“We must live in peace”: Sheffield hosts Palestinian speakers to strengthen friendship
A week-long series of events to build on Sheffield’s new friendship agreement with the Palestinian city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank concluded with a migrant solidarity event at the City of Sanctuary.
Three activists were invited to Sheffield for a speaking tour that included meetings with elected officials at Town Hall, visits to community groups including Mums United and interfaith initiatives.
Amjad Refaie, a refugee services committee member at the New Askar camp, said: “I am very happy to be among all the people who really give us the energy and the power to continue our struggle”.
This was echoed by Tareq Draidi, who works at the An-Najah National University in Nablus, who said: “we were told, if you go to the North, you will meet so many warm people…I can feel your feelings about supporting Palestine”.
Mr Refaie also spoke of the bittersweet emotions aroused by the visit, by noting his sadness of being “in the country that gave our land to another people…[instead] now I must be in Jaffa”, referencing the Balfour Declaration of 1917.
He also recalled the interruption of his own youth, after he was first incarcerated at just 15-years-old.
“I started my life inside the jail. I was arrested on the 28th of May 1986, I will never forget this day.”
Mr Refaie highlighted the deteriorating situation back home and suggested that “the price of stopping in Gaza was the West Bank” about the ongoing ceasefire in the Strip, as violence escalates in other parts of the Occupied Territories.
Seham Hasanain, one of the visitors who accompanied Mr Refaie to Sheffield, spoke about the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The organisation, which was set up in 1949, runs schools and healthcare services in the Occupied Territories and Palestinian refugee camps in neighbouring states, and she warned about the impact on “unemployment and poverty” if they were prevented from operating.
The Israeli parliament, Knesset, passed a motion last October to render UNRWA’s work illegal.
Earlier this week, Israeli forces in occupied East Jerusalem attempted to shut an UNRWA training centre with “tear gas and sound bombs” being used, according to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
Ms Hasanain explained the work being done by the social centre she works at in the New Askar camp, and how it collaborates with “feminist and disabled organisations”.
During a discussion with Sheffield city councillors on Friday, she said that creative outlets like “art, painting and drawing” were also made available to young people.
Councillor Dawn Dale, who is Chair of the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee, spoke of the importance of safeguarding play for children, especially within conflict zones.
She also expressed surprise at a scheme mentioned by Ms Hasanain, which allows for support tools like crutches to be reused rather than thrown away after single use.
About the logistics of moving around Nablus, Mr Refaie said: “It takes two and a half hours to get from one part of the city” due to checkpoints and gates cordoning off certain districts in recent months.
Previously, the same journey would take closer to “ten minutes”.
Julie Pearn of the Sheffield Nablus Twinning Association, which organised the visit and had been campaigning for the Declaration of Friendship that was signed last October, spoke of the need for “financial donations and promises towards an emergency clinic being established in New Askar refugee camp” in order to circumvent the need to cross checkpoints to receive urgent medical care.
Earlier in the week, the Bishop of Sheffield’s advisor on interfaith and public affairs, Reverend Huw Thomas, hosted a dinner event where Mr Refaie and Ms Hasanain shared their experiences with Christian, Jewish and Muslim members of the local community.
Dr Pearn added that: “The people of Sheffield have extended warm and generous welcome to our Palestinian guests, who in turn have powerfully presented the terrifying and absolutely unacceptable circumstances they live in under the brutal illegal Israeli occupation.
“At the same time, they have constantly demonstrated their humanity and humour. Firm and enduring friendships have been made.”
The visitors also met with the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Cllr Jayne Dunn, in addition to the leaders of the three main political parties represented in the council.
Sheffield United vs Leeds United: Chris Wilder prepares for battle against “powerhouse of English Football”
A top-of-the-table clash between Chris Wilder's side and Yorkshire rivals Leeds United promises a raucous night of football at Bramall Lane this evening.
The Blades know that a win against high-flying Leeds will see them move to top of the Championship table and, crucially, five points inside the automatic playoff spaces with only twelve league matches left to play.
Chris Wilder said: "You want to play against the best and we’re certainly going to be doing that on Monday night."
Both teams are in strong form having won each of their last four matches - the joint best form in the division.
Victory will be a hard task for Sheffield as Leeds, under the management of Daniel Farke, have not been defeated on the road since their 1-0 loss to Blackburn in late November last year.
Wilder insists that there will be no change to his approach despite the grandeur of this fixture.
He said: “There will be no change in our preparation and approach.”
“They’re a very good team… outstanding manager… [they have] been swatting everyone away very comfortably.
“Leeds overcame a very good team on Monday night.”
This is why the best teams are at the top of the division.
Wilder believes that his squad has everything it takes to achieve promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and that they can achieve a high number of points before May.
He said: “I’m delighted with the group.
“We’re not lucky to have won the amount of games we have done. We’re on track to accumulate a healthy total [of points].”
Despite United’s recent downturn of home form, where they failed to win three of their last six matches, they bounced back with consecutive home wins against a Portsmouth side in great form and a free-scoring Middlesbrough team.
Wilder highlighted the need for consistency in his club’s quest for promotion.
He said: “You look at what you need to do to be successful.
“Consistency is the key for me in results. We want consistent performances but there are different challenges right away.
“We're consistent, we’re happy with where we are, we're comfortable in our own skin and we’ll keep cracking at it and keep our head down.
“I thought the atmosphere for the Middlesbrough game was great and if we keep to our top performance, the games can take care of themselves and this is a game that can take care of itself.”
Leeds’ fantastic away form will make them confident of getting a result in Sheffield, along with the prospect of going five points clear at the summit of the Championship.
Wilder showed respect for the in-form side and their illustrious past, describing them as a 'powerhouse of English football.'
“Leeds are a massive club, they’re a top six English Premier League club historically,” said Wilder.
When you’re a huge historic football club that has won loads of things in the past, there’s pressure either way to win games of football.
“They’re a huge football club, so when you’re playing huge football clubs it does go up a notch.”
Sheffield United play against Leeds United in the Bramall Lane Stadium at 8pm this evening.
Tap into the Wire – What’s to come today
A preview of our top stories coming to the Wire later today.
Could you be the next face of the latest video game? Ten24's Sapiens project aims to scan 10,000 faces of people who want to be featured as a virtual character.
On the three-week anniversary of the death of Harvey Willgoose, we bring a report from the funeral on Friday afternoon.
Sheffield United manager predicts a raucous atmosphere at Bramall Lane for his side’s top-of-the-table clash with Yorkshire rivals Leeds United tonight.
And finally, the Chair of the Association for Ukrainians in Sheffield tells us about his experience fleeing to Sheffield from Ukraine, three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Discarded needles found near Sheffield child’s play area remain unchecked
A concerned Sheffield nurse has expressed fears for public health as hundreds of discarded needles remain unchecked.
The Woodseats resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims to have helped clean the needles from School Lane pathways and grass verges.
School Lane is situated just off Bernard Street and opposite a children's playing area, yet the nurse says some of these needles are still yet to be checked by the authorities.
She said: “I have emailed written details to the Sheffield City Council regarding the hundreds of needles on School Lane on 5 September of this year and I am yet to receive a response or see the removal of various drug paraphernalia. The road remains popular with members of the public which grows ever concerning as it poses a threat to public health.”
The National Crime Rate Comparison suggests that crime in the area is at 110% compared to the rest of the country.
According to the NHS website, discarded needles pose a great risk to peoples safety not only because can they cause harm but because they can contain blood born diseases such as Hepatitis B & C and HIV. Even though the risk of contracting such diseases is relatively low, the mental and physical injuries could still have a lasting effect on the person.
The Sheffield City Council has been contacted for a response to this concerning situation and are yet to respond.
Young carers charity hosts Christmas campaign to fund free counselling sessions following “concerning” statistics
A charity which supports young carers has raised over £5,000 to fund free counselling sessions after it was revealed those who look after relatives suffer from declining mental health and struggling financially.
The money raised from the Christmas fundraiser will help young people who care for one or more family members.
Nick Hardwick, fundraising officer at Sheffield Young Carers, said: “There have been some quite concerning statistics that show there’s a demand for more support for quite a lot of the young carers that we work with.”
Sheffield Young Carers has provided support for over 7300 young people across the city. In 2022-23 the charity made 23 counselling referrals, which increased to 41 referrals in 2023-24.
The first ever parliamentary inquiry into young carers revealed a lack of support can have devastating consequences on their education, well-being and prospects.
The 2023 inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) found that thousands of children are spending over 50 hours a week caring for a family member.
A higher prevalence of self harm among young carers was also revealed at 25% in comparison to their non-caring peers at 17%.
Responding to the inquiry, Carers Trust CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said: “This damning report, supported by Carers Trust, should be a wake-up call that young carers are being horribly let down by the system.
“They are facing huge disadvantages when it comes to education, job prospects and wellbeing, all because they put their loved ones first.”
This research also found 57% of young carers are ‘always’ or ‘usually’ worrying about the cost of living and things being more expensive.
Holly, a 21-year-old adult carer and youth advisor to the inquiry, said: “I've been helping to take care of my younger sister ever since she was born but I only got identified as a young carer when I turned 14.
“The inquiry results clearly show many other young carers aren’t being identified. Even when they are, they don't always get the help they need.
"Caring impacts not just your everyday life but also your dreams for the future, especially when you’re not given the support you desperately need. It's crucial for those in charge to take their responsibilities seriously, be held accountable, and stop thousands of young people falling through the cracks."
Chairing the APPG for young carers at the time was former Sheffield Central MP, and patron at Sheffield young carers, Paul Blomfield. He has been pushing the issue and encouraged young carers to speak to Theresa May when she was prime minister.
Sheffield Young Carers works with a variety of organisations such as schools, local authorities and health care providers to access young carers.
But Nick, who felt strongly that more research should have been carried out before now by parliament into young carers, said: “So many are hidden. Maybe there is just a school student who doesn’t want to do their homework and is always late but we need to think beyond that because there could be more behind that.”
There has been an emphasis on organisations to recognise and support young carers to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Duncan Baker MP, chair of the inquiry and vice-chair of the APPG, said: “It’s up to all of us to give these young people a better start in life so we also need local authorities, health providers, schools, employers, and regulators to join in and help young carers.”
Sheffield Young Carers received an overwhelmingly positive response from their campaign exceeding their initial £4,400 target. Nick said: “We know how special our supporters are and how they really do back us.
“It might sound a little bit crazy but to not be here would be our overall goal because you would hope that organisations would be able to offer that support without the need for us.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Röhl discusses the importance of keeping a positive mentality
Following the Owls' 1-0 loss to Blackburn on Tuesday which sent them down to 12th place, Danny Röhl said that small setbacks are part of the process.
In a press conference this afternoon he said: "Before Blackburn, we were ninth. I’m not sure when was the last time Sheffield Wednesday were in this position. We have to keep going, keep working. Sometimes we have to take small setbacks and this is part of the process.
"It's like when you train for a 100 metre sprint. The first thing that you improve goes quickly because you train well and make huge steps. But then the steps will become smaller and this is normal."
With this in mind, the young manager discussed how he helps his players to stay positive.
He said: "The group has to come together and create our own energy which means sometimes celebrating small things like a tackle or a good pass.
"We should support each other, I think it’s our strength. I want to give them the belief and the self confidence."
Sheffield Wednesday have been strong away from home this season, winning three of their last four away games, but Röhl said this is not down to any difference in the way the team sets up.
He said: "We have played some good teams at home, Leeds, West Brom, Norwich, Blackburn, Burnley. I think this is part of the story.
"A lot of teams know now when they come to us it's a tough away game and this is a result of our improvement, we are less of an underdog. I think Tuesday was the first time we played the last 30 minutes against a very deep block."
With double the points tally they had after the same number of games last season, the team has reason to feel positive as they head to Oxford United this weekend.
Röhl said: "I feel the energy today in training, everyone is lively, good, emotional, ready, with a good mindset."
Oxford United have suffered a poor run of form, losing four in their last five games. However, Sheffield Wednesday will not take this poor form for granted.
Röhl said: "It is hard to speak in the Championship about a poor run. After 14 months in this league I can say it’s not about the league table or the run, it’s about the momentum, or the story in different games. Oxford are trying a lot of different things and we have to of course look more towards ourselves."
Dinnington Community Boxing Club secures funding to continue youth work
Young people in Rother Valley will continue to be supported by Dinnington Community Boxing Club as it receives £336,000 National Lottery funding.
The club came about through the community’s concern that young people had nothing to do in the area.
Since opening in 2019, the club has worked with schools and partners to provide sports activities for young people.
Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said: “This is fantastic news for the local community and means the club can continue their work with young people.”
The club also works with disability groups, women and girls and adult boxers.
In the last year, they’ve had over 8,000 people come through their doors.
The funding, which will last until April 2027, will allow them to keep their staff and their home at Dinnington High School.
They will also be able to hire two youth development coaches so that they have capacity to support more students and young people.
According to Alliance of Sport and Criminal Justice, research shows that boxing combats anti-social behaviour.
Mr Richards said: “The club does valuable work providing alternative provision to young peopleand supporting children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
The club is planning to promote the positive impact boxing has on young people in parliament in the spring as part of a wider network with Empire Fighting Chance.
Ian Huddleston, CEO said: “We hope to develop our alternative provision programme and take our model, which isn’t done anywhere else in the UK, to new academies and schools.”
Featured image (Source - Andrew Musgrave).
Campaign launched to provide asylum seekers free bus passes in South Yorkshire
A campaign has launched to provide free bus passes for asylum seekers in South Yorkshire.
Change Lab Sheffield, a social action program within the Sheffield Students Union, has partnered with City of Sanctuary Sheffield, to fight for the cost-free travel on the region's buses.
People seeking asylum do not currently have the right to work in the UK and must survive off as little as £8.86 a week.
They are often housed in accommodation that are miles outside of the city centre therefore relying on public transport, which can cost up to £5.40 a day.
Isabella Huxley, 21, Project Leader, said: “This campaign represents that these people are welcome here and is a resistance against the hostile rhetoric towards asylum seekers.”
City of Sanctuary, who support asylum seekers, provides services including, English lessons, legal advice and interpretation services.
At the campaign launch, a panel of asylum seekers explained that they would have to spend their weekly allowance on necessities, leaving them to walk up to 12 miles to access essential appointments.
Many of the guest speakers spoke of the endless walking which becomes tiring and painful, and staying isolated in their accommodations leaves them emotionally exhausted.
One member of the panel explained they could not even access help from a food bank as they could not afford to get there.
Miss Huxley said: “I think it will make a huge difference in allowing people to integrate into South Yorkshire. People are so isolated.”
This campaign launch follows the recent success in Oxford, when in November the council partnered with the local bus companies to provide a six-month pilot scheme, to provide asylum seekers free bus travel.
This scheme gives asylum seekers 15 bus passes every two months and it is set to benefit approximately 275 people.
Ren McMullen, 21, Project Leader, said: “It is not out of the realm of reality for South Yorkshire.”
This is because the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently consulting on taking control of buses through bus franchising.
The bus coalition would give the SYMCA the power to control the cost of fares. Mx McMullen said: “We are coming at it at the right time.
“This campaign gets them access to travel but then the bigger goal will be giving them access to work in general, because they so desperately want to.”
The campaign was launched at 1pm today (December 13) at the Quaker Meeting House and an ongoing petition has received 474 signatures.
Women in Sheffield wait months for appointments and treatment for reproductive conditions
A governmental report this week has stated that women often wait longer to be diagnosed and treated for reproductive health issues, and that their conditions are not understood as well.
The report, from the Women and Equalities committee, was on medical misogyny and stated that women are often dismissed when in pain, and their conditions normalised.
According to the NHS website, the average waiting time in Sheffield for an appointment in the gynaecology department is 17 weeks, and then a further 21 weeks wait for treatment. In October 2024, there were 6,817 people waiting to begin gynaecological treatment in Sheffield.
The national average waiting time is between 10.4 and 22.5 weeks, putting Sheffield at the higher end.
Dr Rebecca Mawson is a GP from Sheffield, as well as being a NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Primary Medical Care at the University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on inequalities in reproductive health treatment.
When discussing medical misogyny, Dr Mawson spoke of a lack of funding around reproductive health care in general. Even though one in three women will have a gynaecological health issue at some point in their life, less than 2.5% of funded research is dedicated to reproductive health.
Dr Mawson also discussed the issues within medical education, saying that not enough is known about the female body.
She said: “Medical training is based on the human body being the male body, with women as a subtype which gets discussed under gynaecology sections. But we don’t talk about how the biologically female body differs from the male, especially in terms of the immune system.”
Eleanor Thom is an author from Sheffield, she suffers from endometriosis, saying the illness cost her "my career as a comedian, relationships, fertility, financial stability and so many years."
When asked about medical misogyny, Ms Thom said:
"I think medical misogyny is real and systemic. There are lots of factors I think; money, who priorities what, access to more training and skills, and often an awareness that it even needs to change or that there is a problem. This isn't a new problem, conditions like endometriosis have been systemically underfunded and ignored for decades now."
Healthcare workers and women suffering from these conditions are hoping that the report will shed light on their experiences and eventually improve treatment and cut diagnosis time down.
The Leadmill to defend its venue in “pivotal legal battle” next week
The fight to save the iconic music venue, The Leadmill, continues as its tenants plan to defend their case next week in a "pivotal legal battle" with their landlord.
Next week details of the long-standing row will be heard at Leeds Business and Property Court.
The grassroot music venue, which has seen iconic bands such as Pulp, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and The Stone Roses adorn their stage, announced on Instagram this week that "the fight to save The Leadmill is here."
The post explained that they will be "heading to Leeds Property and Business Court for a pivotal legal battle to protect the future of The Leadmill."
The legendary club, opened its doors in 1980, and is the city's longest running live music venue and nightclub.
The venue, located next to Sheffield Railway Station, has won national awards from the NME and Live UK, as well as having been voted Sheffield's best live music venue on numerous occasions.
The Leadmill's eviction battle so far
The ongoing battle began in March 2022, when the owners of the premises, Electric Group, served an eviction notice to the managers of The Leadmill, ordering them to vacate the property by March 2023.
Electric Group, co-owned by Dominic Madden and Jacob Lewis, bought the venue from MCR Properties in 2017 and have claimed they have no intention of closing the space as a music venue but do plan to change the name.
Management of The Leadmill have disputed this, stating: "Forcing us out onto the street would not only devastate and degrade the wider community but also The Leadmill staff would lose their jobs and their livelihoods at the hands of the landlord.
"If we lose this battle, every business tenant will be at risk. It would set a dangerous precedent for cultural institutions and businesses alike."
In May, The Leadmill Ltd won their first legal battle against eviction, when their lawyer argued the landlord's approach was unlawful and the intention to run the venue in the same way breaches Article 1 of the Human Rights Act.
The Leadmill Ltd's legal team also commissioned a report, estimating the cost for the landlords to get the venue back up and running. This was said to be approximately £4.7m, and the company's legal team argued Mr Madden had not provided evidence that he could afford this.
This was challenged by Mr Madden's legal representation, who stated his client has access to a £2m loan to support any improvements and would be able to access more if needed.
At the hearing The Leadmill Ltd's lawyers applied for an adjournment in order to respond to the evidence delivered by Mr Madden's legal team and for a new legal team for the venue to put forward an additional plea.
Sheffield Wire has reached out to The Leadmill and Mr Madden for comment, but they said they were unable to ahead of next week's case.
What do Sheffielders think about The Leadmill's eviction battle?
The eviction battle, which has proved to be a confusing and long-winded dispute between the venue and its landlords, has left the people of Sheffield unsure as to what the future holds for The Leadmill.
Jack Senior, 27, who has attended events at The Leadmill over the years, said: "It feels like something that will never actually happen, it seems to have been going on for a long time.
"It is Sheffield's venue. The Leadmill is The Leadmill."
For many Sheffielders that will not change in the eyes of the people regardless of the potential rebrand.
However, others were more open to the idea of enhancing and remodelling the venue.
James Shaw, 57, said: "At least it's not shutting. As long as it stays as a music venue, I'm happy. It's got a massive reputation. I've seen Pulp there, but I guess we will see how much it changes."
Many people emphasised the value of The Leadmill to Sheffield as a cultural hub and criticised the landlord's intentions with the property.
Tia Giove, 27, said: "It is so important to Sheffield. It is a historical building and it is essential to the music and culture scene. So many iconic bands have come out of it, such as Pulp who have gone international.
"It's very backed by the people but in this day and age, money is more important than what really matters, the culture. "
Performing Right Society for Music plaque for Pulp at The Leadmill.
Why do we need to protect Grassroot Music Venues?
Research around Grassroot Music Venues (GMV) in the UK has shown a serious decline in recent years.
Music Venue Trust, a UK registered charity that protects and improves UK GMV, produced their Annual Report which showed a loss of 125 trading GMVs.
Since the pandemic the industry has faced a series of challenges leading to a disturbing number of closures and job losses.
The report stated the industry saw members of GMV drop to 835 from 960 in 2022 and revealed 51.4% were found to have fully closed as a trading business.
Creative Industries Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, has called on the live music industry to work together to introduce a voluntary levy on all stadium and arena tickets after the government urged the industry to join forces to safeguard the future of the grassroot sector.
The grassroot music sector is at the core of the UK's £6.7bn music industry and it offers emerging artists the space to develop their craft, employing more than 28,000 people.
Liberal Democrats retain Dodworth Ward Council seat in by-election
Almost half of all votes were won by the Liberal Democrats last night, as they retained their third council seat in the Dodworth Ward by-election.
The by-election was called following the resignation of Lib Dem Councillor Sam Christmas.
Andy Waters, the winning Lib Dem candidate, said: “I’m very pleased and grateful to the people of Dodworth for supporting me."
“As any Councillor should be, I'll work for all the people of Dodworth and not just the ones who voted for me.”
A total of 2,073 votes were cast, with the Lib Dems winning 1,029 of them.
Reform UK placed second with 503 votes and Labour trailed in third with just 334 votes.
Mr Waters grew up in Doncaster, but moved to Silkstone 36 years ago.
He said his main aims were support for more housing and social housing, preserving Barnsley’s green spaces, safer streets and high street improvements
His victory means all three Dodworth Ward seats remain with the Lib Dems.
Mr Waters will join previously elected councillors Chris Wray and Will Fielding.
He said: “I get on with both of them so we will work together and hopefully spread whatever caseload we get around us.”
Mr Waters also added that he is looking forward to working with the rest of Barnsley’s Councillors, whether in support or disagreement.
He said: “We’ve got to work together, it's part and parcel of working in the council, but we’re also there to hold them to account.
“The more opposition we can have the better it is.”
Sheffield Steelers gear up for festive Teddy Bear Toss Night in final home game before Christmas
Sheffield Steelers will be hosting their Teddy Bear Toss Night this Saturday as they head towards their last home game before Christmas.
The event will happen in the game against Glasgow Clan at the Utilita Arena at 7:00pm.
Teddy Bear Toss Night, in collaboration with Hallam FM’s Mission Christmas Appeal, invites fans to bring teddy bears or soft toys to the game.
During the Christmas season, junior ice hockey and minor league hockey games are the most regular venues for the popular teddy bear toss.
At the first Steelers goal, spectators will toss their bears onto the ice, creating a heart-warming spectacle. All collected toys will be donated to hospitals and local children’s charities, ensuring every child in Sheffield receives a gift this Christmas.
During last year’s festive season, the station’s Mission Christmas Appeal distributed gifts and goods to more than 18,000 disadvantaged children.
This year is also expected to make a remarkable impact with the mission in mind and to provide Santa a helping hand in obtaining gifts for children in our neighbourhood who might not otherwise receive them.