Virtual volunteering: How has the pandemic impacted the UK’s voluntary sector one year on?
“We saw a massive influx of people wanting to volunteer, wanting to get involved, so we had to adapt and improve our process with online training, telephone interviews, webinar training."Next Tuesday marks a whole year since the beginning of lockdown restrictions, the day we entered into a new world of separation from loved ones and had to move our work and social lives online. For the UK's voluntary sector, these disruptions created both difficulties and new opportunities. At the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, 10 million people across the UK were volunteering within their communities, according to a study by Legal & General last May. One organisation which experienced a flood of volunteers applying over the course of the pandemic was Yorkshire-based domestic abuse charity IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services). Volunteer organiser with IDAS, Alison Maynard said: "We saw a massive influx of people wanting to volunteer, wanting to get involved, so we had to adapt and improve our process with online training, telephone interviews, webinar training, getting to know the volunteer post-training interviews and then how to carry out shadowing sessions, you know that type of thing online."
Alison Maynard, Volunteer Organiser with domestic abuse charity IDAS.
Sheffield performer held live charity concert online for Mother’s Day
Credit: Stevie Moore
A local singer held an online live music performance yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day.
Patricia Lynn Moore, who has 30 years of public performance experience, completed a live one hour show on Facebook. The guests were from far afield as Canada and Las Vegas.
The money raised from Ms. Moore’s concert is being donated to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
“It was to build the children's cancer ward when I first joined four years ago," Ms. Moore said. Now the funds raised every year are used not only for improving facilities and purchasing medical equipment, but also research to find a cure.
credit: Stevie Moore
Ms. Moore’s father inspired her by using music therapy to help elderly people.
Ten years ago, Ms. Moore's father had dementia and was admitted in a care home. Since then, she has started singing some old songs in the care home, hoping to bring back their memories. "Elderly people react amazingly to old music. It helps to stimulate their memories," Stevie Moore, the son of Ms. Moore, said.
Although most of her performances target the elderly, many young people are actively participating. Mr. Moore often joins in with his mother’s performances and they can play many different styles within the genre.
"I always find it uplifting to hear her sing," Nicholas Horn, one member of the audience, said.
Ms. Moore and Mr. Moore are also often invited to participate in Music Makes Memories, an event of which everyone is welcomed to participate in one hour per week, free of charge.
“It's just about loneliness and social isolation. It gives people something to look forward to, like normally they become long term events,” Kathy Markwick, a Freelance Community Consultant, said.
“We have different entertainers, they will bring something different.” She added.
Sheffield environmental groups criticise “timid” Council climate plans
By Ed Brown and Jack Williamson Sheffield City Council has come under scrutiny from Sheffield environmental groups after unveiling their plans to reduce carbon emissions. The council will be holding its first Zero Carbon Summit this Friday. Here, it will release the findings from its Pathways to Zero report, which lays out how to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 85% by 2030. But the council already pledged in 2019 to be a zero carbon city by 2030. Richard Teasdale, 52, Local Group Coordinator for Sheffield Greenpeace, was concerned by the council adjusting their carbon neutrality targets. “They are already tempering the target to 85%, it is almost as if to say, ‘s**t, we are not going to get to a hundred, it is just impossible’” he said. Mr Teasdale was only made aware of the summit via a council email when it had nearly sold out. The summit is being hosted virtually on Zoom, which has a maximum capacity of 1000 people on a single call. He said: “1000 isn’t exactly 'wow', when the population of Sheffield is roughly 700,000.” “An invitation would have been nice,” said a spokesperson from Sheffield Environmental. “I expect a lot of words to be said about how Sheffield is the greenest city in the country. “But those words will mean very little unless they are setting targets that are fully accountable.” Lindy Stone, a Sheffield Friends of the Earth coordinator, shared Sheffield Environmental's concerns. She said: “Success in reaching Net Zero by 2030, which is necessary for the future health and wellbeing of our children and grandchildren, requires genuine leadership.” “So far, there has been a reticence to take the actions required." “Now is not the time for timidity" she added. Funds for climate projects are already limited, with the City Council already forecasting a £72 million shortfall in their budget over the next four years due to COVID-19. Councillor Mark Jones, cabinet member for the environment and climate change, defended the City Council's plans. He said: “We knew that zero carbon was an ambitious commitment and would be a challenge, but these reports give us a clear, evidenced-based route we can take to reduce emissions.” “Recent progress includes our plans for a greener vehicle fleet and installation of new electric charge points and we continue to prioritise sustainability across projects and policies.”
Crucible set to allow fans in to World Snooker Championships
Credit- Billy R (Flickr) A limited number of fans will be allowed into the Crucible this April to watch the World Snooker Championships. This is despite the restrictions on indoor sporting activities not being lifted until the 17 May according to the official government roadmap. The Crucible is part of a limited pilot reopening scheme launched by the Minister for Culture, Oliver Dowden. The scheme is set to allow people into events such as the World Snooker Championship and FA Cup Final to collect data on the returning of fans to sports. Oliver Dowden said: "Major events including the FA Cup final at Wembley in May are being lined up as pilots to help pave the way for fans and audiences to return this summer without social distancing. We want to get people back to safely enjoying what they love." The World Snooker Tour chairman, Barry Hearn, said he was thrilled to be welcoming fans back to the Crucible. He said: “This is fabulous news for the players, who have really missed the buzz of playing in front of a crowd. The atmosphere on the first morning at the Crucible will be better than ever. And for those lucky few who have a golden ticket it will an amazing experience." Fans reactions to news was largely positive with many indicating their excitement to finally be allowed back into sporting events. Some did indicate their concerns at being used as 'guinea-pigs' as part of the government's research strategy and others proposed alternate strategies for the reopening of the Snooker World Championship. The Snooker World Championship will run from the 17 April to the 3 May with tickets now on sale.
The Voice’s Leona Jorgensen has ‘done Sheffield proud’ after semi-final exit
Image Credit: ITV Despite being voted out of the competition on Saturday night, the former Sheffield busker has remained upbeat about the next chapter of her career. Leona Jorgensen, of Norfolk Park, had gathered a loyal army of supporters after her performances on the ITV show talent show The Voice. Known in the city for her busking on The Moor in the city centre, she was picked by Anne-Marie in the first semi-final last weekend after her rendition of Justin Bieber's Holy. However, Saturday's show saw her lose out to Anne-Marie's other mentee Craig Eddie in a public vote that was announced online rather than live on air. Leona took to Instagram last night and said: "From busking to being on your screens was a madness and an absolute pleasure. "I appreciate your love and support more than you'll ever know." The show's format was a source of real controversy among viewers as Leona and the three other contestants who performed in the first semi-final were all eliminated. Meanwhile, each of the quartet who performed on Saturday went through to the final. This attracted criticism from viewers who felt it was unfair as Saturday's performers would have been fresher in the minds of voters. One viewer said on Twitter: "What a complete fix, obviously these 4 were going to get through over the ones that were on last week's show as they were fresh in people memories." Nevertheless, despite the disappointment of Leona's departure from the show, there was an outpouring of love from fans who expressed their pride at her performances. A fan commented: "So proud of you, you deserve every inch of success coming your way." Another said: "So gutted, you're my winner no matter what, you've done Sheffield proud". Leona has expressed her support for her fellow team-mate Craig Eddie and said: "Excited for what's coming next!!!"
Who’s set to replace Chris Wilder?
Credit- Wikimedia Commons
After guiding Sheffield United from the depths of League One to the dizzying heights of the Premier League, who could possibly replace Sheffield's own Chris Wilder? With Sheffield United facing the likelihood of relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, the Blades need a manager who can rebuild after a calamitous season.Paul Heckingbottom
Paul Heckingbottom has already been given the role of interim manager at United, but if he shines in his new role, he could be given the job when a pemanent manager is assigned at the end of the season. Heckingbottom is already the bookies favourite, with 2/1 odds. He won the EFL Trophy with Barnsley in 2016, as well as gaining promotion from League One to the Championship with the same side. However, he lacks Premier League managerial experience and after his defeat on Sunday to Leicester City 5-0, United's owners may search for someone more comfortable with top-flight football. Eddie Howe
Credit- Stuart Bramley
Jason Tindall
While Tindall has worked Eddie Howe for most of his career, he does have managerial experience himself and is already on the coaching staff at Sheffield United. Tindall most recently had a seven-month stint as the manager of Bournemouth, which ended with his sacking in February after a string of poor results. He may be an outside choice to become the Blades' new manager, but his position within the coaching staff may make him the natural successor to Heckingbottom if he is snubbed for the permanent manager role in summer.
Credit- Graham (Flickr)
Neil Lennon
The former Northern Ireland international ended his managerial career at Celtic earlier this year after a string of bad results and a controversy over a training trip to Dubai during the pandemic. This does not erase his previous success at the helm in Glasgow, where he helped Celtic achieve a treble of domestic trebles. Lennon is a trophy winning manager, and for a team on their way down to the Championship, this may be just what they need. Lennon is ready and willing for a quick return to club management, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live recently, and would be an interesting choice for manager.Frank Lampard
Lampard has only been in managerial roles since 2018, but has been successful during his time at Derby and Chelsea- proving he is a good choice for both the top flight and the Championship.
His time at Derby saw them just miss out on promotion to the Premier League, and while at Chelsea he guided them to fourth in the league and an FA Cup final.
Lampard may be an outside bet for some, yet he has 4/1 odds according to BetFair. Lampard’s status might help to attract new talent to the beleagured United squad, but there are questions around his willingness to move from Champions League football back to the Championship.
New investment to improve sustainability of Sheffield transport
A Sheffield City Councillor has said South Yorkshire transport will prosper under Dan Jarvis' £860m Renewal Fund. The Regional Mayor's plans for a Covid-19 renewal investment would revitalise the local economy and transform the area. Cabinet Member for Transport and Development, Julie Grocutt, believes the funding can make Sheffield's public transport system the ‘envy’ of the country. She said: “Dan Jarvis has understood the importance of getting transport right, after a difficult time. I’m looking forward to working with him, to make sure we have a sustainable system that is fit for now and the future. “There has been a lot of good work which I hope will come to fruition, now we have the funding, because it is the lifeblood for a lot of people.”
Councillor, Julie Grocutt, believes the funding will create a transport system fit for the people of Sheffield.
From 2022 onwards, the MCA would borrow £500m against its gainshare, to invest £300m into infrastructure and transport and £200m into jobs and skills.A Labour Mayor and Labour councils delivering investment and renewal for South Yorkshire.
While the Conservative government fails to invest in areas that need support.
That's what's at stake in the May elections. https://t.co/Z8eYbNlPZE
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 13, 2021
On the Sheffield City Region website, Mr Jarvis stated the deal was "rewriting the rule book".
He said: “Our plan sends a crystal-clear message of ambition and confidence: that South Yorkshire is open for business and ready to prosper.
“The Government may not be willing to back our region, but local leaders and I will not stand by and let our potential be squandered. We are sing powers and resources secured from Westminster, to invest in our people, our businesses and our towns and high streets."
The South Yorkshire Renewal Fund will be considered for approval on Monday 22 March at the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority meeting.
“Our safety is a right not a privilege”: online vigil sends stark message in light of Sarah Everard death
Image: Michelle Ding on Unsplash Speakers at an online vigil in Sheffield have sent a grim warning about women's safety, following the murder of Sarah Everard. The 100-person-strong vigil was hosted on zoom after organisers were told by police they would not allow the event to go ahead on Devonshire Green. A total of 18 speakers, including the two hosts, came forward to express anger and concern about the little-changed landscape of violence towards women over the last decade. One of the organisers, Gabby Willis, a freelance journalist who studied at Sheffield Hallam University said: "It is so important for women to come together and talk with each other and grieve with each other." The event took place at 6.00 pm on Saturday 13th March 2021 and lasted just over an hour. The speakers expressed themselves in different ways, with some choosing poetry or planned speeches, and others speaking off the cuff. Throughout the event, the chat box was lit up with resources, from national helplines to crisis centers in Barnsley and Sheffield and campaigns such as Our Bodies Our Streets and the Counting Dead Women Project. On the list of issues brought up were victim-blaming, curb-calling, PTSD, and the sense women are forced to choose between a self-imposed curfew and risking their safety. Concerns were also raised for black, transgender, and neurodivergent women who are vulnerable to abuse.
Eleanor O'Brien, a special needs teacher who works with autistic children, was a speaker at the event.
Hayley Carman, 38, MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice student who spoke at the vigil.
Match Report: Wednesday fall short after Norwich comeback
Credit: Bradford Timeline After a spirited first half performance, Sheffield Wednesday were beaten 2-1 yesterday by league leaders Norwich City. It had all started so well for The Owls at Hillsborough. Ex-Norwich man Jordan Rhodes scored after Barry Bannan's free kick bounced off the wall, giving them a 1-0 lead in the first ten minutes of the game, which they carried into half time. Before the first half ended Wednesday seemed the better team despite their lack of possession, looking set to double their lead at any time courtesy of their fluid counter-attacks. When the game began again, Norwich looked like the league leaders that they are. They peppered the Wednesday goal, with shots from Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki putting the Owls on edge. Eventually Norwich's attempts were rewarded with a brilliant top corner finish from one of the Championship's most prominent strikers, Pukki, on the hour mark. The next 20 minutes of the match saw Wednesday decisively on the defensive. Norwich finally made use of the possession they had dominated the entire match, with an effort from Kieran Dowell, who came on after 62 minutes to replace Lukas Rupp. Eventually the inevitable happened- in the 77th minute Cantwell scored after defensive mistakes by the rattled Wednesday side, giving Norwich a 2-1 lead. While Wednesday never gave up, they could not find another goal, and the game ended with the same scoreline as their previous match last December. This is Sheffield Wednesday's third game with manager Darren Moore in charge and they have yet to pick up a single point. Although this performance against the league leaders showed signs of improvement, the question is whether this will come too late to keep the Owls in the Championship. Norwich acknowledged the quality that Wednesday showed at times throughout the tie. Pukki, as he received his MOTM award, expressed his surprise at Wednesday’s lowly league position. They have not won a game in their past seven and their position in the Championship is looking increasingly at risk, after the 6-point-deduction they suffered earlier this season for financial irregularities. With only ten matches left, things need to turn around quickly if the club wants to stay up. Norwich, however, look a confident side, with their promotion to the Premier League all but assured under Daniel Farke.
Sheffield Wednesday's Lineup
Norwich City's Lineup
Man in hospital with critical injuries after St Mary’s Gate crash
A man is currently in hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision on a major Sheffield road yesterday evening. Emergency services arrived at the incident on St Mary's Gate at around 3.05pm after a blue Suzuki Jimny collided with a pedestrian on the pelican crossing at the London Road junction. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance service also attended and the pedestrian, who has so far only been confirmed as a 24 year-old male, was taken to hospital. A witness said: "We drove past, there were 3 ambulances and police cars. They were putting someone on a stretcher. "Looked very serious." South Yorkshire Police confirmed: "The pedestrian, a 24-year-old man, was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. "We are appealing for anyone who saw the collision to contact us. In particular, we would like to hear from anyone who may have been driving in the area at the time and has dashcam footage." St Mary's Gate and London Road were closed following the collision, with buses diverted away from the scene. Stagecoach South Yorkshire had to reroute the Sheffield to Chesterfield 43 and 44 bus services, while First buses also had to divert a number of services. All services are now running as usual. Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident number 491. Dashcam footage should be sent to enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk. Check back for updates.
BREAKING: Man found dead near Sheffield train station
A city centre street is closed after a man was found dead by Sheffield train station. Cross Turner Street is closed in both directions between Sheffield train station and Fornham Street. Police were called to the area in the early hours of the morning after reports of a man being injured. Emergency services arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead. A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called at 1.54am this morning with reports of a man with serious injuries on Cross Turner Road in Sheffield. "On emergency services arrival at the scene, the man was sadly pronounced dead. "Enquiries are underway but his death is not being treated as suspicious." Check back for updates.
Doncaster man jailed for multiple child sexual offences
A Doncaster man has been sentenced after being found guilty of a catalogue of sexual offences against a young girl. Michael Antony Lloyd, aged 64, of Broxholme Lane, was charged with two counts of attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault and was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday. The offences happened when the victim was only 11, continuing until she turned 13 years of age. After being found guilty on all counts, he will now serve 14 years imprisonment and will be subject to sex offender registration conditions for life. Judge Sarah Wright sentencing said: “The evidence of the victim was utterly compelling. You had no thought or concern for her feelings and the effect on the girl caused catastrophic, immeasurable harm." Judge Wright paid tribute to the victim’s courage to come forward and protect others. Lloyd's abuse was uncovered when the girl confided in a close friend, who informed teachers at their school and a report was made immediately to South Yorkshire Police. Having led the investigation into Lloyd’s offending, DC Becky Breakwell said: “Despite being so young, Lloyd’s victim has always provided a very clear account of his perverse actions towards her. She suffered over a period of three years, feeling unable to tell anyone what was happening. “Lloyd has always denied the allegations against him showing no remorse for the devastating impact this has had on his victim, instead insisting that his actions were innocent play.” DC Breakwell continued: “It is critical that all victims of child sexual abuse feel that they can speak out and talk about what has happened to them. We will investigate all reports and have specially trained officers and partners who can offer the right help. "It is important that anyone who has experienced abuse, or is worried about a friend or relative, comes forward to report their concerns so that safeguarding measures can be put in place, further abuse can be prevented and offenders can be brought to justice. “The victim is currently receiving support from the Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service (DRASACS), who provide invaluable help in cases like this. "The victim has shown exceptional bravery and this conviction, which will ensure others are kept safe, would not have been possible without her continued strength and resolve.”