Sheffield Council has launched a new scheme to allow registered taxi drivers the chance to trial an electric taxi in a move to accelerate the shift to renewable energy. Eight black cab taxis are to be made available for drivers to trial for two weeks, free of charge. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Councillor Douglas Johnson, executive member for climate change, environment and transport.
Micro-finance organisation Purple Shoots is seeking to support ten new entrepreneurs in South Yorkshire to start their own business. The Cardiff-based charity has recently opened a South Yorkshire Hub having previously helped hundreds of people start small businesses in Wales. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Richard Kirtley, divisional director for Purple Shoots.
Sheffield Council leader Terry Fox, together wth Green Party Councillor Douglas Johnson and opposition leader Shaffaq Mohammed have issued a joint statement standing with the Ukrainian community and offering sanctuary for refugees. Former councillor, Jim Steinke, who has taken part in visits to Sheffield’s twin city Donetsk, called for solidarity with Ukrainians living in Sheffield. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
In celebration of schools’ National Football Week, children at Ballifield Primary School in Handsworth have been taking part in football related activities. Last week the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 schools programme was launched, aiming to inspire and unite schools and pupils to get involved with the tournament and with a push to get more women and girls involved. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Sheffield United’s women’s footballer Ellie Wilson and primary school teacher Daniel Cassidy.
Sheffield Council leader Terry Fox and deputy leader Julie Grocutt have called for government action to address the growing concerns about the future of Liberty Steel. The company has key sites in Stocksbridge and Rotherham employing around 2000 people and having a wider strategic role in the local economy. HMRC has issued winding up orders on the company causing uncertainty for the future and a risk of job losses. Trades unions are also calling for government intervention. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Charlotte Childs, national officer for the GMB Union.
Unions representing staff in schools across the Catholic Diocese of Hallam have written to the Secretary of State for Education to begin legal action over letters they informing them they would be forced to join multi-academy trusts. The National Association of Head Teachers says the only way schools can be forced to become academies is if they are eligible for intervention and none in Hallam are currently in this category. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Rob Kelsall, national secretary for the NAHT.
Trades unions and activists are planning protests in Sheffield and across the UK this weekend following the increase in the energy price cap and the growing cost of living crisis. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Martin Mayer, secretary of Sheffield Trades Union Council.
Citizens Advice Sheffield is urging struggling families and those on lower income to check if they are missing out on benefits entitlements to help cope with rising energy prices. The government has announced that from October millions of households in England, Wales and Scotland will receive a £200 repayable discount on bills with a further £150 council tax rebate for most households in England to help cope with soaring energy bills. Labour has described the support as a “buy now, pay later scheme”. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Frances Potter, research and campaign lead at Citizens Advice Sheffield.
The University of Sheffield played host to this year’s UniBrass, the world’s only inter-university brass band competition and one of the UK’s largest student-run events. Over 750 students from 22 universities came to Sheffield to perform their own-choice 20-minute sets, designed to impress and entertain the adjudicators and audience. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Voirrey Baker, chair of UniBrass organising committee.
The NHS has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres, SARCs, which provide free, accessible support services for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. The campaign has been launched as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Weekand and responds to evidence during the Covid-19 pandemic that there is a lack of awareness of the support services available. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to NHS GP, Dr Sara Kayat.
Further information:
Sexual assault referral centres provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, search “sexual assault referral centres” to find out more or visit www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.