Sheffield Council response to Covid-19 was slow, says opposition leader

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of Sheffield’s Liberal Democrats, has questioned the local authority’s response to the coronavirus crisis including the care homes strategy and support for businesses. In an interview with Sheffield Live! the opposition leader said “Sheffield has been found wanting in some areas” when compared to other towns and cities. Baillor Jalloh reports.

Flood victims still recovering from 2019 inundation

Some of the households worst affected by South Yorkshire’s 2019 floods are still recovering after being made homeless as a result of water inundating their homes six months ago. Sam Coldwell, head of community grants at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundations told Sheffield Live! the charity is still supporting flood victims during this difficult time with larger recovery grants for those households that were particularly badly affected. Dozens had no insurance and a fundraising appeal raised over £500,000 to help flood victims. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Sam Coldwell, the head of community grants at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

“Care workers under-recognised and under-rewarded” says Council leader

Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore said the local authority is doing everything possible to support care homes and rough sleepers. In an interview with Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jallor, Councillor Julie Dore said more funding is needed for the care sector and better rewards are needed for care workers. On rough sleepers she said: “every rough sleeper in the city has got access to accommodation”. Her comments comes after the local authority was criticised by a local care provider for not ensuring sufficient access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for care workers.

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.

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