By the Making Our Money Go Further and Energy Know How Teams
Making Our Money Go Further & More Energy Know How along with other agencies, including Citizens Advice Rotherham & District, Rotherham Council Housing Support & Neighbourhood teams and the Job Centre have offered support to residents affected by the floods at Catcliffe. The teams have attended many sessions at Catcliffe Memorial Hall.
Primarily, the support offered by the Money team to residents has been on an emotional level by providing a ‘listening ear.’ Engaging with residents by acknowledging the emotional trauma they have been through and allowing these emotions to be expressed, whether they be anger, frustration, fear for the future, or hopelessness.
The Energy team have been there offering support and advice around energy queries i.e., contacting energy providers to establish energy usage balance outstanding for gas and electricity, reviewing standing orders or direct debits to reflect changes in circumstances, notifying residents of charities or energy providers support schemes to assist residents with funding or grants.
Other practical support provided included signposting to other agencies, referral to Citizens Advice when they have been unable to attend, and the offer of Winter Warm Packs.
The media attended many of these sessions as well as Chris Reed, Leader Rotherham MBC, Sharon Kemp, CEO Rotherham MBC, Government Officials, and local councillors.
They are many resources available to residents affected by the floods including financial assistance provided by Rotherham MBC, Central Government, Charities and Community donations. Free food, cleaning materials, and clothes and bedding are also available. The local community have played a large part in relieving the practical and emotional needs of residents.
These sessions will continue into November,
