Bands back Real Men campaign

The Rock Against Domestic Abuse event being held at myplace next Thursday will this year coincide with the launch of the Real Men of Rotherham calendar campaign.

The idea of the calendar came about as part of a broader domestic abuse project between Rotherham Borough Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS) and its voluntary organisation partners, including Rotherham United FC and the YMCA White Rose.

Myplace youth arts development worker Nic Harding, who is part of the wider project, put her photography skills to use to create the calendar.

Money raised will be given to local charities who support victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Rotherham and it will also raise awareness of what it is to be a “real man”.

The event is from 6pm to 9pm and will be attended by Rotherham MP Sarah Champion and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr John Foden, with live bands performing.

Acts confirmed are The Dukes, Suburban Winter, Rebecca Parkin, Megan Bonnett, Nic Harding, Jade Tomlinson and Beth Wilkins.

Rotherham IYSS will be starting its 15 days of action on Monday as part of the national anti-domestic abuse White Ribbon Campaign.

Rotherham Borough Council has just been awarded White Ribbon status.

Organiser Claire Haddon said: “There will be a raffle with first prize of a ‘Love not Hate’ silver heart decoration, tombola, on-line pledges being taken, canvas art, refreshments and calendars for sale.”