Doncaster athlete attempts to become first gold medallist in both summer and winter Paralympic Games
Yorkshire's Jo Butterfield MBE is preparing to compete in the Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles, a brand new event in the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
After winning gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the club throw event, she made the switch to wheelchair curling back in 2023.
Butterfield is looking to become the first British athlete to win a gold medal at both the summer and winter Paralympic games.
She said: “To now have the opportunity to go for gold at both a Summer and a Winter Paralympic Games is something I’m incredibly proud of, a goal I set myself when I first transferred to wheelchair curling in 2023 and it’s a challenge I’m fully committed to embracing.
“Ever since I first became a Paralympian, I’ve carried the dream of not just competing, but of pushing boundaries and seeing what’s possible.”
Butterfield won bronze at the 2023 World Wheelchair Curling Championship in the mixed team event.
She was born and raised in Yorkshire, but now represents Scotland at international level.
Alongside her teammate, Jason Kean, from Newcastle, they will become the first representatives from outside Scotland to take to the ice for Team GB.
The pair are already guaranteed a place in the British history books as the first paralympic competitors in the mixed doubles event in Curling.
Butterfield spoke on the historic partnership, saying: "That’s the beauty of the Paralympics, it’s the one year that brings the home nations together and gave us an opportunity to try this partnership.”
In 2011, Butterfield was paralysed below the chest after being diagnosed with a spinal tumour, before moving into para-athletics. She made the switch across to wheelchair curling in 2022.
Great Britain take on Estonia in their first match of the round-robin stage on Wednesday, two days before the Opening Ceremony in Verona.
The event is being hosted in the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, which just hosted the successful Great Britain men’s team, who won silver for a second consecutive Winter Olympic Games.
Image credit: Paralympics GB website
South Yorkshire smartphone divide: parents speak out as “landmark” UK consultation begins
South Yorkshire parents have mixed opinions over the UK Government's new "landmark" public consultation on children using smartphones.
The three-month consultation will address topics such as social media age limit and verification, mandatory overnight curfews, unrestricted chatbot use and navigation in a bid to enhance digital wellbeing for children. As of 10.30 am this morning, the window is open for anyone to have their say on the future of the digital world.
Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, says: "The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one.
"We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having."
In South Yorkshire, about 2,500 parents have signed a pledge to delay giving their children smartphones until they turn 14 as part of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign.
Stefanie Ruth Oakley, a mother-of-two, from Sheffield, says: "I think it can be hard work managing smartphone use and the risks of harm associated with addiction and social media.
"I know kids who had smartphones at 11 who are absolutely fine, and I know others who have free access to everything and are spending six hours plus per day on their phone, or up all night scrolling and can't get out of bed the next day. For me it was easier to just not give them one. I don't agree with following the herd and I don't think any child "needs" a phone."
Justin, a father of a 13-year-old in Oughtibridge, pointed out the root of the issue might be peer pressure.
He says: "I can remember when the first child in my lad's primary school class got a smartphone, I think she was about seven or eight, and many of the other parents were not happy about it because they knew what was coming from their own kids.
"We waited till the June before our child went to secondary school to give him a smartphone, even then I was unhappy about it, I do not have a smartphone so I am not a hypocrite in that regard. I was careful not to give it to him for his birthday or Christmas, I bought it for him so technically it's mine and I have the right to stop him using it."
On the flipside, some parents believe technology literacy is integral to a child's development, and allowing smartphone use is one way to introduce it.
Jeff Redhouse, a father from Sheffield, says: "I truly believe children should be allowed smart devices, they are an evolution of humanity, an integral part of our lives in this age. They are used to communicate and socialise, to learn and create, to belong."
However, he believes that controls and limits should be taken into account to safeguard their online engagement, around issues, including fatal crime or sexual assaults, that could have a detrimental impact of their mental wellbeing.
"We cannot allow complete freedom on devices for young minds," Mr Redhouse says. "Limitations must exist. But we must also allow engagement in the evolution whilst ensuring the other threads in the tapestry of life do not become insignificant and all that is left is a spool of wool rather than an impressive woven picture of humanity."
What are some methods Yorkshire parents have implemented to limit their children's screen time?
Many parents explained they encourage their kids to go outside and do sports activities. Others give them books, DVDs, old video games and board games to play with.
Beyond organised entertainment, some parents are turning to old-school discipline to curb screen time. A Sheffield parent, who commented on Reddit, found success in the kitchen: "Had mine cleaning out the dirty grout on the kitchen floor yesterday," they say. "Both absolutely loved it. First thing they both said this morning: 'Can we do the kitchen floor again?'".
Justin from Oughtibridge suggested a creative 'point system' in which his son has to work for screen time.
He says: "One of the few things we did right as parents was to make it clear to our child he was not going to be going on his phone or our laptops all the time. He gets one hour a week of free time, but after that he has to do something positive to be allowed to spend time on it, like reading, homework, doing something with us, or swim training with his club, particularly if he works hard. And it's the swimming that "earns" him by far the most time on that accursed thing.
"Last rule, which we have never broken, he is not allowed to take his phone upstairs. If he wants to go on his phone, or one of the laptops, he has to do it downstairs."
Taj, a dad-of-two, went against the norm as he bought his kids a laptop quite early and encouraged them to learn what can be done on a computer other than social media, such as coding, writing, design, educational games and researching topics.
"Online literacy is important," he says. "I teach them about the real harms that have come to young people as a result of social media, smartphone addiction, online bullying and watch documentaries on the topic together."
Such a diversity of voices and opinions is essential to ensure the new rules become effective in practice. Liz Kendall said: "This is why we’re asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change.
"Together, we will create a digital world that gives young people the childhood they deserve and prepares them for the future."
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed this call, encouraging parents to take part in this "vital next step" to "give children the very best childhood in a digital age" and promised to publish public guidance and practical tools for parents to help their kids build a healthier relationship with technology.
With the new legislative powers allowing the government to act within months instead of years, the findings from the consultation will contribute immediately to a nationwide conversation on the public concerns about children and technology.
Sheffield drummer’s African ‘drumathon’ smashes fundraising target
A Sheffield drummer completed a four-hour-long African 'drumathon' charity fundraiser this weekend, raising over £1000 for a Yorkshire-based drugs and alcohol support service.
Steve Rivers, founder of Unbeatable Energy, an African drumming workshop business, raised just under £1100 for Project 6, a charity which provide recovery and support services for people affected by alcohol and drugs.
He continuously drummed on the traditional West African djembe for four hours between 1pm and 5pm at Sharrow Community Forum on Saturday 28th February.
Steve performed alongside Manchester-based performance group Tanante, members of the local community who dropped into the four hour drumathon and turned their hand to West African style drumming to join in Steve's rhythms.
The idea for African Drumathon formed when Steve decided he wanted to take himself out of his drumming comfort zone and organise a charity event which would challenge him to play the same rhythm repeatedly for the same duration a non-elite runner completes a marathon.
Project 6 is a cause close to Steve's heart. During his twenties, Steve experienced his own struggles with alcohol and drug use and is now 26 years clean and sober. He said: " I wish I could do my twenties again.
"Addiction is a hidden thing, it's like a lift, you can get off at any floor. Drumming smashes sense of isolation and you get to feel included in a community. People attending the event can take away information about Project 6 and I can help raise the profile of the charity.
Drumathon has become bigger than me and I am really excited."
Steve first began African drumming at 25 years old and turned his passion into his career when he founded Unbeatable Energy which delivers African drumming workshops for schools, businesses as well as running community evening classes.
You can listen to a track of African drumming from the drumathon below:
He has travelled to Africa several times, making multiple trips including to the Ivory Coast, Gambia and Senegal to immerse himself in African culture and improve his drumming technique.
Jamie Riley, band leader of Tanante, said he had done nothing like the African Drumathon before. He said at the end of the challenge: "I am exhausted, my hands and shoulders hurt but I am exhilarated by what we have managed to accomplish."
Manja Wolfram, Sheffield Head of Recovery at Project 6, said: "We are very thankful to Steve and Unbeatable Energy for his efforts in not only raising money but also awareness to Project 6 and our work around addiction recovery.
We have collaborated with Unbeatable Energy a number of times and know how effective the drumming is when working with community groups - we always get so much connection as well as fun from it, elements that can be a crucial discovery for people in early recovery.
We hope the event engages many people from the wider community and hence helps to reduce the stigma around addiction."
To support Steve's fundraiser, you can donate via his Just Giving page below: Steve Rivers is fundraising for Project 6 (Airedale Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Agency)
Women and Girls Safety Charter: hope for Sheffield women or surface level promise?
The safety of women and girls in Sheffield's night time economy is being brought to the forefront as a new charter is released. The aim is to make employers, venues and businesses more accountable for women's safety by making it a top priority in their spaces.
It outlines ‘Seven Commitments’ including designating a champion in each venue to ‘drive cultural change around safety in your organisation’. Another commitment reminds venues to remember the 3R’s - responsibility, report and response. Overall, the charter hammers home internal procedures venues can implement.
Joe Otten, Sheffield Councillor and Chair of the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee, said: “For any organisation signing this charter is a promise to every woman and girl who walks through your door that her safety and dignity matter.
"When venues stand together on this, we send a powerful message that Sheffield is a city that cares.”
Data highlights that women are feeling at risk amongst the night-time economy more often than not, with 2024 statistics showing that women were more likely then men to experience stalking, domestic abuse and sexual assault. Asking Sheffield women, they echoed the sentiment stating that for women there have to be a thousand more mental steps on a night out to ensure their safety than there are for men.
Lissa Mel was in one of her favourite Sheffield venues when a man targeted her using a distraction to spike her drink. When she told security she simply received a shrug of the shoulders and was forced to move on with no support.
Annabel Seenor, 32, said: "There’s always a moment for a woman when you think 'is that okay?' And then you think 'who am I with? Am I safe? Where’s my phone? Where’s my purse?' That’s always a consideration.”
Sheffield women have reacted positively to the charter, suggesting it is an obvious step in the right direction and many have stated that a venue signing up would make them more likely to chose that spot.
However, there are still concerns. For example, why is signing up not compulsory for venues and what is there to ensure that measurements will be properly policed when implemented?
Sheffield Women's Collective is a grassroots organisation focusing on collaborative action, fundraising and local activism. They work to raise awareness of violence against women.
Co-founder of the organisation, Amber Millar, expressed that the organisation welcomes additional training through venues in Sheffield as it has been reported to them that staff often have little to no knowledge on common initiative such as Ask for Angela.
She acknowledged steps taken in the charter, such as the intersectional issues for disabled women, women of colour and unhoused women, as well as including trans and non-binary people in the conversation.
However, it was not without shortcomings. For example, although the charter refers to violence against women and girls it does not mention men's violence against women and girls.
Ms Millar said: “Whilst the document is practically useful for businesses and employers, it falls short of discussing the issue of men’s violence, and their responsibility in creating a safe city for women, in any meaningful way."
For the council, the charter coincides with the work they have done around the White Ribbon campaign, which encouraged men to hold themselves accountable to women and each other by wearing a white ribbon symbolising a promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women and girls.
At the time SheffieldWire published this article, no night time venues had signed up to the charter, according to Sheffield City Council. They believe this is because it has been a recent development, only having been approved on February 6, and they are working on publicity as well as sending it to both licensed and non-licensed venues in upcoming weeks.
However some Sheffield venues are still taking clear steps to consider women's safety. The Foundry enlists a night Welfare team, consisting of bar staff who have been specifically trained to provide with essential support. They also have the Safety Minibus, and their partnerships with Veezu Safe Rides and the Where You At? app, to ensure that women can travel home safely.
Photo: Foundry Welfare Team Source: Foundry Website
SheffieldWire asked women if they felt safe in Sheffield of a night. Nikki Manku, 21, said: “It completely depends where I am and what night out I am going on, for example if I was to go to Foundry I feel a lot safer because I know they have stuff in place, like the Safety Bus. But I can’t say I do feel safe going to places like West Street.”
Women and girls are constantly changing their behaviour every night to avoid risk predominantly from men. The Girlguiding 2025 Girls' Attitudes Survey showed that 68% of girls aged 11-21 have changed their behaviour to avoid sexual harassment.
This charter suggests a positive move in the right direction, making women's safety everyone's responsibility. Women across the city now wait and hope that this charter makes the change they need rather than becoming a surface level promise.
To sign up and find out which venues have contact safetycharter@sheffield.gov.uk
Crowds gather outside City Hall after the death of Iran’s supreme leader
A large gathering of people paraded outside of Sheffield's City Hall on Sunday after the death of Iranian's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Following joint US - Israeli attacks on Iran on Saturday night, Khamenei was killed in his office at the age of 86.
Khamenei's death sees the end of a nearly four decade tenure of supreme rule during which he oversaw a rule that wielded complete control over the state and military.
Demonstrators celebrated the death of the leader in Sheffield city centre, with crowds of people waving the Iranian flag, as well as US and Israeli flags, while singing cultural songs.
A participant said: "The Iranian people have been hostages of the Islamic revolution for 47 years. We have been protesting for 47 years. But today is different. Today we are celebrating his death."
The establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has existed since 1979, saw an end to the monarchical rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Since then, the Republic has enforced Islamic codes of dress and behaviour onto the public, as well as conservative societal values.
Khamenei was the 2nd leader of the Islamic Republic and his rule generated an outcry of controversy. The suppression of dissent within the country saw the imprisonment and death of numerous people.
Wishing to remain anonymous, a demonstrator said: "They have killed over 40,000 people. It doesn't matter whether you are from Sheffield, London or Iran, we all have the same feeling to share."
Also commenting on the unity of Iranians, one participant commented: "I was born in Sheffield, but my family, my aunts, uncles and grandparents, everyone knows someone who has been affected or killed by protests.
"They send people out every night to wash blood off the streets because they are shooting live ammunition into the crowd. They are just tired. They want freedom of speech."
He added: "Khamenei's death brings a massive sense of hope that things can get better."
An atmosphere of angst also shrouded the demonstration. When asked about the future of Iran, a participant said: "I don't know. To be honest, we just want freedom like other countries. We want everyone to be free."
The death of the Ayatollah leaves a power vacuum within the Iranian political leadership.
While one participant hoped that the monarchy would return, many are simply wishing for peace within their country.
New scheme gives £10m to fight poverty in Sheffield
A new funding scheme to provide support for Sheffield residents will allocate £10m per year in funding will prioritise “cash first” crisis payments.
The government-backed Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) will provide funding for the next three years to improve current support system and simplify access to benefit payments
Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “It will help us provide support that is not only practical but compassionate, so people can move out of crisis and towards stability."
Families will also be provided with greater income maximisation support to access everything they are eligible for.
Libraries, Welcome Places and Family Hubs will be involved in a ‘no-wrong-door model’ where residents can get trusted support with trauma informed staff.
An average of £2,628.50 is currently provided because of this support as families access benefits they did not receive before.
A report by Sheffield Poverty Truth found that the stigma of the ‘brown envelope system’, that takes benefits away with little warning, is particularly damaging for those in poverty.
Sarah Clayton, Sheffield Poverty Truth Community Commissioner said: “I know what it feels like when systems that are meant to help people instead cause harm - when you’re treated like a case number instead of a person."
Opposition from the Greens welcomed an end to the brown-envelope system and income maximisation support, but said it does not go far enough.
In a council meeting, Leader of the Sheffield Green Group, councillor Angela Argenzio, said the fund “does not address the root causes of poverty.”
Around one in four residents in Sheffield are currently experiencing poverty, and the ONS says that 31.2% of children are experiencing poverty, much higher than the national average of 18.9%.
Only two percent of councils believe that the government’s CRF is sufficient to deal with the rapidly growing needs of struggling households.
Thousands donate to The Leadmill as Sheffield’s indie music venue fights to return
Sheffield's 45-year-old independent music venue, The Leadmill, is crowdfunding to reopen after its controversial closure in June 2025.
The crowdfunder, which will go towards securing a new space for the indie venue, was announced on Wednesday, and so far it has garnered just under £7,000 of its £30,000 target towards the venue's relocation.
Pulp, Oasis and the Stone Roses were just some of the bands which made the venue famous following its launch in 1980. It regularly hosted smaller, independent artists too.
But since June 2025, people in Sheffield have had one big question: where, if not The Leadmill, will Sheffield's once-thriving independent music scene go?
The venue's relocation has been met with mixed reviews.
Martin Fox used to travel in from Barnsley for nights out at The Leadmill: "It's not the same, is it? I think my first gig there was when I was 17. I'm 44 now, and I've been to Leadmill for a long time. It's got to be the original."
Younger former-attendees were less concerned about the location.
"As long as its still got sticky floors, I don't think there'll be much difference," said Liam Craft, 21, who counts himself lucky to have experienced Leadmill a handful of times before its closure.
Last year, Music Venue Trust's annual report revealed that thirty grassroots venues across the country - including The Leadmill - had closed in 2025.
At the Brit Awards on Saturday night, Ellie Rowsell, lead singer of Wolf Alice, used her acceptance speech for Best Group to call for more support for grassroots venues: "It’s worth mentioning that despite the billions of pounds the live sector contributes to our economy, last year 30 independent venues closed down.
"Six thousand jobs were lost, and over half of small venues reported making no profit at all. It shouldn’t be a battle to survive as a band or any artist."
Sheffielders echoed Rowsell's concerns about the future of grassroots music in the wake of The Leadmill's closure.
Liam Twyford, 43, loves indie music and thinks venues like The Leadmill are vital for independent artists to survive: "The economy is struggling and the price of buildings has gone up unbelievably. Like, where do smaller bands rehearse and perform now?"
The Cyrus, a 22-year-old artist from Sheffield, dreamed of performing at The Leadmill one day. The loss of the venue left him "quite upset", but he welcomes the prospect of its relocation.
"It'd be like a dream to perform there, you know. Especially for me, coming from Sheffield, basically born and raised here. Knowing all the great artists that got the chance in the past to perform there in the past, you know, it's an achievement," he said. "And I think plenty of students that would happily, happily donate."
More information on The Leadmill Relocation Fund can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/4nBZ00Nn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink
“If you’re into it, read into it”: Sheffield prepares to celebrate 2026 as the Year of Reading
A year-long reading campaign has been launched to address the dropping literacy rate around the country and overall decline in reading.
The new scheme comes from the National Literacy Trust, a literacy charity aiming to support children and young people in strengthening their literacy skills.
Alongside the department of education, they have dubbed 2026 as the "year of reading" and named their campaign 'If you're into it, read into it.'
The trust said: "Reading expands our world and sharpens our minds, yet fewer people are making time to read."
The annual literacy survey in 2024 showed one in three children aged between 8-18 years old like reading in their free time, with only one in five actually spending their free time reading.
But the survey also revealed that accessibility often stands between children and reading more, with 1 in 12 children saying they don't have books of their own to read, and one in five parents claimed they are buying fewer and fewer books for their children due to the cost of living crisis.
To combat this issue, the National Literacy Trust is dedicated to providing children more access to books through their 'libraries for primaries campaign', launched to provide every primary school in the UK with a library space by 2028.
The year of reading is also being adopted by several book-centred spaces around Sheffield. Sheffield Libraries will have child-friendly events taking place from January to December, from visits from local authors and illustrators to dedicated arts and crafts events.
Every few months the year of reading will see a different theme. 'Creativity', the first theme, will last until the end of march.
Broomhill community library is one of the libraries in Sheffield preparing to celebrate the year of reading.
Lindsey Bagles, joined the library in 2021, to then later become a trustee. Alongside a team, she oversees all governance work for the library, the gardens, and any other activities they offer at the library.
She said while they are still planning special events for the year of reading, one thing they will do is organise a "big book giveaway."
The giveaway will also coincide with the upcoming World of Book day, set to take place on 5th of March 2026.
Ted Hunt is a session coordinator at Broomhill Library, in charge of overseeing the volunteers who run the library. He said while the library is preparing events for the year of reading and world of book day, the library already offers a wide range of events, most of which are aimed at children and supporting their local community.
Their most popular events consist of hosting children's author to do a book signing.
Mr Hunt said: "Children are fascinated to meet the person who wrote the stories they love."
Alongside libraries, Sheffield schools are also planning events to celebrate the year of reading, on top of their usual initiatives to encourage interest in reading.
Matty Harrison is a trainee teacher at a Sheffield secondary school. As an effort to tackle the dropping literacy rate and interest in literature, the school has allocated specific lessons for students to spend an hour or two reading a book of their choice. He said: "I think being able to read is a really crucial skill.
"I think the more able a person is to locate and consume and judge information, about the world, the more resilient they'll be, the more resistant they'll be to people who are trying to feed them misinformation."
“It’s feral behaviour” Sheffield football fans demand South Yorkshire Police take action following Steel City derby
Last month's derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United was one to forget for Owls fans. A 2-1 loss to their bitter rivals relegated the Owls, confirming the earliest relegation in championship history.
The match wasn't only defined by the result, as pictures before the game showed violent conduct between fans, with numerous injuries sustained. Projectiles were thrown between supporters, as Wednesday fans were escorted by Police from West Street to Bramall Lane.
Eight arrests were made at the ground, for public disorder, intoxication and assault.
A police statement before the match had confirmed there would be a strong police presence, with officers wearing protective equipment, and mounted police at the ground.
One Owls fan, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Sheffield Wire about the event. They said: "We got marched through town by coppers, already people were throwing stuff out of windows.
"When we got to Bramall Lane, bottles, fireworks and flares got thrown and a police horse unseated its rider."
One Facebook user said: "My son, 15, got a bottle to the head, like sitting ducks, well done South Yorkshire Police." Another fan claimed the EFL and police were aware of "thug like celebrations", but did nothing.
One of our own reporters was approached outside of the ground. A group of supporters, initially asking for a photo, then grabbed her camera and told her to 'f*** off.' There is no suggestion the supporters in this video were those arrested.
Another fan on social Media said : "There was no violence at St Mary's church on Sheffield Derby day. The two sets of fans were kept apart by police, who did an excellent job."
In 2022, South Yorkshire Police said the fixture had a "long history of violence", matches between the sides are now played at 12:00pm to reduce drunk and disorderly conduct, with pubs refused early licences ahead of the clash.
However, our source said : "Some of these young lads are drunk and coked up, its a pack mentality, they just go for it.
"Its feral behaviour."
They said that the violence doesn't compare to anything they saw in the 70s, with CCTV scaring off a lot of fans.
They asserted that Wednesday fans can be just as bad. They said : "I imagine it's similar on our end as well.
"It's a really nasty derby with a lot of rivalry and aggression."
In the reverse fixture, police involvement was required as Wednesday fans threw projectiles on the pitch towards Blades players.
They called for police to take more action on matchdays. They said whilst police have a difficult job to do, they should have done more to keep Wednesday and United fans apart.
They attended Wednesday's weekend match against Southampton, and described a much calmer atmosphere, with fans drinking in the pub together.
Before the derby, a statement from South Yorkshire police said : "Officers will be ready to help and support people making their way to the game – or visiting the city centre – wherever needed."
Police have been contacted for comment, but are yet to reply.
“It’s time for a new one”: excitement builds ahead of sports centre plans
Overwhelmingly positive opinions were expressed at public drop-in meetings ahead of official planning permission for a new sports centre and pool.
Goodwin sports centre, which is owned by the University of Sheffield, is also open to members of the public, who had a chance to view emerging plans, ask questions, and voice any concerns at a series of drop-in meetings last week.
Dominic, 56, a Sheffield local who has been coming to the facility since his student days 35 years ago, said he was excited to see what was next.
"I miss the swimming pool not being there anymore, and the plans are looking good, a smart new layout, things move on and it's time for a new one."
Floor plans of new centre- images produced by Faulkner Browns architects.
Many others echoed excitement for the new pool, after the previous one closed in 2023 amidst building safety concerns, many Goodwin users have been forced to travel further to Ponds Forge, or other pools, to access swimming facilities.
Andy Cox, the Director of Sport for the University said that the new pool is a focus point for the plans, to attract high-level competition, and offering a facility for locals.
Fran, who lives on a road directly neighbouring the centre, said that once the pool was "round the corner" she would definitely be a regular.
Representatives from the architects, Faulkner Browns, and commercial property consultants Montagu Evans were at the meetings, as well as many members of the University sports and physical activity staff, who were answering concerns from the public.
Although the vast majority of feedback was positive, there were a few concerns voiced at the meetings.
Dominic said: "What I am considering, is what is going to power the heating for the pool?
"Are they going to take an opportunity to use ground source or something, or will they simply build a diesel engine, I would like to know."
Taken from a poster displayed at the public meeting - images produced by Faulkner Browns architects.
It is something that was unanswered at the time, but the public meetings were there as much to feedback to the planners, as it was to inform the public.
There will be a period of time for changes and finalisations before planning permission is submitted.
Under-16s social media ban consultation begins in the UK
Potential restrictions on social media, AI chatbots, and gaming sites for under-16s are set to be considered in a three month consultation period by the UK Government.
The consultation will engage with questions around age verification and curfews for social media sites, as well as whether addictive features such as infinite scrolling and auto play should be turned off to help with sleep.
Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, said: "Every child deserves a childhood - real experiences, real friendships, real opportunities.
"We are determined to make that a reality, both inside and outside the classroom."
As part of the Government's efforts to support parents, a website has been launched offering online safety advice.
Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall commented: "The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one."
Last month, Conservative Leader, Kemi Badenoch said that the Conservative Party would support a ban on social media for under-16s.
The consultation period will last until 26 March 2026 and will try to engage with a range of people, including parents, carers, young people, teachers and academics.
Image Credit: verkeorg, Flickr
Employers at the UK Careers Fair give their top tips to navigate a slow job market
The UK careers fair returned to Sheffield last Friday, and new figures show that graduate job vacancies have dropped below 10,000 for the first time in a decade.
According to Adzuna's job market report, advertised job vacancies have fallen below 700,000 and the labour market currently resembles pandemic levels.
Further figures from ONS show that one-third of adults in employment believed that AI could put their jobs at risk.
Former Sheffield University alumni and branch manager for SAAFE education, Lauren Greaves, said her friend lost her marketing job and was replaced by AI.
Ms Greaves said: “There are quite a lot of roles that are taken over with technology nowadays, which is a shame. But it doesn't really affect us because our roles involve working with children, and we wouldn't be able to replace teachers.”
Khaled Ayesha, who attended the fair to explore his career options, said that for him, the rise of AI hasn’t changed the outcome because he still waits weeks for no response.
Mr Ayesha thinks it is hard to show employers that you can meet the criteria of the role, and said: "Since AI's come out, I don't even know why. You'd think with AI it'd be a lot easier to say you don't match because of XYZ conditions."
According to the Institute of Student Employers (ISE, 2025), the proportion of employers using AI in early careers recruitment has increased by 23 per cent from 2024 to 2025.
The pandemic's impact on the job market is still being felt by jobseekers, and training provider Lucy Moore thinks people spend more time online than outside, as job vacancies are predominantly online, and applications are also made digitally.
Ms Moore said: “I think it might be like the social aspects of things like people are a bit scared to leave the house and communicate with others”.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) representative Chris Mannering said there are still opportunities for graduates in the civil service.
Mr Mannering said:" We see so many applications that are just obviously a standard CV or personal statement pushed into a job that doesn't really suit."
From his perspective, employers appreciate job candidates who do not overuse AI and tailor each job application to the job role.
Sheffield SCITT employer Nicole Martinson values candidates that show enthusiasm, potential and drive, and agrees that more needs to be done to bridge the gap for graduates in this difficult job market.
Ms Martinson said: "I know AI is a great tool, but if you are using that, please, please change it so that it's a bit more personal to you.”
“Come to a careers fair and speak to as many people as possible, and then really think about your occupation, and you will be successful.”