Dozens have joined a rally outside the Sheffield Town Hall to show support for migrants and refugees and the right to freedom of movement. The rally under the banners “Don’t scrap freedom of movement” and “Migrants are welcome in Sheffield,” comes following publication of government plans for post Brexit immigration controls. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to organiser Ed Maltby.
A former Liberian refugee, who came to Sheffield in 2004, has launched a charity organisation to support children in the UK and West Africa. The Akoi Massayan Bazzie – Give Hope Humanitarian Foundation (AMBG2H) aims to deliver humanitarian hope packages to support young people, families and communities affected by wars and natural disasters through public institutions such as medical centres, schools, orphanages, youth centres and prisons. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Christ Church Endcliffe is pioneering a new eight week life skills training course to support people to live better on a low income including help with budgeting and decision making. The initiative is backed by the charity Christians Against Poverty which offers support to people regardless of age, gender, faith or background and provides services such as debt counselling and money management as well as life skills training. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to life skills coach Paul Gardner.
Ray Matthews, the pensioner who ran 75 fundraising marathons in 75 days, was joined by Rotherham Mayor Eve Rose Keenan to dig the first turf for a new woodland adventure path at Newman School. The school supports young people with physical disabilities, medical needs and complex learning needs. Matthews raised £75,000 for the adventure path and for new playground equipment to provide a safe and stimulating environment to play, grow and learn. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The Sheffield Palestinian Solidarity Group organised a 24 hour run through Meersbrook Park to raise money for two Palestinian charities that provide education and support to children in Gaza. The runners will take turns to run through the night in hour long shifts with at least two runners taking part at any time. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
A new telephone hotline and text messaging service has been launched to help provide support to people sleeping rough in Sheffield. The freephone number is part of a new Street Outreach Service provided by homelessness charity and housing association Framework and backed by Sheffield Council to provide support to homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake earlier spoke with Sam Lloyd of Framework.
People can call on 0800 066 5358 or Text SOTS to 80800 (followed by a message). Reports can also be made to www.streetlink.org.uk
Treetop House run by The Sick Children’s Trust have launched the Big Chocolate Tea annual fundraiser to support families of sick children. The fundraising picnic invites people to get together over a cuppa and cake and to contribute £30 to support a family for one night in ‘Home from Home’ accommodation while their child undergoes treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield student candidates are gearing up for election campaigning to the National Union of Students (NUS) Executive Committee and other positions. The national student body represents students’ interests and provides advice and support on issues such as finance and how to gain post-study employment. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to current NUS executive member Hassan El Zafar.
The Scout Organisation have reported a waiting list of over 51,000 children due to a shortage of adult volunteers. Chief Scout Bear Grylls said it was a “challenge” to recruit more adult volunteers to support youngsters wanting to become Scouts, Beavers, Cubs or Explorers. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake reports from Hesley Wood Scouting Association.
The Archer Project is asking supporters to get involved in food parcel sorting and meals service alongside their annual sleep-out for the homeless. The number of rough sleepers in the UK is on the rise for the sixth successive year with official figures showing over 4000 people sleeping out in 2016, more than double the numbers of 2010. As part of their annual fundraising sleep-out, Sheffield charity the Cathedral Archer Project are inviting volunteers to help out with food parcels, breakfast and lunch for the homeless. Sheffield Live! reporter Sham Powell spoke to Tracy Vines, marketing and development manager.