Support this Winter

All the information in today's newsletter and more can also be found on our winter webpage: Winter Support

Festive Events this Christmas

An exciting programme of events will take place in Doncaster over the Christmas period includuing:

Free City Centre Parking

And as an extra bonus... this Festive Season City of Doncaster Council will once again be supporting local businesses, residents, and visitors by offering free city centre parking from Sunday 1st December 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025 from 2pm and for the rest of the day/evening Monday-Saturday at the Markets and St Georges car parks.

We are also offering.

• All day Sunday free car parking at the popular Markets Car Park and St Georges Car Park
• Every Saturday in December free all-day parking at Chappell Drive Car Park.
  
  Find out more about our free city centre parking: Free Parking
  

Safer City

City of Doncaster Council is working with South Yorkshire Police and other partners on a range of initiatives across the city so that Doncaster is a safer place for everyone to enjoy.

The Doncaster Safe Haven will once again be out over the Christmas period as a safe space if you feel you need support on a night out- providing water, tea, coffee and a listening ear. It will be in operation on Friday 13, Friday 20 and Saturday 21  December from 9pm - 1am. 

For more information on the Safer City initiative and advice on staying safe over the festive season, visit the Your Life Doncaster website.

A Warm, Welcome Space

With the winter weather starting to get cooler - many of us may be looking for somewhere that we can stay warm, have a chat and find local information and support.

Welcoming Spaces across Doncaster provide a warm, safe, local space for anybody who may need it over the winter period without the expectation of having to spend money. Find a Welcoming Space

Staying warm and well

There are lots of grants and support available to you this winter. From national support like the warm homes discount, to local schemes including the Boiler on Prescription schemes.

For more information on any available schemes, fill out the energy support webform or by visit the Energy Saving Tips webpage.

Our Healthy Homes webpage also has lots of information on how making sure our homes protect our health and wellbeing. 

For more information on managing money, energy advice, food banks, and lots of other support- you can visit the Cost of Living webhub.

Feeling Unwell Over Winter?

If you start to feel unwell during winter, don’t wait until it gets more serious. There are lots of health services available across the borough to support you to stay well over the colder months.

Find out more about winter vaccinations, the right services for you, and out of hours help on the Your Life Doncaster Winter webhub.

Choose Kindness this Winter

If you have an older neighbour, relative or friend, choose kindness and look out for them during the winter period. Here's a few ways that you can check in on those around you this winter:

• Say Hello: There is no easier way to make someone's day
• Ask: Not everyone will ask for help, but that doesn't mean they don't need it. Always ask if there is anything you can do to help.
• Keep them informed: Not everyone is online, if you see important information you think may be useful, post them a note through the door or you can even print out this webpage!
• Shopping: If you're going to the shops or pharmacy, ask if they need anything collecting.
• Spot the signs: Know the signs that they may need help. Not seen a neighbour for a while? Are their curtains always drawn? Remember, if the weather is bad, they may not be able to get out and about easily.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing social isolation and loneliness and would like to connect with people in your community, Doncaster’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance (SIA) may be able to assist. 

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can happen within a family and is any form of controlling or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over.  This can be by family members, controlling who you see, what happens to your money and telling you what you should think and how you should behave.  It may be hard to accept that someone you love and who should love you is subjecting you to domestic abuse.  The Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub is here to help and support you. Domestic Abuse Hub

Housing Support

Homelessness can be closer than many realise, affecting people from all walks of life each year. If you're worried that you or someone you know might face homelessness, don’t wait, find out about all your options.

A digital support advice service is the first place to access, it is service that is available 24/7, specifically designed to assist with housing and homelessness concerns. Advice Aid

If you would like to speak to someone in person, the Housing Options team are  available Monday - Friday at the One Stop Shop, based in the Civic Office in Doncaster City Centre. Housing options support

Cold weather

We know that over the winter months, there are many people in our community that may need a bit more support than usual.

If you have an older neighbour, relative or friend, choose kindness and look out for those who might struggle with the drop in temperature.

Preparing our roads for winter

Our Highways team have ensured that David Plowie, Brad Grit, Usain Salt & the gang are ready to make our roads safe to use throughout the winter. 

This winter we have:

• 2,500 tonnes of rock salt in the salt dome at North Bridge, with 3,500 tonnes also on standby
• 190 Grit Bins across the borough, fully stocked
• Gritter routes that over approx. 530KM of road network across the borough
• 56 drivers have undergone training and are on a rota for this winter
  
  Further information on our gritting routes can be found on our website.

Waste and Recycling latest

All households in Doncaster should now have received their 2024 bin collection calendar. This details what should go in your black, blue and green bins (and green box) and when they should be put out for collection. Please keep it somewhere safe or go online to find your collection date.

Please remember bins must be presented by 7am on the day of collection and taken off the street or rear alleyway once they have been emptied. If you haven’t received your calendar by next week, please call us on 01302 736000.

Just like previous years, green bin collections have ceased until spring 2024. If you have any garden waste during that time, you can either:

• Compost it at home
• Take it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre
• Store in your bin until the new year
  
  For more information, visit our website: Recycling