Tag: support

Stay Safe

5th November 2024

Councillors Martin Phipps and Douglas Johnson in Barker's Pool
Councillors Martin Phipps and Douglas Johnson in Barker’s Pool

Green councillors have called on the successful pilot of the Safe Square to be made permanent.

The call comes in an amendment to Labour group’s motion of “Reaffirming Sheffield’s Commitment To Tackling Violence Against Women And Girls And Supporting the White Ribbon Campaign.”

The Safe Square was a pilot of a night-time safe space (10pm-5am) including medical assistance, phone charging, advice and signposting and assistance getting home if needed on Friday and Saturday evenings. It was originally located in Leopold Square, and was moved after feedback to Barkers Pool.

The Safe Square was well received, with positive feedback in the review from women welcoming it as “providing a comfort and a support network for those out in the city centre” and providing an “extra feeling of security”, as well as praise from businesses in the night time economy, the police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The pilot recently ended after the latest round of funding finished.

City ward councillor Martin Phipps said,

“The Safe Square was an important addition to the city centre, providing a long called for safe space offering support getting home, charging your phone and medical assistance.

“Alongside saving police time and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service money, women in the review said its presence made them feel safer on a night out.

“It’s really critical we get a permanent Safe Square back up and running as soon as possible ahead of the busy festive period, working with partners to fund it and maximise its positive impact.”

Food banks in high demand across Sheffield

29th November 2020

Gleadless Valley Greens with groceries to deliver
Gleadless Valley Greens collecting groceries

According to Voluntary Action Sheffield, food banks across the city have seen a huge increase in demand for support as a result of the pandemic. In just one week in April, food banks provided food for 3,152 Sheffield residents, and the need is only increasing.

The Trussell Trust predicts a 61% increase in demand for food parcels for people in crisis across the country during October to December 2020, when compared to the same period last year.

What does this mean for Sheffield?

Jock Stevenson, of Gleadless Valley food bank, told us the demand for food has risen to “extreme levels”, and that this is happening across the city. He described how food banks in Sheffield are working with each other to make sure those people who need food are getting access to it.

The impact of the pandemic on our community is devastating, but the compassion and kindness of Sheffield’s residents is evident in the actions of the many volunteers and in the generous donations made at food bank collections.

How can we give or get help?

Gleadless Valley Foodbank gratefully accepts donations – at a safe distance – of food and essential supplies every weekday from 10am until 12pm. Collections can be made at the Methodist Church, Blackstock Road.

There is also a collection point at Heeley Parish Church, 151 Gleadless Road, S2 3AE. From 9am to 7pm every day.

For details on how to give or receive help please visit gleadlessvalley.foodbank.org.uk  

For anyone living in areas other than Gleadless Valley please find your local food bank here: sheffieldfoodbank.org.uk/food-bank-list