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Workers memorial day remembers frontline staff

Around twenty people gathered outside Sheffield Town Hall to commemorate International Workers Memorial Day and to recall health workers and other frontline staff who have died from Covid-19. A minute’s silence was held to remember those who have died and wreaths were laid on the memorial tree while observing public health guidance on social distancing. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Martin Mayer, general secretary of Sheffield Trades Union Council.

Concerns for animal welfare during coronavirus lockdown

Animal welfare charities have had to adapt to lockdown restrictions, with some services suspended and others adapting to social distancing and self isolation measures. Sheffield’s Blue Cross branch remains open but has adapted its rehoming service and has cancelled a spring fundraising event. Blue Cross rehoming manager; Michelle Smith said: “Our animal hospitals are still operating, doing consultations by video and delivering medications”. Bethany Gavaghan reports for Sheffield Live!

Coronavirus testing “dramatically expanded” says Sheffield health chief

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield, told Sheffield Live! that testing is being greatly expanded as the government announced that millions more will be eligible for tests. In England all care home staff and residents will be eligible for tests from Wednesday. Military personnel have been drafted in to support drive-in test centres in Barnsley and Doncaster. Sangita Basudev reports for Sheffield Live!

Covid-19 response fund distributes over £200k to South Yorkshire community groups

South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation have distributed over £200,000 in grants to community groups to help respond to Covid-19. National and local fundraising has so far raised over £600,000 for distribution with the scheme still open for applications. The money will be used to help foodbanks, counselling services and a wide range of other community groups responding across South Yorkshire to the public health crisis. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Sam Caldwell, head of grants at South Yorkshire Community Foundation.

Thousands facing universal credit delays

Thousands of Sheffielders are facing delays in access to unversal credit and risk getting into debt, according to Citizen Advice Sheffield. The charity says many are experiencing difficulties verifying their details on the government website and some may have to wait more than five weeks before their first payment. Sheffield Live reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Clare Lodder, chief executive of Citizens Advice Sheffield.

Youth charity offers virtual support service

Sheffield based youth charity Element has launched an online drop-in service to support disadvantaged young people. The informal video coaching scheme will continue the charity’s work to support young people make a positive change in their lives. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!