Open Arms, a community-based support project, has been providing cost-of-living assistance and a welcoming environment for residents of Rotherham for over three years, having supported more than 3,000 individuals.
It is a collaborative partnership involving Rotherham Council, Rotherham Federation of Communities, Citizens Advice Rotherham and District, LASER Credit Union, and Voluntary Action Rotherham.
Free support services
The project offers a variety of free services to help residents manage the rising cost of living:
- Face-to-face appointments with Citizens Advice Rotherham and District advisors
- Mobile membership opportunities with LASER Credit Union, a local non-profit financial enterprise
- Practical advice on budgeting, energy-saving tips, and improving digital skills
- Signposting to relevant groups and organisations, or support in starting new groups
Dates and times
All sessions run Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 5.50pm.
Fortnightly sessions take place at the following libraries:
- Mowbray Gardens – Monday
- Wath – Tuesday
- Dinnington – Wednesday
- Greasbrough – Thursday
- Maltby – Friday
On alternate weeks, sessions are delivered in different wards across Rotherham. For May and June, the sessions will be held in:
- Hellaby and Maltby West (week commencing Monday 5th May)
- Sitwell (week commencing Monday 19th May)
- Rawmarsh West (week commencing Monday 2nd June)
- Wales (week commencing Monday 16th June)
For more information about Open Arms sessions, contact info@rotherfed.org or telephone 01709 368515. Further details can also be found at www.rotherhamfederation.org/open-arms-community-support-hubs.