New cohousing community to start building work on Sheffield site
Building work is due to start on a housing project in Sheffield, where around 35 people will live on a shared patch of land.
Members of Five Rivers Cohousing will share a common house, the grounds and even cars on the site in Wisewood on the edge of the Loxley Valley.
But they'll have also have their own flat for a bit of privacy.
The soon-to-be neighbours plan to cook together a few times a week, and engage in community activities.
Five Rivers member Ben Bowman said the community feel is what drew him to the project, especially after how isolating he found the pandemic.
"Life is really hard in this country right now, and cohousing is about thinking how we can support each other," he said. It's about how we can be welcoming and sharing and supportive in hard times.
"I'm really excited about building that community."
Fellow member Jill Angood explained how the emphasis on sharing resources will help residents.
"We have a climate crisis, and we have a cost of living crisis. Sharing helps both of those things," she said.
"If we have a laundry, we don't all need separate washing machines. We can share that equipment, and that would save money.
"There's definitely an expectation that we will share cars. So that means that people can share the expense of having and insuring one.
"It's about not buying loads of stuff that duplicates what my neighbours have."
She said the project was a counterpoint to a "broken housing market where lots of people makes loads of money from housing, and then lots of people can't get housing."
"The private rental market is shockingly irregulated," she said. "There are good landlords, but there are an awful lot of situations where people are insecure.
"So part of what cohousing is about is being good landlords for each other, and for the property we own.
Cohousing projects have been around since the 1960s in Denmark, but are relatively rare in the UK.
Five Rivers will follow in the footsteps of a handful of such initiatives in Sheffield. These include On the Brink Cohousing in Brincliffe and Shirle Hill in Nether Edge.
The Artist Taxi Driver returns to Sheffield for his third art exhibition at Cole’s Corner
An innovative artist known for his YouTube media reviews and artwork on newspaper will be hosting an in-person version with Sheffield Hallam's MP this weekend.
The Artist Taxi Driver, aka Mark McGowan, will return to Cole's Corner on Abbeydale Road for an exhibition and newspaper review with Olivia Blake.
Nicole Jewitt, owner of Cole's Corner, 46, mentioned how her independent record shop and café built a relationship with Mark after one of his art pieces caught the eye of several customers.
She said: "It started with a print that somebody bought me when we first opened the shop, which was a small pigeon, that says, Still Hate Thatcher.
"We put it in our toilet when we first opened the bar and I'd say about 50 people asked me if they could buy it within the first few months of us being there and that's why I got in touch with Mark."
Mr McGowan's previous visits have seen him review the Sunday newspapers with the likes of Magid Magid, the former Lord Mayor and John McClure, also known as the "The Reverend" from the Reverend and the Makers.
Ms Jewitt alluded to how this year the Sunday newspaper review may have a special guest alongside Ms Blake.
Speaking of his art, especially in relation to using newspapers as his canvas, Mr McGowan said: "I love painting on newspaper, it’s an incredible canvas and I always see them as historical paintings.
"The watercolours are just from a feeling of wanting to make the world a better place to put something out there that brighten peoples day, art is amazing and extraordinary, I think it’s political but it’s also healing and nurturing."
The exhibition runs from 1pm on Saturday 3 December to 4pm on the Sunday, with an artist talk in the early evening of Saturday. The newspaper review will take place on Sunday.
Steelkings stars set to light up the world stage
Three players from Sheffield’s para ice hockey team have been selected to represent Great Britain at this years C-Pool World Championships.
Sheffield Steelkings Bryan Hackworth, Gary Farmer and AJ Mead have travelled to Thailand to compete for the gold medal and promotion to the B-Pool division.
The Steelkings sent a message of support to their players travelling with the rest of their international team mates.
They said: "We are very proud of Bryan, Gary and AJ for their Great Britain selection for the upcoming World Para Ice Hockey Pool-C World Championships.
“We work really hard to get the very best out of our players and I am confident in their ability to do well at this tournament."
The team are hopeful they can eventually become a A-Pool team and compete in the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
Net minder, Bryan Hackworth, 34, who has played the sport for 17 years, spoke of the camaraderie amongst the GB camp and how this will benefit them when gunning for gold.
He said: “We have trained more as a team so that we can just concentrate on this particular tournament.
“It’s a good bunch of lads that we’ve managed to get out there."
Para ice hockey is not funded at government level meaning all for travel and tournament fees has to be paid for by the players.
Hackworth's aunt, Linda Rowland, explained how her nephew created a GoFundMe page, to finance the expenses he will incur through the tournament, and has currently raised £1335.
She said: “He’s a little bit short of the actual amount needed at the moment. The gym he goes to are having a fundraising day and we are actually selling one of our cars to fill the gap.”
The Steelkings said: “It certainly adds extra pressure when you go to a tournament like this, having had to self-fund the trip, but hopefully they can finish first, gain promotion and shine a spotlight on this amazing sport.
The Sheffield Steelkings are one of two para ice-hockey teams in Sheffield. Along with the Steel Stings, they compete in the British Para Ice Hockey League against teams including the Cardiff Huskies and the Peterborough Phantoms.
Bangkok is hosting the tournament, which runs from from the 6 to 11 December.
Sheffield Cathedral spreads festive joy with third annual Christmas light show
A show which celebrates the heart of the Christmas story has been called "the most beautiful and uplifting event I have ever seen in this city."
This was one visitor's view on the Sheffield Cathedral event, themed this year as 'The Manger'.
The Cathedral expects to welcome thousands of visitors this year to see the display of Christmas-themed digital art that will be projected on the main face of the Cathedral.
The previous shows from 2019 and 2020 welcomed more than 20,000 people in total.
The Very Reverend Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, said: "We want to share the Christmas story and invite everyone to
come along and see the Cathedral transformed by light and sound and to start their Christmas celebrations with us.”
All of the artwork is created by Luxmuralis, a digital arts specialist working in collaboration with the Cathedral.
Peter Walker, artistic director of Luxmuralis, said: “We are delighted to return to Sheffield for our third Christmas show at the Cathedral. For many the illuminations have become a tradition for Sheffield, bringing people of all ages and all backgrounds together in the heart of the city.
"The Manger is a beautiful production which we are sure will get people in the mood for Christmas celebrations this year.”
Alongside the lights, the Cathedral features 40 Christmas trees that have been decorated by local businesses, charities and community groups.
The lights go on at 5.30pm every evening until 4 December and tickets are still available to purchase online.
Sheffield wig bank hosting fundraiser for new salon
A charity founder has organised an event for new facilities because the living room she operates out of is now ‘bursting at the seams’.
Hayley Ekwubiri, 34, of Intake, owns the Self Empowered wig bank which provides free wigs to those experiencing hair loss.
Ms Ekwubiri said: “It’s a misconception that hair loss isn’t a big deal, but hair is a huge part of our identity.
“So just because someone doesn’t have biological hair doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a great experience at the hairdressers and feel empowered in their own skin.”
After previously working for a wig maker, Ms Ekwubiri opened her hair charity in her garden shed a year ago but has since moved to a new house where the salon is now based.
She said: “People come to me for a wig and ask to be made beautiful again.
“But I tell them that's not what I'm doing. They’re already beautiful - I’m just here to make their hair journey a positive experience.”
But with her wigs in high demand, Ms Ekwubiri has outgrown her salon and is looking to hit her target of £1,000 to help fund a new one.
She said: “We were bursting at the seams, but this fundraiser means my charity can find a new home, which is vital because it has such a massive impact on the community.”
The importance of having free wig banks like Self Empowered is echoed by Rachel Wadsworth from Sheffield Alopecia UK who understands the burden of buying hair.
She said: “Wig Bank services are hugely valuable to those who struggle with the affordability of purchasing wigs.
“It's great when businesses do their bit to help those who might be in distress and find it hard to access the products they need.”
The Self Empowered fundraiser will take place on 3 December at The George Pub in Woodhouse at 3pm, with activities ranging from food and homemade crafts to donkeys and Santa for the kids.
Ms Ekwubiri said: “I'm a firm believer in inclusivity so no matter your background come down and celebrate this great cause with us.”
The charity is also asking anyone who has old wigs, extensions or hair pieces, no matter the condition, to donate.
Ms Ekwubiri said: “It means so much to be able to help - It’s such a small act yet it impacts people so massively.”
Santa Paws Walk to raise money for Sheffield Support Dogs
A Sheffield charity is hosting a Santa Claus walk this month to raise money for support dogs across the UK.
The specialist assistance animals provide life-changing support for people with epilepsy, autism and physical disabilities who need help performing daily and essential tasks.
Danny Anderson, Fundraising Manager at Support Dogs, said: “It can be live saving and gives people their independence back. We have clients who are parents now and they wouldn’t be able to hold, or be alone with their children, but their dogs help them.
“It means they can leave their home and be okay and know they have their dog there to support them."
The walk aims to raise money for the charity and also encourage people to volunteer to help socialise puppies before they are old enough to attend school or foster dogs in training.
Mr Anderson said: "It’s been a lovely event for us in the past. It’s about getting people who are dog lovers or walking lovers or just love the idea of our charity to get them out on a lovely crisp winter morning, going out and have a lovely walk raising money for our charity.
People who wish to take part in the walk are encouraged to bring their own dogs who will be given a goody bag after completing the trail.
"There’s lots of opportunity to eat cake and lots of opportunity to dress up and look silly," Mr Anderson said.
According to statistics from 2018/19, fundraising and donations from individuals, groups and businesses accounted for 46% of the charity's income.
Mr Anderson: “We provide all our services entirely free of charge and the cost of living and inflation has hit small charities like us really hard.”
The annual Santa Paws Walk is set to take place on 11 December and will be setting off from Endcliffe Park before splitting into three different routes, including an accessible 3km trail.
To participate in the event, entrants are asked to pay £10, which includes a free Santa hat and some cake at the end of the route.
Annual Victorian Christmas Market opens tomorrow
Seasonal food, entertainment and gifts will be on offer at the Victorian Christmas Market, which opens tomorrow at Kelham Island Museum.
For two days there will be 80 stalls selling Sheffield-made wares including ceramics, prints, jewellery and handmade cards and food featuring a traditional hog roast, Bavarian sausages and traditional mulled wine.
The market will be open on Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sunday from the same time until 5pm.
Kim Streets, chief executive of Sheffield Museums, said: “Kelham Island Museum’s Victorian Christmas Market has become a Sheffield tradition and the start of seasonal celebrations for so many people in the city.
“It’s one of our favourite times of year and we can’t wait to welcome people.”
Entertainment including brass bands, dancers and carollers will be there, as well as the opportunity to relax in the museum’s onsite pub, The Millowners Arms.
Admission charge is £7.50 for adults and free for accompanied children under 16.
Sheffield donated 15 beds to Ugandan mental health ward
A Sheffield health organisation has paid for 15 new hospital beds to ease pressure on mental health services in Uganda.
The country, which has a population of over 43 million but only 43 psychiatrists, has struggled to keep up with demands on their limited wellbeing services.
Nicholas Opiyo, who works at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, where the beds were donated, said: "We had 24 patients in the ward, but now we have less than 15. This is a clear sign the patients are improving, so they're getting help from the beds installed on the ward."
The partnership with Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust and the mental health ward at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, offer support through expertise and privately-fundraised projects.
Uganda was rocked by a 20 year civil war which began in the 1980s. The Uganda National Liberation Front moved people into refugee camps, where it was reported a series of human rights abuses took place.
The country's limited mental health support is now straining under the weight of people who were traumatised during the war, resulting in high levels of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and a rising number of suicides.
Mr Opiyo said: "People witnessed their mothers being killed in front of them. Mothers were forced to have intercourse with their children in front of the public.
"People were abducted, taken to the bush and made to kill people. When the war ended, their land had been taken. Issues of land conflict have exposed so many people to depression because people don't have anywhere to belong."
Mr Opiyo explained the mental health unit at the hospital has in the past been forced to turn people away due to a lack of unusable beds. Some were in such a bad condition patients were contracting infections from them.
Greg Harrisson, coordinator of the Sheffield and Uganda partnership, said: "The benefits to the staff here who go to Gulu are also very strong. It is a two-way thing. Health staff from Sheffield who go to the hospital feel more confident.
"They also feel stronger working as a team. [Our staff] say their service to people has improved, so there's definitely a benefit to the NHS and Sheffield."
Sheffield’s Gay Quarter part closes and has late licence removed
Queer Junction has been forced to close while their neighbour Dempsey's has lost their late licence, as the two have been branded the "most crime ridden" in Sheffield.
After 22 years of being the hub of Sheffield's gay scene, it was announced late on Thursday night that Sheffield Gay Quarter on Hereford Street is fighting collapse.
South Yorkshire Police named the two venues as "the most crime ridden" in the city with the number of sexual and homophobic attacks peaking in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday. They were the only two locations in the city with a license to stay open till 6am.
With over five percent of the Sheffield population estimated to be LGBTQ+, there now remains only one nightclub tailored towards the community.
Dempsey's Bar and Club posted on their Facebook that the change in opening hours is "totally out of our control" to a large and mainly unhappy response from customers.
Labour MP for Sheffield Central Paul Blomfield said: "Dempsey's has always played a really important role, certainly in the LGBTQ+ community, and it's bad news. It's simply shocking that in this day and age the community is still facing any kind of harassment. We should be doing everything we can to support a vibrant LGBTQ+ community within Sheffield."
Queer Junction also put out a post, saying that they "have no option other than to close [their] doors." They have speculated that police are looking to shut down any club opening past 3am.
The manager and assistant manager for Dempsey's were unavailable for comment.
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Sheffield’s Snowdrop Project donates Christmas bags for modern slavery and human trafficking survivors
Sheffield's Snowdrop Project has prepared more than 100 Christmas gift bags for human trafficking and modern slavery victims to help them celebrate the festive season.
The award winning charity were initially concerned the cost of living crisis would hinder their plans to help those most in need.
Katie Pendray, 30, Communications Manager for the charity, said: "We've been amazed this year because we've managed to get all 100 gift bags in only a couple of weeks.
"Sometimes these will be the only thing our clients receive that year because they're either alone or their families live in different countries, so it's often the highlight of their year."
The gift bags are filled with a variety of presents including chocolate, stationery, clothing accessories and bubble bath.
Despite reaching their goal, the charity has noticed a decrease in support this winter and staff have launched a new campaign asking people if they can donate just the cost of a hot drink or a meal for the survivors.
"This is a really tough time for the survivors we support in terms of how the cost of living crisis has hit them, but also for us as a charity. Some of our clients have just moved into council flats and are really scared to turn on their heating," said Ms Pendray.
"Some have mushrooms growing on their walls because of the damp and mould in their buildings."
The Snowdrop Project has had to make some very difficult decisions this year, but they remain committed to keeping their support services running as usual over the winter.
Ms Pendray said: "We really don't want to reduce our support because this is the time people need it more than ever."
Last year, the project supported 124 people in their recovery .Services include one-to-one casework support and community activities lsuch as pottery, English classes and toddler groups, creating a safe space for survivors.
One client, who turned to the charity for support, said: "When I'm out and about I feel fearful, but when I walk into the Snowdrop Project office, that fear is gone."
Visit the charity's website here to make a donation.
Sheffield University researchers work on AI project to combat disinformation
Sheffield University are working on a new project to develop artificial intelligence in a bid to tackle digital disinformation.
The multi-million pound scheme will use cutting edge tools to target the increasing spread of misleading information which finds its way into the public domain.
Dr Carolina Scarton, 35, a lecturer in Natural Language Processing at Sheffield University, said: "Digital disinformation is evolving and becoming easier to create, yet increasingly harder to detect and verify."
The project, Vera.ai, is bringing together experts from many different fields, including Computer Science, Social Sciences and Journalism.
"Our main aim is to create AI tools to support journalists and fact-checkers in identifying and debunking disinformation that appears in multiple platforms like social media, closed networks and even in the mainstream media," said Dr Scarton.
Technological developments mean the creation of deceiving material, like forged images, requires less expertise and is becoming increasingly difficult to spot.
The Vera.ai team aims to keep up with these developments and make sure the new tools are open, easy to use and accessible to the general public.
Prof Kalina Bontcheva, Head of the Natural Language (NLP) research group at the University and the Vera.ai scientific director, said: "With disinformation growing continuously in terms of its volume, spread and sophistication, new tools are urgently needed to help verification professionals with detection, analysis and exposure of disinformation campaigns in a timely and reliable manner."
Disinformation can appear in various forms, including audio, video, images, and text, and is defined as false or misleading information created to deceive the general public for economic gain.
Researchers from the University believe disinformation poses a serious threat to the functioning of open democracies, public discourse, the economy and social cohesion.
Dr Scarton explained disinformation around the Covid-19 vaccine caused a reduction in the rate of vaccinations, which was a severe public health risk.
She said: "Not only did it lead to a reduction in rates of the Covid vaccine, but also caused doubt about other vaccines."
Sophisticated disinformation campaigns around the war in Ukraine have also been used to spread false information to citizens.
Dr Scarton said: "The project has created many opportunities for us in terms of future long-term collaborations with researchers and key stakeholders in the field."
Vera.ai will also act as a continuation of the successful WeVerify project which led to the creation of a browser extension with over 70,000 monthly users.