In February 2023 Rotherfed began the delivery of a new community-based support project called Open Arms Community Support Hub. This initiative provides access to cost-of-living support in a welcoming and safe space. The regular fortnightly drop-in sessions are held throughout Rotherham in 10 locations and, since starting, they have welcomed over 800 people into sessions.
Funded through its UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, this is being delivered in partnership by Rotherham Council, Rotherham Federation of Communities, Citizens Advice Rotherham and District, LASER Credit Union, and Voluntary Action Rotherham.
They offer free cost of living support including face-to-face appointments with advisers from Citizens Advice Rotherham and District, mobile membership to LASER Credit Union, a not-for-profit social enterprise established over 20 years ago in Rotherham, as well as providing practical advice on money management, energy savings hints and tips and help to improve your digital skills.
Non-library venues also operate as community get togethers, giving people the opportunity to socialise too. These have a range of free inclusive activities taking place as well as free refreshments and are registered with Warm Welcome Spaces, www.warmwelcome.uk.
Upcoming Open Arms Community Support Hubs
Mondays: Dalton Parish Hall, Doncaster Road, S65 4HH
- 6th November – Talk Money Week
- 20th November – Christmas Crafts
- 4th December – Think Foodbanks
- 18th December – It’s Christmas!
Tuesdays: St Pauls, 139 Kimberworth Road, S61 1AH
- 7th November – Talk Money Week
- 21st November – Christmas Crafts
- 5th December – Think Foodbanks
- 19th December – It’s Christmas!
Wednesdays: Canklow Pavilion, 248 Canklow Road, S60 2JH
- 8th November – Talk Money Week
- 22nd November – Christmas Crafts
- 6th December – Think Foodbanks
- 20th December – It’s Christmas!
Thursdays: Springwell Gardens Community Centre, Eastwood View, S65 1NH
- 9th November – Talk Money Wee
- 23rd November – Christmas Crafts
- 7th December – Think Foodbanks
- 21st December – It’s Christmas!
Fridays: Liberty Church, Station Road, S60 1JH
- 10th November – Talk Money Week
- 24th November – Christmas Crafts
- 8th December – Think Foodbanks
- 22nd December – It’s Christmas!
Drop-in support is available at any of the sessions from 9.30am to 3.30pm. For more information call 01709 368515 or email info@rotherfed.org.