Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we will now be providing regular email updates for residents to let you know about the latest information we have and any changes to local services that may be affected.

If you do not wish to receive these updates please click on “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the page.

You can check the latest information on our website at any time by going to https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Rotheham Heroes delivering to those most in need

In a massive show of community spirit more than 600 people have already come forward to be part of the Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme. We have already responded to 235 requests for assistance. With some foodbanks in the borough now closed, the majority of those so far have been for people requesting emergency food parcel deliveries. The Heroes scheme, led by the Council and working alongside foodbanks which are continuing to operate, has stepped in to take over FareShare food deliveries and make sure they are reaching the residents who need them. Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read visited volunteers today and issued a rallying call to local people to help us locate the most isolated people in our communities who need support from the heroes scheme. VIDEO: Watch Cllr Read’s appeal here. Run by the Rotherham Community Hub, which includes Rotherham Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham and the Rotherham Together Partnership, Rotherham Heroes is providing essential help to people who are isolated, vulnerable and have no one else to support them with tasks such as: shopping for essentials collecting prescriptions dog walking tackling loneliness connecting people with support services. If you, a neighbour, or anyone you know is in need of help with basic tasks like those highlighted above, please ask them to complete the form on our website or call us on 01709 807319. If they’re struggling, you can submit the request on their behalf. It’s important to know that volunteers will not come inside home. If residents need help with things inside your home, such as dressing or washing then they should call the Council on 01709 382121 to talk about the services available to them. Find out more at www.rotherham.gov.uk/vounteer

Local business receive £7.2 million aid in just two days

More than £7.26m has been paid to 661 Rotherham businesses through various coronavirus support grants in the last two days – with hundreds more payments due to be made this week.

Rotherham Council is responsible for administering a variety of business support schemes to help firms through the coronavirus crisis

It is absolutely vital that eligible business claim the support they are entitled to, so we can protect their livelihoods, local jobs and Rotherham’s economy. Visit our website now to see if your business is eligible and to make a claim.

Coronavirus: support for businesses

A picture of community coming together

We’ve been touched by some of the lovely messages of thanks for Rotherham Council staff and other key workers who are keeping services going during the Coronavirus crisis.

The picture above from 4 year-old Georgia from Wath is typical of the warm messages of appreciation we’ve reveived from local people on social media or in notes left for frontine staff.

Our refuse teams are doing a fantastic job in trying circumstances to keep your pink-lid, green and black bins coections going

Thank YOU very much for your kind words. It really is appreciated.

Remembering loved ones

We know that grieving for a loved one is difficult at anytime and it is instinctive for us to want to remember those we have lost by spending time at their place of rest.

Of all the changes Rotherham Council has had to make to comply with expert advice from Pubic Health England, restricting the way people can remember lost loved ones is without doubt one of the hardest.

Public Health England (PHE) has published guidance for care of the deceased with suspected or confirmed coronavirus. The guidance includes important information on how to treat the deceased respectfully to maintain dignity, while protecting others from the threat of transmission.

It also includes advice on maintaining social distancing at funeral services and shielding vulnerable people from contact with the bodies of those who had confirmed or suspected COVID-19. It outlines that mourners are strongly advised not to take part in any rituals or practices that bring them into close contact with the body of a person who has died from or with symptoms of COVID-19. Faith leaders have been consulted and worked with PHE on the guidance.

New Government restrictions came into force throughout England this week and mean that all crematoria and cemeteries should now be closed to the public, except for when funerals or burials are taking place,.

We know how difficult this will be, but please respect the advice in the interests of your own safety and that of others.

Getting in touch…

During this challenging time please, where possible and appropriate, use our online services rather than calling via telephone. We’re receiving a high level of calls daily and want to ensure we’re able to answer urgent calls regarding vulnerable residents and our front line services.