Health

Snooker academy helping children with physical and learning disabilities

A groundbreaking Sheffield social enterprise is providing snooker coaching and competitions for young people with physical and learning disabilities. The Stephen Harrison Snooker Academy was set up by founder Stephen Harrison, in memory of his father Ray Harrison who was the 1985 Paraplegic World Snooker Champion, winning a gold medal. The Academy has shown that snooker can help children with numeracy and literacy including using specialised snooker balls with numbers and letters printed on them as a new interactive method of learning.  Ut can also help with concentration, dexterity and hand/eye coordination. The Academy will be staging the National Junior Disability Snooker Championship on 23 April 2017 at the Green Room Snooker Centre, High Green. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Academy founder Stephen Harrison and some of the players.

Sheffield campaigners join Save Our NHS march

NHS workers, campaigners and union representatives travelled to London to join a protest march against austerity measures in the health service. Organisers said that “at least 250,000” people took part in the Save Our NHS march, which began in Tavistock Square and ended in Westminster. Protesters sought to draw attention to plans which could see cut see cut backs in nearly two thirds of hospital services in England. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Campaigners protest against dementia care home closure

Campaigners who oppose the closure of The Hurlfield View care home for people with dementia have been protesting outside the Town Hall. Last month they presented a 10,000 signature petition to Sheffield City Council. The Council have said they are “one hundred percent confident” there will sufficient pre-bookable respite and day care activities in place from April 2017. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Councillor speaks out after tree protest charges droppped.

Charges against nine campaigners, including a Green Party councillor, arrested over a tree-felling protest have been dropped. Alison Teal, councillor for Nether-Edge and Sharrow, was with six others arrested on suspicion of preventing workmen from chopping down a tree on Chippinghouse Road on 6 February. The protestors were arrested under Section 241 of the Trade Union amd :Labour Relations Act 1982 and charged with preventing lawful work. The charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service who said there was “insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction”. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Council to invest £1.5 million in Sheffield parks

Community parks and play facilities are set to benefit from £1.5m funding by Sheffield City Council over the next three years. A recent parliamentary inquiry highlighted a countrywide crisis in community parks, with declining facilities and under-investment. The majority of the funding will come from the city’s public health budget, with a focus on reducing gaps in health-related deprivation across the city. It is also expected to lead to the creation of new jobs. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure.

Sheffield student shares tips on eating disorder

In support of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Sheffield Hallam University student Jessica Mell has spoken of her own personal struggle with food and how she addressed the problem. Jessica is studying Nutrition and Public Health at Sheffield Hallam University and is also President of the Mental Health Society at Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Tree campaigner speaks out after charges dropped

Calvin Payne, one of two protestors arrested in November for trying to prevent the felling of a 100-year-old tree, has spoken out after the Crown Prosecution Service decision to drop all charges. Simon Crump, a lecturer at Huddersfield University, and Calvin Payne, a local campaigner, were detained under trade union laws on suspicion of preventing tree surgeons from carrying out their work. The pair were due to face trial on 9 March, 2017, but were told on Friday that charges had been dropped “on the basis that it is not in the public’s interest to prosecute”. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Calvin Payne.

Anti-fracking protest in Eckington

Hundreds of residents took part in an anti-fracking march this weekend from Mosborough to the Butchers Arms on Marsh Lane, Eckington. The march was organised to demonstrate against plans by oil and chemicals company Ineos to start exploring shale gas reserves in North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Two or three prescribed drugs a day the norm in Yorkshire

Findings emerging from the Yorkshire Health Study show, on average, adults in Yorkshire are using two or three prescribed medications per day. The study, led by researchers at Sheffield University, employs a questionnaire survey to provide insight into the health of the people of Yorkshire and to improve services for those most in need. Since 2010 almost 30,000 adults have filled in the health questionnaire as part of the region-wide research. A further 800 people have also assisted through interviews or testing of new health treatments or services. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to project leader Dr Clare Relton.

Charity promotes physical activity in cancer recovery

Macmillan Cancer Support are urging people to get active after cancer treatment, with benefits including improved health, reduced isolation and fewer side effects. According to the charity, which has been holding mobile information sessions in Sheffield city centre, being active can improve strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility, all of which can aid recovery. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to cancer information specialist Caroline Kipling.