Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals is appealing for volunteers to help keep patients in touch with relatives unable to visit due to the national lockdown. The trust, which runs Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Mexborough Montagu, is appealing for people to take on the ‘communication volunteer’ role to help patients to video call their loved ones and to provide updates on a patient’s care to their relatives. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The national supermarket voucher scheme for free school meals has reopened following criticism of sub-standard food parcels delivered to eligible pupils. Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has recently highlighted examples of food parcels being “just not good enough.” Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Christine Batchford, manager of the social supermarket at Rotherham Minster.
Citizens Advice Sheffield is urging the government to extend the £20 a week Universal Credit uplift that is due to stop at the end of March. Speaking to Sheffield Live! Frances Potter, lead on research and campaigns at the charity said: ‘I’m really glad that all the parliamentarians I have spoken to are putting pressure on the government to extend the uplift.” Her comments comes as Labour leader Sir Kier Stermer, asked the government to extend the scheme. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Imam Sheik Sadaqat Hussain, who preaches at Madina Mosque in Wolseley Road, has advised Sheffield Muslims to take up the Covid-19 vaccine. His comments follow approval by the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) of use of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine by Muslims in the UK. According to a BIMA statement the organisation consulted experts in infectious diseases, the pharmaceutical industry and public health before recommending the use of the vaccine. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The heavy snow fall on Thursday caused disruption across Sheffield but councillors and local residents got out their shovels to help with snowbound vehicles. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Crookes Councillor Tim Huggan.
A new campaign from Smokefree Sheffield says repeated attempts to quit can bring smokers “closer each time”. Greg Fell, Sheffield’s Director for Public Health told Sheffield Live! most smokers when asked say they want to quit and that smoking probably remains the number one top public health hazard. The “closer each time” campaign encourages smokers to have another go at quitting. Azz Mohammed reports.
An adult day care centre in Sheffield has called on the government to provide a weekly Covid test for all staff members who look after vulnerable adults. Paces Sheffield provides adult day care support for people with brain injuries and motor disorders. Speaking to Sheffield Live! chief executive Spencer Pitfield said: “A lack of regular Covid testing is putting workers and people they care for at risk”. Baillor Jalloh reports.
A music project for 0-5 year olds has been bringing festive cheer to Sheffield care homes. Early years music project Concertinees, in collaboration with Age Better in Sheffield, has launched a heart-warming project partnering with local care homes. Little Moments of Joy has involved children in personalised music performances for 30 local care homes. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield’s rate of Covid-19 infections has been flat at around 50 cases per day as infections rise across the country. From Thursday millions of people in England will move to Tier Four coronavirus restrictions however South Yorkshire remains in Tier Three. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Greg Fell, Director of Public Health Sheffield.
One of England’s oldest folk dance teams have cancelled their traditional Boxing Day performance due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Handsworth Sword Dancers have performed their traditional Yorkshire ‘longsword’ dance every Boxing Day at Woodhouse Cross and Handsworth Church since 1963, continuing a tradition of dancing in midwinter dating back to the 1800s. The performances, which also include a mummers play and renditions of some of Sheffield’s unique carols, normally attract hundreds of spectators. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!