Sheffield Mencap is calling on the government to do more to help charities with their energy bills. The disability charity, which provides services and support to people with a learning disability or autism have seen their energy bills rise by 165 per cent and have been warned to expect more next year. The charity says the six month support announced by the government is just a short term solution. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Blessone’s Kitchen, an award-winning African Caribbean restaurant and takeaway on London Road, is set to close as energy costs soar. Owner Paulina Francis was one of the winner’s of ITV’s Chopping Block and opened her restaurant a year ago. Like many others, the business has faced challenges including reduced footfall and the rising cost of energy bills. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Founder and chair of Sheffield Tree Action Group (STAG), Dave Dilner, was among those who spoke last week at public hearings for the independent inquiry into Sheffield’s street trees dispute. The inquiry was established as part of the co-operation agreement between Labour and Green groups on Sheffield City Council. The inquiry is chaired by Sir Mark Lowcott, whose former work includes senior roles in the civil service and the United Nations.
The University of Sheffield has launched a new centre to tackle institutional racism and give support to students of colour. The Centre for Equity and Inclusion will offer support to postgraduate researchers of colour, across the university, whilst challenging racism and other systems of power within and beyond the institution. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Alex Rajinder Mason, project manager for the new centre.
Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their fourth week following the death in custody of 22 year old Mahsa Amini, arrested by morality police for allegedly defyng the country’s strict dress codes. A sixteen year old protester Nika Shakarami went missing in Tehran on 20 September and was later reported dead. Sheffield-based human rights activist Manuchehr spoke to Sheffield Live! about the protests and the concerns of the Iranian community in Sheffield.
Community news magazine, the Burngreave Messenger, is facing closure after the withdrawal of funding. The magazine, established in 1999, has been working to relaunch since the Covid-19 pandemic. A public meeting was called this week to explore alternative means of keeping the publication afloat. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to highlight the causes of breast cancer. Not all breast cancer cases are preventable but studies show lifestyle changes can prevent at least 30 per cent of breast cancer cases. Cassie D’Apice suffered from breast cancer at the age of thirty four. She spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed.
Local councillors have been called on to pause local area committee funding and instead use the money to respond to the cost of living crisis. Councillor Andrew Sangar, Chair of the South West Local Area Committee, speaking to Sheffield Live!, said all area committees need to come together to solve the issue. Azz Mohammed reports.
Nicola Richards, director of Palms Row Healthcare, told Sheffield Live! the government should grant more support to care homes in a bid to keep the sector sustainable through the energy crisis. Government has announced six months of support to business and charities to meet rising energy bills. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Businesses on Abbeydale Road have accused South Yorkshire police of not doing enough to prevent crime in the area after a spate of burglaries and attempted burglaries. Last week a burglar raided Heaven Beauty on Abbeydale Road and attempted to enter other shops in the area. Superintendent Benn Kemp of South Yorkshire Police said: “Whilst we have seen residential burglaries reduce by 14 per cent, we’re aware of a small, recent increase in business burglary, specifically on and near Abbeydale Road and I would like to reassure businesses and nearby residents that we’re carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to find those responsible and offer support.” Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
