The
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
Hello! Welcome to the Summer 2025 Community Connector,
the newsletter for everyone in Darnall, Tinsley, Attercliffe and Handsworth - keeping you up to date with all the exciting things happening in the area! During the long hot days of summer there’s been plenty going on locally including the Olympic Legacy in Action community day (p10) and the Darnall Churches Family Funday (p2). For those with children we highlight summer activities planned for the school summer holidays (p20), and there are details of the East Local Area Committee Tinsley Clean & Green initiative (p3). There’s also the latest feature written especially for us by housing charity Shelter, focusing on suitability and review (p16).
We love hearing from you and content is always welcome. Do get in touch if you have something you’d like to share for the next edition, planned for the end of the year, or your views and feedback on this edition.
Send your news, stories and information to: communityconnectordarnall@gmail.com
If you need a large print version of the newsletter, please contact us at the email address above, and we will provide one.
Leto je tu a my dúfame, že toto vydanie bulletinu budete čítať na slnku! Nahliadnite dovnútra a dozviete sa, čo sa v našej oblasti deje počas leta.
This newsletter has been published and distributed thanks to funding and support from: Xagaagii wuu soo galey waxaan rajeynayaa inaad ku faraxsan tahay inaad akhrido daabacaadan warsidahaaga intaada cadceedsaneyso! U fiirso dhexdiisa si aad u ogaato dhamaan waxa ka jira bulshada xiligan xagaagan.
Enjoying the fun at the Olympic Legacy in Action community day
Darnall Life
Darnall Churches Family Funday
The second Darnall Churches Family Funday was a great success. Held as a gift to the community and to encourage unity, the churches and Christians in Darnall and Attercliffe got together and organised and funded a funday for everyone. Galeed House, Darnall Road Baptist Church, Living Waters, Church of Christ Darnall and St Albans Christian Community all supported the event with funds, resources and volunteers, alongside others who came to support the day. The event was held at Darnall Community Park (Kashmir Park) and was completely free and open to all.
It was a wonderful day, with perfect weather, where hundreds of local people gathered to have fun. There was a bouncy castle and slide, crafts, face glitter and lots of games and activities. We were blessed by free cakes from Mr Kipling cakes and free books for children from Sheffield Reads. Entertainment including singing, storytelling, drumming and dancing. And people were invited to think about what unity meant for them and for our community. The day was so much fun that the event was extended by an hour and finished with a tug of war. It was lovely to see neighbours and friends coming together and sharing in the day. And it was such a success, the churches are already planning for next year! Keep an eye out for the date for next year’s funday.
Update from Darnall Allotment Project
You may have seen some exciting progress happening on Darnall Allotment Project’s new plot on Staniforth Road After many weeks of clearing fly tipping, cutting down trees and chopping up all the logs, we have had machinery on to remove all the tree roots and level the site. Now our new plot is a blank canvas, ready to build a shelter, tool shed, raised beds and more and start growing some veggies!
Follow our progress on our social media pages:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/darnallallotmentproject Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darnall.allotment/ We continue to meet every Friday at the Ouse Road allotments. If you would like to come and get involved please get in touch:
Contact Sarah at darnallallotmentproj@gmail.com or 07415 025919, or complete our online form https://forms.gle/QYvvZK52EjJgnQLKA
Galeed House is a place of friendship for everyone in Darnall. All our activities are free and open to all. We have a new project - a homework and study club for children and young people. There are volunteers at the house to help with questions, as well as it being a quiet, calm place to study. There is no need to apply or register for any of our activities – just come along, everyone is welcome!
Activities schedule: Homework Club (ages 7-16) Mondays 5.30-6.30pm. Men’s English Classes Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-noon. Women’s English Classes Tuesdays 10-11am beginners and 11am-noon Intermediate. Women’s sewing/English conversation, games and free Halal lunch Thursdays 10.30am-1pm. Activities mainly run in term time.
Galeed House, 75 Nidd Road, S9 3BB. For more information: visit www.galeedhouse.org.uk or call: 0114 244 4832 or 07710 671175
Visitors enjoying the Funday
Progress at the allotment
Tinsley Life
The East Local Area Committee has been working with partners and residents to promote Tinsley Clean & Green - an initiative focused on transforming the streets of Tinsley and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The project empowers local people with the tools, knowledge and support needed to tackle litter and fly-tipping, while also encouraging nature-friendly planting to green the streets and promote urban biodiversity. Through a range of environmentally focused activities - including community clean-up events, recycling and waste reduction campaigns and the improvement of local green spaces - Tinsley Clean and Green aims to inspire pride, foster community spirit and build a cleaner, greener and more vibrant Tinsley for everyone.
Before and after
to be planted Residents can also collect free litter pickers from Tinsley Volunteer Library to help keep their street litter free. There will be more to come, so watch this space! Contact eastlac@sheffield.gov.uk
So far, we have held litter picking sessions with officers and Tinsley Meadows Primary School and planting sessions with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust’s Sheffield Communities Officer Lucy Graham and volunteers. They have planted nature friendly flowers in the tree pits, created a large number of hanging baskets for residents and with help from the East Local Area Committee’s Environmental Stewardship Team to uncover old, unused planters, they are making the area come alive with colour.
Sheffield City Council is excited to announce that the redevelopment of the Tinsley Green ‘Kick Pitch’ is now complete and ready for community use. The project includes a fully resurfaced pitch with clear, new line markings, along with the installation of dedicated goal ends for football, basketball and cricket. To enhance safety and accessibility, the fencing around the area has been replaced and new cycle stands have been added for convenient bike parking. General improvements have also been made to create a welcoming and versatile space for everyone to enjoy.
The pitch is free to use and open for recreational activities, encouraging people of all ages to get outside and be active. To celebrate the reopening of this fantastic community facility, there will be a launch event on Thursday 24 July.
Tinsley Allotment will be holding three Open Days this summer. These are free events and everyone is welcome to come along. You can enjoy taking part in some games or craft activities and we will have some drinks and refreshments to share too. There will be fruit and vegetables that we have harvested from the allotment and seeds to sow that you can take home and grow. If you haven’t been to the allotment before, this is a great opportunity to see where we are and to find out more about how you can get involved!
Ready
Kick Pitch
Local Life
Food Works markets are all about sharing food and preventing waste. Every year Food Works recovers hundreds of tonnes of unused food from businesses and producers. We make sure this food is put to good use, preserving the time and energy that has gone into producing it. This reduces the environmental impact of our food. We make all the food we receive available to the local community through our markets, box schemes, cafés and our frozen ready meals Just Meals. https://thefoodworks.org/what-we-do/ready-meals/. By sharing the food we have, we build more resilient communities where everyone can be nourished.
Where to find us: our main market can be found at Food Works Handsworth. Here you can visit the market, collect patron boxes and buy Just Meals. Both the market stock and Just Meals are available on a pay what you can afford basis with a minimum contribution of £1 each, because our supply varies daily, the contents of the shelves do too. Over the school summer holidays we waive the £1 contribution for the Just Meals for anyone who comes in with their child. People can take up to three meals if needed.
Opening times: Hot drinks & patron box collection: Sunday to Tuesday 10am-2pm and Wednesday to Saturday 10am3pm. Marketplace: Sunday to Tuesday 11am-2pm and Wednesday to Saturday 11am-3pm.
Getting there: public transport X5 to Dinnington, get off at Handsworth Road/Oakley Road bus stop (near Asda supercentre). 52 to Woodhouse, get off at Handsworth Road/Richmond Park Road.
Other local connections: 30, 216, 752, 52a, 30a.
Food Works Handsworth, Unit 12-14 Portland Business Park, 130 Richmond Park Road, S13 8HS.
Alternatively, visit one of our pop-up markets located in Sheffield that we hold on a regular basis. Your most local pop-up market is at Tinsley Forum every other Thursday 1pm-2pm. thefoodworks.org/locations-partners/ our-hubs/
Pickleball – is a racket sport played with a small plastic ball on a small court, usually with four players. It is the most accessible racket sport after table tennis, very easy to pick up and enjoy with no coaching required.
Sheffield Pickleball Club are a notfor-profit volunteer led organisation who run pickleball sessions across Sheffield. Working in partnership with Courtside, a community interest company to facilitate and deliver activity in Sheffield parks. The sessions are open to anyone, no prior experience is required and all equipment is provided. Contact hello@courtside.uk
Pop-up Market at Tinsley Forum
Details of Pop-up markets at Tinsley Forum
Local Life
What’s On at Darnall Library
Regular events at Darnall Library
Babytime: weekly session of entertainment for infants, with rhymes, music and toys and a chance for parents to meet up and make new friends. Mondays 10.30am–11.30am (term-time only).
Under 5’s Storytime: weekly session aimed at pre-schoolers, with toys, games Darnall Library and a book-related craft. Tuesdays 10.30am–11.30am (term-time only). IT Drop-In: for help with all your IT needs. Bring along your own device or use the computers in the library. Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm (term-time only).
Chatterbooks: monthly fun book group for children aged 8-11, including quizzes, crafts and games based around a book theme. Last Saturday of the month. There are lots of exciting activities going on at Darnall Library this summer and they are all FREE. Please contact the library for details or to book a place for your child. There are only limited places for some of our events, so booking is essential. Telephone 0114 203 7429, or pop in and speak to our friendly staff. See page 7 for details of summer activities. Darnall Library, Britannia Road, S9 5JG. Email darnall.library@sheffield.gov.uk The library is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm.
Sheffield Museums Green Connections Team visited Darnall Library with a collection of Natural History exhibits. Customers and staff were fascinated to be able to handle the exhibits which included a fossil that was millions of years old, a surprisingly heavy sample of hematite – an iron ore used for smelting and producing steel – and the fossil of a sea creature found in the rocks at Castleton signifying that the area was once underwater. There was also an eye-catching display of giant-sized insects, including a 12 inch stick insect and colourful butterflies that illustrated how insects protect themselves from predators.
DESA Are you interested in sporting, education and cultural experiences for children and young people in Sheffield? Then join the DESA group chat to receive updates on sessions and future projects such as: *EIS multi-sport sessions *Football sessions *Boxing sessions *Tutoring service *Holiday activities *Youth clubs *Stadium tours *Theme parks *Ninja Warrior *Jump Inc *Go-karting *Outdoor activities *Beach trips *Ice Skating *Swimming *Autism friendly sport *Tickets to live events *Latest projects, updates and much more. We also have a new men only swim session every month.
All are welcome to St Mary’s Church Handsworth for our first ever Community Hub Open Day on Saturday 26 July, from 11am-3pm. Free entry and delicious free wood fired pizza! Plus a kids bouncy castle, live entertainment from the Woodhouse Prize Band (11am-noon) and legendary local sword dancers, Handsworth Museum and community garden tours, Q&A with our rectory beekeeper (1pm onwards, with honey for sale), plus stalls, games and craft activities for all ages. We’ll be sharing what goes on at the Hub (and how to get involved) plus a chance for updates and feedback about its redevelopment. All welcome at St Mary’s Community Hub (down the lane from the main church building, 402 Handsworth Road, Handsworth, S13 9BZ). Please note parking is very limited. Stay in touch by following us on Facebook @StMarysHandsworthSheff
Darnall Well Being
Activities and Support
We run lots of different types of groups, giving people the chance to take part in activities to get more active or get to know others in the local area. We also have groups to help people living with long term conditions, including Diabetes, Dementia and Persistent Pain. And we offer training opportunities to our volunteers and other local organisations. In total, over 450 different people have been to our groups and other sessions so far this year. And our amazing volunteers have given nearly 850 hours to help us provide support in the community!
We also offer one-to-one support
Our team can give you dedicated, individual support with things like managing Diabetes, feeling less isolated, quitting smoking or eating more healthily.
Noreen, Alfred & Eram (L-R), members of our friendly and supportive 1-1 team
You can be referred to us by your GP or another health professional - or you can simply call or email us to ask for support. A member of the team will have a chat to find out more about your needs and what matters to you, and then agree with you a plan to help support you to reach your goals. Our team can offer support in a number of community languages, too, if needed.
Our groups will pause over the school summer holidays, but will be back in September with the activity schedule below.
If you would like to try any of our groups, find out more about getting one-to-one support from us or join us as a volunteer, please get in touch:
0114 249 6315
dwb.enquiries@ darnallwellbeing.org.uk
Stay up to date with all the latest news about what we have on offer via our website or social media: https://darnallwellbeing.org.uk/
Some of our groups in action
As the ‘Discover Darnall’ Economic Recovery Fund is coming to and end, here are some highlights and achievements from the project that will leave a lasting legacy going forwards. 3 murals have been installed in and around Darnall High Street, each having been designed in collaboration with local community groups such as Darnall Well Being, St Alban’s Church and Philimore School. Alastair Flindall from Neck of the Wood Studio has led on the mural project; here is his write up of each mural:
Site 2: Aries Lighting
Collaborators:
Neck of the Wood Studio & Ben PMA Signs
Drawing from archival images of business signage from across Darnall, the mural is composed of torn and collaged typography, mimicking the look of weathered billboards layered with history. If you look closely—or squint just right—you’ll see the words "We Live Here" emerge from the design. It’s a quiet yet powerful statement about presence, identity, and belonging.
Site 1: AF Dobson
Collaborators:
Neck of the Wood Studio & Enso
This vibrant mural acts as a joyful welcome to the area, paying tribute to the rich tapestry of Darnall’s local businesses. Symbols woven into the design tell their own stories: tomatoes and olives represent greengrocers (and olives, also, a nod to peace); a steaming cup of tea salutes the area’s cafes and restaurants; a magical goat on a flying carpet recalls Balfour's Carpets; and a TV set and vintage film reel honour AF Dobson and the legacy of Darnall’s seven former cinemas. It's a layered celebration of place, memory, and trade - both past and present.
Site 3: Darnall Library
Collaborators: Neck of the Wood Studio & Faunagraphic
Set in a lush garden scene, the artwork pays homage to the beloved cats of Darnall - creatures found across the globe and cherished in every community. But more than a tribute to feline friends, this mural speaks to the restorative power of gardening, the importance of green spaces, and the role of nature in nurturing mental wellbeing and community spirit. It’s a gentle call to care - for the environment, for each other, and for ourselves.
Community Planting
One of the aims of the Discover Darnall project was to create and improve green spaces around the Darnall high street area. The site on Main Road was chosen as an under-used piece of utility grass that, if renovated, could provide a resting spot for shoppers as they travel to and from the high street.
The Local Area Committee helped us make a start on the garden by providing their environmental stewards to clear the site, which made a huge difference. We then carried out community consultation, bringing in community partners such as Church Army and Nature Recovery Sheffield. Door to door enquiries were carried out in the estate opposite the garden, a Google survey was published and several drop-in sessions were held at Darnall Library. The feedback from this was that people would like a space with planters and something for children.
Play to Measure were commissioned for the work and came up with a playful design that would give the garden its own identity. The planter design incorporated seating but it was designed as a small ledge for ‘perching’, to discourage anti-social behaviour or rough sleeping, Play to Measure also designed some sensory boards to make the space more child friendly. Fencing was installed to stop vehicles from entering the garden.
Regather Co-Operative provided some advice on plant choices and location of planting in relation to sunlight etc. Once the plants were chosen and ordered, a community planting day was scheduled, run by Kids Plant Trees and supported by the Darnall Community Allotment group. The day was highly successful with around 10 families attending, as well as allotment volunteers coming to help fill the planters with soil the previous day.
Since the garden has been installed, a group from Living Waters church have been watering and tending to the new plants in the planters. Several other community groups such as local home school families and the Cube foundation have expressed an interest in using the space. The feedback has been fantastic, from residents, the TARA and local community organisations.
New planters have also been built and filled with plants outside Darnall Library. The middle planter is a little herb garden and local people can help themselves to herbs to use. We want to keep these areas healthy and thriving, so if anyone would like to help with maintaining the planters or community garden, please contact joy.arnott@sheffield.gov.uk.
To find out more about the whole project, you can read more here: https://darnallwellbeing.org.uk/economicrecovery-fund-in-darnall/
The Community Garden
Planting day
Why we should keep our streets clean
Litter was identified early on as a priority in the Discover Darnall project and we commissioned OD Create and Graft Creative to design some campaign materials to be used in the community. As a result we have the ‘Our Darnall Our Home’ brand, which has been created, and is currently being used on a flyer for homes and for businesses, along with several videos that can be shared on social media. You can find the videos on Darnall Well Being’s YouTube channel: Darnall Well Being - YouTube
Look out for several banners going up in Darnall to highlight the campaign, and local little picking volunteers with the ‘Our Darnall Our Home’ logo on their hi vis jackets.
Olympic Legacy in Action Community Day
The fourth Olympic Legacy in Action Community Day was held at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in June. The event was attended by over 3,000 people who enjoyed a range of sports and activities in the summer sunshine. Taster sessions on offer included archery, basketball, boxing, canoeing, capoeira, climbing, cricket, cycling, dragon boat racing, hula hooping, ice skating, lacrosse, football, netball, paddle boarding, pickleball, rugby, scooters, snooker, table tennis and trampolining as well as arts and crafts, henna art and face painting.
Booknow
We welcomed Rother Radio to the event for the first time, who broadcast live throughout the day and even took part in a dragon boat race which went out live on air - a first for the local radio station! Huge thanks to our partner and sponsor Westfield Health for supporting the event again.
Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
News from Oasis Academy Don Valley
Hello! We are the Eco Committee, a group of 16 Y8 students who have been trying to help the community be more environmentally friendly. We’ve already accomplished a lot since September. This includes litter picks, tree planting with Olympians, Active Travel Ambassadors and raising awareness about World Environment Day 2025.
Litter Picks: since September we’ve been on five litter picks, cleaning up The Eco Committee
the OADV grounds, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the surrounding areas.
Tree Planting: in October we joined South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard and some Olympians to plant trees at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park as part of the ‘A Tree for Everyone’ campaign. Active Travel Ambassadors: we’re currently working with Modeshift to create OADV’s Active Travel Fortnight. Our aim is to reduce congestion outside the school to make the area safer and to reduce pollution.
Sheffield Young Poets Award 2024 -25
Some of our lovely young people across KS3 have taken part in the Sheffield Young Poetry Competition writing a poem on the theme of Windrush. The students who competed were: Y7 Jessica U, Deborah S, Maliah R, Ruqayya; Y8 Shayan, OJ, Hannah K, Sarah Cardoso, Hymayra Ali and Y9 Mehreen.
Team English got the exciting news that OADV have winners including a golden 1 prize and silver 2 prize award. We also have 5 bronze winners. Sarah Cardoso st nd Y8 won the Golden award 1st Prize and Mehreen Chowdhury Y9 was a Silver award runner up. Bronze award winners were Jessica Ugwuegbulam and Maliha Rizwan (Y7) and Shayan Farooqiand, Oluwadare Bamgbame and Humayra Ali (Y8). Sarah Cardoso has been invited to join the Lord Mayor at an event to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Windrush and Windrush poetry awards at Sheffield Town Hall. The school will receive a copy of the printed anthology by Sheffield’s Poet Laureate, Danaé Wellington. Each winner will receive a signed copy of the anthology. All student winners will receive prizes, certificates and vouchers for their hard work and efforts.
Join Sheffield Eagles in the second half of their 2025 Betfred Championship campaign as they push hard for a play-off spot under Head Coach Craig Lingard. With five vital home fixtures at the Steel City Stadium, every match is an opportunity to shape the Eagles’ play-off charge.
July brings a tough home clash against London Broncos on Sunday 20th, a game that could prove pivotal in the race for the top six. August offers three more crucial encounters, welcoming Widnes Vikings (Sunday 3rd), Bradford Bulls (Friday 22nd at 7.30pm) and Featherstone Rovers (Sunday 31st) to the Steel City Stadium. The campaign then concludes with a key home fixture against Barrow
(Sunday 14th September). Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the electric matchday atmosphere, now’s the time to join in. Pack the stands, fuel the belief, and transform the Steel City Stadium into a fortress for the Eagles. Get your tickets today at www.sheffieldeagles.com.
Launch of the South Yorkshire Heart Centre LivingCare have launched the South Yorkshire Heart Centre with a creative campaign involving pupils from UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and Oasis Academy Don Valley.
Students gathered at the Steel City Stadium, at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, each holding hand-drawn hearts before coming together to form a giant heart shape on the pitch.
The moment was captured by drone, creating a powerful image to mark the launch of a centre dedicated to improving heart health across South Yorkshire. The collaboration brought together healthcare and education in a celebration of community, creativity and care.
Come and support Sheffield Eagles
Winning students
Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
Friendly cafe staff and the coworking space
A new state-of-the-art coworking lounge and performance café has opened on the ground floor of the Steel City Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
The café is being operated by local company Food Fusion, known for their athlete-informed approach to nutrition who are serving up fresh energising meals and snacks as well as hot and cold drinks. The café is open to the public from 8am Monday to Fridays until close, with weekend opening times varying depending on pitch bookings. Everyone is welcome, do come for either a drink or a snack. The Stadium Workspace has been designed with flexibility and connectivity in mind, it features hot desks, breakout zones, private booths and a year-round programme of events and workshops. New
The Sheffield Legacy Fund has been boosted by a generous donation of £25,000 from Matchroom Charity Foundation. The donation means up to 25 grassroots community organisations, within a three-mile radius of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 to fund their activities addressing physical and mental health and wellbeing. The priority for these funds is to support all, or the majority, of the event or activitiy so
that the grant can have real impact.
Snooker legend Ken Doherty and local boxing hero Dalton Smith were joined by fellow fighter Josh Padley and Sheffield City Council leader, Cllr Tom Hunt, to present the cheque. The event took place during a visit to the Stephen Harrison Snooker Academy. The Academy is located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and has previously benefitted from a Sheffield Legacy Fund donation to support snooker sessions for young people with learning disabilities.
With a rich sporting history between snooker and boxing in the Steel City, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes that this initial donation to the Sheffield Legacy Fund will inspire thousands of youngsters to enjoy participating in many of the grassroots clubs which stand to benefit from the sizable injection of funds. “Sheffield is synonymous with sport and we are delighted to provide this donation on behalf of the Matchroom Charitable Foundation today,” said Hearn.
The Sheffield Legacy Fund supports local charities, social enterprises and community groups based within a three-mile radius of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park to deliver activities addressing physical and mental health and wellbeing by offering grants of up to £1,000. The Fund is keen to see applications from organisations led by and/or providing support for minoritised and margainised communities in the area.
The Sheffield Legacy Fund is managed by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation. To find out more and how to apply go to: www.sycf.org.uk/grants-to-organisations/sheffield-legacy-fund/
Every step counts for new postnatal wellbeing walks
A group created to support new mums in Sheffield to improve their physical and mental wellbeing is stepping up thanks to the Sheffield Legacy Fund.
Sheffield-based Light Peer Support has received a £1,000 grant to run regular wellbeing walks for local mothers across green spaces including Hillsborough Park, Rother Valley and Millhouses Park. Light Peer was established in 2010 by three mums who, inspired by their own experiences with postnatal depression, were determined to support other families.
Tina Russon, lead peer support worker, said: “The Wellbeing Walks have opened new opportunities to mums across Sheffield, allowing them to grow their self-confidence, which often dwindles after the birth of a baby.”
Enjoying a wellbeing walk
Boost for Sheffield Legacy Fund
Claire Fretwell receiving the cheque
Local Life
Deputy Mayor appointed in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, has been appointed to oversee and improve policing andcriminal justice services, tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to commission services to support victims and reduce offending.
Working alongside Mayor Oliver Coppard, Kilvinder will also lead the development and delivery of the Mayor’s manifesto priorities: establishing a Community Confidence Board to improve trust and confidence in the police and criminal justice system; tackling knife crime and adopting a ‘Vision Zero’ strategy to make our roads safer. Kilvinder said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime for South Yorkshire. I’m passionate about building safer, fairer communities and I look forward to working with the Mayor, our police, partners and - most importantly - our residents to tackle crime, support victims and build trust and confidence in our criminal justice system.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has opened the second round of his A Tree for Everyone Grant Fund to help plant more trees across our communities. The second round of the £50,000 Grant Fund is part of the Mayor’s Million Trees project, which aims to plant 1.4 million trees in South Yorkshire. The Grant Fund is for people in the region who would like to plant trees here, on land where planting rights are secured, and where the trees will provide a public benefit and enhance environmental sustainability. Grants will be awarded in amounts of £250 to £2,500. Applications for larger amounts will be considered where a lead applicant is working with others. Oliver Coppard, said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want to plant 1.4 million trees, one for every person who lives in South Yorkshire. The first round of the Grant Fund was a huge success with projects across our communities receiving funds to help plant more trees right across our region. Trees enrich our lives, sustain our communities and provide countless benefits to our environment.”
The Grant Fund can offer a flexible number of trees, equipment, surveys or other professional support, provided applicants meet the criteria.
The Grant Fund for round two of applications is open until Friday 25 July at 5pm. This round is suitable for projects that will be completed by March 2026. To find out more information or to apply to the Grant Fund visit: www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/tree-fund
Calling all S9 nature enthusiasts!
Join the Green Connections team at Sheffield Museums in getting to know your Museums and the natural science collections in particular and in exploring and enjoying the natural environment and heritage around us. Throughout 2025, we’re running nature walks and talks, wildlife surveying, displays and natural science collections handling sessions in S9, as well as visits to Weston Park Museum. If you’re interested in getting involved, developing displays with us, or have ideas for other nature-based activities, we’re keen to hear from you. What we do is up to you! For more information contact: ruthe.heskin@sheffieldmuseums.org.uk Why not join us on one of our Thursday nature walks (11am-1pm): From Tinsley Marina on 31 July and 28 August From 70 Acre Hill on 21 August
Or join us in Darnall Library on Tuesday 29 July (11.30am-2pm) and Saturday 30 August (1pm-3pm) to explore the natural science collection.
Kilvinder Vigurs
Tree planting
Health
Lifesaving screening rolls out across Sheffield
Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) launched in Sheffield last autumn to find lung cancer at an early stage where there are more treatment options available – including curing it.
More than 50,000 people across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw aged 55-74 who have ever smoked (even if they don’t anymore) accepted their LCS invite, and we’re hoping for even more as we move across the city.
First, you’ll have a Lung Health Check call with a healthcare professional to assess your risk of developing lung cancer.
If it’s deemed to be high, you’ll be referred for a quick chest scan in a community location. Chances are everything will be fine, but whatever happens, you’ll be supported throughout.
Visit lungcancerscreeningsyb.co.uk for more information about this lifesaving screening.
Have you been invited for a Tuberculosis(TB)test?
Don’t miss out!
It’s FREE, it’s EASY and helps keep everyone safe. Some people have TB but don’t feel sick. If we find it early, treatment is simple, and it stops TB from spreading. Whogetstested? Not everyone gets an invite - this is OK! It’s usually for people who have recently moved from countries with high rates of TB and are in a certain age group. If you don’t get an invite, don’t worry.
SignsofTB TB can make you feel sick. Look out for:
✔ A cough that lasts more than three weeks
✔ Losing weight for no reason
✔ Sweating a lot at night
✔ Feeling very tired all the time
✔ Not feeling hungry
If you have these signs, see your doctoreven if you don’t have an invite.
Sheffield TB nurses are here to help.
To contact the team: call 0114 307 8390 or email sht-tr.tbnurses@nhs.net
New Mobile Sexual Health Service
Sexual Health Sheffield, a service provided by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has recently launched a new mobile sexual health service, bringing STI screening services out into local communities in Sheffield, making it even easier for people to get a check-up and look after their sexual health. From the health van, people are able to access free and confidential STI screening for infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, along with being offered sexual health information and advice.
For more information about where the van will be out in the community visit bit.ly/SHSMobileService
If you work for an agency that may be interested in hosting the van at any point, or would like more information, please contact the Sexual Health Sheffield Health Promotion Team at sth.allsexualhealthpromotionteam@nhs.net
Health and Support
WorkWell supports people living with a mental or physical health condition, or disability, to start, stay and thrive in work. We offer free support for people aged 16+ in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham. We can support people who are recently unemployed (in the last six months), or if they’d like support to continue working or to return to work if off sick.
Appointments are flexible and we’ll work together to meet individual goals. The free employment support includes: Regular one-to-one sessions with an employment specialist
Help with job applications, CVs and interview skills
Access to a Health at Work Coach
Help to settle and flourish in a new role
Access to financial support to help people get back to work, e.g. childcare, travel and supporting health at work
Meeting with an employer to talk about needs at work
Volunteering at SAVTE – Open Morning
Want to make a difference in your community?
Signposting to other support
You can meet the WorkWell team every Monday from 9am–11am at Darnall Well Being, Darnall Primary Care Centre, 290 Main Rd, Darnall, S9 4QH. Get in touch to sign up for free: www.syha.co.uk/workwell call: 0114 290 0218 or email: workwell@syha.co.uk
Come along to SAVTE’s Volunteer Information
Open Morning on Tuesday 22 July, 10am-noon at the Community Room, Snowdrop Buiding, Castle Green, S3 8LT to find out how you can support people in Sheffield who are learning English. We train and support volunteers to help individuals improve their English language skills, build confidence, and connect with their communities. If you have experience or are new to volunteering, we welcome you to join us. A great opportunity to meet the SAVTE team, hear from current volunteers and learn about the various ways you can get involved. Full training and ongoing support are provided for all volunteers.
Talking Therapies is available for anyone feeling low, worried or stressed. We have face-to-face courses running over the summer in the local area.
Overcoming Anxiety and Worry – is a 5-week course which is free to attend. The course starts on Friday 25 July, 1pm-3pm, at Wainwright Crescent, S13.
“It has given me the tools to help me through everything. Each week I noticed a difference and so did my family & friends I felt and feel like ‘I’m getting me back’, I’ve even started singing and dancing again! The two facilitators were perfect, they made us all feel welcome.”
We also have virtual courses running. You will need to book an assessment first to join the course.
How to access? Complete the online self-referral or telephone our friendly admin team on 0114 2264380.
Help and Support
The Community Connector has teamed up with Shelter to provide a series of articles about housing. In this edition we look at the issue of suitability and review.
Any temporary and/or longer term housing you get under the homeless help from the council must be suitable. When the local authority assesses the suitability of accommodation for a person and their family, the key factors are:
Needs and circumstances of the whole household
Location of accommodation
Whether the accommodation is affordable
Type of accommodation and standards
Local authorities are required to assess whether the accommodation is suitable for each member of the household individually. This requires an assessment of all aspects of the accommodation in light of relevant needs, requirements and circumstances of the homeless person and their family. Local authority records should demonstrate that it has considered all the relevant statutory requirements.
Location and offers out of area: as far as reasonably practicable a local authority should secure accommodation in its own area. If not possible it must try and place the homeless household as close as possible to where they were previously living.
Costs and affordability: accommodation must be affordable to be suitable. The household should be able to afford the costs of accommodation from their residual income after essential expenses, such as reasonable living costs and child support payments.
A person can submit a detailed financial statement as part of their written submissions to challenge the suitability of accommodation based on affordability.
Accommodation type and standards: as a minimum, any accommodation must be free from category 1 hazards and fit for human habitation. The local authority does not have to carry out a full inspection, it can decide if an inspection is necessary based on available evidence. Even if the accommodation is in serious disrepair, the local authority might reasonably take the view that measures like carrying out repairs could make a property suitable. The local authority must consider the specific needs of those with disabilities or serious health conditions when assessing the suitability and must consider:
If people in your household can move around the home easily
If they can get in and out of the property
How close the property is to public transport
If someone cannot share a bedroom because of a disability
You can ask your doctor or people like a support worker for help with writing a letter stating why the property does not meet your needs.
How to challenge suitability decisions: it is usually in the person’s best interest to accept the offer and request a suitability review. A person can request an internal review of an authority’s offer of temporary or permanent accommodation. A person does not have a statutory right to an internal review of the suitability of interim accommodation offered by the local authority while carrying out homelessness inquiries. The suitability of interim accommodation can only be challenged by judicial review.
How the council makes a housing offer: the council must write to you and the letter must say:
If the offer is temporary housing or final offer
What happens if you take the offer or if you turn it down
That you have the right to ask for a review if the housing is not suitable
Ask the council for the letter if they do not send you one. It can be emailed or posted. You then have three weeks to ask for a review. Scan the QR code to access letter templates. Send a letter or email before the deadline even if you do not have a legal adviser yet. More information can be sent after this. Accept the offer even if you want a review as the council could stop helping you if you turn down a property or do not stay there. This is for both temporary and final offers of housing.
Councils usually want a quick answer but they should give you time to think about the offer and a chance to see the property before you sign the agreement.
Think what is most important to your family. Some people accept a home close to work or children’s schools, even if it needs repairs. The council may offer you a home with different problems if you ask for a review.
Local Food Provision
AFFORDABLE GROCERIES:
Food Works Handsworth, Unit 12-14, Portland Business Park, 130 Richmond Park Rd, S13 8HS
No membership needed. Just turn up and start shopping.
Opening Times: Sun to Tue 11:00 - 14:00, Wed to Sat 11:00 -15:00
Food Works Pop-Up Tinsley, Tinsley Forum, 120-126 Bawtry Rd, Tinsley, S9 1UE
No membership needed. Just turn up and start shopping.
Opening Times: alternate Thursdays, 13:00 - 14:00
Community Grocery The Hope Centre, Bernard Road, S2 5BQ, 0114 376 7511
Become a member of the Foundation Community Grocery for £5 a year.
LUNCHES AND MEALS:
SoupandarollatChurchofChrist: Church of Christ in Darnall, Station Rd, S9 4JT Friday 12:00 -13:00, donation welcome
WomenonlylightlunchatGaleedHouse: Galeed House, 75 Nidd Rd, Darnall, S9 3BB Thursday 12:00 (term time), donation welcome
CommunitymealatStAlbansChurch: St Albans House Christian Community, 20 Chapelwood Road, Darnall, S9 5AY Sunday 1:00, donation welcome
SimpleLunchatHandsworthMethodistChurch: 289 Handsworth Road, Handsworth, S13 9BN Friday from 11:30 - 13:00 (term time), low cost
Darnall Lunch Club for over 55s: Church of Christ in Darnall, Station Road, S9 4JT
Shop in the store multiple times a week from just £5 each time.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10:00 -15:00
Food Hub Now Church,Tannery Street, Woodhouse, S13 7LA
Become a member from £5 a year. Then you can shop once a week for just £5. Those in need of a ;ittle help can have a free registration and up to 3 shops free.
Opening Times: Tuesday & Wednesday 9:30 - 2:30
FROZEN MEALS FOR £1:
Church of Christ in Darnall Station Rd, Darnall, S9 4JT
Friday from 10:00 - 13:00
Tuesday from 11:00–1:30 First visit free, then £5 (inc. 2 course lunch, drinks and activities)
Handsworth Lunch Club for over 55s: St Mary’s Community Hub, Handsworth Road, S13 9BZ Thursday from 11:30–1:30 £4
(Local transport available for an extra £3.50)
Handsworth Methodist Church
289 Handsworth Rd, Handsworth, S13 9BN Friday from 11:30 - 13:00 (term time)
ONLINE COOKING PROGRAMME: Bags of Taste: https://bagsoftaste.org/our-story/what-we-do/
COST OF LIVING HELP:
WELCOME PLACES:
Community support helpline: 0114 273 4567 https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Scan the QR code for more information about opening times and other Welcome Places in the area.
ShefFood, Sheffield’s Food Partnership, have created a comprehensive map of all the different options available across the city: https://sheffood.org.uk/food-ladders-food-provision/
Local Life
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It helps people who do not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. This Super Carers Cafe year’s national theme was ‘Caring About Equality.’ Sheffield Carers Centre arranged a series of free events for unpaid carers during the week, which ran from 9-15 June. These ranged from Carers Drop-in sessions around the city to a Bake Sale at their offices, all rounded off with a Super Carers Café on the Friday. The week proved to be a great success and Sylvia Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Carers Centre commented “We’re very grateful to all the carers and staff involved with events during the week. All carers are welcome to visit our website www.sheffieldcarers.org.uk for details of all the services we offer unpaid carers throughout the year”.
Let’s Make School Journeys Safer, Greener & more Fun! Darnall & Southey – We Need You!
The Safer & Sustainable School Journey Project, is launching to help kids in Darnall and Southey walk, wheel and cycle to school safely - and we want the community to help shape it! Why? Because every child deserves a safe, healthy and joyful journey to school. But in many areas, safety concerns and inequality make that hard. We’re here to change that - with your help. What’s the Plan? We’re working with local families, schools and community groups to:
Make roads safer for children and families
Understand what stops people from walking or cycling
Use data and behavioural science to design smarter solutions
Focus on girls and underrepresented communities
Bring play, trees and joy back to the school run! What’s Different? This isn’t a top-down project. It’s community-led, child-focused, and data-smart. We’re listening to your voices and working together to build something that lasts.
Our Goals:
Safer streets and more active travel
Stronger community trust and involvement
Better data to guide future investments
Real change that supports health, equality and climate goals
Want to get involved? We’re looking for local voices, idea, and energy. Whether you're a parent, teacher, young person, or just passionate about your neighbourhood - this is your project too. Let’s make the school journey part of the adventure. Let’s Play on the Way.
Local Life
News from the Canal & River Trust
Although logistical problems continue to delay the delivery of further supplies of the crushed granite we use to resurface the towpath, essential preparatory work continues fortnightly in partnership with The Friends of The Blue Loop. Our efforts continue to be appreciated by towpath users including walkers, runners and cyclists.
Late April/early May saw the welcome arrival of this year’s Canada goose goslings adding interest for wildlife lovers.
Our volunteer Towpath Rangers continue their daily litter-picks to help provide a safe and welcoming environment along and around our beautiful canal.
We are planning to hold one of our popular How to Use a Lock Day events on Friday 29 August – a great way to round off the school holidays. Check canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events to confirm details and book places. Our Sport England funded Tinsley Marina Canoe Hub will be up and running this summer to provide canoeing sessions for local community groups.
Charity’s puppies need you!
Could you support the first steps in a dog’s journey towards becoming a life-changing assistance dog?
The Sheffield-based Support Dogs charity is looking for volunteer puppy socialisers to provide a loving home and help the organisation to prepare its puppies over their first 14 months of life before they begin full-time training.
Someone with an enclosed garden and who is at home for the
majority of the day is preferrable.
The charity covers all associated costs including food, equipment, bedding and medical bills and you receive one-to-one support throughout the process from its team of trainers. Support Dogs is a national charity, which trains dogs to help autistic children, and adults with epilepsy or a physical ability, empowering them to live safer, more independent lives. To find out more, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk/puppy-socialiser
CodeYourFuture provides free tech training and employment support for adults on low income who face barriers to getting the skills needed to start careers in tech. If you’re interested in tech, the Intro to Digital course could be perfect for you. The course covers basics of coding, data, and AI. A selfpaced online learning with friendly online help and optional in-person Saturday workshops in central Sheffield. Students join a community with professionals who help them learn and build confidence. On completion of the course students can apply for longer, more advanced programming courses. All CodeYourFuture courses are free. To take this course, people need to be over 18, be on low income and have access to a computer. You can also email us if you have any questions, or book a quick chat https://calendar.app.google/DHUsvEAZUp5YCVoV7
Goslings on the canal
Support dog
Summer Activities
Summer Activities at Darnall Library
Summer Reading Challenge: join us during the school holidays to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Sign up, read six books over the holidays and collect stickers and a medal for completing the challenge. Sign up for free at any Sheffield library.
Sheffield Museum’s Green Connections Event: join Sheffield Museums Green Connections team and explore the Natural Science collection with the curator. No need to book, just turn up. Tuesday 29 July 11.30am-12.30pm and Saturday 30 August 1pm-3pm.
Amazelab – Build a butterfly feeder: become a butterfly detective and learn all about them and make a butterfly feeder that you can take home and put in your garden. Suitable for children aged 511 year olds. Booking required. Friday 1 August 2pm-4pm.
Story Garden with Beth Guiver: a musical interactive show for 3–5 year olds. Join storyteller Beth for an adventure into the story garden and make a personalised flowerpot to plant your own flower seed. Booking required. Tuesday 26 August 10.30am-11.30am.
Darnall Library, Britannia Road, S9 5JG. darnall.library@sheffield.gov.uk 0114 203 7429
Sheffield Young Explorers are running a range of activities that support families, improve wellbeing, and provide safe and fun spaces for our communities. Our weekly Coffee Morning takes place on Thursdays 9.30am–11am at AlHuda Academy, Ouseburn Croft, S9 3FY. A warm, welcoming space where women can connect, access support, and enjoy good conversation over a cup of tea. Looking for advice, friendship, or just a break from the routine, come along! Straight after, we offer our popular Sip & Paint sessions 11am–noon, all about wellbeing and creativity. No experience needed, all materials are provided. A chance to relax, express yourself and enjoy a peaceful hour in the company of other women. We have a new camp: Survival Games for young children, delivered by Chris Smith, giving children the chance to learn practical outdoor survival skills in a fun, safe environment, perfect for building confidence, resilience and teamwork. Plus an exciting line-up of holiday activities across the summer in Darnall and Tinsley, giving children and families opportunities to stay active, have fun, and make memories. We’re committed to making all our activities inclusive, accessible and community-led.
To find out more or book a place, visit: www.sheffieldyoungexplorers.org Come along, get involved, and let’s make this summer one to remember!
Summer Funland at IKEA Sheffield!
Make the most of summer at IKEA Sheffield with activities for all ages! Throughout August, families can enjoy BJÖRN’s Picnic Trail: a fun, self-led adventure around the store and young artists can get creative with our hot air balloon crafts and our little designers activity, keep an eye out for the dates! For the grown-ups, don’t miss our Paint and Sip session on Monday 21 July: an evening of creativity with a drink in hand. Plus, our ever-popular IKEA Quiz Night is back once a month – grab your team and test your knowledge! Or for something a little different, join us in August for an ABBA-themed brunch – enjoy great food and classic tunes. Whether you're planning a family day out or an evening with friends, there’s something for everyone this summer. For dates and more information, visit: ikea.com/gb/en/stores/events/ikea-sheffield
Looking for a fun, social way to stay active? We’ve got something for everyone at Leisure United Woodbourn Road from football to other sports and community activities. Join us for: *Walking Football: a relaxed, low-impact game perfect for all ages and fitness levels! *Leagues: competitive and fun, football leagues perfect for teams of all abilities *Adult and Children's Social Football: just want to kick a ball around with friends? We’ve got social sessions to fit your schedule, pitch bookings and turn up and play *Coaching: looking to improve your skills or just learn the basics, our coaches are here to help! *Children's Parties *Girls Wildcats Sessions *SEN sessions *Youth clubs *Meeting space *School Holiday Camps. And much more. . . A fun, friendly atmosphere, inclusive for all ages and abilities, newly refurbished and high quality facilities, cafe area, flexible sessions to fit your lifestyle. Open: Monday and Friday 2pm-10pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9am-10pm, weekends and bank holidays 9am-6pm. Leisure United Woodbourn Road! For more information 0114 551 5137 or email info.woodbournroad@leisureunited.com
