While mental health services have experienced a rise in demand according to Mind Sheffield, for some the slowdown of life has had positive benefits. Karen Beetham, who has been accessing mental health support for six years told Sheffield Live she has noticed an improvement to her mindset as she has had the opportunity to adjust her routine: “If people are going to take anything from this awful situation, then keep yourself slowed down; still work when you’ve got to work, still do leisure, but just do it at a slower pace”. Jack Simmons, a community support worker at Mind Sheffield, said that although they have seen a rise in people needing support, there may be benefits to some in a simpler way of life: “Because every case is individual, we’ve seen people who have had amazing resilience, and some others who have found it really overwhelming.” Beth Gavaghan reports.

Yorkshire’s universities are calling for enhanced government support to recognise their contribution to the Covid-19 response and to address the financial pressures caused by the pandemic. The Yorkshire Universities group are asking the government to back the sector with a programme of financial support in the face of a £2 billion national shortfall in revenues. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Dr Peter O’Brien, executive director for Yorkshire Universities.

Sheffield Council has said that schools can begin a wider reopening from 15 June but the National Education Union have opposed the move. Sheffield joint branch secretary Duncan Blackie told Sheffield Live! the union’s five tests for re-opening have not been met with no effective test and trace system in place. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, is concerned that schools reopening and an early return to work could lead to a second wave of Covid-19 infections and deaths. Speaking to Sheffield Live! Blomfield said the government was taking too long to put in place a viable test, track and isolate strategy to contain further spread of the coronavirus. Azz Mohammed reports.

Sheffield’s International Documentary Film Festival, Doc/Fest, which normally brings thousands of visitors to Sheffield from all parts of the world, is to be run as a series of online events this year. Festival Director, Cintia Gil, told Sheffield Live! the event is expected to lose a third of its budget due to the coronavirus pandemic and will have a different feel without physical screenings. It is hoped to follow with a series of weekend screenings in the autumn as Sheffield cinemas reopen. Azz Mohammed reports.

Sheffield Council is warning businesses and schools to be aware of and mitigate risks of Legionella bacteria that may have built up in building water systems during the lockdown period. Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires Disease which, if caught, can result in a serious and potentially fatal lung infection. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Robert Clark, managing director of Legionella Control.

Universities have had to make significant alterations to their courses due to the coronavirus pandemic, such as moving lectures online, extending deadlines and cancelling exams, but students have been offered no compensation. Courtney Wilson, a third-year journalism student at the University of Sheffield, told Sheffield Live! that his course department has been immensely supportive but lecturer strikes and the coronavirus pandemic have left students with a lost year. Sean Johnson reports.

Home Instead Senior Care, an at-home care company, is looking to expand their care team with 100 new jobs across Sheffield and Barnsley. Demand for at home care services for vulnerable and elderly people has rapidly increased due to the coronavirus pandemic and public health advice on shielding and self isolation. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Bryn and Jill Evans, directors of Home Instead Senior Care Sheffield.