Post-natal depression grant will help Rotherham women

The cash handed to Sheffield charity Home Start to expand its ongoing work into Rotherham is one of five windfalls set to benefit the borough from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Home Start said it would use the grant to help women with post-natal depression “build secure and enduring attachments with their children so they can get the best start in life within strong families”.

Jack Scott, the charity’s chief executive (pictured), said: “This announcement is really excellent news for families in Sheffield and Rotherham. 

“Our trained volunteers undertake vital work with parents who are struggling or just need a little bit of extra help by providing practical help, emotional support and parenting advice.

“This funding will allow us to improve the lives of over 800 families and 1,500 children in our community by making sure fewer parents are isolated or depressed and more children get a great start in life. 

“We are extremely grateful to the Lottery for their support.”

Rotherham community group Tassibee has been handed £316,028 for its Advocacy Community Support Service, which aims to provide a structured programme of support for Asian people aged 50 and over with poor mental and physical health. 

Kiveton Park Meadows Junior School was allocated £10,000 for a “bio-dome to help grow healthy foods on the school grounds, while a servicve at Treeton Community Centre will use the same sum to deliver support services on debt, welfare and housing advice. 

A £10,000 grant is also being provided to put on courses in English language, numeracy and dressmaking for members people from ethnic minority backgrounds with a view to build new skills and improve employment prospects.