Community hubs set up to help local people get support

They offer a range of dedicated assistance and advice from what to do when returning home to how to claim for the newly announced financial assistance schemes. If the council does not provide a service, then residents will be helped to find the information they need.

Hubs are open from 11am to 4pm including on the weekend.

The hubs for residents of Stainforth, Fishlake, Thorne, Moorends, Kirk Sandall, Barnby Dun, South Bramwith, Sykehouse and Braithwaite are:

• Stainforth Rest Centre, 167 Church Road, Stainforth, Doncaster, DN7 5NJ
• Vermuyden Centre, Field Side, Thorne, Doncaster, DN8 4BQ

The hubs for residents of Bentley, Bentley Moor, Lower Sprotbrough, Kirk Bramwith, Thorpe Marsh, Willow Bridge, North Swaithe Dyke, Trumpfleet and Thorpe in Balne:

• Askern Family Hub, Spa Pool Road, Askern, Doncaster, DN6 0HZ
• Askern Community Library, Station Road, Askern, Doncaster, DN6 0LA
• Bentley Family Hub, The Avenue, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 0NP
• Bentley Community Library, Chapel Street, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 0DE

The hubs for residents of Conisbrough, Denaby, Old Denaby and Mexborough:

• Conisbrough Library, Old Road, Conisbrough, Doncaster, DN12 3ND
• Denaby Family Hub, School Walk, Denaby Main, Doncaster, DN12 4HZ
• Mexborough Library, Station Street, Swinton, Mexborough, S64 8PZ

Since the floods a week ago, the council’s community based teams have knocked on over 700 doors to check if residents are ok and worked for more than 3,000 hours on supporting communities in flooded areas alongside public sector partners and the emergency services. One member of the team even celebrated her 60^th birthday by helping to clean up.

Staff have also been involved in preparing sandbags at council sites and more than 31,000 have been handed out to date.

Communities have rallied together collecting food, clothing and cleaning supplies including at local churches and community centres.

Damian Allen, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council, said: “I want to pay tribute to the amazing effort of our communities in helping each other but also their neighbours, and even strangers in this very difficult and trying time.

“I would like to thank the tremendous support we have had from the public services in particular the police, fire and rescue service, health services, the community and faith sector and also our council staff. Everyone has been working tirelessly around the clock to make sure we can respond to this major incident and provide help and support to those residents directly affected.”

Financial support is available through two hardship schemes for residents and businesses whose households or business premises have been affected by flooding.

To find out about eligibility criteria, what the schemes will fund and how to apply on:

https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/News/financial-support-for-residents-and-businesses-affected-by-flooding There is a dedicated hotline to apply: dedicated hotline on 01302 737888.

Over £129,000 has been raised by the local community, businesses and beyond to support those affected. Donations can be made to the South Yorkshire Community Foundation: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/syfloods