Rotherham United Community Trust Joins Forces with Mums In Need to Raise Awareness of Post-Separation Abuse and Promote Positive Male Role Models

Rotherham, South Yorkshire – Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT) is proud to announce that Mums In Need (MIN) has been selected as one of the Trust’s chosen charity partners for the 2025/26 season.

Mums In Need is a specialist charity working with mothers experiencing ongoing post-separation abuse – a form of coercive control that continues even after leaving an abusive relationship. This invisible and often unrecognised form of abuse impacts women’s mental health, financial stability, and parenting, with long-term consequences for family life.

As part of this new partnership, RUCT will offer MIN a range of opportunities throughout the season including digital exposure, a matchday programme feature, presence at a themed home fixture, a signed Rotherham United shirt for fundraising, and collaboration on a bespoke fundraising event.

Jonathan Allan, Director of Development at Rotherham United Community Trust, said:

“Football holds immense influence in communities like ours. As a sport so often associated with strength, passion, and loyalty, we have a responsibility to ensure those values extend beyond the pitch. This partnership with Mums In Need isn’t just about raising awareness – it’s about action.

At RUCT, we believe in the importance of positive male role models and the vital role they play in shaping a safer, more respectful society. A stable family life is a foundation for a healthy community, and where that stability is threatened by abuse – especially forms that are less visible like coercive control – we must step up.

Through this collaboration, we’re not just standing with mums who have suffered in silence – we’re also offering to educate young men through our programmes, schools outreach, and community initiatives to challenge and prevent the rise of toxic behaviours before they take hold.

With the platform football offers, it would be wrong not to use our voice as a force for good.”

Josephine Smith, Ambassador at Mums In Need, added:

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Rotherham United Community Trust, an organisation that truly understands the power of community and the importance of speaking up.

Post-separation abuse is often invisible – but its impact is devastating. By working with RUCT, we can reach new audiences, create space for important conversations, and make real change.

The women’s game is growing every season, and with the ever increasing numbers of women becoming players, officials, coaches and managers from the grassroots game and up, this partnership shines a light on the importance of women’s involvement and inclusion in the football community, now more than ever.

The partnership also offers a powerful opportunity to not only support mums who are struggling, but to help educate the next generation – especially young men – about healthy behaviours, respect, and the importance of emotional safety in relationships. We’re grateful to have RUCT as an ally in this fight.”

Together, RUCT and Mums In Need aim to break the silence around post-separation abuse, empower survivors, and use the power of football to foster healthier, more respectful relationships in Rotherham and beyond.

To learn more about Mums In Need and access their free resources, visit: www.mumsinneed.com

For media enquiries or partnership information, please contact:
📧 community@rotherhamunited.net
📞 01709 827767