Here For Our Community.
At Rotherham Families First, our aim is to make sure no family in Rotherham feels forgotten.
We’re a small, volunteer-led charity supporting local families all year round. Everything we provide, whether it’s toys at Christmas, clothing, household essentials, or everyday items, comes directly from the generosity of the public.
With no paid staff and just a handful of volunteers, we rely on community kindness to make sure families in Rotherham get the support they need, when they need it most.
This is made possible thanks to donations from individuals, local businesses, and partners who share our vision of a better future for families in Rotherham.
Our Story
Rotherham Families First became an official registered charity in May 2024, however our roots go back much further than this.
Our team has been supporting families in Rotherham for over 30 years. In the 1990s, our founder, Ann Levick, was a family support worker at Rotherham Council’s children and families service. Not wanting to see children go without, she launched the Christmas toy appeal in 1991 and set up a furniture and resources scheme.
After Ann left her job, and the toy appeal looked likely to end, she decided to take it on herself. With the support of Voluntary Action Rotherham, she set up what was originally called Families First in 2017. This eventually became Rotherham Families First when we received official charity status in 2024.
Our team are based at Parkgate Shopping and volunteers work three mornings a week: two accepting donations and one sorting orders.
They work tirelessly to gather, organise, and distribute essential items to families in need.
Our Values
Dignity – We work anonymously, preserving their self-worth and right to privacy.
Compassion – We act with kindness and understanding, recognising the challenges people face.
Generosity – We believe in the power of sharing what we have to lift others up.
Practical Support – We provide meaningful, tangible help that meets real, everyday needs.
Inclusion – We welcome and support referrals for people from all backgrounds and circumstances.
Collaboration – We work hand-in-hand with community partners to reach those in need.
An award-winning charity
We are honoured to have received numerous awards for our work in the community, including the Community Project Achievement Award in 2021 and the EFL Community Hero Award in 2025 following a nomination by Rotherham United Community Trust.
Our proudest achievement to date is being presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024.
This is equivalent to an MBE for voluntary groups and was officially presented to us in March 2025 by HM Lord Lieutenant for South Yorkshire, Dame Hilary Chapman.
Our Team We're all about teamwork.
Ann Levick
Rachel
Dean
Jenny
Isaac
Aerin
Karen
