Warm and welcoming spaces are ready to cater for Sheffield communities this winter
Whether it be a free lunch, hot shower or charging facilities, there are many spaces in Sheffield to help cut down bills throughout this increasingly cold cost-of-living crisis.
The temperature in Sheffield will drop to -3° next week, leaving people with the tricky choice of whether or not to turn their heating on.
Thankfully, the number of welcome and warm spaces are growing, and are available to everyone, regardless of their means.
Louise Viner, manager of the Darnall Community Hub Galeed House, said: “How people feel about accessing these spaces is important.
“We’ve called it a welcome space because there was a slight fear that the publicity would suggest if you’re too poor to heat your house, then you come here.
"We don’t mind if someone can or can’t afford our free bread, it’s free and we’re giving it away."
Galeed House has an open space every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 11am - 1pm, offering hot veggie soup, tea and coffee and bread donated from Roses Bakery.
It also caters for the Muslim community: there are male and female volunteers and separate rooms for those who choose not to mix with the opposite sex.
“Heading somewhere where you can relax for a bit and you don’t have to worry about the heat or electricity bills is really great,” Mrs Viner said.
Rotherham United have also set up a project to combat the cost of living crisis this winter.
Collaborating with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, the ‘Every Miller Matters’ campaign has created a space at AESSEAL New York Stadium, where people can go to chill out, watch TV, charge their phones and stay warm.
Similarly, they said: “We would like to remind everyone that there is absolutely no shame whatsoever in reaching out for help. This is help that we want to offer people.”
Below is a list of warm and welcoming spaces around Sheffield, where all are welcome and help is encouraged.
As well, this link is updated with more and more spaces opening per week: https://www.vas.org.uk/sheffield-living-crisis-map-of-support/
Central
Central Library
Surrey St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1XZ
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 5pm
Weds: 10am - 8pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
City of Sheffield Sanctuary
The Sanctuary, 37 - 39 Chapel Walk, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2PD
Monday to Thursday; 10am - 4pm
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Sheaf Street, S1 2BP
Opening Times: Monday- Friday 6:30 - 10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-10pm
North
Yes2Ventures Ltd
The Social, 24-26 Snig Hill, Sheffield S3 8NB
St Polycarp's
33 Wisewood Ln, Sheffield S6 4WA
Hillsborough
Hillsborough Leisure Centre
Beulah Rd, Sheffield S6 2AN
Mon - Fri 5:30am - 10pm
East
The Salvation Army Sheffield Citadel
12 Psalter Lane
Sheffield , South Yorkshire S11 8YN
Galeed House
75 Nidd Rd, Darnall, Sheffield S9 3BB
Tuesday 11am-1pm
Park Library
Duke Street, Sheffield, S2 5QP
Monday 1pm – 6pm
Wednesday 10am – 7.30pm
Friday 10 am – 5.30pm
The Peacock Inn
714 Stannington Road, S6 6AJ
Open 7 days a week from 12pm – 11pm
Stanwood Methodist Church
Stanwood Drive, S6 5HZ
Thursday 3.15 - 4.30pm
Forge Valley School
70 Wood Lane, Sheffield S6 5HG
Monday - Friday 5pm - late
Contact Dale Barrowclough 07476 913 141
South
Highfield Library and Family Centre
281 London Rd, Highfield, Sheffield S2 4NF
Monday 1230pm – 630pm
Tuesday and Wednesday 10am – 530pm
Friday 10am- 2pm
Sat 10am – 4pm
Greenhill Community Library
Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Sat 10am - 1230pm
Graves Health and Sports Centre
Bochum Pkwy, Jordanthorpe, Sheffield S8 8JR
Monday - Friday 6:30am-10pm
Sat-Sun 10am-10pm
Sheffield Foyer
Open from the 12th December.
Monday - Friday 1-4pm
2 Spring Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S2 2J
St Mary's Community Hub
402b Handsworth Road, Sheffield S13 9BZ
Opens December 14th.
City Church Sheffield
Wilson Rd
Sheffield S11 8RN
Tuesday - Thursday 9am-4pm
Sunday 10am-1pm
The Beacon Methodist Church
89 Nethergreen Road 7EH
All Saints Church
Ringinglow Rd, Sheffield S11 7PP
Thursday 10am-12:30pm, Winter Activities Hub
Christ Church Central
The DQ Centre, Fitzwilliam St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4JR
St Gabriel’s C of E
Dobbin Hill, Greystones Rd, Sheffield S11 7JB
Friday 2-3pm ‘Cuppa and a Cake’
Bents Green Methodist Church
Junction, Ringinglow Rd, Knowle Ln, Sheffield S11 7PU
Wednesdays 11-3, warm and welcoming space for all
West
The Salvation Army
Salvation Army Duke Street S2 5QP
All Saints Church, Ecclesall
Ringinglow Road, S11 7PP
Pubs and clubs back growth of darts in Sheffield
Local darts in Sheffield is on a dramatic rise, according to local venues and groups involved in the sport.
Although focus may be on the World Championship in London, starting next week, those involved in Sheffield darts have drawn attention to success at the grassroots level.
The Bloomery in Broomhill is one of the many Sheffield pubs where darts can be played. They have said there has been a noticeable increase in interest in the game.
A spokesperson for the pub said: "Our dartboard is in constant use and we regularly have people come in to play or practice darts.
"I would say demand has dramatically increased in recent times."
Darts in Sheffield has a long tradition, and the local area has produced world champions in the past, such as John Lowe of Chesterfield and Dennis Priestley of Mexborough.
And at this year's World Championship, South Yorkshire will be represented by Doncaster's Beau Greaves, one of three women qualifiers.
Dave Smith, manager at the University Arms, agreed that Sheffield darts is on the rise. He said: "On a weekly basis, we get a decent amount of darts players coming in.
"Numbers have definitely increased, there's definitely more players coming through."
Aside from venues, local darts groups that organise matches have also grown, with more members.
Jack Quinn, president of the Sheffield University Darts Society, said: "We've created a great group and given everyone chances to play casual, competitive and tournament darts.
"It's been incredible to see our lads develop not only as players but gain confidence and make friends within our group."
The World Darts Championship starts on 15 December on Sky Sports, and will be available to watch in Sheffield pubs.
Sheffield MP brands NHS dentistry as being “in a scandalous state”
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP Gill Furniss has claimed it is "nearly impossible" for her constituents to register with an NHS dentist.
Gill Furniss has written to Primary Care and Public Health minister Neil O'Brien to express her constituents' increasing frustration with NHS dentist waiting times.
In her letter, she said: "It is clear that it is nearly impossible to sign up with an NHS dentist at any practice in Sheffield or surrounding areas.
"Several of my constituents have called every dentist practice within reasonable travelling distance and been told none of them will accept them as NHS patients."
She added patients often would be turned away or given extremely long waiting times, but end up being offered appointments by the same practice immediately if they paid privately.
One constituent responded on Twitter, saying: "I've had to resort to paying privately for over a year and a half now and it's so costly that it makes quality of life difficult."
It follows a Healthwatch report last year that NHS patients in England were facing up to three years on a waiting list for dentist appointments.
It also revealed that many patients suffered repeatedly cancelled appointments, sometimes even during their treatments.
Some dentists however attribute the problem to their contracts, with one trainee dentist saying that they are only paid for the single most expensive item, rather than the full requirements of any procedure.
He said: "Someone could need a filling, and then also need a denture made. You would be paid for the denture but wouldn’t be paid for the filling as the denture comes in a high-cost bracket.
"Or you could have a patient who needs ten fillings but because it all technically comes under one filling; you’d only be paid for one rather than all of them."
This pushes dentists to become private as it makes more financial sense, even if it impacts the patients.
On a positive note though for South Yorkshire this year, the number of dentists in the region increased after consecutive years of falling numbers within the profession.
According to NHS data, there are now 62 more dentists across the county bringing the total to 885, meaning there are 1,554 patients per dentist.
Doncaster neighbourhood police officer in court in connection with two sexual assaults
A serving Doncaster police officer has appeared in court today in connection with two sexual assaults against two victims.
South Yorkshire Police said PC Liam Duncanson, who worked in a neighbourhood policing team, will be tried at Leeds Crown Court on 4 January 2023.
Reports of inappropriate behaviour were made after a social gathering in October 2021, where PC Duncanson was off-duty.
The force said allegations emerged after a report was made to the Counter Corruption Unit.
PC Duncanson was granted bail after the hearing, which took place on Wednesday 7 December.
South Yorkshire Police said an internal misconduct investigation has been launched, and he has been suspended from duties.
Superintendent Delphine Waring, head of South Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Department, said: “The people of South Yorkshire rightly expect our officers and staff to uphold the highest standards, and I can assure you that when we become aware of anyone thought to be failing to meet these standards we will take appropriate action.”
Arrests made as police tackle violence against women in Sheffield
A crackdown on violence against women has led to 18 arrests for offences including domestic abuse, rape, assault and possession of indecent images.
On Wednesday, over 265 South Yorkshire Police officers were deployed across the city to tackle violence against women and girls in Operation Duxford.
The operation formed part of the annual global campaign 16 Days of Activism, which which runs from November 25 to December 10 and started at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.
Operation leader DCI Eleanor Welsh said: “Our message is clear - violence against women and girls will not be tolerated - we will track down those who are wanted for offences against women and girls and bring them to justice.”
An additional 260 patrol hours were delivered in areas where the public have told SYP via the StreetSafe app that they avoid, due to feeling unsafe or intimidated.
Throughout the day patrols also carried out 18 visits to registered sex offenders, 64 safeguarding visits to vulnerable children and adults, and engaged with nine victims who have domestic violence prevention orders.
Premises checks were also made at a number of brothels and areas associated with sex workers to check conditions and provide support where needed and 11 engagement stalls were made in locations across the city where officers listened to people’s concerns.
DCI Welsh said: “I’d also like to reassure women that if they are a victim of a crime, we will listen. You will be taken seriously, we will do everything we can to support you and we will take appropriate action.”
One anonymous domestic abuse survivor said: “I am pleased that SYP are doing the vital work to protect women across the city. This provides security to women, such as myself, who at the time were too scared to speak.”
SYP has also been working alongside charities such as the Independent Domestic Abuse Advisory Service and Women’s Aid Sheffield to provide advice and support for victims who are vulnerable.
Chief executive of Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer, said: “There is a role to play for everyone in helping to end domestic abuse, and raising awareness of the support available to help women living with abusive partners.”
As well as Operation Duxford, SYP deployed Operation Sentinel in Sheffield city centre.
This operation uses similar approaches being delivered elsewhere across the country to reduce vulnerability in the night time economy such as uniformed and plain clothes officers to carry out patrols to identify people who may be displaying predatory behaviour such as inappropriate touching.
DCI Welsh said: “We have had some really positive results through Operation Sentinel since it began earlier this year, the deployment was another success.”
The StreetSafe app allows the police and councils to know where to focus patrols, CCTV and additional lighting, so our community can be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. It’s completely anonymous. You can access the tool here: www.police.uk/pu/notices/streetsafe/street-safe
‘What Craig did was truly incredible’ – Rotherham fan builds Sheffield Wednesday arcade machine for young man with rare cancer
A Rotherham United fan has built a Sheffield Wednesday themed arcade machine for a young man with a rare form of bone cancer.
Craig Ramage, owner of Mancave Machines, said he wanted to help Callum Rodgers, 23, who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer known as Ewing Sarcoma in August this year.
He said: "Cancer has no colours.
"It's not something I've done for publicity. It’s something I've done to help Callum, and after getting to know his dad Rick over the years and the things he’s done.”
Callum’s dad Richard Rodgers, 53, travelled to Ukraine in March following the outbreak of the war with Russia to take supplies to refugee centres, and Craig said he wanted to give something back to Rick.
He said: “There was something good there that I could do for him like how he’d been doing good for other people.”
Richard and Craig only knew each other from twitter, where they exchanged tweets about bikes and football.
Craig decided to build the machine after seeing Richard tweet about building his son an outhouse to help with his recovery from chemotherapy.
Richard said: “What Craig did was truly incredible, we've never been in a position where someone's offered that type of help.
"I'm just blown away by his generosity. I'm blown away by his kindness. He's just been amazing and I'm lucky to have such good friends."
Callum is a Sheffield Wednesday fan “through and through”, and was delighted with the machine.
Craig said: “Callum’s face absolutely lit up. The best thing for me was that Rick said he did not come out of that shed until nearly quarter past midnight. And he had to peel them off playing games on it so they could have something to eat.
"So this kind of took his mind off of the day before, which is literally what it's all about - to help him with the recovery.”
Ewing Sarcoma is extremely rare, and Rick said he understands there are only 26 people being treated in the UK at the moment.
Due to common symptoms like joint pain, Rick said it was often missed or misdiagnosed. Callum was only diagnosed after a chance accident where his arm popped out its socket while go-karting. He subsequently went for an x-ray, which led to a CT scan and his eventual diagnosis.
Rick described the moment the family were told: “It was the most painful day of my entire existence.
"I’m a man’s man, but my lad and my daughter are my world. On that day when they tell you it's a malignant form of cancer, it sends you into a world of utter chaos because your world is just literally falling apart.”
The Sheffield Wednesday fan also praised his son's resilience.
He said: "Callum's coping and fighting mechanism is absolutely top dollar, and I couldn't be prouder of him. He's doing all the right things. He's following all the right advice.”
Rick and Craig are currently trying to get Callum’s favourite player, Lee Gregory, to sign the cabinet. Craig said he would even drive the cabinet to the training ground himself.
Cold snap and cost of living prompts university sports centre to opens its doors
A brand new initiative at Sport Sheffield has been announced, which allows customers to enjoy their swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and tea and coffee on a Wednesday for just £1.
Wellness Wednesday will take place next week, and will resume every week in January.
It is open to all members of the community, not just students or staff at the University of Sheffield.
Andrew Cox, director of sport and physical activity at Sport Sheffield, said the idea started from conversations around the cost-of-living crisis and wanted to give people the opportunity to use their facilities to get warm.
"Everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment," he said.
The UK is currently facing a cold-snap, with temperatures in South Yorkshire today feeling as low as -3 degrees.
The programme will run until the end of January but Mr Cox said the discounted Wednesday sessions could run until Easter if they prove to be successful.
The sports centre has also committed to helping refugees through work with Sheffield-based charity, ASSIST, which offers sanctuary to those who have been unsuccessful in their asylum applications.
Access to Sport Sheffield services have been offered at reduced rates.
He said: "It's just a nice thing to do and feel like you're contributing back in to the city and to the people of Sheffield."
Wednesdays are active days at Sport Sheffield, which gives Wellness Wednesday attendees the chance to interact with other members and watch sports fixtures.
Mr Cox said turnout at Sport Sheffield has not decreased despite the financial pressures, which he said may be down to people wanting to get active to beat the winter blues.
"There's definitely a strong link between being physically active and mental health, without a doubt," he said.
Mr Cox expects the initiative to do well in the New Year, acting as a stress-buster for students during the exam period.
"We're not chasing numbers, we're just giving it back, and we'll see how it goes," he said.
The next Wellness Wednesday session takes place on 14 December at Sport Sheffield Goodwin Sports Centre, Northumberland Road.
Sheffield residents have named Alder bar best local pub in Battle of the Boozers
Sheffield bar, Alder, has today been named best local pub in Sheffield by customers in an online competition.
The Neepsend bar has won the Battle of the Boozers competition, which pitted pubs against one another in a head-to-head contest, on Instagram.
Danny Tennant, general manager of Alder, credited their win to the strong local community the bar has built in the 12 months they have been open.
He said: “We’ve had more people share the story to vote for us, saying vote for Alder, than anyone else has [in Battle of the Boozers] before.
“Pub landlords are historically pillars of the community and we really try to push that. We remember people’s names, try and get them to come back and have a friendly atmosphere.
“We work really hard to be known and not be this faceless venue, I think that plays a big part.”
Alder won the final round against the Rutland Arms in Sheffield's city centre with 1011 votes, 181 more votes than their opponent received.
When asked how he thought the win would benefit the bar, Mr Tennant said: “A lot of the weekend trade here is people walking past and looking in but now we’ve had a wider outreach perhaps people will come down specifically rather than just in passing.
“People who had never heard of us before are now thinking okay there must be something to this place.”
Battle of the Boozers was organised by Pints of Sheffield, an account dedicated to sharing some of the best places to get a drink around the city.
Joe Rugg, the person behind the Instagram account, said: “It’s about getting some free exposure out for these venues, especially small venues that no one's really heard of yet.
“It’s shined a light on the venue’s personality and the personality of the people who run it.”
The competition ran for the first time in 2021 which saw The Bear, on Abbeydale Road, voted as the people’s favourite after only being open for three months.
Matt Beety, the owner of The Bear, said: “It had a good positive effect and we have a handful of stories where people who would have probably never seen us have come in because of the little bit of extra exposure and coverage.
“For a really small place like mine having an extra four people in on a night is great.”
The cost of living crisis has hit small pubs and bars especially hard as the price of opening is higher and fewer customers are coming in.
Pub statistics show between 2010 and 2020 the number of pubs has decreased by 22% and a recent study from Altus group shows that approximately 50 pubs are closing every month in the UK.
Mr Beety said: “The fact that there are places closing every hour in the country at the minute, anything like this that encourages people to get up and go to a pub, it’s brilliant and we really appreciate it.”
Royal Mail strikers in Tapton Hill fight for a “better pay deal”
Royal Mail postal workers fighting for a "better pay deal" have begun striking in Tapton Hill, Sheffield.
This comes as Royal Mail workers nationwide begin a new wave of strikes in the run-up to Christmas after a long dispute with management over pay and conditions.
Members of the union are set to strike again on Sunday and on 14, 15, 23 and 24 December.
The dispute began this summer when Royal Mail rejected the workers' request of a pay rise to match inflation.
Royal Mail argued that it is losing £1m a day and said it may need to cut up to 10,000 jobs by August.
Ben, a representative for The Communications Workers Union (CMU), said to Sheffield Wire: "Really we are fighting for the maintenance of our conditions and a better pay deal than what is being offered. We want the protection of our current working conditions.
"We're open to modernisation and change and anything that the company needs to do, but like most forms of austerity, it's a euphemism for finding ways of profiting."
View our Facebook live for the full interview with Ben.
Sheffield City Council sets out plans to tackle racism throughout city
Sheffield City Council have admitted they need to do more to tackle racial inequality across the city.
A report published on Monday has set out their plans to tackle the issue after recommendations were made by the Race Equality Commission (REC) in July.
Presenting the paper in a Strategy and Resources Policy Committee, the Council's chief executive also explained they aimed to address the council’s internal problems regarding the problems.
Kate Josephs said: “We know that our organisation is not representative of the city that we service, especially at senior levels and that is something mentioned in this plan.
“To be a credible leader in the city it is important that the council sets the highest standards for ourselves.”
The Race Equality Commission was established in June 2020 after what its chair, Professor Kevin Hylton, called a “nationwide recognition of the blight of racism”.
It published a paper recommending actions the council should take to set an example in tackling racism, after it found black, Asian and minority ethnic communities suffer racism and prejudice that impacts their health, wellbeing and life chances.
In a foreword to the July report, Professor Hylton said: “The report and its recommendations represent a moment for Sheffield to embrace, learn and grow.
“The Commission and myself have presented the report and recommendations for change and now it is imperative for the city to collectively engage on this shared journey, leading and delivering change together.”
The paper published this week details the actions the council intends to take to make Sheffield an “anti-racist city” within three years.
It said: “[Sheffield City Council] recognises that to achieve this as an organisation, a collective, structural, and systemic anti racist approach is needed, to embed quality practice.”
The first recommendation is for the council to become an “anti-racist organisation” and is seen as fundamental to the aims of the commission, as the council will be a civic leader promoting the cause of anti-racism throughout the city.
The new report details a number of actions Sheffield City Council will take toward achieving this aim, including embedding an inclusive culture within the council and training staff in equality, diversity, anti-racism and cultural competencies.
The report, which stated there "can be no excuses" acknowledged the financial difficulties created by the cost of living crisis, but stated that tackling inequality should be a priority.
Stannington residents demand compensation from Yorkshire Water
Residents in Stannington have launched a petition demanding compensation from Yorkshire Water after a major incident left hundreds of homes without heat or cooking facilities.
As reported in Sheffield Wire last week a burst water pipe caused more than 400,000 litres of water to leak into the gas line and those affected and now asking for a years supply of free water for all properties affected
Margaret Young, who has signed the petition, said: "I am still sitting in my house with no heating.
"We have repeatedly told the authorities about the poor infrastructure. It’s time they listened."
The petition claims the cause of the gas issue is down to the inadequate maintenance of the water infrastructure by Yorkshire Water, with "barely even an apology".
Cadent Gas Network say they cannot guarantee that all homes in Stannington will have their gas restored today, but estimate that the majority of homes will have power by the end of the weekend.
The company has also said it will provide £65 compensation for every 24 hours that residents have had to spend without gas, but there has been no offer of compensation from Yorkshire Water.
James Burdett, who started the petition, said: "Whilst Cadent have made it clear what compensation they are required to pay, Yorkshire Water should also take responsibility and compensate residents themselves for causing this situation.
"The number of properties affected should be easily obtainable from Cadent, who capped the gas supply at each property affected."
Another supporter of the petition, Sarah Plant, said: "We have been without gas for nearly 6 days now. I have 4 children.
"Within this time of not having any heating or hot water all 4 children have become Ill. It has been incredibly difficult to give them the care they need."
Abbeydale Road Market will help support the “lifeblood of the city”
Independent businesses on Abbeydale Road are holding a Christmas market for the first time this Sunday to showcase their goods.
Various shops, including eateries, salons and bars, will take part with over 18 establishments involved.
Nicole Jewitt, 46, owner of Cole's Corner, which is participating in the market said: "The Sheffield people prefer independent businesses, they are the lifeblood of the city. Sheffield is resistant to the homogenised high street."
Cole's Corner will be hosting a variety of jam-makers and artists on its terrace with free samples and gift wrapping for items bought in the shop.
The market came about due to a spate of burglaries which went on down the road during August 2020 in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.
This encouraged shop owners and traders to begin a WhatsApp chat in order to share CCTV and information, eventually getting together to begin a market this year to celebrate the local community.
Nicole said there used to be a flea market down Abbeydale Road but it stopped a few years ago.
Businesses down the road such as La Mama Tapas is putting on something special for the event, offering Latin American street food to take out which differs from its normal menu.
Daniela Cooke, 39, owner of La Mama Tapas, said: "The event is bringing us together."
She said she hoped if the market was successful this year it will become an annual event and continue next Christmas, opening up the possibility to host more markets throughout the year.
More information can be found by following the Facebook event: (3) Abbeydale Road Independent Xmas Market | Facebook