Hundreds of people from Sheffield’s Sudanese community took part in a march and rally at the weekend in solidarity with protests in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan against Omar al-Bashir’s government. The Sheffield protest was one of many across the UK aiming to raise awareness of conditions in Sudan and calling for a change of government after 30 years rule by the incumbent president. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson joined athletes at a launch event for the UK Invictus Games Trials which are set to take place in Sheffield in July. The UK event, a preparation for the international Invictus Games 2019 to be held in The Hague later in the year, will be the first ever national games for Biritish wounded, injured and sick armed services personnel and veterans. The trials will involve up to 500 athletes using the power of sport, teamwork and competition to accelerate their recovery including athletics, wheelchair basketball, powerlifting, swimming and sitting volleyball. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Charlotte Mead, leader of the Sheffield Women’s Equality Party, has welcomed a new law to criminalise upskirting in England and Wales. Under the new law offenders could be penalised with up to two years imprisonment for taking a photograph underneath a person’s skirt without their consent. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Dozens of athletes were in Sheffield at the weekend in training for the Special Olympics World Games 2019 to be held in Abu Dhabi in March. More than 7,000 athletes from over 170 countries will be competing, with Special Olympics GB hoping for a haul of medals. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to athlete Alexander Davies and coach Steve McFadyen.
A new Sheffield-based charity aiming to get vulnerable young people into work is set to launch in February after a pilot scheme supported by local businesses and volunteers. Grow UK aims to nurture skills to support vulnerable young adults to succeed in the workplace through a programme of coaching, one-to-one support and practical work experience. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Pro-European campaigners demonstrate at Sheffield Town Hall as MPs vote to reject the Prime Minister’s Brexit withdrawal agreement. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Neil Schofield, chair of Sheffield for Europe.
Sheffield’s famous charity fundraiser, known as the “man with the pram”, told Sheffield Live! he is determined to raise at least a million pounds for the Macmillan cancer charity. John Burkhill, who turned 80 this month, has already raised more than £500 thousand for the charity after losing his wife, June, to cancer in 1992. The veteran is a familiar sight on Sheffield’s streets and has completed several fundraising marathons and long distance walks. He has previously been awarded a British Empire Medal for his charity work. Azz Mohammed reports.
Broomhill Library have received a grant from the Big Lottery for improvements to the Victorian building and to restore its long-abandoned Percy Cain Heritage Garden. The building on Taptonville Road was privately owned before being converted to a library in 1957. Since 2014 it has been run by volunteers who are hoping it can be developed as a community hub. Sheffield Live reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to the David Chenchen, chair of the trustees of Broomhill Library.
Security firm G4S has lost its Home Office contract to provide housing accommodation to asylum seekers in Yorkshire after a series of scandals and efforts by campaigners to end the arrangement. A new 10-year contracts, worth £1bn, has been awarded by the Home Office to housing and social care provider Mears including responsibility for housing asylum seekers in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
With parliamentary debate once again underway on government proposals for Brexit, Sheffield Live! asked residents whether their views have changed on leaving the European Union. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!