Alt Sheff

Sheffield branch of the growing movement arguing for a 20mph speed limit in all residential areas, for all sorts of good reasons.

Free media lab developing skills, community, fun and creativity with help, free open-source software, and recycled computers, in the town centre

Airy Fairy, on London Road in Sheffield, is a small gift shop & coffee shop with ethics and philosophies of creativity, education and love for the planet, individual, local and world communities. It specialises in alternative gifts, local art, reclaimed timber picture framing, Fair Trade coffees & tea, homemade organic and vegetarian cakes and lunches. Upstairs there is also a comfortable meeting room where regular workshops are held.

An international movement of ordinary people standing up for human rights, producing extraordinary results. Prisoners of conscience released, death sentences, torturers brought to justice, governments persuaded to change ... the Sheffield group meets monthly in the city. Tel. Sheff. 255 5748 or email sheffieldamnesty@yahoo.co.uk

A Sheffield-run auction site, of items made for domestic, wild and farm animals, which donates 90% of proceeds to animal charities.

Working to provide some support to destitute asylum seekers when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. Not allowed to work, many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. There are about 1000 destitute asylum seekers in Sheffield alone. Volunteers are always welcome, and ASSIST run volunteer induction evenings. They also run great benefit concerts with food!

Working to provide some support to destitute asylum seekers when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. Not allowed to work, many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. There are about 1000 destitute asylum seekers in Sheffield alone. Volunteers are always welcome, and ASSIST run volunteer induction evenings. They also run great benefit concerts with food!

Organic Fair Trade cotton bags, made in Sheffield including designs like I Love Sheffield

Wholefood co-op, Crookes Valley Road. Huge range including organic fresh fruit and veg. Open 7 days a week, till 8 o'clock on weekdays. All vegetarian or vegan. Excellent - worth living in Crookes for, and they deliver

Fuel suitable for diesel engines, made from locally sourced cooking oil. Save money, cut pollution, new supplies of cooking oil also wanted. Available Mon. to Sat. 7.30am to 6.00pm at Unit 17, Newhall Road Industrial Estate, Sheffield S9 2TW

Vegetarian and vegan licensed cafe, friendly atmosphere, great food, popular and busy and lunchtime. They also provide outside catering and the place can be hired as a venue with food.

2 James Street, Sheffield S1 2EW (near the cathedral tram stop) Tel. Sheff. 276 3443

Uniting, informing and entertaining the community, including community projects and languages, broadcasting on 103.1 FM. Founded by local legend Aisha Special K

Quite simply the best community news service in the city, great website as well. If you live in North Sheffield check out what's going on. If you don't, move there!

Ethical and organic cafe, good vibes, nice people, licenced, free wi-fi and free drinks with food orders, 7 days a week from 8am. 72 John Street Sheffield S2 4QU (next to CCC, near The Edge climbing place) Tel. Sheff. 273 8553

Based in Meersbrook, this company supplies coffees, chocolate, sugars and stuff, all completely Fairtrade and ethical. Originally they sold to the 'out of home market' but now they also offer online sales - see the website

Sheffield was the first UK city to become a City of Sanctuary. The organisation involves dozens of groups working to build a culture of hospitality and welcome for asylum-seekers and refugees.

They provide information and activities from offering friendship, advocacy and language exchanges, to organised walks, solidarity protests and emergency accommodation

There's a nice short video which says it all, Click to view video

This network raises the profile of climate change in our region, not by running events or campaigns but by publicising what is already happening. See their newsletters web page above, and also click their home page tab for more details.

This local chat forum is sadly no more ... CLOSED DOWN 2009, but see Sheffield Forum for genuine local discussions going on all the time.

National organisation, based in Sheffield, promoting at a national level community management and use of bio- degradable waste. A network of around 200 members, it produces guides, newsletters, and holds an annual conference

A small project based in Sheffield to assist groups and individuals to learn the skills and make the contacts required to make a difference in their communities. Providing zero or low cost internet hosting and development, and zero cost blogging facilities.

Refurbishment, building or adapting donated nursery equipment for families in need and children with special needs. Also fencing (100% reclaimed timber) for safe play areas. Work experience and volunteering opportunities in a woodworking workshop. An innovative small charity with many years experience

Campaign to Protect Rural England: CPRE South Yorkshire promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of the South Yorkshire countryside, encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. An independent charity (the local branch of the national CPRE network), membership is open to all. It welcomes help by donating or volunteering.

Not so much a group as an idea - once a month, massed bands of cyclists flood city roads around the world to reclaim the streets for the most environmentally friendly, fun form of transport. Everyone welcome, just bring a bike and tag along.

The UK's national cyclists' organisation. Cycle training, maintenance, promotion of cycling, the works. Local contact Steve Marsden. Various projects running, have a look at
Sheffield Projects

Free one-to-one session, according to your needs from basics through to advanced or bike maintenance, offered by Sheffield Council. (Further sessions cost £20unwaged / £35 waged) Tel. Sheff. 205 3073

Cyclesheffield (formerly known as Pedal Pushers) is the new force for cycle promotion in Sheffield, the group has taken a step into the 21st century with a new name and a new manifesto for change.

Cyclesheffield has aligned itself with its national federation, cyclenation, and is proposing a massive change in people's attitudes to transport. Key objectives are safer streets, with 20mph limits in all residential areas - they believe that the average of 300 people a year killed or seriously injured on Sheffield's streets is disgraceful - and better driver behaviour. Most Sheffield drivers are courteous and respectful to cyclists, but there is still a substantial minority who are not. They want to see the awareness raised of the dangers this minority pose to people who choose to cycle. Cycling has never been more popular, and yet cyclists are still treated as second-class citizens on the road.

The training group has created a large number of competent and confident cyclists on Sheffield's roads, and will not have their safety compromised by inattentive drivers.

When Pedal Pushers was formed, nearly 15 years ago, it said "The City Council appears to have some pro-cycling policies, but in practice it is still regarded as a fringe activity, to be accommodated only when it will not inconvenience car-users." Sadly this is still the case. Nevertheless cycling is on the increase, and CycleSheffield is a key part of the coalition that aims to bring a sea-change to attitudes to sustainable transport in our city.

CycleSheffield is part of the national federation of cycle promotion groups in the UK, Cyclenation.

Wholefood shop in Sharrowvale, must be one of Sheffield's longest-running existing co-operatives. Excellent food, nice people, what more do you need? Well, a website, OK but what else? 406 Sharrow Vale road, Sheffield, S11 8ZP Tel. Sheff. 268 5220

Organic and ethical clothes shop for men, women and children. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-4.30pm (The Courtyard, 10 Castleton Road, Hope. Tel. 01433 623113).

They also run a home shop (Bank House, Market Place, Hope. Tel. 01433 621280) for eco-friendly paints, organic bedlinen and towelling, non-toxic bodycare and cleaning products, gifts and accessories for the sustainable home.

(Hope is in Derbyshire - just outside Sheffield on the Sheffield-Manchester trainline)

Don't get rid, re-upholster. Save the environment a bit more by having your old furniture re-covered. Eco Sofas offer a range of fabrics (not real leather, good!!) and recycle as much as possible. They'll come out to your home with samples and give a free estimate.
No website, call Sheff. 246 8477

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)

An eco-friendly and fair trade business, committed to causing no harm to the earth, its ecosystem or its varied peoples and cultures - based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, also selling over the internet.

Home and garden products, skincare etc.

Making life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems. The Sheffield group is very active and meets in the city centre

Books, magazines, herbs and seed suppliers established since 1998. Bong! Happy birthday!

The Forum, Devonshire Street, Sheffield city centre. Tel. Sheff. 249 1311

Committed to raising awareness of environmental issues in the multicultural community around north Sheffield, and working together to improve the environment for all. This hard working organisation has a lot of activities going on, including festivals

Eating and growing quality, healthy and local food around Sheffield: large and useful website with contact links for courses, growing and buying etc.

See also new project 2009 by CPRE - The food webs project - Food mapping, to link producers, retailers and buyers. Coordinator contact: Lizzie on 07833 250133 or email elizabethf@cpre.org.uk

Reducing energy use in the home, is it tricky? This group is doing it, blogging it, and providing a load of excellent useful information for the rest of us

This is an anti-capitalist network within the Green Party looking towards an eco-socialist future, based on the assumption that capitalism is a system that wrecks the planet and promotes war. It's a national thing and they don't have Sheffield meetings, but a few local people are members and there's a lot of intelligent online discussion here

An independent research and publicity organisation, promoting green roofs. Not a lot of people know that there are benefits to having plants all over your roof. Sheffield has a national demonstration site to show how it works

The Sheffield Star (newspaper) collects together green-themed news and blogs for an online environment section. Hardly 'alternative' but it's useful to see what's going on and what people are discussing

Growing plants without soil can be highly productive, conserving water and land, and protecting the environment. This Sheffield city centre equipment supplier offers a large shop and advice from qualified staff. Relocating (2009) to 8-10 Stanley Street, off The Wicker, Sheffield. Tel Sheff. 275 3353

Environmental activism big time. The link above is the UK Greenpeace website, for local activities call 01226 248702 or see Greenpeace South Yorkshire web-page

If you want to get your hands dirty with a broad range of environmental projects look into this large organisation.

Working for a vision of urban food growing landscapes. Events and activities, exchange ideas and get involved

Direct Action against the visual pollution of neglected land. Get in and get planting. Guerrilla Gardening has taken off around the world; the link above is the Sheffield and Rotherham part of a large discussion forum and website, guerrillagardening.org

A multidisciplinary practice doing ecologically-focused timber structures, shelters, seats and stuff with features like alternative roofing materials and solar powered lighting. They've worked for several years, for public, private and community organisations. One of several eco-businesses based at Ecclesall Woods Sawmill, Abbey Lane, Sheffield.

Long established builders of low-impact, sustainable, timber-framed buildings, using locally produced hardwood. One of several eco-businesses based at Ecclesall Woods Sawmill, Abbey Lane, Sheffield.

Community-based farm centre which leads the way on environmental good stuff, all free, great for a visit, specially with kids. Also has offshoots like South Yorkshire Energy Centre, community cafe and garden centre.

About 2km from city centre. Open 10am-4pm most days.

Green Business to Business Network for South Yorkshire. Increasing awareness of green business and contacts, information, policies and processes in moving to more ethical and working practices. Services include green online business directory (free with membership), Green News (eco achievements of local businesses) and web design for environmental projects, businesses and community groups

Vegetarian and vegan nut-free food, even a delivery service, at 11 Cemetery Road, Sheffield S11 8FN

Your favourite food online, 100% vegetarian, loads vegan, organic, Fair-Trade and all 100% free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). A UK based small business they deliver within an 80+ mile radius of Sheffield.

Lembas, Unit 5, The Old Tannery, Whiting Street, Sheffield S8 9QR

If you think civil liberties are part of American history you're missing some news. Detention without trial, deportation to torture and removal of rights to speech and protest are creeping into the UK. Liberty campaigns for civil and human rights, and a Sheffield group is being set up (2008) Tel. Sheff. 242 3511

Small Sheffield business selling Fair Trade Bolivian alpaca knitwear blankets, throws, dolls and cushion covers. All handmade, superfine quality and more importantly supporting a Fair Trade cottage industry and community projects in Bolivia

A non-profit organisation helping people to reduce their consumption, and gain quality of life and new skills, with fun courses at various Sheffield venues. Their website is really useful as well

The Green Party blog for Manor Castle.

Well worth a look, frequently updated, it covers environmental issues both locally and more generally.

Medsin is an activist network of students with an interest in health. Activities aim to promote health as well as to act upon and educate students about health inequalities in our local and global communities. Get involved to join in working towards a world in which high-quality, accessible healthcare is a reality for all.

A charity based in Sheffield dedicated to the use and promotion of mediation as a means of conflict resolution. That means getting both sides working together to sort out disputes, good common sense.

Britain's only socialist daily newspaper, long running, solid news from the original anti-capitalist perspective. Order it at newsagents or on-line.

Mule is "News with a kick", a not-for-profit, grassroots, project committed to using media production and mass distribution as a tool for promoting social, environmental and economic justice and peace. And it's based not far away, in Manchester. Well worth a look.

Specialists in construction with respect for the environment, no job too small, unusual, or natural. Materials used based on their ecological performance and levels of embodied energy, Forest Stewardship Council certified timber, reclaimed and reused where possible. Expert guidance, skilled labour, and sensitive leadership to guide volunteers and involve local communities.

This well-respected magazine highlights the fight for global justice. Over 30 years old, run by an independent trust working as a not-for-profit cooperative. Oxford and internationally- based, it sells by subscription. Too expensive? Look in the library or see the website

Radical campaigning cafe, wholefoods, groceries, and takeaway including vegan stuff. Run by volunteers and offering free water-bottle filling, and friendly chat. Two shops: Glossop Road and Spital Hill

NO2ID is a campaigning organisation focussed on the threat to liberty and privacy posed by the rapid growth of the database state, of which "ID cards" are the most visible part. Entirely independent, they do not endorse any party, nor campaign on any other topic. The Sheffield group meets monthly.

Campaigning, support and advice for people under the strains of social housing, council housing or homelessness. In a sea of difficulties, Nomad has been a lifeboat for two decades. Its Burngreave office deals with tenancy support, and its West Street office helps in other areas. Opportunities for volunteers also available. Tel. Sheff. 2755441

Welcomes volunteers and offers services like 'time together' mentoring, helping with integration into UK life

Also offers women-friendly advice sessions for refugees and asylum seekers on Wednesday mornings at Sheffield Advice Link, North Gallery, Castle Market, Sheffield. Translation can be arranged. Advice on asylum support and welfare benefits, maternity grants, domestic violence, NASS support problems and section 4, housing problem, employment and training, basic immigration queries (OISC)

A free pro-active community magazine for Sheffield. An excellent read, with adverts only from independent traders, community groups and good causes. Available around the city and also downloadable back issues

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

Positive social change through non-corporate, independent community arts, music and charity events. From poetry to music, laptop trickery to DJs. And cheap accessible gigs. They also provide recording and rehearsal space Studio 45 and Bad Monkey - design, print and distribution service. And they broadcast weekly on Sheffield Live radio station - have a listen

Sheffield's first gay choir, enabling members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in Sheffield to come together and enjoy singing. It's open to everyone and no auditions are needed. You don't need to be an experienced singer or read music.

Sheffield's coolest, nicest, not-for-profit festival, already planning for 2009. "More a movement than an event"

Sheffield's coolest, long-running, not-for-profit cycle training cooperative helping more people start cycling.

FREE urban cycle coaching for any Sheffield resident, community cycling projects, Learn to Ride days, bike check-ups, group cycling projects and more. Also news pages on cycling in Sheffield and beyond.

A welcoming and friendly community for LGBT people, the opportunity to discuss all aspects of gay life, and any other issue. Why QueerUK? The word queer is starting to be reclaimed by the gay community and has a new meaning in modern usage as an inclusive, unifying umbrella term for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual or of any other non-heterosexual sexuality or gender identity.

The re-branded Save the Woodhead Tunnel has become Re-Open the Woodhead Line as they believe re-instating the trans-pennine route is now a real possibility. Campaign demanding the Government hold to their promises on sustainable transport and re-open this rail line between Manchester and Sheffield, including the Woodhead Tunnel near Glossop in the High Peak. Read more details on Indymedia - Woodhead Tunnel articles

Get first hand facts about refugees & asylum seekers. Free, interactive training sessions and talks to community groups etc. from trained refugee, asylum seeker and other volunteers

Zines are personal or group-made, self-published magazines distributed through mail order and word of mouth. An extraordinary change from 'ordinary' glossy magazines. Radical and rebellious Rebel Grrl Zine is Sheffield-made, and available to buy via the website.

ReCycleBikes is run by an enthusistic and friendly group of volunteers and full timers. It does service and repairs, refurbished second hand bikes and new stuff, cycle spares and accessories, green oil (!), training, maintenance courses, and it even runs free rides for children and young people.

The pressure group campaigning to stop East Midlands Trains installing barriers at Sheffield Railway Station. The footbridge links communities and organisations on both sides of the station. Ticket barriers would prevent free access to the city centre or the tram stop behind the station, by foot, wheelchair or pushchair.

Rotherham-based gay community group, meets monthly in the town centre.
Tel. for details: 07090 421 130

Freegle means Free Giving, Locally, Easily. It's a new online re-use network, an alternative to Freecycle. It enables people to keep household goods out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Each Freegle group is a grassroots co-operative run by and for local people. Rotherham's also has a "Freegle Café Group" for members to chat about anything and to promote local businesses.

Online Rotherham discussion forum, which seems to have disappeared recently. Anyone know of ANY Rotherham forums operating please email us ... thanks.

Home cooked meals, second-hand & new books for sale, and musical instruments to try out. Sally and Pete are open to more ideas to try in this friendly place which has events like CD music nights, see the website. Open every day except Wednesdays. 89 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1FE

Hate Crime reporting site, bringing together the local community and agencies working together for a safer place for all to live, work and socialise including the LGB&T and minority ethnic and faith communities. Run by South Yorkshire Police

Training on equality and diversity using drama, theatre and audience participation, based in Rotherham. Details from Steve 01709 829446 or Taiba 01709 720744

Animal rights group based in Sheffield looking for people who want to get active in animal rights in South Yorkshire. Currently doing weekly demo's to make Sheffield foie gras free, and stalls and demonstrations against the fur/vivisection/meat industries

A friendly local group campaigning to avert catastrophic climate change. Actions, demonstrations, film shows and talks for local groups. They meet monthly in Sheffield City Centre, generally on the 2nd Tuesday of the month

The pressure continues, urging government to resist the temptation to wasteful, dangerous spending of our money on nuclear weapons of mass destruction.

A campaigning organisation opposed to the Government's treatment of asylum seekers. It supports groups, individuals and families of asylum seekers unjustly threatened with deportation. Demanding full Geneva Convention legal rights and representation, the right to work, income support, and an end to detention centres and the dispersal policy.

Constantly working on practical conservation projects like cleaning out ponds, tree planting, stonewalling and path laying. Meet every Sunday 9.30am on City Hall steps (opposite John Lewis store). Bring packed lunch and working clothes. Hot drinks and transport provided

What's really happening in Cuba? The last remaining socialist country is having a realistic national debate (with 200,000 public meetings!) It's re-thinking socialism, and changing. Find out more from people who visit and keep in touch. The Sheffield group is very active and runs an annual dayschool on Latin American issues

Local contact email: Susie

We live in a very unequal city, in one of the most divided developed countries on Earth. As one example, some northern and eastern areas of Sheffield have an average 14 year shorter life expectancy than the wealthier west side. Sheffield Equality Trust plans to change this situation.

Feminist group, open to primarily women who identify as women only, but with regular events open to all

Well-organised, long established and lively forum for discussion about Sheffield and stuff, hundreds of lovely down-to- earth Sheffield people online

Freegle means Free Giving, Locally, Easily. It's a new online re-use network, an alternative to Freecycle. It enables people to keep household goods out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Each Freegle group is a grassroots co-operative run by and for local people. Sheffield's also has a "Freegle Café Group" for members to chat about anything and to promote local businesses.

Sheffield FridayNightRide is a cycle ride around Sheffield. It's a ride for fun, fresh(ish) air and comradeship. It's unsupported, it's about celebrating cycling and celebrating Sheffield. It's not a demo or a protest. It's not anti-traffic. Whoever you are, whatever your bike, you're welcome to join

Get yourself on the mailing list for reminder updates: sheffield friday night ride @ blueyonder.co.uk

Developing new website for gay and gay-friendly venues, events and useful contact numbers for help in the Sheffield area

A monthly social networking event for anyone interested in green issues and the environment. Welcomes activists, students, academics, community, government and business people

Campaigning on political and environmental issues, great help for contacts and also has a really useful website

To contact the Sheffield group Tel. Sheff. 255 5815 or email
shefguantanamocampaign@hotmail.co.uk

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)

Humanists care about social and moral issues from a freethinking, non-religious (atheist or agnostic) perspective, rejecting the supernatural and believing that humanity must find its own solutions to life's problems. The Sheffield group is one of the largest and most active in UK and holds monthly meetings open to the general public.

Sheffield's finest independent news online.

SHIFT monitors Sheffield's Fairtrade City status and promotes and increases awareness of Fairtrade products. The website lists shops and cafés selling Fairtrade products.

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.

This is a community-based mutual aid network in which people exchange all kinds of goods and services, without the need for money. In fact they use a currency called "Stones". It works - find more information on the website or Tel. Sheff. 221 6804 (office open 7:30 to 9pm Wed. evenings, leave a voicemail at other times)

A genuine live community radio station broadcasting on FM, over the internet and even on podcasts, right from the city centre

Crookes-based charity promoting organic food growing, permaculture and biodynamics for education, health and the alleviation of poverty. Learn how to grow safe, sustainable fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs; even provides a seed bank

Whatever you think about charity, Oxfam is campaigning and tackling poverty and emergencies worldwide, promoting Fair Trade and running loads of practical projects making a difference in people's lives. They don't appear to have a Sheffield website but the national one is good. Tel. Sheff. 268 6727 for the local group

A group of people deeply concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people, supporting their struggle for self- determination in the face of modern history's longest military occupation

The activist side of growing old. The group meets most mornings upstairs in the Castle Market, join them for chat and activities

For independent advice on using cloth nappies. Find out the facts, suppliers, events, and even whether your local council offers any incentives for use of real nappies

Asylum seekers in Sheffield are going hungry because the government's voucher system doesn't work; unable to buy basic essentials that we all take for granted, on less than £30 per week in vouchers (less if they're under 25 years). Vouchers can only be spent on food and only in a very small number of supermarkets, plus £10 cash. Many find it difficult to stay healthy and cannot afford clothes, shoes, babies nappies, sanitary towels and many other necessities.

This disgraceful situation is an affront to people's dignity. The Sheffield Refugee & Asylum Co-operative works with local people, churches and community organisations to distribute many essential items among the asylum seekers and refugees of Sheffield.

Collection points run in Broomspring, Broomhall, Duke Street and Parkhill so far, and more are needed.

Community-owned project working to actually build local renewable power supplies in the city, at Kelham Island and Jordan’s Dam. Profit generated will be re-invested in other projects which benefit the community.

The Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy may be blowing in the right direction (sorry!) with the Renewables Obligation, and consultations (2009) on new financial incentives, the Renewable Heat Incentive and electricity generation "feed-in tariffs".

The Technical Group meets fortnightly to discuss projects, arrange to do related work, etc.

Sheffield Renewables is based at South Yorkshire Energy Centre (SYEC) 25 Alexandra Rd, S2 3EE next to Heeley City Farm.

Formed in 2001, inspired by the power of radical Samba Bands with wicked tunes in protests and demonstrations. It encourages everyone to join, from people who have never picked up a musical instrument in their life to the most experienced. Excellent website, even includes video clips!

Sheffield's new social centre is about to open. An anti-capitalist, non-hierarchical, liberated space in Sheffield, under construction for October 2009. Email

Sheffield's new social centre is about to open. An anti-capitalist, non-hierarchical, liberated space in Sheffield, under construction for October 2009.

Email

Formed over 20 years ago, and still having fun in the long tradition of radical singing in Sheffield and the industrial north. New singers welcome!

Fighting for a socialist society, instead of the capitalist system. Weekly meetings with themed talks, friendly and welcoming to anyone interested, members and non-members.

Freecycle enables people to keep household goods out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Each group is part of The Freecycle Network, an international and UK charity aiming to keep good stuff out of landfills. Sheffield South and East Freecycle also has a "Café Group" for members to discuss issues of recycling, the environment and so on.

Join the fight against war. The website is sometimes out of date but the group knows how to get organised. Coaches to London marches etc.

Live a life without use of animal products at all; no meat, dairy or eggs. Try it, it works! Sheffield vegans don't meet as an organisation, but for advice and information Tel. Sheff. 250 9480 or see the Vegan Society website (above)

Local group in solidarity with the democratic social progress taking place in Venezuela under the government of Hugo Chávez, struggling against hostile media and a powerful capitalist opposition aided by the USA (including an attempted military coup in 2002). Meanwhile, direct democracy through grassroots community councils and increased social spending have made dramatic improvements in peoples' lives, as Venezuela works with other Latin American countries to build an alternative to neo-liberalism.

Get involved with the city's largest environmental conservation charity, lots going on

Ex-Online discussion forum is sadly no more ... SADLY CLOSED late 2009, but see Sheffield Forum for genuine local discussions going on all the time.

Another local forum, Sheffield Zone admits it's not perfect and doesn't claim to be but welcomes suggestion for improvement. Seems OK anyway, it's used a fair bit. The subtitle 'None of the above' says perhaps it's aiming for non-mainstream comments.

A safe place supporting gay and bisexual men since 1996, based in the city centre in a building used for many purposes with no identifying signs on the outside. Activities, health advice and support service and a chance to meet others away from the gay scene. Tel. Sheff. 253 6767

News magazine and a really excellent listing with loads of information for Yorkshire's LGBT and gay-friendly community groups and services. Covers both non-scene, by and for minority groups, and the gay scene in Yorkshire and North Derbyshire

The only Sheffield cinema that makes an effort to show more than Hollywood films. A great, ever-changing selection of films including international ones, and film festivals

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.

Doesn't seem to have a website, probably too busy fighting powerful Veolia's application to enlarge its Bernard Road incinerator (oooops, "Energy Recovery Plant") to allow waste to be collected from Barnsley, Doncaster and Chesterfield, sort of in conflict with the general idea of more recycling. There's a UK website UKWIN (UK Without Incineration Network)

SYMAAG unites refugee, asylum and migrant organisations with campaign groups, trade unions, charities, political parties, faith groups and supporting individuals. It campaigns both for the rights of those seeking asylum and of those coming to work in this country.

Contact c/o Tel. Sheff. 241 2780 or Click to email

A wide range of free advice available on this sustainable, easy form of gardening and food production. Simon Piper Tel. 01909-561348

Providing mutual support, resources and funding opportunities for a diverse range of women's organisations across South Yorkshire. SYWDT is run by and for women, and groups that work with or for women, and actively promotes networking and training opportunities for women.

For advice on squatting why not contact the sublimely brilliant Advisory Service for Squatters. 020 3216 0099

Part of a national student body that raises awareness about refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and worldwide. Organises events, raising awareness, fundraising and volunteering with asylum seekers and refugees in Sheffield.

Newly launched (2009) forum online for general discussion, of anything and everything, as well as Sheffield-related discussions and fun ... just don't expect the highest standards of politeness and intelligent debate!
An addition to the field alongside the excellent long-running Sheffield Forum

A community café and arts venue with a garden behind independent from the venue and open to community use. Local artists can display and sell their work, art and craft activities and kid-friendly menus.

The café is looking for ideas, involvement, enthusiasm and creativity… Open 7 days a week. 229 London Road, Sheffield S2 4NF. Tel. Sheff. 258 1131

This is a grouping within the Green Party which aims to provide a discussion forum and support for Green Party members who sometimes find themselves in a minority in their trade unions. It aims to further good relations between the Green Party and trade unions, and the labour movement generally

The Zeitgeist Movement is the activist arm of the Venus Project, based on the ideas of Jacque Fresco and Roxanne Meadows. It's a non-static grassroots movement of around 300,000 people, that aims to investigate how technology, through the use of a resource-based economy, can free humanity from the crippling forces of fiat currency (paper/digital money), global debt and slave labour.

Sheffield contact: click to email

Sheffield based Totally Eco 8 design and produce insulation and other stuff for ecologically & socially sustainable construction, which exceed building regulations and the Code for Sustainable Buildings.

A new (2009) group in the S10/S11/Porter Valley area of Sheffield, getting a local transition group going. This will cover stuff from growing fruit and vegetables locally, to awareness raising of the problems with fossil fuels and climate change.

A new addition to the growing Transition Town movement in the UK, raising awareness about climate change, peak oil, and Transition Towns. Events are open to everyone

Council help for environmentally sound transport planning, aimed at businesses, schools and other organisations. Tel. Sheff. 205 3073

Well respected, Sheffield-based international campaign against animal experiments (vivisection), xenotransplantation (animal to human transplants), and other animal rights issues through peaceful political pressure

Anti-BNP anti-racism group, local contact 07890 131138

Part of the University of Sheffield Student Union, meets on Tuesday evenings. Mainly made up of students, although happy for other people to come along to meetings and events. However, non-students might prefer to join Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Campaign

The UK's leading campaign for democracy, rights and freedoms. A grassroots movement, owned and run by members which campaigns on issues like fair and open elections, a written constitution and bringing power closer to the people. It incorporates a predecessor organisation, Charter 88

The website above is the UK national one but there is a Sheffield group, for details call Sheff. 2664607

Vegetarian, vegan, and cruelty-free links around Yorkshire, news, events, even the first Vegetarian/Vegan guide to Yorkshire. Well worth a look.

Formed 1999 in Zimbabwe. African struggles told through drama, music and dance. Details from Steve Rogers 01709 367287

The Earth Centre is a large site on a former colliery, next to Conisbrough railway station (on the way to Doncaster). In the 1990s it was opened as an environmental visitor attraction ... then later it closed. What happens to it now is up in the air, so 'We Love The Earth Centre' is campaigning to make sure it's kept for community-based, sustainable use.

Campaign to get South Yorkshire's buses back to what they used to be - public services, not unaccountable, cut-back, rip-off private companies.

Not enough buses or trains in your area? Write to your local council to ask for better services that will help people avoid unnecessary car journeys. Campaigns have shown that hand-written requests really help to bring about change.

Women in Black (WiB) is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. Not an organisation, but a means of mobilisation and a formula for action. Women in Black actions are generally women only, and often take the form of women wearing black, standing in a public place in silent, non-violent vigils at regular times and intervals, carrying placards and handing out leaflets.

The Sheffield group usually holds vigils on the first Saturday of each month, 1-2.30pm at the War Memorial, Barker's Pool, Sheffield city centre. Just turn up on the day, all women are welcome to join in vigils for all or part of the time, and support is welcome from everyone.

Courses for women including bricklaying, plastering, painting, decorating and plumbing, at Buckenham St. Pitsmoor. Call Sheff. 2737046 for details or email
wintt.sywdt@btconnect.com

An organisation working for structural change to remove social, economic and political inequality, war and the causes of war. It campaigns for disarmament, economic and social justice, human and women's rights and a sustainable environment. The Sheffield group meets monthly, on the third Thursday (not August or December)

Activist group working alongside people in the developing world to tackle the underlying real causes of world poverty, standing up to injustice, lobbying decision makers, and researching positive alternatives. Sheffield 2009 campaigns focussed on "Dirty Aid, Dirty Water"

New coal developments including opencast and coal-fired power stations show that the Government is sticking its head in the sand about climate change, YANC campaigns for common sense.

Collective of anarchist groups based in Sheffield and Leeds, affiliated to the Anarchist Federation (Britain).

Yorkshire's all new one-stop-shop for climate-related events. Have a protest or meeting about the climate to publicise? Do it here!