Sheffield Martial Arts School offer free classes to combat stigma around men’s mental health
X Martial Arts Sheffield are offering a free monthly class in Nether Edge for men to connect through martial arts.
'Martial Arts for Mental Health' is a safe space where people can meet others and feel a sense of belonging and purpose while doing physical exercise.
The owner of X Martial Arts Sheffield, Craig Williams, 38, said: "Martial arts has been massive for me in terms of building confidence and comfort in social settings.
"Physically and emotionally, it has taken me out of a bad place."
Mr Williams, who has struggled with his own mental health and lost a close family member to suicide, wants to give back to the community and hopes he can share some of the benefits of martial arts with other men.
He said: "I guess for my cousin to feel like he couldn't confide in his family or a close friend speaks to the pain some people can feel."
'Martial Arts for Mental Health' isn't exclusively for men who are struggling and there's no pressure for people to talk, but group stress support is there if needed.
The sessions generally aim to improve mental wellbeing by making participants feel lighter, energised and more motivated.
Mr Williams adds: "You don't have to deal with your problems and worries alone and so I would really encourage people to come to the classes."
He is also hoping to run similar sessions for women in the near future.
The sessions take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 8pm at Common Ground Community Centre in Nether Edge and are open to men over 16.
Call 07877176160 to book a place.
Watch the TikTok here.
South Yorkshire Police appeal to HGV drivers after vehicle checks
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) have stressed the importance of adequate Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) maintenance and drivers not exceeding set hours behind the wheel. This comes after random checks last week exposed low standards.
Alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, SYP stopped a total of 14 HGV's and two LGV's last week. Of these, one of the HGV's stopped had a flat tyre, and another was overloaded with excess cargo.
Further, two drivers had exceeded their driving hours.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: "When you have stood in front of a victim’s loved one and told them of their loss, you realise how every effort is needed to make people think about their actions.
"Those in larger vehicles such as HGV's and LGV’s have to adhere to laws around driving hours and weight as it affects judgement, stopping distance and the safety of everyone else."
SYP identified inaccurate loads, poor maintenance and tired drivers as increasing risks to innocent road users.
This comes as SYP join seven other forces across the country to launch 'Operation Freeway', using unmarked HGV's, provided by National Highways, to tackle unsafe driving on the M1.
The operation is focused on drivers failing to wear seatbelts, using a phone while driving, and failing to control their vehicle, among other offences.
Barnsley face tough test at Oakwell on Tuesday night against a rejuvenated Portsmouth side
Despite winning three out of their last four matches in League One, Barnsley face a tough test on Tuesday night when John Mousinho's Portsmouth side travel to Oakwell.
Barnsley are in impressive form, but Portsmouth haven't lost in their last five games with a recent 3-1 win over promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers standing out.
Still, with home advantage on their side, Barnsley's manager, Michael Duff, is looking forward to the clash regardless of Portsmouth's qualities.
He said: "They've picked up under John (Mousinho) recently. You can see his methods starting to creep into the team, they want to play.
"It will be a tough challenge. They'll still think they have a chance of the play-offs. We're in the sixth place so if they beat us they get three points closer!"
The Tykes will have ex-Bolton player, Luca Connell, back in contention for this match after he sat out on Saturday's 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers.
The defensive midfielder has been a key player for Mr Duff's men this season.
Portsmouth also have Tom Lowery available for this match under the lights at Oakwell. The ex-Crewe midfielder has been unfortunate with injuries since making his summer switch to Fratton Park.
John Mousinho will hope his players can replicate their performance at Cambridge, where they managed to get a narrow 1-0 win, when they make the long journey up to South Yorkshire.
The win was secured despite Pompey only registering five shots all match at The Abbey.
He said: "We ground out the win - that's the best way to sum it up. But, these are the important results."
But they'll need more than grit and determination to win away in South Yorkshire.
Barnsley have won 10 out of their last 15 matches at Oakwell this campaign with the team's home stadium a tough place to visit in League One.
Players such as former Ipswich Town striker, James Norwood, have called on the Tykes' crowd to deliver the same passion they conjured up in a recent win over Derby County.
He said: "They make such a difference, the way they travel in their numbers.
"If they can turn up like that every week until the end of the season, they can put us in a really good position to be able to put teams on the back foot almost immediately after coming out of the tunnel."
Barnsley v Portsmouth can be watched live on iFollow, with YouTube highlights available on both Barnsley and Portsmouth's YouTube channels after the game.
Sheffield United look ahead to Reading game in tense encounter for both clubs
After losing to Blackburn over the weekend, Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has said improvement is needed ahead of their clash with Reading tomorrow.
The Blades were away at Ewood Park and, despite having more shots and possession, fell to a 1-0 defeat. Coming after their FA Cup success against Tottenham last Wednesday, Heckingbottom admitted the result was disappointing.
He said: "I don't want anything about us to be average, I don’t want us to go into a game and hope to win, I want us to impose ourselves and be the team that we want to be.
"We’ve got good players, and I don’t think anyone would be happy with our performance on Saturday.”
Defeat to Blackburn means Sheffield United have lost three of their last five games, leaving them only four points ahead of an in-form Middlesbrough.
Heckingbottom said: "I’m more bothered about what we produce and how we perform.
“That gap is going to chop and change all the time, you’re not going to mirror each other’s results. But with a game in hand, we’re in total control to make that gap bigger or not.”
That game in hand will be against Reading, who lost 5-0 to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Despite that, Paul Ince's Reading side will be taking confidence from their strong home form. In the Championship this season, only three teams have a better points-per-home game ratio than Reading.
Royals defender Tom Holmes said: "It's clear there's a difference between our home form and our away form - that's pretty obvious now.
"But being at home does give us a lift. If we get good numbers into the stadium and put in a good performance, we give ourselves a chance."
But while the team is confident, for the fans who will be filling out Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, it is a nervous time with a possible points deduction looming that could land the club in a relegation battle.
Reading supporter and host of the Elm Park Royals podcast Nick Houlton said: "There's frustration, sadness and just a sense of being fed up.
"After Blackpool it looked like survival was secure but this drops us back into it."
Reading v Sheffield United can be watched live on iFollow, with highlights to be posted on both club's YouTube channels.
Decision to close key footpath in Crookes, Sheffield referred to Whitehall
Plans to close a footpath crossing a former community garden have been sent to the Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs after an objection was received.
The footpath, which has been used as a common area for over 50 years, links Cobden View Road and Northfield Road in Crookes, a Sheffield suburb about 1.5 miles from the city centre.
It was recognised as a public right of way after an application was granted in 2022.
The order to close the footpath can’t be confirmed without approval from the Secretary of State.
Council officers believe that, despite the objection, the Council will still be able to achieve the closure of the path on the basis it is necessary to facilitate development.
An objection to the closure of the footpath states: “It is a valuable local asset, both functionally and aesthetically.”
It also claims that the footpath is much safer than the alternative route, which is steep and could be dangerous in wet or icy weather.
The objection mentions parents prefer using the footpath when walking their children to school as it's further away from the main road and therefore safer.
The opposition comes a year after members of the Crookes community lost a petition signed by 673 people to save the adjacent green space from development.
There were over 100 objections to a planning application by Urbana Town and Planning to build six family homes on the green space on Cobden View Road.
But in June 2022, it was approved by Sheffield City Council Planning and Highways Committee.
In the report about the housing development, Sheffield Planning officers state “there would be no objection to the diversion of this as it would not result in people having to travel a significantly greater distance.”
Minesh Parekh, Labour and Cooperative Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, said: “If we’re looking to address the climate and nature emergencies we need to protect green spaces in urban environments.”
Having used the footpath on his way to university as a student, Mr. Parekh worries its closure is a 'foregone conclusion' when the development next to the path has been approved.
He said: “I do worry that so many of these decisions are already made in Government offices in Whitehall.
“I worry that there’s a lack of powers for local authorities and planning and actual decision making - so much of it is just a formality."
Despite this fear, Mr Parekh said he is committed to putting forward the views of the Crookes community in maintaining the right of way.
Abstract art appears in Firth Park as part of new council initiative
The first piece of abstract art has appeared in Firth Park as part of Sheffield City Council's Economic Recovery Fund.
The art, which was created by colour theory artist Bryan John, will hopefully bring more people to the area and increase foot traffic into the nearby high street.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr John said: "Sheffield city centre has a very long history of street art, so its good to see some more areas get some.
"It will bring pride back into the community. Instead of looking at graffiti people can look at some beautiful artwork that was made for them."
The artwork is due to be joined by further pieces in the coming weeks, all with an abstract theme.
The local artist, based in Millhouses, designed the abstract art based on colour theory and colour coordination.
Commenting on the project, Sheffield City Council said: "The Economic Recovery Fund is a grant fund supporting work to improve local high streets and encourage residents and visitors to spend their time and shop there."
"The fund has already been successful in other areas of Sheffield, such as an eye-catching planting scheme in Broomhill."
Grants are aimed at supporting high street businesses who have proposed that funding from the council will increase the amount of people who visit their area.
The council are offering grants of up to £200,000 for similar projects across the city.
More information about the fund can be found at Economic Recovery Fund | Sheffield City Council.
“We want it to belong to Sheffield:” Free festival in Woodseats to be expanded to more city suburbs after turnout success
Woodseats Live is the cultural event that shook Sheffield's music scene on Saturday, seeing over 90 artists perform to bars crowded with hundreds of people, all eager to have a good time.
The festival took place on March 6 across 10 popular venues in Woodseats, including The Abbey and Chantrey Arms.
Ciaron Elm, 34, is a Freelance Entertainment Consultant, and an organiser behind Woodseats Live.
He said: “There’s people from all walks of life in this city, from all over the world, and from all kinds of different backgrounds.
We want to make sure there is an accessible way to see all of the wonderful culture and art that we have on offer in Sheffield.”
The event was sponsored by Turner Guitars, Finale Guitars, and Finale Music School, and there has been interest by future sponsors to expand the festival across the city.
Plans are underway for Heeley and Meersbrook Live this May, and locations such as London Road and Abbeydale Road will follow later in the year.
Attendee Theo Parmakis, 29, a local instrument maker, said: “I think it's a good way to bring people together. Sheffield is big but small, and an event like this feels like it draws a lot of people in from various different circles.”
Future festival goers can expect to see visual art and installations added to the long set list, along with the music and comedy showcased by Woodseats Live.
Set up as a community interest operation, all profits go into carrying on the events and paying the performers.
Mr Elm said: "We want it to belong to Sheffield.
“With the difficulties that entertainment faced through the pandemic, there will always be some channel for artists to be paid for their time.”
Over 200 artists applied to perform on Saturday, and those who missed out can apply for future festivals.
Mr Elm said: "We have to work together to support the whole industry and keep it alive.
“I think this time next year, the live music scene in Sheffield is going to be really back on the map.”
Sheffield Beer Week kicks off today with hops themed events across the city
The ninth annual Sheffield Beer Week began today with a series of events taking place across the Steel City.
The week, which focuses on supporting independent beer businesses and breweries, runs from 6 to 12 March.
On the line up are several tap takeovers at local bars, pub quizzes, beer showcases and tastings.
Along with the opportunities to drink craft beer and find new local favourites, there are some unique one-off events.
On 8 March, Heist Brew Co and hosting a roleplaying event based on Grant Howitt's RPG Honey Heist.
The premise: you are hired to infiltrate Sheffield's Indie Beer Feast 2023 to steal the original recipe for Stones Best Bitter and the twist: you're a bear.
Events for International Women's Day are also being held with a free celebration of the day being held at Hop Hideout on 8 March and Lost Industry holding a women's only brew day on 9 March.
Alder, which was recently named Sheffield's best bar in the Battle of the Boozers, brewed their own bitters in partnership with Big Trip Brewing as part of the week long event.
The first Sheffield Beer Week, held in 2015, was coordinated by Jules Gray and Clare Tollick after they were inspired by the success of the SIBA conference and Beer X festival.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sheffield Beer Week operated in a virtual capacity in 2021 and used a mix of in person and online events for their 2022 line-up.
Rotherham cheer team come second at NCA Championships
A cheerleading team based in Rotherham has come second in the NCA All-Star National Championships which took place in Texas last weekend.
Trailblazer Allstars were runners-up in the hardest level of the competition, losing to Cheer Extreme Super 7 who have won the title three years in a row.
The competition is one of the biggest in international cheerleading, with over 25,000 athletes taking part across various ages. The arena holds roughly 50,000 spectators, with one performance floor and three separate halls with competition floors where lower levels were competing.
Miriam Kuepper, 24, a member of the Trailblazers, said she: "couldn’t believe how well they would do, just being there was so amazing".
She added it was nerve-wracking going onto the floor on the Sunday to perform as many teams were waiting for the awards ceremony to begin but they did not let it affect their performance.
"The feeling of doing it was just amazing, I rang my mum at around 4am and just realized what we had achieved."
The Trailblazers were also surprised with a trip to Trinity Valley Community College whose team are involved in the Netflix show Cheer. Miss Kuepper said they had the opportunity to meet the team who wanted to keep their Trailblazer flag as a souvenir.
She added: "It was an even bigger highlight to the experience because it was so unexpected."
The Trailblazers have four more competitions this season with high aspirations to qualify for the World Championships, which the team failed to qualify for last year.
Doncaster Rovers Belles’ recent impressive form recognised in Manager of the Month award win
Doncaster Rovers Belles are celebrating a Manager of the Month award win after the women's side won five Division One matches on the spin.
Nick Buxton, who is formerly a professional goalkeeper, has risen through the ranks at the ladies side to become the first team manager. He was previously a coach under the tenure of ex Belles boss Andy Butler and he even helped out before this in the Doncaster Academy.
Now, however, he is bringing success back to the Belles.
Once regarded as a titan of the women's game - with six Women's FA Cups under their belt and even two FA Women's Premier League titles in their trophy cabinet - Doncaster Rovers Belles now find themselves in the Division One Midlands attempting to rebuild.
Impressive wins such as a 6-1 victory over Long Eaton United and a 3-0 win over Lincoln City has Buxton's side in second spot, three points off league leaders Stourbridge.
Nick Buxton was understandably delighted with his Manager of the Month accolade, praising his players for all their recent efforts.
Mr Buxton said: "It's a real great achievement but it's not just by me. I've said to the girls before, my name is on the award but it goes down to everybody."
A 2-0 loss to league leaders Stourbridge on Sunday does have the potential to sour this recent award win but Nick Buxton remains focussed for the season ahead.
He said: "For the rest of the season, hopefully, you know we are still in there for promotion. Unfortunately, we came up short against a really good team but there's still a month and a bit to go. We are going to give it our best shot!"
Doncaster Rovers Belles next play on the 12th of March away at Northampton Town before returning to home soil at the Iqbal Poultry Stadium to face off against Wem Town on the 19th.
Sheffield’s Snowdrop Project launch urgent appeal for Half Marathon volunteers
Sheffield's Snowdrop Project has launched an urgent appeal for Half Marathon marshal volunteers to support runners at the event.
The charity, who are partnered with Run for All for Sheffield Half Marathon and Sheffield 10k, are hoping to raise £6000 from the day and spread awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery.
Community and Events Fundraising Manager, Melissa Mason, 23, said: "It's amazing to be able to encourage runners to take part in the race and be there on the day to cheer them on and get them to the finish line."
The Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 26 March and starts at Arundel Gate.
Miss Mason said: "Marshals are so important as they help keep our runners motivated while they take on the hills of Sheffield and we have been told we are the best cheerers on the course."
Snowdrop Project are also taking part in the Sheffield 10k in September and will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next Summer.
There are a number of other ways to get involved such as organising your own fundraising event, becoming a regular donor or volunteering.
For more information email fundraising@snowdropproject.co.uk
Watch the TikTok here.
South Yorkshire Police launch weeklong operation to tackle unsafe driving on the M1
South Yorkshire is one of eight regions across England where police are running a week of action to crack down on unsafe driving on the M1.
Operation Freeway takes advantage of each of these eight forces' access to an unmarked HGV tractor unit, which allows officers to see into higher vehicles and get a better view into lower ones.
Roads Policing Officers from the Operational Support Unit of South Yorkshire Police (SYP) launched the operation on March 3, and is due to run for five-days.
Roads Policing Acting Sergeant Rod McEnery said: "We are out there 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will continue to do everything we can to prosecute those who pose a risk, educate drivers and create safer roads."
"Everyone can take simple steps to reduce risk to other drivers; put your phone away, put your seatbelt on, don’t speed and ensure you’re following the laws surrounding your vehicle’s use."
In the last operation of this kind, Roads Policing Officers of SYP witnessed 244 offences.
During a short drive on the morning of 3 March, officers found one driver on their mobile phone, one driver not in proper control of their vehicle and one driver without a seatbelt on.
The unmarked HGV's have been provided by National Highways, the company responsible for operating England's motorways and major A roads, who are working with police force's on this operation.
National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We are committed to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured while travelling on our roads by 50% by 2025 and we have a long term ambition for zero harm.
The point of the week of action aims to encourage road users to practice safer driving.
Mr Phillips added: "Those who continue to pose a risk should be aware that we are working with our police partners to make sure they are spotted and prevented from causing serious harm to themselves or others."
According to National Highways, in 2022 there were 73,593 incidents on the M1, the motorway this operation is targeting.
National Highways have published photos and videos of road users committing offences, including a video of a woman using a mobile phone whilst driving, and a video of a man driving a loaded car transporter with just his elbows, below.
Acting Sergeant McEnery added: "I urge drivers to think about how they would feel if they killed someone, as ultimately this is what can happen without your full attention being on the road."
Police want drivers to voluntarily change their behaviour and drive more safely; wearing seatbelts, not using their mobile phones, and staying in control of their cars. But they are prepared to take action against those who break the law.
Consequences for drivers range from warnings to fixed penalty notices, court summons or arrest.