Links
Education
Access Space
Open-door, free media lab developing skills, community, fun and creativity with help, free open-source software (Linux), all with recycled computers, in the town centre. Also provides a web design service, see http://design.access-space.org
Appletrees.org.uk
Julian Brandram offers talks, fruit growing courses, pruning, planting and selling fruit trees and soft fruit bushes. Specialising in traditional varieties, he also re-propagates, re-plants and advises. There is an extensive list of fruit trees at low prices, for sale from autumn to spring.
Books for a Better Future reading group
A reading group based in Sheffield Central Library, started in 2010. They read books that they hope will inspire a better future: green politics, etc. Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6pm in the library.
Cinema Syndicate
Cinema Syndicate is an anarchist cinema collective which shows of political and activist films for FREE. This happens almost every Tuesday night, at least when Lecture Theatre 2, The Arts Tower, University of Sheffield is open, which is the usual venue. Events are open to all. They say that Anarchism is not an argument to be won or a cause to sign up to. It is a process.
Ediculture Network
Growing plants to eat is the basis of "Ediculture". This Sheffield-based network is linked with regular courses and activities based on long-established and wide-ranging expertise in organic food growing.
Education Otherwise
Supports parents who choose to educate their kids out of school (which doesn't have to cost a fortune, follow the National Curriculum, or require a qualified teacher). Tel. 0845 478 6345. There is a thriving home ed community in Sheffield with many group activities organised by local parents.
(See also Sheffield Home Educators Network below)
Equinox Co-op
Equinox is a new co-operative that offers a professional coaching and advocacy service for long term unemployed people and people who suffer from any kind of discrimination. This co-operative has an ethical base and is really innovative. Have a look at the website and see how you can get involved.
Karl Marx's 'Capital' reading group
The original work analysing the capitalism system, Karl Marx's 'Capital' is a huge book. This Sheffield group meets to discuss it, along with David Harvey's lectures, available free on video at www.davidharvey.org. Newcomers to the group are welcome; for details of meetings click to send an email
Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service is a free service started by the UK Government to provide unbiased money advice and information without jargon. It's confidential and independent, so they're not trying to sell you anything. Could be useful if you've got money. Or even more useful if you haven't.
Open Minds Theatre Company
Open Minds Theatre Company works in the community to assist in the developing and equipping of people to lead effective and fulfilled lives by improving their confidence, self-esteem, understanding of others and themselves, communication skills and self-discipline through their exposure to and involvement in drama. It works with different groups of disadvantaged people and is committed to using performance drama as a means of opening peoples' minds and combating bigotry and prejudice
RASAG IT Club
Sheffield Refugee Asylum Seeker Action Group IT Club offers a friendly welcome, with internet access, literacy and computer support. They also welcome help with computer skills and paired reading, and donations of money or food. Their lively blog shows some of the good work they are doing.
Schools and Homes Energy Education Project
Schools and Homes Energy Education Project has developed an approach to assist people to make informed decisions about their energy use. It works mainly with educational institutions and community groups, in particular but not exclusively in the use of sustainable and renewable energy technologies. It is linked with Solar-Active and has operated since 1993.
See Green
See Green is a new environmental education project which offers eco-friendly, alternative birthday parties including a birthday gift, green goody bags for all party guests, and environmental games, crafts and activities. Environmental education sessions are also offered for nurseries, schools and children’s centres, even cool stuff like paper making. Contact 07811 807164 or email contact@see-green.co.uk
Sheffield Home Educators Network (SHEN)
holds regular meetings to support parents who choose to educate their kids out of school (which doesn't have to cost a fortune, follow the National Curriculum, or require a qualified teacher). Tel. Annette, Sheff. 258 3502 or Alison, Sheff. 247 8901 (See also Education Otherwise, above)
Sheffield is my Planet
Sheffield is my Planet asks people to look at their own life and make promises to take action to prevent destructive climate change. Of course such individual actions aren't going solve things overnight, but they're trying... There is advice and news of other eco-initiatives in Sheffield.
Sheffield Social Centre
Sheffield Social Centre is a collective for libertarian DIY space in the city. If you're interested in getting involved with the social centre project (or are intrigued by it at the very least) you're very welcome the project is open to all who share its core principles of non-hierarchy, anti-capitalism and equality/non-discrimination.
Sheffield Universal Education Collective
Students, teachers, lecturers and anyone interested in radical education are welcomed by Sheffield Universal Education Collective. Inspired by student protests and activism, it provides an open and democratic education space in the city. Free, critical thinking lectures are offered about the political situation and ways to change the world around us.
Skeptics in the Pub
Skeptics in the Pub is about getting people together to have a relaxed and enjoyable evening while listening to talks on a wide range of topics, usually by a notable scientist or skeptic. It doesn't matter what your prior beliefs are, or even if you're unsure what they are yourself. Everyone and everyone's viewpoint welcome. Monthly events.
Solar-Active
This long-established Sheffield organisation offers unique educational resources, workshops and courses in sustainable development, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
South Yorkshire Energy Centre
Since 2006 South Yorkshire Energy Centre has offered advice and information on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable building and affordable warmth. Its eco-refurbished house with interactive displays at Heeley City Farm (25 Alexandra Road, S2 3EE) is open to visitors, schools and groups.
Stop Animal Experiments in Sheffield
SAEIS campaigns against the use of animals in vivisection by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam. The University of Sheffield alone is responsible for the deaths of 30,000 animals ever year, used for animal experiments and then disposed of. Students and locals are often not even aware of the painful experiments and animal torment happening on their campuses and doorsteps. As the price of obtaining primates has soared due to activist pressure and the closing down of facilities, an increase of the breeding and use of genetically modified animals has occured.
The Naughty Pixies Cosmic Community Yurt
With a huge yurt (handmade traditional nomadic tent) the pixies provide a magical autonomous space at events. They share skills, ideas, fun and creativity in DIY low impact living, ancient and recycled crafts, native wild foods, medicinal plants and herbs, survival skills and direct action, not to mention art and music, flow and peace, all in balance with nature.
University of Sheffield Green Party Society
This newly formed group (Dec 2010) invites students studying anywhere to join via Facebook or contact 07837 521226
Women in Construction Arts and Technology (WICAT)
Re-opened with a great voluntary community spirit, WICAT in Burngreave offers courses for women (and some for men also) including car maintenance, bricklaying, plastering, tiling, plumbing, DIY and book-keeping. Prices are cheap, just to cover costs. And they have a 'tool library' for women who have done courses to borrow tools. WICAT also promotes and supports women working and training in non-traditional trades, through networking events.
Workers' Educational Association (WEA) Rotherham branch
The WEA is a long-established adult education movement, with roots in the co-operative movement. It's run voluntarily and democratically, so local people decide for themselves what they want to learn, rather than government or big business. Education for both personal fulfilment and collective advancement for a better society is its commitment through a rolling programme of courses. This is the Rotherham branch, there is also a Sheffield one, among many across the UK.
Workers' Educational Association (WEA) Sheffield branch
The WEA is a long-established adult education movement, with roots in the co-operative movement. It's run voluntarily and democratically, so local people decide for themselves what they want to learn, rather than government or big business. Education for both personal fulfilment and collective advancement for a better society is its commitment through a rolling programme of courses. This is the Sheffield branch, nearby there is also a Rotherham one, among many across the UK.
