Lotto good to come for the community

Pivotal Health and Wellbeing has received a National Lottery grant of £153,788 to support the community to become healthier and more active for the next three years.

Meanwhile, Rotherham Minster Connections Project – which oversees the Social Supermarket in the town centre – is celebrating winning £52,472 of lottery funding.

Eastwood-based community interest interest company Pivotal said the funding had created “a huge amount of stability” for the health and wellbeing provider – as well as a drop in membership prices for its clients.

The non-profit organisation provides funded and affordable fitness classes and wellbeing sessions within Rotherham.

Monthly 'pay as you go' gym membership passes previously cost £35 but, thanks to the funding, the price has dropped to £20, while services have been expanded with the addition of five more weekly health and wellness sessions within the community.

Lead project co-ordinator Abbey Clayton said: “This grant has created a huge amount of stability for Pivotal – it means we’re able to offer more sessions and support more people in Rotherham.

“Our Pay As You Go gym memberships are very popular.

“They are a full body hiit workout which can be adapted, making it suitable for beginners but also more advanced clients.

“We currently have a few new projects running, one being the Small Grant for Unpaid Carers Fund with Rotherham Council where we deliver gentle exercise sessions for those caring for family members who have dementia.

“There is also a government-funded Multiply Project which is aimed to support those aged 19 and above who don’t have a maths qualification to increase their confidence using exercise, health and wellbeing.

“We run weekly sessions in multiple residential homes, too, where we deliver fun exercise and game sessions with the residents.

“This improves their mobility and strength but also encourages them to take part in modified versions of sports they used to play.”

Rotherham Minster Connections Project runs its Social Supermarket from Rotherham Minster two days a week.

The supermarket is not a foodbank, but more a “step-up,” say organisers who have also welcomed their National Lottery funding.

The money will help provide a two-year paid project manager role as well as support for volunteers. including training and reimbursement of bus fares, the cost of which may have previously prevented people from getting involved.

Rotherham Minster Connections project manager Christine Batchford said: “Forty households come through here every week, a lot of kids, a lot of families – anyone who is struggling to make ends meet.

“The weekly fee is £3 and they can get support for three months to get back on their feet.

“It is more about prevention, it's a step-up from a foodbank – our strap-line is 'So much more than food' – because it's a place to belong.

“People come for the chats and the company and we also help them think about planning more for the long-term.

“We've partnered with Citizens Advice and Rotherfed so people can get advice about energy bills and find out more about housing and debt support.

“It's about helping people on their journey because everyone's situation is different – listening and coaching and helping build people's confidence to show them they do have the solutions to their own issues.

“You're not a victim and you can do positive things to improve your life and your family's lives.

“Some people still join us after they have finished using the supermarket – we run a toddlers' group, an informal choir, a men's coffee morning – and some former members of the scheme are now volunteers with us, too.”She added: “Locally, we feel like we are a part of a big network of positivity.

“The Minster was built to the glory of god and for the people of Rotherham – this is a really positive way we can be a blessing to the town.”