Current Networks
A key part of our work is to coordinate, facilitate and bring together a range of networks which strengthen our voice as a sector. Below is a summary of our current work in this area and how you can get involved.
What are they?
Food In Crisis Partnership: A cross-sector group that ensures residents of Rotherham having trouble making ends meet can be supported through their difficulty with dignity and respect.
Migration Operational Providers Network: A collective of organisations working directly on the topic of migration in Rotherham.
Volunteer Coordinators Network: Bringing volunteer coordinators together from across the borough, to share ideas and good practice.
VCS Strategic Reps: A coming together of VCSE leaders who act as representatives of the sector and influence decision making.
VCS Family Hubs Network: A collection of organisations and groups that support the wider Family Hubs agenda and work together to create stronger links between the VCS and statutory provision.
Children, Young People and Families Consortium: Unites VCS organisations to engage as effective partners in developing innovative projects and services, placing children, young people and families at the centre of our work.
Social Prescribing Community of Interest: A group for anyone who works in the wide field of social prescribing.
Rotherham Social Prescribing Service Provider Network: A twice-yearly meeting specifically for VCSE groups who are commissioned (funded) by Rotherham Social Prescribing Service, to connect and share information.
VCS Adult Health & Care Network: Bringing together voluntary sector groups, organisations and charities to support, strengthen and sustain the VCS offer for people throughout Rotherham - ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live well for longer.
How can you get involved?
Food in Crisis Partnership
Who can join?
Community Food Members and Groups involved in distributing emergency food and food waste.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
Signing up as a community food member, an easy process that just requires a conversation. You can email foodincrisis@varotherham.org.uk to find out more.
How often are meetings?
Bi-monthly
Migration Operational Providers Network
Who can join?
Anyone working on the topic of migration in Rotherham.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
No, but please email David, Director of Services (Infrastructure) to find out more david.plumtree@varotherham.org.uk
How often are meetings?
Bi-monthly
Volunteer Coordinators Network
Who can join?
The group is open to anyone who manages Volunteers.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
No, if you would like to join this network and receive information about future meetings, please contact Kerry McGrath.
How often are meetings?
6 times per year, usually at VAR (The Spectrum) but sometimes at partner orgs.
VCS Strategic Reps
Who can join?
VCSE leaders representing the sector at partnership boards, networks and opportunities.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
By invitation or discussion with David Plumtree - david.plumtree@varotherham.org.uk. Attendees must sign a Terms of Reference to join.
How often are meetings?
Quarterly
Children, Young People and Families Consortium
Who can join?
Organisations who are...
· Classified as a Voluntary Community Sector (VCS)
· Actively delivering services in Rotherham to improve outcomes for Children, Young People and/or Families with a willingness to share experience, learn from and work together with other services
· Operationally stable and have been operating for a minimum of 6 months
· Applying with awareness of and intention to contribute to our mission and vision through active engagement such as; attending meetings and events organised by the consortium, sharing information and best practice, working collectively and contributing to joint-consortia projects.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
To express your interest in becoming a member or find out more, please contact Ashley Leggott (CYPF Consortium Strategic Coordinator) by email at ashley.leggott@cypfconsortium.org.uk or by phone on 07731021393. The process for joining the CYPF Consortium is;
Complete and return your application form + pre-qualifying questionnaire
Application reviewed by CYPF Consortium Board of Trustees (In-principle decision)
If the application is approved by board, the decision is then ratified by the full Consortium membership
There is a membership fee of £75 for all newly joining members covering the first 12 months. Subsequently, annual membership fees are tiered starting from £75 per year and will be calculated based on the turnover of the organisation.
How often are meetings?
Monthly
Social Prescribing Community of Interest
Who can join?
Anyone working in the field of Social Prescribing.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
Not currently
How often are meetings?
We currently send out a monthly newsletter which you can sign up to via Mailchimp here, but regular meetings not planned yet. If you are interested in getting involved with please contact socialprescribingnetwork@varotherham.org.uk.
Rotherham Social Prescribing Service Provider Network
Who can join?
Any VCS organisations that we fund as part of our Rotherham Social Prescribing Service (RSPS) are automatically part of this network, as well as included in communications regarding Social Prescribing developments.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
Yes, this network is specifically for VCS providers who are commissioned to deliver services for RSPS patients.
How often are meetings?
Once or twice a year. We sometimes invite non-funded VCS organisations to networking meetings to share information about their services, but these groups are not officially part of the ‘network’. For more information, please contact barry.knowles@varotherham.org.uk.
VCS Adult Health and Care Network
Who can join?
Any VCS organisations supporting adults in Rotherham. Currently the Network has several Communities of Interest: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Older Adults and Carers, and Physical Activity for All.
Are there any prerequisites to people joining?
Not at the moment.
How often are meetings?
The Communities of Interest will come together, virtually and in person several times a year.