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MPs call for government to overturn funding rule impacting Sheffield schools

MPs call for government to overturn funding rule impacting Sheffield schools

3:44pm

Labour MP Paul Blomfield has written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson urging him to overturn a rule which is restricting funding for Sheffield College and other Sheffield schools. The government rule means schools which have grade three ('requires improvement') Ofsted ratings, or lower, will have caps imposed on their funding. Sheffield College, which has received a grade three Ofsted rating, teaches around 14,000 students and apprentices each year and their education could be affected by this ruling. Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, said: “It is a critical issue given government plans to put FE colleges at the forefront of the UK’s economic pandemic recovery. “Our communities, employers and The Sheffield College should not be held back by this unfair funding rule.”

Paul Blomfield, 2017

The rule means that various Sheffield students have been denied access to T-Level courses and to state of the art facilities and will not have the same access as students from other cities, according to Mr Blomfield. Students studying STEM subjects at Sheffield College will not have access to the funding needed for facilities which would enrich their learning. The letter also called for a relaxing of this rule to be applied to all students and not just apprentices. The Ofsted grading system ranks schools on a four-point scale with the grades in descending order being grade 1 (outstanding), grade 2 (good), grade 3 (requires improvement) and grade 4 (inadequate). The letter was signed by fellow Sheffield MPs Gill Furniss, Clive Betts, Olivia Blake and Louise Haigh. The letter also called on the government to deliver on the aims of the 'Skills for Jobs White Paper' which aims to improve post-16 education, training, boost skills, and get more people employed.

Sheffield Dads targeted in Safer Sleep Week campaign

Sheffield Dads targeted in Safer Sleep Week campaign

3:38pm

This year's national Safer Sleep Week campaign (15-21 March) targets new and expectant dads, as a survey shows less than a third are shown how to safely sleep their baby and lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found. Launched by The Lullaby Trust, Safer Sleep Week offers families potentially life-saving advice for sleeping their infants. It is supported by and promoted in Sheffield by the Baby Basics charity as part of their Baby Safe campaign in partnership with the NHS. Sheffield City Council have expressed their support for the campaign. Stephen Green, a Senior Parenting Practitioner at Sheffield City Council and Baby Safe Champion, said: “There is so much to learn as a new parent that it can be overwhelming. "By following safer sleep guidance for every sleep, parents can be reassured they are doing everything they can to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. "It’s really important that dads have access to all of this advice too, as consistency is so important for babies. "In our parenting programmes, available through Sheffield Parenting Hub, we try to be as inclusive as possible to make sure that dads and male carers are getting all the help and support they need.” In Sheffield, new or expectant parents can contact their local Family Centre for support and advice on safer sleeping. Every Moses Basket or Cot given out by Baby Basics Sheffield always has a new mattress provided to help with safer sleep.

The campaign is designed to work with Dads, to better understand how to reach them and deliver information in a way which will be helpful to them. The Lullaby Trust's survey of over 500 new and expectant dads found less than a quarter had been able to attend all antenatal appointments and over 50% have not been allowed to attend any at all. This has meant anxiety surrounding SIDS is high amongst Dads, with 74% stating they are "worried" or "very worried" about it. Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show rates of SIDS grew in 2018 by 7% compared to the previous year, an increase which will likely be exacerbated by the pandemic. Such results are a concerning indication that lockdown restrictions combined with the increased pressure placed on public health services by COVID-19 means less support and information for new parents, which is putting babies at risk. A parliamentary report released in summer 2020 from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss stated that lockdown had increased risk factors for some types of baby loss, including sudden unexpected death in infancy. Parents can find further advice on The Lullaby Trust website, which includes vital information such as the best position for babies to sleep in and other guidance that can reduce the risk of SIDS.

Sheffield Student Union votes 45-0 in favour of supporting rent strike

Sheffield Student Union votes 45-0 in favour of supporting rent strike

3:21pm

Sheffield Student Union voted to support a rent strike organised by University of Sheffield students. The vote, which took place on 11 March, saw 45 councillors voting in favour of the strike and none voting against. "It's a strong vote for," said SU president Beth Eyre. "I'm really happy to see students utilising the SU democracy routes" she added. The rent strike has been ongoing since 20 January. It calls upon the University to cut student rent by 30 per cent, and to offer all students a no-penalty early release clause. It also asks the university to reassess the support available to students. The strike currently consists of 103 students, whilst the demands and principle of the strike has been supported in a petition by over 700 students at the university, according to Dan Walsh, 19, who studies politics and international relations. "The uni have shown consistent disregard for student mental health and wellbeing," said Walsh. He criticised the packages being sold by the university to self-isolating students; the cost of the essential food and toiletries packages comes to £49.25. He expressed concern about the growing student suicide rates. "That could be a friend of mine," he said. A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield said: “We understand this has been an incredibly difficult year for students and throughout the pandemic we have been working hard to support them in the best possible way." Following negotiations with the SU, the university agreed not to charge students who couldn't make use of university accommodation between 4 January and 12 April, but this has not satisfied the rent strikers. "We legally could not access our accommodation," said Walsh in a speech to the SU council. "The refund from the most recent lockdown is the bare minimum. “We are getting an entirely different product than what we signed a contract for. It is logical that if you receive a different product then you pay a different amount," he added. Jess Kent, 22, a fourth-year maths student participating in the strike, shares this view.

Jess pre-pandemic at Marxist Society march (credit: Jess Kent)

"It's nowhere near the same," she said, comparing this academic year to those before the pandemic. After being told she would receive face-to-face teaching, Jess was then told she wouldn't after already signing the contract for her accommodation. "We were essentially lied to," she said, noting the lack of engagement with virtual clubs and societies. "Less people are turning out. There's no social stimulation whatsoever. "You need to have that connection with others – forget about your degree for a night and just relax. And we’re been robbed of that. It really does make the burden a lot harder."

‘I feel euphoric and terrified at the same time’: How the end of lockdown is threatening an anxiety epidemic in the UK

‘I feel euphoric and terrified at the same time’: How the end of lockdown is threatening an anxiety epidemic in the UK

3:19pm

With the carpet rolled out for the country’s cautious meander out of Covid restrictions, and the bunting strung-up in anticipation of our bleak one-year lockdowniversary, the road to normality is finally in sight. For Britons, eyes glistening with the ghosts of their last in-pub-pint, the prospect of a return to life as we knew it is a point of rabid elation. Though we had a rough start, we feel primed and ready to walk out full-stride into the roaring 2020s – a brave new and Chris Whitty-free world. Punctuated by the promised reopening of the pubs on 12 April, the general feeling is one of jubilation. Even machinations of the inevitable swarm of 20-something lads - finally getting a moment in the spotlight after waiting months to share their thigh-slapping Coronavirus/ Corona beer material with a glassy-eyed woman at the bar - feel oddly charming. For many, though, a reemergence from our year-long hibernation is a substantial trigger for anxiety. After what feels like an eternity inside the familiar four walls of our homes, thoughts of rubbing shoulders with unmasked strangers in clubs and restaurants can be terrifying. “I think the main thing for me would be general panic around being shoulder to shoulder with strangers. I feel uncomfortable and anxious constantly whenever I go shopping now at Tesco – and that’s even with a mask,” says Thomas Sparrow, 22, from Reading. “I often find myself having trouble with breathing and feel constantly hyper-aware - which is not something I have ever felt - and I feel that may be something that will just get worse without masks and stuff. “I’m a little worried it’s all too soon and I’m just a bit nervous about such a sudden change back to normality.” It is no secret that, since the first lockdown in the UK, there has been a sharp increase the number of people suffering with anxiety. According to most recent data from the Centre for Mental Health, around 20% of people in England alone will need new or additional mental health support as a direct consequence of the pandemic. With such enormous pressure to join in with the celebrations – to get on board with distant dreams of crowd-surfing through a room of sweaty, unsanitised bodies  – those unsure as to whether they have the mental endurance for life on the outside are suffering detrimental blows to their mental health. “It’s the weirdest feeling. I feel euphoric and terrified at the same time,” said Joanes Beitia, 21, of Sheffield. Since schools returned to face-to-face teaching on the 8 March, these mental health concerns have begun to materialise at an alarming rate. “We were very aware that our young people were going to be anxious about returning back into groups again," said Jane Gamble, a schools and young persons psychotherapist. “From young people’s perspective, there is definitely anxiety around whether their friends are still their friends. A lot of them have lost the confidence to connect. “By the middle of last week, a few days after the schools returned to face-to-face teaching, there was a big influx of referrals. We generally saw a lot of low-level self-harm at the thought of coming back.” Fears around the survival of friendship circles is a common trend among those bearing the burden of post-lockdown anxiety. With Zoom pub quizzes proving exhaustive, the toll of maintaining friendships has been keenly felt by young people in particular. “Our social circles have diminished so much over the last year, it’s not certain that we will know how to socialise with loose acquaintances when things open," says Kara Gilchrist, 22. “I think small gatherings will be what a lot of people are comfortable with for a while and not because of the COVID risk, but because of the social aspect. “It scares me because how will anyone date again if they can’t do small talk anymore. Are people going to get too deep too quickly? Or are people going to settle for subpar connections? “Meeting new people is officially a foreign concept.” According to Mrs Gamble, this boom in anxiety levels has, in part, come as a result of young people witnessing changing behaviours within their family unit, often at the hand of alcohol and substance abuse as a means of coping with the enormity of the pandemic. "Young people have seen an increase in domestic violence or marital discord – a lot of relationships breaking down. So, coming to school and being away from that, children often feel that when they are around they can try and hold their parents together by being ‘the good child’," she said. "Going into school, they feel as if they are leaving the parental relationship a bit exposed.” Pressure to maintain good familial relationships and a stable group of friends is the albatross around the neck of many young people up and down the country looking out toward the horizon of life after lockdown. In an attempt to manage these fears, many young people have developed maladaptive responses  - something Mrs Gamble described as a self-destructive habit formed as a way of surviving the pandemic. Common responses include eating disorders, gaming addiction and over-exercising. With the hailed return to public life drawing closer - to offices, schools, colleges, universities - the stark realisation that these behavioural crutches are unlikely to survive the pressures of normal life is giving rise to a surge of unease. “I used to teach live fitness classes and training sessions before COVID. I’ve been online for almost a year now and the thought of going back into a face-to-face fitness setting makes me feel ill, if I’m honest,” says Mel Bridger.

  After a year working from the confines of our own bedrooms – rolling from desk to bed and back, the four walls closing in tighter each day - our concept of what normal life looks and feels like has been blurred into obscurity.
The 23 March marks a year since the first lockdown in Britain. To honour of the occasion, a national day of reflection has been planned in remembrance of the many precious lives lost to COVID-19. For many, it will serve as a reminder of the fragility of life - of its sudden stops, starts and precipitous futures - and the importance of spending time with those we hold most dear. As Jane puts it:
“Humans need human contact, they need to socialise, they need support from each other.”

Arctic Monkeys’ favourite Sheffield venue, The Leadmill, providing normality through virtual events

Arctic Monkeys’ favourite Sheffield venue, The Leadmill, providing normality through virtual events

3:19pm

(Credit: The Leadmill) Sheffield’s longest running music venue and nightclub say online events are helping to push their brand. The Leadmill, who have hosted the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Oasis throughout the years, began virtual live-streaming during the first lockdown, in order to "boost morale." Promotions manager, Bethany Okogba, said the events have provided a taste of normality and showcased what they have to offer. She said: “We’ve had loads of regulars attending, so it has been fantastic to connect with them and show what we are working on. “The livestreams are free to join, but we do push for donations to pay that will support us and pay for the DJ’s, they are also important for the future of the brand.”

The music industry has faced a tough 12 months, with Sheffield’s longest running music venue amongst those who have struggled throughout the pandemic.
 
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A post shared by Arctic Monkeys (@arcticmonkeys)

Funding from an Art Council grant and a crowdfunder by the Arctic Monkeys has enabled the Leadmill to stay afloat during these uncertain times. “It has been super tough and draining for us because we were never sure when we would be back, but the funding has helped us to the other side,” said Miss Okogba A week of events are set to take place between the 21-27 June, to celebrate its reopening after lockdown and getting things back underway. “We don’t do it for money, we do it for the love of live music and events, and to help bands who will one day go on to play at Glasto. It would be devastating if we had to reschedule opening again.”

Sheffield City Council unveils plans for new Local Area Committees

Sheffield City Council unveils plans for new Local Area Committees

3:16pm

Image credit: The University of Sheffield A new local democracy initiative is likely to be given the green light which will see a major shake-up to the way the city is governed. Sheffield City Council are set to introduce 'Local Area Committees' which will replace the 'Local Area Partnership' (LAP), representing a "fundamental power shift in Sheffield." The proposed initiative has come as a result of the extensive 'Big City Conversation' survey, conducted by the council in 2019 and early 2020, which found that Sheffielders wanted greater influence over local issues.  The new Local Area Committees will be led by local councillors and given new devolved powers such as budgetary responsibility and delegated decision-making responsibilities. Each committee will have its own elected chair and vice-chair, who will act as a conduit between council leaders and residents. The council explained: "We want people and communities in every part of Sheffield to be in control and shape the decisions and issues which matter to them and their area. "As a City Council, we recognise that we need to match the knowledge, passion and insight that Sheffielders have for their local areas with the ability to take decisions at the local level which can deliver real change."

Sheffield Wards: Image Credit - Locus

The committees are likely to be established by May and following this there will be a twelve to eighteen month roll-out period. The twenty-eight wards that made up the outgoing LAPs will be replaced by new area boundaries but the geographical make-up of these committees is something that is still yet to be finalised. The initiative is based on similar models seen in Nottingham and Leeds, where local communities have also been given decision-making responsibilities. The council has pledged: "We will put in place a community led committee system with strong decision-making powers and accountability."

It’s okay to admit Mother’s Day is hard as an estranged adult

It’s okay to admit Mother’s Day is hard as an estranged adult

3:08pm

For some of us mother’s day is like watching a dark cloud moving towards you. You see it coming and you can’t stop it. It finally reaches you and that day is a torrential downpour which leaves you feeling a tad worse for wear. Then the following days are a time where you have to dry off and get your life back on track. For anyone that needs to hear it, this is a reminder of how far you have come independently and the strength that it takes to do just that. As we wave goodbye to another mother’s day, those without a motherly figure in their lives may be left with feelings of sadness and loneliness that aren’t so easy to run from. The stark reminder of it being mother’s day is unavoidable as it drowns us in every corner of our lives. The shops are overflowing with buckets of flowers. TV’s are flashing adverts urging us to send cards with personalised messages. And then there is social media - a place where seemingly everyone is singing praises for their mum with family pictures and heartfelt words, with ‘BEST MUM’ ‘COULDN’T LIVE

Samantha Grace and her award from Stand Alone charity.

WITHOUT YOU MUM’ ‘I LOVE YOU MUM’ which is unrelatable for many. Companies have even given the choice to opt out of their marketing for those that wish to stay out of the celebration bubble. The reality of this? Mother’s Day will show up every year as much as we try to avoid it. The day becomes a mere 24 hours of surviving, but these feelings don’t have a button that enables us to switch off as soon as it’s over. The sadness continues long after Mothering Sunday, when we’ve had the day to compare our lives to others on social media. When we have to recharge our energy levels once more and reset our thoughts to continue with our everyday lives. Samantha Grace understands the anxiety that arises with mother’s day, and every day for that matter. She left her family home at the age of 16 to move in with her grandparents until she left for university. “I used university as an escape, and I put my everything into getting the 5A’s I needed to go to Glasgow university, which I did. I’m now 21 and in my final year about to graduate. I would never have imagined coming this far.” Now five years later she is an ally for estranged students and has won an award from Stand Alone charity for raising awareness and voicing the struggles that estranged adults face. Sam says: “Now I celebrate Mother’s Day by dedicating it to my grandparents and by thinking about all of the influential women around me and the role that they play in my life. Then I’ll order myself a takeaway. “I also try and focus on the role that I played in raising myself too. I’ve had to put myself first in every situation and be my own mum through everything. I’ve had to be my own support network, my own safety net without relying on anyone else.” Everyone’s grief is unique by their own experiences, but the important thing is to recognise your grief and how it’s affecting you. We’re also battling a pandemic so if all you do is survive the wave then that is also fine. “Not only is it hard on Mother’s Day but it is hard every day. It’s difficult seeing everyone on social media posting their mums as it makes me feel different to everyone else. Or when I see my friends doing things on the day I don’t really have that. I try not to compare my life to others, but it’s hard when people's parents can help them out in life. It really annoys me when people assume that I have that too. “I just wish people could understand that it isn’t my fault or any sort of personal fault in you that you are estranged from your parents. It’s definitely normal to feel the weight of it all.” Sam emphasises how important it is for people to openly talk about their feelings with estrangement because of it being such a taboo topic. It’s good to raise awareness and make people feel included, especially when there is so much stigma around everyone having a traditional family support line on days like Mother’s Day. “If you’re struggling, ask for help and reach out to talk. It’s a scary thing to do but it’s always best to ask and I think the worst that someone will say is no. For me it was the only way I was able to get proper support so it’s definitely worth it. But also keep trying if the first person isn’t helpful, there will be so many others in similar situations.” Sam takes comfort in looking after yourself by staying off social media until the stories die down. Take time for yourself in whatever way you feel best and for however long you need to recharge. Chat with a friend or go for a walk, just do something. “I think on a day like mother’s day it’s okay to be passive if that helps you get through, but maybe coming off social media for a while will help you or simply doing something nice for yourself. For the most part I try and surround myself with people who understand, and I won’t tolerate anything less.” If you are having a hard time seek help and visit the Stand-Alone website here.

Believe this: Taking suicide seriously on social media

Believe this: Taking suicide seriously on social media

3:02pm

Social media allows everyone to voice their opinion anything. With that comes a greater responsibility to take care about what we say about other people because we never know who will be reading what we send. Last week was a prime example of this: Actor Meghan Markle revealed that she had felt suicidal during her pregnancy, and many responses on social media and from members of the press said: "We don't believe you." There is data to suggest that such reactions online can be dangerous to others feeling suicidal. So how can we be better? The public refusal of the truth of Markle's confession, and the reaction around it on social media, was concerning. However, many UK mental health charities rose up to combat the stigma against suicide and tried to change the course of the discussion over the week.

How not to report on suicide

The morning after Markle's interview where she revealed she had experienced suicidal thoughts, Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan claimed he "didn't believe a word" of what she said. This comment prompted over 41,000 Ofcom complaints, and later Morgan left as host of the ITV show. UK mental health Charity Mind tweeted in response to Morgan's comments, saying: "It’s vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy." The day after Morgan's comments, Simon Gunning, the CEO of the suicide charity CALM (Campaign against living miserably), released a statement in response. Gunning said: "Recent events in the media serve as a timely reminder that no one should suffer in silence, and that we must continue to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide." He went on to say that CALM were "deeply disappointed by Piers Morgan’s comments on Good Morning Britain." Rather than focusing on Morgan's comments like many others did, Gunning chose to focus on the message that there is still a long way to go for everyone. Gunning ended by saying: "While progress has been made in recent years to change the discourse and help people open up about how they feel, there’s still a long way to go in tackling the stigma surrounding mental health. The tragic rise in suicide amongst men, and women aged 10-24 years old is a poignant reminder of how far there is to go."

The figures and the facilitator

In December last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that there were 10.6 suicides per 100,000 people in 2018 – the highest rate in 14 years, which increased from 9.7 suicides per 100,000 people in 2016. In the graph below, the bars show the number of people who contact the NHS mental health services each month, slowly increasing each time. The line inside shows the number of adults using the services.
Suicide and mental health issues are still rising issues in the UK. Twitter storms like last Monday's do not help, and the internet can often worsen the situation and cause serious harm to someone who may be feeling suicidal. Professor Keith Hawton, Director for the centre of suicide research at Oxford University says: "There is abundant international evidence that media reporting and portrayal of suicide can be extremely influential. Poor media practice can cause further loss of life, especially in more vulnerable groups such as the young and people with mental health problems. On the other hand, careful and responsible media handling of this important issue can contribute to suicide prevention." Furthermore, research undertaken by Samaritans and the University of Bristol found "at least a quarter of patients who had self-harmed with high suicidal intent, had used the internet in connection with their self-harm. Likewise, a national inquiry into suicides by young people found there was suicide-related internet use in nearly half of suicides by young people every year." How should we be talking about the issues of suicide and mental health on social media? To what standards should we hold people like Piers Morgan to when they make comments like "I wouldn't believe a weather report from her?"

The solution

The Samaritans has a set of media guidelines for organisations to follow, and in the guidelines are pieces of advice that everyone, not just journalists, can use regarding suicide on social media. Some of the following things you should be aware of when talking/reading about suicide online:
  • Include references to suicide being preventable and signpost sources of support, such as Samaritans’ helpline. This can encourage people to seek help, which could save lives.
  • Speculation about the ‘trigger’ or cause of a suicide can oversimplify the issue and should be avoided. Suicide is extremely complex and most of the time there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life.
  • Coverage that reflects the wider issues around suicide, including that it is preventable, can help reduce the risk of suicidal behaviour.
  • Steer clear of presenting suicidal behaviour as an understandable response to a crisis or adversity. This can contribute to unhelpful and risky normalising of suicide as an appropriate response to distress.
Samaritans last week launched a new set of online safety resources to support those who are writing online about self harm and suicide. Lydia Grace, Samaritans Policy and Research Programme Manager for Online Harms said: "We know the online environment can provide a vital source of support for individuals experiencing self-harm and suicidal feelings but it also creates opportunities to access potentially harmful and triggering content. It’s therefore essential that young people have the tools they need to stay safe online and access the benefits of the internet, whilst minimizing potential for harm." Suicide is a serious issue in this country. The statistics show it, and the reaction on social media and in the news last week proved it further. We all have a responsibility to take people seriously when they open up, and to be empathetic and help them when they need it. By taking some of the steps outlined here, and encouraging others to do so too, we can all improve the wellbeing of others in the UK.

Mental Health Charities Contact Information:

Samaritans: 116 123 CALM: 0800 58 58 MIND: 0300 123 3393 Sheffield Flourish: 0114 273 7009   (Featured Image credit: Sydney Sims, Unsplash)

Boost for Sheffield’s small businesses: Covid grants to be extended until April

Boost for Sheffield’s small businesses: Covid grants to be extended until April

2:59pm

A further government support grant is set to provide a boost for Sheffield's small businesses. In Rishi Sunak's Spring budget, he announced that Covid-19 support grants for businesses - which have been available since the pandemic began - are being extended until the end of March. The extension will be applied automatically for businesses who have previously been receiving the support. Businesses who have not yet received a government grant are encouraged to apply for the financial support by 31 March. "It’s so important that as we enter another month in lockdown we ensure that businesses continue to have access to the right support to sustain them until our economy begins to reopen" Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council told SheffNews.

Creative Commons: Adam Bruderer

"So far throughout the pandemic we have distributed millions of grants to businesses and we are now one of the best-performing regions for the value of the most recent grants we have allocated" he added. The funding is expected to continue beyond the end of March. The Government confirmed in this year's spring budget that 'restart grants' will be available to businesses which were required to close during lockdown. For non-essential businesses, a loan of £6,000 will be available, and for other sectors - hospitality, accommodation and gym businesses, among others - £18,000 will be available. "I was really surprised to learn that we were eligible for a Covid Business Support Grant but thanks to Esther Morrison, an Information Officer, at Sheffield City Council who encouraged me to apply, we gained some financial support last week. "The process could not have been more easy and I'd really urge other small businesses to apply as this help could be a real lifeline and the difference between staying open long term and protecting local jobs," said Sarah Roe, Sheffield Therapy Centre's Clinic Manager told SheffNews.

Creative Commons: Tim Dennell

Sheffield Council will also be offering a range of free business workshops to support existing and newly established businesses, including one on maximising social media use during lockdown. The extension includes Lockdown Support Grants, Supply Chain Business Support Grants, Essential Open Business Support Grants and Self-Employed and Small Business Grants.

Emblems of the past, omens of the future: Abandoned spaces in the Steel City

Emblems of the past, omens of the future: Abandoned spaces in the Steel City

2:52pm

Underneath Sheffield city centre, around Exchange Street, three rivers converge on a cathedral-like storm drain. Built in the mid-1800s, the "Megatron" is the climax of a network of Victorian tunnels sprawling below the city. Sheffield is a hotspot for abandoned spaces, having seen rapid cultural and economic change over the last two centuries. Besides their frequency, their proximity to the city centre distinguishes the Steel City from other former-industrial towns. Urban exploration, the practice of vising sites off-limits to the general public, experienced a new wave of popularity in the mid-2010s, in part due to social media. It can be extremely dangerous - abandoned buildings are rarely safe - and trespass is a civil offence in England and Wales. Just last year, trespassers were caught in the Old Town Hall. South Yorkshire Police also warn: "Clearly this goes against government Covid-19 advice at the moment."

The Megatron. Image credit: tarkovsky, via 28dayslater.

"With greater public interest comes increased scrutiny from the authorities," said James*, a 23-year-old urban explorer. “But the appeal comes from a veneration of history. Architecture is a very visual reminder of our culture, our history and how our society advances.” Many buildings face plans for redevelopment. However, most have been delayed as the UK experiences a recession the likes of which has not been seen since the 1700s. Covid-economics is characterised by uncertainty, but in these forgotten spaces, abandoned during their own periods of boom and bust, lie clues to the city’s future.

Sheffield Old Town Hall

The law courts, in Sheffield Old Town Hall. Image credit: anonymous.

The Old Town Hall was built on Castle Street in 1808. The neoclassical building was the third of its name, however the city quickly outgrew it after the first industrial revolution. It was then used to house the Crown and High Courts after the current Sheffield Town Hall opened in the 1890s, but 100 years later these too had moved to larger sites. A Grade II listed building, it has been unused since 1995. In 2019, Sheffield City Council announced a planning application by Aestrom Ltd had been approved: the Old Town Hall will be turned into serviced apartments as part of the renovation of the Castlegate area, which also includes excavating the Megatron and rebuilding the entrance to Sheffield Castle. Campaign group Friends Of Sheffield Old Town Hall said: "While we are pleased that the Old Town Hall is at last to be restored, we are disappointed that the Council failed to to take steps to ensure that at least part of the building retains its historic significance."

Cells underneath the Old Town Hall. Image credit: anonymous.

Like the Megatron, the Old Town Hall was left behind because of economic booms. The city outgrew it once, triggering a change in use, only for the same to happen a century later. "Sheffield is experiencing a development boom, with lots of growth in the city centre for the commercial and academic industries," said James.* "I think it is important to retain the look and feel of an area if possible, even if it is just the facade of a building. Otherwise, the new development risks being bland in its modernity, until it too is denigrated and disposed of in the face of progress. "Abandoned spaces inherently represent a failure. Removing them can represent a clean slate for an area, but also white-washes its history."

Record Ridgeway Tools Ltd.

Record and Ridgeway Tools Ltd. Image credit: Bignickb, via 28dayslater.

What distinguishes Record Ridgeway from other abandoned workplaces is its abundance of colourful graffiti, including a mural from local artist Phlegm. "To be honest there isn't much evidence of the old tool making business left, it's more of an art gallery now which is absolutely fine by me," wrote one user on 28dayslater, a forum for urban explorers. The Shepherd Street factory was built in the 1930s. U.S. based Irwin Tools acquired the company in 1998 and have since outsourced to China. Scheduled for demolition for several years, work has not yet been started.

Record Ridgeway Tools Ltd. Image credit: Bignickb, via 28dayslater.

Record Ridgeway is a reminder of what happens when economic activity moves away from an area, as is being caused today by home-working. Dr Jesse Matheson, senior lecturer in economics at the University of Sheffield, calls this effect the "zoomshock". "Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, we are likely to see people working from home at substantially higher rates than we observed before the pandemic," he said. "Fewer workers in these areas means fewer local services will be needed (relative to pre-pandemic). We should expect to see an increase in empty shops and abandoned buildings as some local service businesses move to the residential neighbourhoods."

Zoomshock for Sheffield. Red areas indicate a decline in the number or workers due to working from home, blue areas indicate an increase in the number or workers due to working from home.

Sheffield Ski Village

Sheffield Ski Village. Image credit: anonymous.

Opened in 1988, Sheffield ski village closed after a fire in 2012. By 2016 it had suffered 50 arson attacks. In its day it was the largest artificial resort in Europe, but now little remains except rubble. Its Parkwood Springs site is still visible, snaking across the hills to the north-west. "I used to go there loads as a kid," said Lucy*, another urban explorer. "It's very cool. But it still feels sad going back now. I'd love for it to be used again." Sheffield City Council loaned £4.8m to developers Extreme to rebuild the site in 2019, on top of their £25m proposal. Extreme have suffered pandemic-related setbacks, but insisted they were "sticking with it 100 per cent," according to reporting by the Sheffield Star. Its location also suggests it could benefit from a positive zoomshock in the coming years. Dr Matheson said: "because remote-office workers will be spending time in these neighbourhoods, more local services will be needed. These local services will be able to make use of currently underutilised spaces." The original resort was home to bars, bowling alleys and a quad biking track. Olympic athletes like Ellie Koyander were also trained there. If this social element can be recreated, it may be attractive to consumers deprived of their social lives by lockdown, while retaining the historical significance currently turning the heads of UK urban explorers.

View of Sheffield ski village from Walkley. Image credit: Charlie Ridler.

  *Some names in this story have been changed.  

Virtual volunteering: How has the pandemic impacted the UK’s voluntary sector one year on?

Virtual volunteering: How has the pandemic impacted the UK’s voluntary sector one year on?

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“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." “I’ve absolutely seen an increase because with people’s change in their employment circumstances and there was a lot in the media about domestic abuse throughout lockdown. I think it was the second day of lockdown there was a domestic homicide in Wales and when that hit the news and the media, it became very important that people wanted to use their free time to do something good."
“We’ve seen a lot of students wanting to get involved as well, so students really wanting to upskill themselves and get work-based experience. So previously students might have been able to get involved in social clubs or had less time. Now, we’re finding students wanting to diversify their skills, wanting to get diverse work experience.”

Alison Maynard, Volunteer Organiser with domestic abuse charity IDAS.

Now run almost entirely online, the virtual and remote delivery of IDAS's volunteering service has hugely facilitated people who want to give their time but could not do so under regular circumstances.
“Remote working models have massively improved our training reach, they have improved who can get involved, mums especially. Our lead volunteer was recruited from the volunteer service to come in and help me in my role. She’s a mum of three. If that was a role where she had to go to an office so many days a week, she wouldn’t be able to commit to it. The remote working model has given her career progression, as a student, as a mum of three,” Ms Maynard added. According to a study by charity Belong and the University of Kent, volunteering during the pandemic has also been shown to have added benefits for those giving their time. Volunteers have reported feeling a greater connection with their family and friends, a more optimistic outlook for the future and a higher subjective well-being than non-volunteers.
Yet not all organisations offering voluntary services have benefitted from recent changes, with the transition to virtual systems hampering the face-to-face interactions crucial for several support groups. “Unfortunately, and sadly we’ve not been able to have the volunteers in and they’re so valuable and they miss us as much as we miss them,” said office manager Helen Lowry of St Wilfrid's Centre in Sheffield, a day centre supporting homeless, vulnerable or socially excluded adults. “We’ve not been able to use the building because of the amount of people you’re allowed to have in a space at one time. We’ve got a very small team, quite a few of them were on furlough so we’ve been managing to run the organisation either over the phone or opening up a partial service." Finding the online delivery of their service similarly challenging is Sheffield-based charity Chula, which focuses on empowering young women. Founder of the education centred group, Sarah Godfrey said: "We are unable to support our beneficiaries face-to-face and working online can make certain aspects of our work a lot more tricky. We used to run workshops in the city centre to get our young people out of the community and allow them to explore different spaces of Sheffield, which we can't wait to do again." Only having started recruiting volunteers in October 2019, Ms Godfrey added: "We had to move entirely online, meaning that I still haven't met the majority of our volunteers in person! However, we still try to keep a really close group and make it as personal as possible for people. We can't wait to get together over a coffee." With such mixed experiences from volunteering organisations over the last year, it seems likely the sector will embrace its new online delivery of services whilst gratefully returning to face-to-face support.

Sheffield performer held live charity concert online for Mother’s Day

Sheffield performer held live charity concert online for Mother’s Day

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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.