500 together

One of our members asked if we could support the S2 foodbank in Sheffield, a small independent foodbank. Our member is a volunteer there and told us about the project. Unlike some food banks, S2 does not require a professional referral, so people can just turn up to receive a food parcel. However, in return, recipients are expected to engage with the support on offer to help them address the financial difficulties which brought them to the food bank - be that with debt advice or benefits claims, ultimately with the aim of moving them on to shopping in the charity’s community shop. At the moment, donations of food are down 90% on this time last year and the food bank is struggling to fill food bags. We were asked if we could give £500 which will help them restock their shelves and continue with the fantastic work they are doing in the local area. https://www.s2foodbank.org.uk/

Our friends at Darnall Well Being told us about their weekly men's group, open to men from the local community, that focuses on socialising, exercise, learning, and lunch. This group has been active for about 10 years, evolving and changing throughout. Men's groups are becoming increasingly vital in tackling the 'quiet crisis' of male isolation, offering a structured and safe environment to discuss challenges such as relationships, grieving, mental health, and career pressures that men often face and are having to deal with alone. The group promotes in-person connections which positively lead to reducing isolation. Currently, they typically have around 20 participants each week. They also bring in guests to the group to enhance learning and awareness. For instance, recently Sheffield Mind visited, sharing valuable insights on anger management, mindfulness, and art. The group is open to men from the local community, providing a safe space where everyone can socialise ...

Our friends at Shasbah (Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) asked if we could help one of their adult members get a short break away from his supporting living home in Sheffield, to have a holiday stay in adapted accommodation in Blackpool. Due to needing 24/7 care, he also has to pay for an additional person to attend too, which makes the cost of the trip quite prohibitive - £780 for a twin room. Shasbah are able to provide their maximum holiday grant of £150 and asked if we could give £500 to add to the pot, which we were pleased to do to allow their member and his sister to plan a 4 night trip to Blackpool in August. This is a much needed change of scene for them and we hope they have a wonderful time.

We received a nomination from a member asking if we could help fund some bespoke training equipment for St John's Ambulance. We are sure most of you will be aware of St John's Ambulance - a nationwide first aid charity. South Yorkshire has a team of volunteers who dedicate a considerable amount of their free time to provide medical support at many events. In addition to this, they also run First Aid sessions to community groups throughout South Yorkshire, including Scouts, Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows, Brownies, Girl Guides, Sea Cadets, schools, after school clubs, holiday clubs, libraries, Women’s Institutes, etc. As you can imagine there is a massive demand for these sessions, which also need to be tailored to be age-appropriate when covering an age range of 4-84! The youngest prove that you are never too young to learn, and are taught how and when to call 999 through stories and a great deal of entertaining audience participation! The older groups are taught life saving skill...