help everyone make the most of their holiday period.
For full information and emergency contact details, please visit: www.rotherham.gov.uk/contact-council/christmas-opening-hours
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