Category Archives: Community

Health & Welfare, Health & Welfare Headlines, Infrastructure, South Yorkshire

Innovative Digital Health Hub For South Yorkshire

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A new £4 million digital healthcare hub to tackle healthcare inequalities is set to transform how patients are treated in South Yorkshire.

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, led by the University of Sheffield, will drive the development of innovative digital technologies to improve the way diseases are treated and diagnosed by using cutting-edge research using data from smartphones, wearables, new sensors, combining this with NHS data and using artificial intelligence to develop new clinical tools.

The hub will bring together a range of partners, including the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, GPs, mental health services, the Sheffield Integrated Care System in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, businesses and patient and public groups, to share knowledge, skills and build upon the existing regional strength in developing innovative digital health technologies.

Sheffield is one of five hubs across the UK to be awarded part of £16.5 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Health Ageing and Wellbeing and Tackling Infections UKRI Strategic Themes.

The hubs will focus on four key healthcare challenges:

  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Health and care outside hospital and disease prediction, diagnosis and intervention
  • Tackling health inequalities by developing digital healthcare technologies to the point of use in the NHS
  • Addressing the health needs of underserved communities

    The South Yorkshire Digital Hub will cover a region of 1.4 million people affected by high levels of disease and health inequalities. The hub will respond to unmet needs of urban and rural populations which are shaped by significant health and social inequalities.

    It will also offer new opportunities for improving health and economic growth in the region through digital skills training and sharing, networking and knowledge exchange, connecting diverse stakeholders in digital health from academia, healthcare, industry, public and private organisations, and the wider public.

    The hub will offer specialist health training for researchers, clinicians, patients and the public, made freely available online.

    Professor Tim Chico, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of Sheffield and Director of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, said: “People in South Yorkshire are affected by widening health inequality and high levels of disease, including heart and lung disease, cancer and mental health issues. This investment in cutting-edge health technology research aims to tackle the issue by developing digital healthcare to use in the NHS and benefit patients in our region and beyond.”

    “The hub will allow colleagues from healthcare, academia, business and patients to come together to drive pioneering digital health which will transform the way we treat and diagnose diseases and most critically improve health.”

    Professor Steve Haake is the Deputy Director of the Digital Health Hub, which will be based at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. He said: “The establishment of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub is a fantastic opportunity for the region.”

    “Our vision is to develop digital health tools that incorporate information from daily life to help patients and healthcare professionals make the right decisions at the right time. The hub will support patients, clinicians, companies and the general public to design their own apps and tools and help them to be used successfully in the NHS.”

    Oliver Coppard, Mayor of the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “The Digital Health Hub will help advance our plans to address the health inequalities holding our region back. South Yorkshire being at the forefront of this work is a testament to the ever-increasing collaboration between the NHS, our Universities and our business community, and yet more evidence of the strength of our cutting-edge health and wellbeing sector.”

    “As ever, South Yorkshire is rising to the challenges facing our region in a way that is truly world-leading.”

    The Digital Healthcare Hubs are part of a wider £36.5 million investment in healthcare technology from EPSRC.

    Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes of EPSRC, said: “The projects and hubs announced today will deliver a variety of innovative approaches to improve healthcare outcomes for patients.”

    “This investment will support scientists and engineers who are transforming the way we treat and diagnose diseases by using the latest developments in robotics, computer modelling and imaging.”


Communication Headlines, Community, Council News, Food & Drink Headlines

Rotherham’s Food Sustainability Partnership Wins National Recognition

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Rotherham’s food sustainability partnership, Rotherham Food Network, has achieved membership of the Sustainable Food Places network to support their efforts to make local, healthy and sustainable food available to all residents across the borough.

The membership highlights that the Rotherham Food Network is an inspirational example of how local communities, businesses and the Council can work together to make affordable good food a defining characteristic of Rotherham.

The Rotherham Food Network is made up of 16 local organisations and community groups including Rotherham Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham, Rotherfed, Citizen Advice Rotherham, and many more.

Over 60 members have already pledged their time and effort into providing residents advice, guidance and support on how to access healthier, more sustainable foods, as well as combating key issues related to food, including:

• tackling food poverty
• sustainable food growing and distribution such as community orchards
• social supermarkets and community fridges
• healthier eating

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “It is fantastic for Rotherham Food Network to be recognised and become a member of the Sustainable Food Places Network. We set out on our sustainable food journey a year ago and being granted membership at this stage is a giant step forward. The partnership work being done by the Rotherham Food Network will really help residents get the most out of their food while driving new projects to help them access healthier, more sustainable food in the future.”

“Being invited to join the Sustainable Food Network will also give us the opportunity to work towards hopefully achieving Bronze status within the network next year.”

Rotherham Federation of Communities’ Chief Executive Officer, Phil Hayes, said: “RotherFed provide money management support and home energy advice and guidance on an outreach basis across Rotherham, primarily in the most deprived communities and including many venues/outlets that provide food support for local people. It’s great that the Rotherham Food Network is to be recognised and become a member of the Sustainable Food Places Network, and I hope that this enables more people who need support the most across Rotherham, access to what’s available through the network.”

Voluntary Action Rotherham’s Director of Services (Infrastructure), David Plumtree, said: “Food is a thread that runs across many themes, so it’s exciting to see the development of the Food Network and a joined-up approach to all things food. We’re pleased to be working in partnership to make sure food is accessible, sustainable and provides opportunity for the community.”

Sustainable Food Places is a network of cross-sector partnerships in towns, cities, boroughs and counties that are using food as a vehicle to drive positive change. With support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund, the Network helps people and places to share challenges, explore practical solutions and develop best practice in all aspects of healthy and sustainable food.
Rotherham Food Network joins a network of over 80 members across the UK.

Tom Andrews, Director of Sustainable Food Places, said: “In over 80 towns and cities across the UK, individuals and organisations have come together to develop a joint vision of the kind of food culture and food system they would like to see and are working together to make that vision a reality. Rotherham Food Network has shown a real ambition to transform things for the better in and we are delighted to be able to support them in achieving their goals.”

The Sustainable Food Places Network works to tackle some of biggest social, economic and environmental issues today, from an epidemic of food poverty and diet related ill-health to the loss of independent high street food businesses and family farms through to climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste.

Further information about the Rotherham Food Network can be found online here

Community, Council News, Infrastructure, Transport

£3.5 Million To Boost Travel Around Wakefield

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Wakefield Council’s decision makers will be asked to give the green light to £3.5million of transport improvements when they meet next week.

Following successful recent bids, the district is set to benefit from £2.8million of funding from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund and £720,000 of funding from Network Rail. The Active Travel Fund will support the completion of two schemes which will make it easier and safer for residents to walk and cycle around the district.

This includes £2.55million to extend the existing Dando Way to provide a link between Ackworth and Fitzwilliam for cycling and walking and to upgrade part of the existing route in Ackworth. The route will be widened to provide more space for cycling and walking. The upgrading of existing paths around the southside of Fitzwilliam Country Park will allow walking and cycling access to the railway station at Fitzwilliam all year round.

The funding from Network Rail will allow for improvements to be made in and around Castleford Train Station.

Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, commented on the Active Travel funding: “Active travel creates healthier lifestyles and a healthier environment, and that’s why we want to make it easier for our residents to choose alternatives to using a car, by improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists and access to employment and train stations.”

Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said of the Network Rail funding: “It is important that as part of our regeneration plans for Castleford we re-connect key parts of the town. Making it easier, safer, and more pleasant to walk from the train station to the town centre is central to us doing that.”

“This will give our local businesses a real boost and bring more money into the town centre, as well as contributing to a greener district. The station improvements in 2022 have already had a significant impact and received positive feedback. It’s great to continue the positivity around the station and the surrounding area.”

The other £224,171 scheme which will be completed from the Active Travel Fund is to upgrade part of Grandstand Road at Outwood by resurfacing and widening a 500m section of path that connects Outwood railway station to the Junction 41 Industrial Park and a new pedestrian crossing on Lingwell Gate Lane.

For Castleford train station, improvements to the town’s transport hubs are an important part of the Council’s ambitious regeneration plans for the town centre. Currently the routes from the train station to the shops, bars and cafes are disconnected.

The funding will allow for further lighting and CCTV to ensure that residents and visitors feel and are safer when walking through town, as well as increasing its visual appeal through the installation of new and vibrant artwork, signage, green areas and new seating.

The decision will be taken at the next Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 13 June.

Community, News, Wakefield

Wakefield market to relocate

Wakefield’s outdoor market is set to relocate as exciting plans for the city centre start to take shape.

From Thursday 29 June, the market will move from the Cathedral precinct to Teall Way – creating a retail link between the city’s two main and busiest shopping areas.

Councillor Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth said: “This gives Wakefield market a permanent home, on a well-established route in the city and, as this was the preferred location for traders, we’re really pleased the move is underway.”

The new location offers space for all existing traders, and they will no longer need to move when events take place in the city centre.

New stall covers and branding will also be designed to improve the look and feel of the market for current traders and shoppers, and to hopefully attract new, exciting independent traders and customers to try Wakefield market.

The move paves the way for work to start on the creation of a new multi-use entertainment area with seating, lighting and trees in the Cathedral precinct for hosting open-air events, festivals and other family entertainment.

The city centre is undergoing exciting transformation to meet changing consumer demands and business trends. It will bring new growth in residential, retail, culture, and entertainment services to stimulate the local economy and make the city a more vibrant place.

Councillor Graham added “We know that times are tough for many of our traders, and we hope this move will help boost their business, attract new traders and in turn benefit the local economy.”

“Our regeneration plans for the city will make a real difference to residents, visitors and business giving everyone more reasons to be here in our city.”

Community, News, South Yorkshire

Forging A New Link Between Nature & Town

Planning permission for Rotherham Council’s public park along the River Don, Riverside Gardens, has been granted.

Plans put forward by the Council include a pedestrianised walk through from the flagship Forge Island development and a public space which will be suitable for a wide range of ages.

Using a mixture of soft and hard landscaping, Riverside Gardens will be a gateway to the heart of the town centre. It will offer residents a place to socialise and relax close to new amenities such as the Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed hotel, and a range of restaurants and bars on Forge Island, which is being delivered in partnership with nationwide placemaker, Muse.

It will offer residents a play area for children and a range of seating so that they can enjoy views along the river.

Following on from the success of the nearby fish pass on Masbrough weir, the scheme will also support local wildlife by providing bat boxes and a tunnelled sand martin box along the river side.

Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Councillor David Sheppard, said: “Riverside Gardens will transform an underused site to fantastic public space which will allow residents to connect with the river and nature. It will be a great addition to the green spaces in the town centre, providing nearby residents with a space where they can meet and feel the benefits of nature. I am glad to see that the riverside, home to some of our favourite wildlife, will be easily accessed and enjoyed by all members of our communities.”

The scheme will be funded by the Future High Streets Fund following on from the Council’s successful bid for a total of £12.6m for numerous public realm schemes in the town centre.

Riverside Gardens will complement the wider Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan to bring major investment into the heart of Rotherham’s cultural and leisure quarter, and town centre housing.

Along with the Riverside Gardens scheme, other redevelopments in the Master Plan will begin soon. Other out of use buildings which overlook Riverside Gardens will also be redeveloped as part of the Culture and Leisure Quarter which supports the needs of residents.

Rotherham Council’s Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport, Simon Moss, said: “More and more people are choosing to move into the town centre, thanks to the fantastic range of housing available at the nearby Westgate Chambers, Milford Rise, Westgate Riverside and Wellgate Place. With increasing numbers of people coming into the town centre, it makes business more viable and we are already starting to see new and independent businesses investing in Rotherham.”

Community, News, West Yorkshire

Sport England Funding Supports Park Improvements

Parks and local green spaces in Calderdale are set to benefit from £500,000 of funding from Sport England, to support a range of improvements.

Calderdale Council, through the Active Calderdale local delivery pilot, has received confirmation from Sport England that its bid for funding has been successful. The £500,000 grant will support the Active Calderdale initiative and be used for improvements in parks to create safe, accessible, and attractive spaces that will make it easier for more people to be physically active.

The funding will be used in areas which will particularly benefit from support, encouraging physical activity in local communities.

The work will be a partnership between Calderdale Council and local communities and will involve the many organisations that already help parks and green spaces be used for the good of Calderdale communities. This includes other public sector organisations, and local friends groups, who will be instrumental in the process.

The funding will complement existing work taking place in the borough, such as the ongoing improvements at Shroggs Park, where investment is helping the Council, the Friends Group and local residents deliver a programme of improvements designed to make the area more welcoming, more attractive and more accessible, whilst ensuring that the work is also sustainable.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Councillor Tim Swift, said:

“Our parks and green spaces play an important role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing. This is something which was particularly evident during the COVID pandemic as we saw more people using local parks for their physical and mental health.”

“We want to encourage people to continue to enjoy local green spaces by working with communities to make these spaces more accessible and creating safe, welcoming areas, which in turn will support physical activity.”

“This funding from Sport England will allow us to continue and enhance our long-standing commitment to reducing inequalities and supports our Active Calderdale mission for people to be physically active in any way they choose.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place, at Sport England, said:
“Sport England is excited to make this investment as part of the work to improve Calderdale’s parks and help meet the needs of its local communities. The lessons from this investment will help Calderdale to make their parks more attractive and inclusive spaces for people to use, especially for people who have not used them in the past.”

Community, News, West Yorkshire

Mixenden Hub Takes Further Step Forward

A major project contributing to the regeneration of North Halifax has reached a key milestone, with the construction contractor being announced for the Mixenden Community Hub scheme.

Following a thorough tender process, Calderdale Council has appointed Code Building Solutions to build the Hub.

This project is part of the wider Strategic Plan for North Halifax, reflecting the Council’s commitment to investing in the area in line with its priority for thriving towns and places across Calderdale. The project complements several major improvement schemes that are already underway, and further significant investment planned for North Halifax.

Mixenden Community Hub will provide a range of facilities all on one site, including:

• A Primary Care Network Hub for North Halifax to deliver community healthcare services, in addition to the existing nearby GP surgery and supported by the Calderdale Cares Partnership
• A shop or office space for rent
• A community garden
• A library with easy-to-access facilities, advice and IT equipment in a modern, welcoming environment.

The Hub will be a focal point for the local community, improving access to services and opportunities.

Construction work is due to start in spring 2023 and will ensure that the building performs to a high environmental standard. Features such as the community garden and systems to collect and slowly release rainwater will help with flood resilience and biodiversity, supporting Calderdale’s climate action priority.

Councillor Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, said: “We look forward to working with Code Building Solutions on Mixenden Community Hub, to take forward our long-standing ambition for this important regeneration scheme.”

“The Council is investing in a vibrant future for North Halifax, as part of our priority for thriving towns and places with new and improved services for local communities.”

“The Hub will be a place where people can look after their health and wellbeing, learn, relax and socialise – supporting our Vision 2024 for Calderdale to help people achieve their potential and live a larger life.”

Paul O’Hare, Director of Code Building Solutions, added: “We’re very proud to have secured the project with Calderdale Council and we are looking forward to getting the construction underway, but more importantly getting it completed for the use of the local community.”

The investment in North Halifax is part of the Next Chapter for Calderdale to enable economic growth, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future. For more information about this and other exciting developments in Calderdale, visit here and follow #CdaleNextChapter on Twitter.

Bradford, Community, Other News, Rugby, West Yorkshire

New Community Box At Bradford Bulls

In partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Bulls are delighted to officially open their ‘Community Box’ – situated in the Sekhon Group Stand at Odsal Stadium.

The Community Box will be attended by 10 children each game and hosted by West Yorkshire Police, these are children who would not normally get the chance to attend and watch the Bulls.

This community based initiative brings together local businesses who have funded the community box where children and young people can come together to enjoy the match day experience. The partnership also sees the police Early Help teams working with the Bradford Bulls on matchdays providing refreshments, support and safe environments following successful engagement with local support services.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell of Bradford District Police said:
“The initiative came as part of our wider commitment to neighbourhood policing in South Bradford, working closely with wider partnerships seeking to identify early intervention opportunities for children and young people preventing them getting involved with crime and Anti-Social behaviour.”

“Through positive engagements with the on track programme, young people are rewarded for taking part and they can now see how sport can provide positive lifestyle choices.”

“I am grateful for the support or Arif and Safeer, local business owners who have provided the funding for this initiative and the continued engagement and willingness to deliver an effective partnership from Joe Pitts as commercial director and Tracy Erby as general manager. The partnership is continuing to flourish as we seek to build on this with the Bradford Bulls foundation working with the chief executive, Chris Chamberlain as part of the longer term community intervention work.”

Judith Cummins, South Bradford MP said: “I would like to congratulate everybody for coming together, great to see a positive initiative with Bradford businesses, Bradford Bulls, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford police coming together to make a real difference investing in the future of young people, it is really positive.”

Chris Chamberlain, Bradford Bulls Foundation Chief Executive said:
“This is a massive opportunity that we really welcome, using sport as a tool to engage with young people to make a positive difference in Bradford. These partnerships are really welcome and we look forward to developing this moving forward.”

We would like to place on record our thanks to Smorgasbord Coffee Bar (Arif Mehmood) and International Restaurant (Safeer Khan) for their contribution to this partnership.

Community, News, South Yorkshire

Planning Permission Granted For Country Park

Rotherham Council’s Rother Valley Country Park is set to benefit from improvements on site following planning permission being approved.

This news follows planning permission also being received for the £2.5 million development of a new café building at the Council’s Thrybergh Country Park. Both projects are part of a £20 million investment in leisure, economy and skills in Rotherham that the Council secured through the Levelling Up Fund. £5.5 million is committed to Rother Valley Country Park and £2.5 million to Thrybergh Country Park.

At Rother Valley, new facilities will include the development of a waterfront café with impressive views across the main lake. It will feature both indoor and outdoor seating with a first-floor events space available for events and meetings. Improvements to parking facilities and a relocated cycle hub will be complemented by a high-quality landscaping scheme to enhance the visitor experience including a new play area. The existing café in the courtyard will be adapted as a “grab and go” outlet.

The development further improves facilities for visitors at the popular park, with Gulliver’s Valley Resort and Waleswood Caravan and Camping Park as neighbours.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Councillor David Sheppard, said: “It’s fantastic to see the planned improvements to the facilities at Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country Parks which will develop the sites into a more attractive destination for visitors. Once the works are completed, the venues will support year-round events and provide a wide range of fun activities for people to take part in.”

“We’re aiming to grow Rotherham’s leisure industry and expand economic opportunity for our residents, so that they can advance their skills and realise their ambitions.”

Works for both schemes are due to start later in the year.

Council News, Hull, Infrastructure Headlines, News

Council Supports Projects Through Prosperity Fund

Hull City Council is delighted to announce it has been able to support a host of local organisations in the first round of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

In total, £1.1m was distributed between 29 projects which were the recipients of funding ranging from £4,000 to £100,000. The council invited groups to apply last autumn and received numerous applications for round one of the grants.

The successful projects range from local businesses, social enterprises, voluntary and community sector groups and the public sector giving access to training, volunteering, improved community facilities and increased access to arts, festivals, and cultural activities.

Delivery of the schemes began earlier this year and are due to be completed by 31 March.

Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, said: “I am very happy that we can support these local projects with grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”

“It’s good to know that these projects are now in a position to come to fruition thanks to the council’s support and I look forward to seeing the final outcomes.”

The UKSPF is a key part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Its funding aims to promote high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth and increasing life chances.

It supports the delivery of economic improvements in Hull aligned to the government’s Levelling Up Programme, which has three main priorities: communities and place, supporting local business and people and skills.

Round two of the UKSPF sees a further £5m being made available for use between April 2023 and March 2025.