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.

The Youth Association charity’s new Street Smart scheme aims to improve skills, attitudes and prospects for young individuals aged between 13 to 19. The project, supported by funding from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, involves street-based workshops, supplemented by sports, social action and other initiatives. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Rebecca Coyne, lead youth worker for Youth Association Street Smart programme.

The fate of Sheffield Council’s chief executive, Kate Josephs, is set to be decided by a cross-party committee after it emerged she held a leaving party in December 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. Josephs previously led the government’s Covid-19 taskforce before her appointment to lead Sheffield Council. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help sustain Broomhall Homework Club after Sheffield University decided to cut its funding. The club, which started over three decades ago, supports around 50 students at any one time with most being from ethnic minority communities in the local area. The students, aged from eight to 18 years receive help with reading and spelling, through to GCSE revision and A-level course work. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jallh spoke to Jillian Creasey, chair of the board of trustees.

A hair salon in Sheffield has extended its current space to provide support for children and adults with autism and others who may experience anxiety or stress. The additional space at The Cutting Crew located on London Road, provides toys for chldren and a quiet relaxing salon with dim lighting and no music to support. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Kathy Chisholm, owner of the The Cutting Crew.

As calls grow for Boris Johnson to step-down after admitting to attending a “Bring your own booze” party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 Sheffield Live! asked residents for their views on the matter. Baillor Jalloh reports.

A consultation on proposed changes to bus lane hours and bus stops, as well as to how parking, waiting and loading restrictions are enforced on Ecclesall Road has attracted of concerns by business owners and residents. Councillor Douglas Johnson, executive member for climate change, environment and transport told Sheffield Live! the proposal aims to improve bus services in the area. But some business owners fear the scheme will have a huge impact on their businesses. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!