The Help us Help newspaper has been launched to provide key information for those struggling with homelessness in Sheffield.
Sheffield City Council ran an event on Tuesday in the Winter Garden, with professionals from various organisations available to help vulnerable people.
Councillor Douglas Johnson, chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Committee, said: “Homelessness and rough sleeping has been on the increase nationally.
“Helping people who need support is a complex issue, and only by working together can partners continue to offer that support and drive homelessness figures down.”
Help us Help is a collaboration of local charities and organisations, including Changing Sheff, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield, Sheffield BID, Safer Communities Partnership, and more.
Professionals were on hand to help at the event, such as Carver Street Parish Nurses who offer free services like blood pressure screening.
The newspaper has been launched due to funding by Supertram.
James Stewart, Supertram’s Head of Customer Service and Operations, said: “It’s important to us to be a good neighbour by supporting the communities that we serve in the areas that we operate in.”
4000 copies of the paper have been distributed to over 220 outlets around the city centre, Broomhill and Kelham Island.
Although the amount of people experiencing homelessness is rising, Sheffield charities have a variety of support available.
Ben’s Centre hands out 100 sandwiches and drinks to vulnerable people in Sheffield city centre each week. The Archer Project and Ben’s Centre serve around 100 breakfasts between them each day to homeless and vulnerable people.
The Sunday Centre serves a two-course hot lunch to more than 70 people every week.
Even local businesses such as Time Travels, a wheelchair-accessible taxi company, have recently been handing out sleeping bags and bottles of water to those in need around Sheffield.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “The newspaper plays a vital role in spreading the message that support is available.
“We urge the business community to review the updated newspaper and visit the Help us Help website for the latest information.”
Anyone requiring emergent help can phone the Rough Sleeper Hotline for Sheffield at 0800 066 5358.
Photo credit: Sheffield City Council
