Disability organisation failing students
Disabled students are struggling to enjoy university life after a system that was set up to support them is ‘failing’.
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which underwent major reforms earlier this year, has been criticised after lengthy delays means applications are taking months to be processed, according to one blind student.
Emily Lamb, 23, a MA Journalism student at the University of Sheffield, said: “There are huge hold-ups at all stages of the application and grant process.
“A system designed to aid disabled students in accessing our education is actually causing more stress and frustration.”
The DSA is a non-means tested fund intended to help disabled students in Higher Education with study-related costs, including specialist equipment, non-medical help and travel expe
In February, the Students’ Loans Company (SLC) reformed the DSA model by appointing two suppliers, Capita and Study Tech, who are responsible for looking after disabled students' needs.
The aim was for applicants to have one point of contact, who would arrange their needs assessment, provide their equipment, training and aftercare.
It was hoped this would make the process easier, faster and better quality.
However, disabled students are still being burdened by lengthy delays, which means they are being forced to start their studies without any DSA support.
Miss Lamb, who lost her sight when she was 20, said: “I am at the end of my first semester, but I still haven’t received any support from the DSA, despite applying in summer. The system is failing students like me.”
Reportedly, the number of students applying for DSA is roughly the same as last year and therefore, what SLC would have been expecting in terms of capacity.
Emily, who has written about her experience for Sheffield Wire, explained the DSA is an essential service to ensure that students with a disability can access their course in the same way that their peers can.
Jayne Woodward, a Disability Advisor at the University of Sheffield, said: “The delays are very concerning.
“Whilst institutions have a responsibility to put reasonable adjustments in place, the access to technology and human support that comes from DSA cannot be fully replicated.”
SLC, who are adamant this is the right model for DSA, said they are working to solve the issue of waiting times.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Since the introduction of the reforms, we have removed the complexity for customers, with one supplier being responsible for the customer journey.
“We are aware the journey time is still too long in certain areas, and we are taking steps to improve it.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Röhl pushes for playoffs
Sheffield Wednesday are hoping for their third consecutive win this weekend to boost their team up the league table and strengthen their chances at the playoffs.
The Owls will be returning to Hillsborough Stadium this Saturday to play against Preston North End, with the match kicking off at 12.30pm.
Ahead of tomorrow's game, Danny Röhl, Wednesday’s Manager, said: “The big difference [last season] was about expectations and league position. Every point, every win was outstanding for us. The expectation is higher. The fans will want to see goals, they want to see nice football.”
Preston North End will also be desperate to seal the victory to end their losing streak, after failing to claim a win for the eighth time in a row against West Brom last Saturday.
The team are just three points out of the relegation zone, meaning a win for Preston North End is as crucial as ever.
Last week's away game win over Derby County saw Wednesday reach the top-half of the table at 12th, putting them six places ahead of this weekend's opponents.
Despite being more secure in this season’s league standings, the team must improve their goal difference to surpass Norwich City, Millwall, and Bristol City, who lead only on goals scored in the league table.
Röhl said: “We want to take points now, we have a good week ahead of us. Two home games with the opportunity to take six points. We want to win games, it doesn’t matter if it's home or away.”
This game could be a daunting prospect for Sheffield Wednesday, as PNE have had the upper hand in the last five encounters between the teams, winning three of the games.
Historically, Preston have won 46 matches against Wednesday, who have won 45.
Yan Valery, 25, wingback for Sheffield Wednesday, spoke on Thursday: “The last game wasn’t our best game on the ball or in different areas on the pitch. But these types of games we would have lost at the start of the season, but now it’s all about mentality and fighting together and not giving up."
He stressed that this game is vital in Sheffield Wednesday's success, and could easily determine whether the team rises or falls in the table.
Following a recent decline in home results, Valery also spoke about the impact that fans have on the matches, stating that Wednesdayites are often louder at away games than the home fans.
Valery discussed visiting hospitals and ill children this week, an initiative the club is committed to continuing before Christmas to spread joy.
Watch the video below to hear what he had to say.
Making profit after National Insurance rises “almost impossible” for small businesses
Keir Starmer’s claims to not be burdening the working person are ringing hollow among Sheffield’s small business community, with many already struggling with rising costs.
One affected business is the Steel Cauldron in Broomhall. Rob Downham, pictured here in his second role as Father Christmas, pointed out the damage that would be caused by the proposed increases to National Insurance.
“An employee with us earning around £23,000 a year is going to cost us about an extra one and a half thousand pounds in national insurance, but actually, that’s combined with the fact the minimum wage has increased by almost 40% over the last four years.
“So actually since I set up this business just over four years ago, the cost of employing a person has almost increased by 50%, and will reach 50% in April.”
The raise comes at a time when businesses have also been badly hurt by steep increases in rent and utility costs. The Steel Cauldron’s expenses on utilities alone have gone up by 500% in the past few years.
Carolina, the manager of family-owned Tropicana on Crookesmoor Road, is contemplating moving out of the area in January due to rising costs.
She said: “I would say we need more support with the bills, rent, something. In this area, you need to work really hard to be able to pay the rent.
As a business, we’re keeping people together, we’re giving them space you know? Because this is all about social life."
Many are not convinced by the extent of these difficulties.
President of Sheffield’s Trade Union Council Sam Morecroft argues that small businesses often exaggerate the extent of trouble they face. Whilst he approves of extra financial aid to be offered to legitimate cases, Sam calls on owners to “open up their books” to receive help.
“Do I have a problem with employers paying more? No, absolutely not.”
He continued: “In genuine cases, where small businesses can’t afford to pay the new minimum wage or pay their national insurance contributions, fair enough. Particularly if it’s something that people want in their communities to keep running.”
Additional reporting by Nicole Taylor
Sheffield Councillor fights for “A Fair Deal for Social Care Providers” after Labour budget
A Sheffield councillor has revealed the negative impact the rise of employers' contributions tax will have on health and social care providers, and the local government.
Liberal Democrat councillor, Sophie Thornton, said that the Labour government has "given with one hand and taken with the other" when she proposed the motion, 'A Fair Deal for Social Care Providers', at a Sheffield City Council meeting this week.
The proposal highlighted the impact the rise of National Insurance employees' contributions tax (NICs), introduced by the budget, will have on the health and social care sector.
It also emphasised the effect on the quality of care that users will receive, as well as the financial consequences for the local government.
The council meeting explained that employers, from April 2025, will start paying NICs on employee's earnings from £5000 instead of the current £9,100.
Personal care provider at Prof- Care Sheffield, George Granger, said: "This increase will be very hard for our staff and clients. We now may be limited to the national living wage."
Mr Granger added that their "hands are tied" as Prof-Care will face a big struggle to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sufficient transport for their clients.
Cllr Robert Reiss, who backed Cllr Thornton's motion, said: "Increased costs will impact employees through lower salaries in the long term and a reduction in staff numbers."
He added: "Adult social care is a statutory function of the council and it needs to be provided.
"It is one of the largest costs to the council, for whom budgets are already stretched, and increasing the costs to social care providers will exacerbate this further."
Analysis provided by the Nuffield trust, a UK organisation aiming to improve the health and social care sector through research and policy analysis, shows that 70% of care provided by adult social carers is paid for by local authorities.
Cyril Lobont, Researcher at the Nuffield Trust, said: "Lower income area adult social care providers will be hit the hardest by the 1.2% rise in NICs."
Mr Lobont added that changes to employer NICs will cost the adult social care sector more than £900m next year, which Cllr Thornton said is £300m more than what has been allocated to local governments to support local care.
Safe Square returns to Sheffield to keep partygoers safe this Christmas
Sheffield’s “safe haven” is returning this festive period after receiving vital funding to offer people peace of mind at night.
Safe Square will provide medical and welfare care in the city centre every Saturday in December, including New Year’s Eve, from 10.00pm to 4.30am.
What started as a one-month pilot project in December 2023 has become a focus point for many over the past ten months, and has helped almost 500 people. Despite offering lifesaving medical support on occasions, people come to the safe space to raise concerns, wait for a taxi, charge their phone, or to simply have a cup of tea and a chat.
The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit has advocated for the Safe Square since its pilot launch and has funded the majority of the project, contributing around £75,000 since last December. They have provided additional short-term funding to allow the Safe Square to operate this Christmas.
Kayleigh Waine, 27, General Manager at Katie O'Brien’s and project manager of Safe Square has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 18.
“I see people who feel uncomfortable, I see the people who are trying to have a good night, and there’s someone who’s not necessarily there to have the same vibe.”
Kayleigh said she thinks social anxiety is at an all-time high, especially as a lot of people going out now were getting to that age around the Covid pandemic.
“All the lights, noise and amount of people can feel really unsettling and overwhelming, and I feel it’s necessary to have a safe haven, somewhere that’s calm, a place to chill out, rather than sitting on a bench by yourself in the cold.”
Currently based in Barker’s Pool, the Safe Square collaborates with many venues and businesses across the city, including South Yorkshire Police, Mediqas Medical Services, and the Sheffield Street Pastors.
Tricia Watts, Coordinator of Sheffield Street Pastors, an independent faith-based organisation, said Sheffield has been the largest city in the UK without a Safe Square up until 12 months ago.
“I think it gives that feeling of security, especially new students coming to Sheffield for university. The clubs like it as well because they can call us on the CCTV. Everybody involved has seen the positive difference it makes.”
Safe Square also has a private ambulance on site and two IPM security guards present at all times.
“It’s one thing that I do really love about this industry, it’s very close knit, and everyone looks after each other”, said Kayleigh.
Ambulance and IPM security team on-site at the Safe Square. Credit: Safe Square
Dean Lorimer, 38, Director of Operational Services at Mediqas Medical Services, has been involved with the night time economy set up for many years, previously providing medical care inside Code nightclub. He said his favourite part about Safe Square is working together with like-minded people and believes you should treat everyone as your own family.
“We’ve even struck up a bond with some of the homeless people on West Street. They’ll come and have a chat, and we’ll have a laugh and a joke with them. We collaborate with everybody to make Sheffield a safer place.”
Dean started working as a builder but joined St. John’s ambulance service aged 23 after saving his dad’s life using CPR. He believes more men would benefit from reaching out.
Contrary to popular belief, the Safe Square found an even split between men and women seeking support, with 52.4% being male and 47.6% female.
Dean said: “I think men don’t have the support network women have when they go out. Women tend to stick together and look after each other, I think men have an attitude of wanting to look after themselves, but actually they probably can’t.”
Mediqas have attended three stabbing incidents and a pedestrian-car collision, and can often reach people quicker than the ambulance or police.
“We can deal with the majority of medical emergencies or injuries on site, without having to add an extra strain on A&E and the police,” said Dean.
Kayleigh said Safe Square have saved the police an average of 12% on their shift times.
“Our main goal was never to save the NHS or police money, it was about making the people of Sheffield feel safe in the city centre. That’s just an additional bonus”, she said.
Looking ahead, Kayleigh would like to see a permanent funding model put in place and run for the whole year, including student nights on Wednesdays.
“As a long-term goal, I’d like the project to be bigger than just the few of us that are doing it now, and for there to be enough need that it becomes someone’s job. My ultimate goal is that no city needs anything like it, but you’ve got to be realistic.”
Kayleigh’s petition for the project has received 789 signatures so far. She hopes this support will help secure the financial future of Safe Square when budgets are released in April next year.
“Sight loss is an isolating process”: A blind student explains how a disability service is letting her down
I was studying English at university when I realised my sight was finally failing. I was only 20 and it was terrifying.
My life changed dramatically. I went from being a very confident, active, person to being scared of leaving my house.
I could no longer read books with enlarged text on my kindle, instead I had to access material for my course audibly.
I’d known since I was 11-years-old my vision could be impacted. During a routine eye check appointment, an optician explained she was concerned by what she described as ‘freckles’ on the back of my eye.
After being referred for various tests at the local eye hospital, I was diagnosed with a genetic, degenerative condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa – which I couldn’t even pronounce, let alone comprehend.
It was then, I was told that I was losing my vision over time.
The specialist predicted that I would lose most of my sight by my early twenties.
This prediction was pretty accurate. I was registered blind during the second year of my undergraduate degree.
As I quickly discovered, sight loss is an isolating process.
I desperately needed support from my university but it wasn’t there. I felt completely alone. I was living three hours away from my family, locked down due to covid, and emotionally, I felt stranded. It felt as though no one understood what I was going through, including the professionals who were supposed to be able to help me.
Everything and everyone I knew was quite literally fading away.
In hindsight, I don’t know how I got through my degree but I can confidently say it was not due to the support of the university and the disability services.
But I didn’t give in. I couldn’t. I still had a life to lead.
I spent two years working in the Sight Loss Sector between my undergraduate and postgraduate study. It made me realise support that should be put in place for any further education.
I applied for a journalism postgraduate course and saw my Masters degree at the University of Sheffield as a second chance to get the education experience I missed out on in my undergraduate course.
I also felt very grateful that I was going to university this time with my most trusted companion, my guide dog, Garth.
However, as I come to the end of my first semester, I am yet to receive any support from Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) which I applied for in summer.
This is not the fault of the university, but a centralised external system, which is supposed to help students with disabilities.
I’m not alone. This is a common experience for disabled students which highlights the scale and severity of the issue.
A system designed to aid us in accessing our education is actually causing more stress and frustration.
Before I started my first degree, people used to try and reassure me by saying ‘everyone’s in the same boat’, but this is simply untrue.
I felt as though I was in a raft watching my peers sail away into the stereotypical and over-sold university life.
It was not just accessing my course that I was concerned about, but living independently in a new city and socialising with new people who wouldn’t have any understanding of my sight loss.
DSA in principle, is a wonderful service. It is non-means tested and can provide students with essential equipment that will enable them to access their studies.
In February 2024, the system was reformed, with the aim of making the process easier and quicker by having just two suppliers.
But the reality is, this is far from the case. The delay has meant that I have not had any assistive software, such as a screen reader, to help me in accessing my course materials and exams.
I ended up having to teach myself how to use the in-built software on my laptop while starting my course to try and get me through.
I want to know what the Students’ Loans Company are going to do to amend the issues. They were aware of the problems, so I would like to know how will they continue to try and solve them?
It seems that no one is talking about this, and so in light of Disability History Month I want to bring attention to the injustice that many disabled students are facing.
Sheffield conference reflects on “thuggery” of the Rotherham riots and mending wounds within the community
The aftermath of the far-right violence in Rotherham was a “harsh reminder of how fragile progress can be" according to a South Yorkshire charity.
Yesterday (December 5) community leaders gathered at Bramall Lane Stadium to discuss how to move forward following the riots of earlier this year.
The Sheffield based charity FURD, Football Unites Racism Divides, hosted a conference called Uniting Our Streets and Communities.
The non-profit organisation has been a driving force of inclusion for over 30 years, helping refugees and asylum seekers foster a sense of belonging.
Co-CEO of FURD, Mehrun Ahmed, said: “Here in Sheffield, and across the north, we’ve built relationships within and between our communities. We’ve seen solidarity and shared joys and achievements, and yet this summer was a harsh reminder of how fragile progress can be.”
Just three months ago, a far-right mob descended on the Manvers Holiday Inn housing migrants. Sentiments at the conference showed just how raw and pertinent the violence in Rotherham remains.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “What I saw was far right hate and thuggery playing out on our streets. I saw anti-Muslim hate. It’s really important, I think, to name exactly what happened.”
Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central drew on her own fear, calling her position as a Muslim woman and a political figure “an extremely dauting experience”.
Alongside recognising the terror and damage caused by the riots, the conversation was underpinned by the systemic issues that contributed to far-right anger and the increasingly marginalised space occupied by people of colour.
Cllr Hunt went on to say: “The far right tapped into enormous reservoirs of discontent in some communities, people who were frankly suffering after 14 long years of underfunding for their communities.”
Ms Mohamed, said: “We need to have a government accountability that will address these areas and try to resolve them and I’m confident that people can work on some of these issues, because we can’t keep scapegoating minorities for problems in society.”
For local leaders the deprivation of areas targeted by rioters over the summer illustrated the need to repair communities in crisis.
Cllr Hunt said: "Community cohesion is something that we need to live and breathe all the time, to seek to bring people together, and communication is extremely hard to do when people have not got the right opportunities that they want to be able to thrive.”
Ms Mohamed took a moment to maintain that the Sheffield community should not be defined by the riots.
She said: “I took heart, [however], from the very big show of solidarity in Sheffield, and the number of people who did come out to say, this isn’t in our name.”
Male life expectancy dips in Sheffield
Life expectancy for men born in Sheffield has fallen since the pandemic but remains the highest in South Yorkshire.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on male life expectancy from birth in local authorities across the UK between 2021 and 2023, place the average male life expectancy in Sheffield at 78.43 years.
This represents a decrease from an average of 79.12 in 2017-19, and is comparable to areas such as Cannock Chase (78.42) and Southend-on-Sea (78.89).
Life expectancy in Barnsley stands at 76.54 years, in Doncaster at 76.93, and in Rotherham at 77.8.
Leeds also experienced a drop in life expectancy, to 78.32 years from an average of 78.32 prior to 2021.
All these figures represent a post-pandemic decrease, with Doncaster faring the worst with a fall of 1.37 years.
Blackpool has fallen below Glasgow to become the city with the worst male life expectancy in the country, while towns and boroughs in the South East, such as Hart, Uttlesford and Richmond-upon-Thames, remain overrepresented in the top 10.
This is in line with trends observed earlier this year, in an ONS report on life expectancy decreases between 2020 and 2022.
Julie Stanborough, then deputy director of health and life events at ONS, said these figures show "a clear geographical divide when it comes to areas with the best and worst outcomes."
She said: “None of the 10 local areas with the highest life expectancy were located in the north of England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. By contrast, of the 10 local areas with the lowest life expectancy, none were in the south of England."
Sheffield Wednesday supports campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusion in football
Sheffield Wednesday’s dedicated LGBTQ+ support group, Rainbow Owls shared the overwhelming positive response they received from their participation in the Rainbow Laces campaign.
The Rainbow Laces campaign was created by LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall with the aim of making sport safer and more inclusive for all. They encourage people to wear rainbow laces to show support and spread awareness.
Chris Ledger, founder of Rainbow Owls, said: “We find that safe space for people who might not always feel comfortable going to a football match.”
Sheffield Wednesday is just one of the many clubs that are supporting the campaign, with Sheffield United’s LGBTQ+ support group, Rainbow Blades and Sheffield and Hallamshire FA also partcipating.
Chris spoke about how Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United are "ahead of the curve" with supporting groups like Rainbow Owls and Rainbow Blades. He said sometimes these groups can fade into the background because of the extent of work they require, but the visibility of both groups is really positive for Sheffield.
As well as wearing rainbow laces, Rainbow Owls have organised events such as a watch party of the recent Lionesses vs USA match on Saturday, a podcast episode consisting of a panel discussion on tackling homophobia in football and pre-match workshops with school children for the campaign.
Rainbow Owls watch party Source: Chris Ledger
Chris said that these community outreach programmes "foster an accepting environment for future generations.”
Sam Elliot-Olechnowicz, campaigns officer at Rainbow Owls said: “Continuing to support this campaign is essential to driving cultural change, challenging discrimination, and showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, both within the club and beyond.”
While there is still progress to be made with inclusivity in football, Chris emphasised the need to focus on the positive impact of the campaign.
In a Premier League match against Nottingham Forrest earlier this month, Ipswich Town manager, Sam Morsy, did not wear a rainbow armband because of "religious reasons" according to the BBC. However, many clubs came together to show their support for the campaign with a number of people choosing to wear an armband.
Pawsome Weekend for Cat Lovers in Sheffield: CatVideoFest is here!
Whether you are a cat lover or just a consistent scroller on the Internet, no one can resist a cat video.
Catvideofest is coming to the UK for the first time, raising money to support the Sheffield Cats Shelter.
The festival originated in the United States in 2019, and shows a 75 minute compilation of cat videos, ranging from funny and heartwarming to memes and animations.
This year, Sheffield is one of three cities to host the event. They will be raising money for the Sheffield Cats Shelter, one of the oldest cat shelters in the UK. The shelter has been running since 1897, providing vital care and rehoming to cats across Sheffield and surrounding areas.
The festival has raised more than $150,000USD since starting, which goes towards support for adoptions, fostering, volunteer sign-ups and more. They have plans to evolve around the world.
Cat shelters have been facing hardships since the start of the cost of living crisis and many families can no longer afford the care needed for their cats. Rescues have been trying their best to keep up with the rising demand for their service.
Despite surviving two world wars and the pandemic, Sheffield Cats Shelter is struggling to keep up with the needs of the community.
Becki Hollingworth, Cat Welfare Manager of the rescue said: “It was a very pleasant surprise to be a nominated charity to raise funds for CatVideoFest.
“All rescues around the world and around the country are definitely struggling at this point in time with the cost of living crisis.
“I think it is a really good way for people to just support us and the work that we do.”
CatVideoFest opens at the Showroom Cinema at 6pm this evening, and will be attended by the shelter’s friendly cat mascot Travis. It will continue into Sunday.
The Gleadless Valley Regeneration Project: “We need to tackle this” says council
Rehabilitating Gleadless Valley's image should be a key part of its regeneration project said Sheffield Council leader, Tom Hunt.
Gleadless Valley, one of Sheffield’s most deprived areas, was assigned £80 million in council funds to assist in improving local amenities and social housing, with plans created by three urban design companies.
That was seven years ago. Gleadless Valley remains an area most heavily affected by poor housing and unemployment, with no action by the council or local services.
Residents still face many of the key issues reported in 2017, when the project was announced, including anti-social behaviour (ASB), crime and fly tipping.
Regarding fly tipping and the condition of the area, Councillor Hunt said: “We need to tackle this as part of the regeneration.
“Maintenance of public areas around the housing will make a big difference to the overall impression of the area and quality of life for residents.”
Dave, 67 and Trevor, 68, two long-standing residents were both former members of the Gleadless Valley Tenants and Residents association. They left the association because they felt they weren’t being listened to by the council.
Dave described the state of the area as “an eyesore”.
“People come in and dump rubbish by the barrowload, and they don’t care who sees them.”
Trevor said: "The council set up cameras as a deterrent, to try and scare people off but they were ripped down by vandals.
“The amount of graffiti, the litter, the fly tipping, the area just isn’t looked after at all.”
Statistics of waste removal from the area indicate that volunteer led initiatives have removed over 2500 refuse sacks of waste picked up from outdoor, public spaces in 2024.
Projects like this are part of the council’s initiative to encourage what they call “community led approaches”, where residents support their own community projects.
Tom Hunt said that the council aims to “look for ways to make visible changes quickly, targeting littering hotspots and working with police to target fly tipping."
Sheffield residents react to MPs’ votes on Assisted Dying Bill
Sheffield residents have had their say on how their MPs voted and whether it aligns with their personal beliefs on assisted dying.
A week after the vote constituents have a better understanding of where their representatives stand regarding this significant and deeply debated legislation.
Savanna Cockerill of Sheffield Hallam said: “I think it is a step in the right direction for allowing patients with terminal illnesses to get the end of life they prefer rather than deteriorating and waiting to die further down the line.”
The MP for Sheffield Hallam, Olivia Blake, voted in favour of the Bill.
The Bill is to allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life.
It was introduced by MP Kim Leadbeater and passed its second reading in the House of Commons on 29 November 2024, in a vote of 330 to 275. The Bill is currently at the committee stage.
Hugo Van Nierkerk of Sheffield Central said: “I am personally for assisted dying but can completely see how the vulnerable and elderly people of society would feel a burden.”
Sheffield Central MP, Abtisam Mohamed, was one of the two Sheffield MPs who voted against the Bill.
There has been a mixture of support and opposition in Sheffield with a split in vote from the six local MPs, with four of the MPs voting in favour and two voting against.
Terminally ill patients seeking an assisted death would need a prognosis of less than six months to live. The process would require approval from two independent doctors and a High Court judge to ensure all criteria are met and safeguards are upheld.