News

By Sharon Smith, Community Energy Advisor

Sharon was initially contacted by the lady’s mother-in-law in September 2023. She was concerned about the accuracy of the meter at Luca’s property as she had been maintaining her bills, was very careful with her energy usage and had received bills that did not appear to make any sense. Despite raising this issue with the energy supplier and questioning the reliability of the meter, the matter had still not been resolved.

As this appeared to be something that required more investigation, Sharon agreed to meet with them at a local library. They were asked to bring along current meter readings and have access to the online account.

After looking at the bills online, it was clear that there were lots of questions to ask of Utility Warehouse, so Sharon offered to help prepare a letter of complaint.

The original complaint was submitted to Utility Warehouse via the CEO which listed many questions and observations in relation to the account and mainly why it took 7 months to find smart meter readings and why all previous bills were cancelled and re-issued after such a time resulting in a debt of almost £800. The readings being displayed on the meter did not reflect those being stated by Utility Warehouse.

Several emails were exchanged, and the meter replaced, but the original not tested for any faults. Initially £200 compensation was offered to the family which would be used to offset the arrears… – this was not acceptable as there was no mention of whether the meter was being tested for accuracy, so they declined the offer.

After highlighting the failures of their billing system and the photographic evidence that the meter was displaying a totally different reading to that which was being sent to the energy provider, an acceptable offer was suggested to Utility Warehouse which they agreed to: –

–  Cancellation of the whole outstanding balance

– Cancellation of the bill for September @ £130

– £200 compensation for inconvenience

– £150 warm home discount added as credit on the cleared account rather than being previously used to reduce debt

– Agreement to replace smart gas meter to one that will work with up-to-date systems and ensure that no further estimated bills are produced.

This was a fair offer that the family were very pleased with and were very thankful for Sharon’s intervention and support in resolving the matter.

By Lee Lazenby, Community Engagement Officer

Jack called Greasbrough Library to inform them he was enroute to the Open Arms session, he was using his own means of transportation. Although the session was set to conclude in about 20 minutes, Lee, understanding Jack’s proximity and self-reliance, agreed to wait for his arrival. Jack unbeknown to us was navigating a dismal, damp afternoon on a pushbike, arriving soaked and famished. He apologised for his delay he was anxious, Lee offered him tea and biscuits then listened to his story.

Jack slowly became more at ease and started sharing his story. A military veteran forced to relinquish his private rented accommodation, he now resided in shared housing, leaving his belongings in storage. The spoke of his separation from family and the prolonged absence from his child, breaking down in tears as he conveyed feelings of loneliness, isolation, and hunger since departing the Armed Forces. Furthermore, he revealed ongoing struggles with mental health issues and disabilities.

With the assistance of the Making Our Money Go Further Team, a food parcel and additional support from the project was arranged to tide Jack over until he received funds, which were a week away. Lee informed him about Claire from “Walking with The Wounded” and pledged to contact her for potential support. Additionally, Jack was made aware of The Military Community Veterans Centre and upcoming local meetups that could provide valuable connections. Lee suggested attending for a cuppa, chat, and a possible free breakfast, emphasising the supportive network available.

Thankfully, Jack left in a much-improved state, expressing gratitude for the care and assistance received. Lee hoped that by connecting with others in similar situations, Jack would regain control. Before departing, he was informed about the nearest Open Arms venue for future assistance.

In the heart of the Aughton community, Windy Ridge group recently decorated up their centre ready to host to their second annual Christmas Carol Service working with Rotherham Council Neighbourhoods staff, RotherFed and the local infant school. The service was held on the 11th of December at the Windy Ridge Neighbourhood Centre Aughton, the event successfully brought together residents both young and old for a day of festive merriment in the run up to Christmas.

The 12 strong group of Residents accompanied by local Cllr’s and RotherFed staff gathered in the Neighbourhood Centre ready to hear 30 of the local infant school’s children to sing festive hymns and traditional carols to the group that they planned to perform in their Christmas concert, followed by a buffet lunch for both the residents and children.

The group provided the children with small bags of sweets as a thank you for the service and a selection box each provided by RotherFed staff as a thank you for the entertainment provided. The group are already starting to plan next year’s event and hoping to make it even bigger than the last two years.

December was a busy month with Santa visits in the Swinton and Kilnhurst Ward.  Santa gave out free selection boxes to every child who attended.

This was the first grotto held and was at the Kilnhurst Resource Centre on the 10 December, this was funded by Rotherham Council/Local Councillors.  The grotto ran from 3.30pm until 5.30pm and over 70 children visited Santa in his Grotto.  Children received a selection box to take home and could have their face painted too.  It was a successful event and all the children enjoyed meeting Santa and his Elf.

The second Christmas Grotto took place on Wednesday 13 December at Fitzwilliam Estate and over 60 children visited Santa and received a selection box and could have their face painted, this was funded through Rotherham Council/Local Councillors.  We are currently working with Fitzwilliam Estate TARA who held a Christmas tombola at the Grotto, the funds raised will go back into the group to enable them to put on future events. The TARA also held a best dressed Christmas window competition, this group continues to strive to attract more residents on the estate.

The final Grotto was held on Wednesday 20 December at St Margarets Church.  This was organised through Swinton Community Focus Group.

by Dan Barron and Sam Dixon, Heart of the Community Project Workers

A plethora of groups have been very busy this December with their festive celebratory activities and events. So, prepare for another Heart of the Community Christmas special good news bonanza.

Dalton Community Group (DCG) created a Christmas lunch for residents free of charge with funding they had received in previous months. The committee hosted this without support and did a fantastic job, all credit goes to those involved. The table was as long as the parish hall and filled with 30 residents from the community. The Christmas songs were loud and freshly cooked chippy lunches were handed out to everyone and enjoyed by all. There were many conversations flowing around the table about Christmas plans. This is an event that represents what DCG are all about; bringing people together to have a good time because they love to do it and always have. The group have been supporting coffee mornings at the Dalton Parish Hall on the 3^rd Thursday of every month and will carry on doing these in the new year. 

By Dan Barron and Sam Dixon, Heart of the Community Project Workers

A plethora of groups have been very busy this December with their festive celebratory activities and events. So, prepare for another Heart of the Community Christmas special good news bonanza. 

The group launched their first event since COVID and are being supported by The Community Tree. They will restart the afterschool sessions in the new year. This Christmas event served as a soft reboot of things to come in 2024. Unfortunately, we are unable to get pictures of those that attended due to permissions and safeguarding however the event was well attended. There were games such as musical chairs, Christmas music, small activities, and a small buffet for everyone to enjoy. Donna and Becky were elated with the outcome and are looking forward to next year’s plans to restart the group and provide some provision for the youth of Canklow. 

By Dan Barron and Sam Dixon, Heart of the Community Project Workers

A plethora of groups have been very busy this December with their festive celebratory activities and events. So, prepare for another Heart of the Community Christmas special good news bonanza. 

The group had planned to host a Christmas event for the residents in the neighborhood centre. The committee had been relying on some funding that had been held up due to circumstances beyond their control. RotherFed looked to support the group with some funding from the heart of the community project. However, the group felt it may be too much to organize in the little time that was left. So, we decided to step in and do the heavy lifting for the group to give them and other residents of Leverton Way a Christmas event to enjoy. We began consulting the committee about what they would like to see, planned the event, ordered food, mince pies and Christmas crackers. However, that wasn’t the end of the rollercoaster of things to happen. 

Fast forward to the day of the event, the caterer had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Traffic jams and road closures in Rotherham made getting to the venue very difficult. Rotherfed staff had to dig deep and pull together to make sure the event would go ahead, and although a little later than planned the air fryers were fired up and the room was set up with plenty of Christmas cheer.

The event was a huge success. Everyone pulled Christmas crackers, hot sandwiches were being passed about the room, there was music and mince pies and plenty of chatter amongst the 23 residents. The event even saw a few power cuts delaying some of the food from cooking, but it all added to the Christmas atmosphere and like most communities do they made the most of the occasion. It was the busiest we have seen in the neighborhood center since attending the group. The committee were chuffed with the effort that staff put in to support the activity at Leverton way in such a short space of time. The committee had also organized a free Christmas raffle for residents. Residents won prizes such as classic boxes of roses chocolates, deodorants, and biscuits. 

Despite multiple setbacks and some extra added elbow grease the residents of Leverton way had a great Christmas event and the group were delighted with the outcome and support. 

By Rachel Cole, Senior Projects Officer

Thurcroft Luncheon Club has been running now for approximately 7 years and is going from strength to strength.  It takes place every Wednesday at the Thurcroft Hub and over 50 people, the majority over 70 years of age, attend this.  At the Luncheon Club the members have a hot two course meal, which is subsidised, two games of bingo and a go on a free raffle.  Some weeks there is also a speaker who attends to advise them on different topics i.e., fire service, energy projects etc.  The Luncheon Club is a great success, and the members really enjoy attending this every week.  For some members this is the only time they leave the house and get to speak to other people, this preventing loneliness and isolation.  They also have two days trips a year and hold a Christmas Party with gifts and entertainment in December.

The luncheon club is run by volunteers who I helped become constituted 5 years ago.  The Big Local project has always helped fund this project, however, Big Local is now coming to an end so there will be no more funding from them available.  Over the past 3 years I have been successful in getting grants for the luncheon club which has helped enabled them to carry on for the members at a subsidised rate.  Now Big Local is coming to an end, the grants are even more important for the club.

I recently submitted an Awards for All funding bid to cover the rent of the Hub for 12 months, two-day trips and a Christmas party with a three-course meal, a gift for all members and entertainment where members can have a sing and dance.  We received confirmation yesterday that the grant has been successful which is fantastic news for them.

I hope the Luncheon Club continues to be the success it is today as it is needed and wanted by so residents in Thurcroft village and the surrounding areas.

By Nicola Evans, Senior Project Officer

In late October, a delightful couple joined us for a session at Dalton Parish Hall. Having previously met a member of our team, they expressed a keen interest in learning more about the Open Arms Project. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, and we discovered a shared connection of the voluntary community sector in Rotherham, going back over 30 years!

During the conversations, Giles and Kath revealed their challenges in navigating mobile technology. Nicola engaged in a thorough conversation with them, probing to understand their existing knowledge, which turned out to be quite basic. Following extensive discussions and guidance, the couple went home to reflect on the information shared.

Upon their return in early November, Nicola assisted them in setting up their “new” smartphone and provided guidance on fundamental aspects. Post-session, we informed them about the digital offerings from RMBC (Rotherham Borough Council). With their consent, we passed on their details to the digital team, and they were thrilled to learn about the possibility of receiving ongoing support.

Before concluding the session, Nicola also took the opportunity to introduce them to the Money Skills for Life program. Intrigued by the content, the couple expressed interest in undertaking the full course with our Energy Know How team. They emphasised that it’s never too late to learn and expressed gratitude to the team for providing the opportunity, which had helped them to feel less excluded from society.

“Thank you for helping us with our mobile phone, you were so kind and patient, thank you Nicola”.

By Rob Gooding, Community Engagement Officer

In the heart of the Harthill community, Peregrine Way TARA (Tenants and Residents Association) recently played host to their second annual Christmas fair. Held on the 25th of November at the Peregrine Way Neighbourhood Centre, the event successfully brought together residents for a day of festive merriment.

The fair, featured Christmas stalls with an array of homemade gifts, decorations, and sweet treats, catering to the varied tastes of attendees. From unique handcrafted presents to mouthwatering goodies, there was something for everyone to indulge in.

As a bonus, the group ensured that refreshments were available throughout the day, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

The event had an impressive turnout of over 100 residents participating in the festivities. This allowed Peregrine Way TARA to raise much-needed funds. These funds will play a crucial role in providing a special Christmas experience for all members of the community with the funds contributing to hosting a free Christmas dinner for all members at the upcoming Christmas party on the 21st of December.