Funding aims to rebuild community trust after riot

Three grassroots projects are to share more than £300,000 in funding aimed at rebuilding community trust in Rotherham following rioting.

Major unrest broke out at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on 4 August, which saw dozens of police officers injured and left the hotel badly damaged.

The Voluntary Action Rotherham charity is set to receive £287,000, with £25,800 for The Refugee Council and £10,000 for the Manvers Residents Association.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council said these organisations were selected based on experience, local knowledge and capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Each group submitted detailed proposals outlining how they would use the funding, the council added.

The funding formed part of a £15m government scheme designed to help communities recover from serious disorder, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Voluntary Action Rotherham will use the money to deliver a series of initiatives including volunteer support, a grants programme for local groups and broader community cohesion activities.

The Refugee Council will run an education and awareness project focused on schools, professionals and community groups.

It aimed to increase understanding and support for people with refugee backgrounds, while encouraging inclusive conversations in local settings.

Meanwhile, Manvers Residents Association will organise neighbourhood events designed to reconnect residents, restore civic pride and strengthen local networks.

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