NHS hands out £155,000 to Rotherham community groups

A total of 13 organisations have been allocated a share of the fund which is part of the health authority’s annual contribution to Rotherham causes.

Among those receiving the biggest slice of the funds are Rotherham Women's Counselling Services, who have been given £45,000 and the Imagination Library book scheme, which received £30,000.

Rotherham Cancer Care Centre has also been boosted with a £25,000 donation.

Andy Buck, chief executive of NHS Rotherham, said: "Voluntary organisations are the backbone of our community, carrying out a great deal of important work and often relying on grants and donations for their cause. 

“NHS Rotherham is delighted to be able to support a wide range of groups across the borough with some much needed funds."

Rotherham Women's Counselling Service was established in 2005 to provide a free and confidential service for women who have experienced violence or sexual abuse.

Gill Haggie, chairman of Rotherham Women's Counselling Service, said that the money would allow them to extend their “vital” support.

"This contribution means we can continue to provide vital counselling for Rotherham women who have experienced sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse,” she said.

“There are many women whose lives have been devastated by these experiences, and no other service in Rotherham with this specialism."

Launched by Rotherham Borough Council with a visit from Dolly Parton in December 2007, the country star’s Imagination Library scheme provides free books for the town’s under-fives.

Children registered with the scheme receive a book posted to their home once a month until they reach their fifth birthday.

And following news of the £30,000 boost, Alison Lilburn, project manager, said that she was delighted.

She added: "We are extremely grateful for the NHS's support for a scheme that is going from strength to strength.

“We now have registered more than 12,400 children since the scheme was introduced and we are currently sending out books to 10,105 under-fives each month, which is 66 per cent of all under-fives across the borough.

"Health visitors and nursery nurses play a vital role in getting the book-gifting scheme known to families.”

The South Yorkshire Community Foundation charity aims to improve lives by raising funds and delivering grants to support people and communities facing hardship.

Pauline Grice, chief executive, said: "We have delivered £634,000 in vital grant funding to more than 100 Rotherham groups over the last year, many of which are tackling important health and well-being issues.”

LGBT Rotherham Ltd, which provides one voice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Rotherham, received a £500 donation, part of which will go towards the group’s move to a central office in Rotherham.

Kaziah Slüdden, co-ordinator, said: “We have become aware that many health workers are often unsure as to where to direct their clients who may have transgender issues and are seeking further information and support. This grant will provide funds for a simple flyer and small information pack."

The full list of voluntary organisations that have received a donation from NHS Rotherham this year are:

Samaritans - £3,000

Rotherham Cancer Care Centre - £25,000

SYEDA (supporting people with eating disorders) - £15,000

Rotherham Women's Counselling Services - £45,000

Tassibbee - £2,000

Lost Chord - £5,000

Radio Nightingale - £2,000

Shield - £2,000

British Red Cross - £5,000

Imagination Library - £30,000

South Yorkshire Community Foundation - £20,000

Yemeni Group - £500

LGBT Rotherham - £500