Families & Community Services
Healthy Holidays (HAF)
SOAR manage the Healthy Activities and Food (Healthy Holidays) programme for two localities across the north of Sheffield.
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The citywide programme provides free, fun activities and food for families eligible for means-tested free school meals.
We work with over 40 different community organisations to deliver a range of provision across North Sheffield.
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Find out more as a potential provider or a parent by clicking the button below.
Polaris Project
The Polaris Project (named after the North Star - also known as the 'guiding star') aims to develop, capacity-build and empower communities and groups to enable them to reach and support more individuals and families.
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We're working in the Firth Park, Southey and Shiregreen & Brightside wards by increasing volunteering, activating community assets and spaces, training and capacity-building for volunteer-led community groups, and developing partnerships that connect people and places.
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If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Penny Ritchie on: penny.ritchie@soarcommunity.org.uk
Building Thriving Communities
SOAR is working in partnership with Sheffield City Council and multiple organisations across Sheffield, including Firvale Community Hub and ACT (Aspiring Communities Together) in the North-East of the city, to support Welcome Places.
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A Welcome Place is a publicly accessible place that provides a warm welcome for people, and some support, specifically for issues around Cost of Living increases.
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A map of Sheffield's Welcome Places can be found via the button below.
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To find out more, contact Dom Dowde on dominique.dowde@soarcommunity.org.uk
Volunteering
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Volunteering is a great way of not only helping the local community but also helping yourself.
Whether you've volunteered before or not, SOAR is looking for people like you who are interested in volunteering!
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Find out more about what roles are available by clicking the button below.
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Support Community Partners​
Our Community Partnerships aim to bring together the voluntary and community sector that work in North Sheffield and respond to local and community needs, so we can build strong connections, exchange knowledge, support and empower to create long-lasting impacts.
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Interested in joining? Contact Penny Ritchie on: penny.ritchie@soarcommunity.org.uk or
07823 558 700
Community Engagement
SOAR is working to increase its capacity in community engagement. The aim is:
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To ensure communities have access to information about services available to them
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To listen to your feedback and thoughts on how we can offer additional support
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To ensure we are supporting communities and improving inclusivity and accessibility
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If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to support in community engagement, please send us an email at
Let's Build Health Grants​
Let’s Build Health Grants are available to help create opportunities and develop local activity that improves health and wellbeing. The grants will be available in the following People Keeping Well (PKW) Community Partnerships: East & West Ecclesfield, Shiregreen & Brightside, Southey.
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We want to allocate funding for activities in these neighbourhoods which will support the overall aims of the PKW Community Partnership, including (not exhaustive):
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Increased awareness of an involvement in community activities
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Increased range of activities for families and young people
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Increased range and uptake of volunteering opportunities
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Increased participation and awareness of the benefits of green space and physical activity
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Improved understanding of ways to live a healthy lifestyle
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The current round of funding is now closed for applications.
North East Strengthening Communities Fund​
Funding is available to help create opportunities and develop local activity that improves health, wellbeing and social connections. The ambition is to empower communities in certain areas of North East Sheffield to live happier and healthier lives.
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The funding is available in:
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Burngreave, Grimesthorpe, Pitsmoor, Firth Park, Crabtree, Fir Vale, Page Hall, Southey Green East, Longley.
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S3 8, S3 9, S5 6, S5 7, S4 7 and S4 8.
The current round of funding is now closed for applications.
To find out more about the grant and when the next round of funding will open, please contact the Communities Team on communities@soarcommunity.org.uk​​​​
Our Family Coaches are here to support families in the North of Sheffield to tackle health challenges, increase skills and knowledge, and build confidence together. They help by providing early interventions; navigating medical, education, and employment challenges; ensuring family voices are heard; building resilience, confidence and self-esteem; and making connections to the local community.
Family Coaches
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Our Family Coaches provide low-level interventions around early years development, education, mental and physical health and wellbeing, recovery and harm prevention (substance use), stronger family relationships, keeping children and young people safe, secure housing, financial support and more.
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There is an eligibility criteria to be supported through our Building Successful Families (BSF) programme, but please submit a referral form via the link below to find out how we can help.
Mindful Mamas
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Mindful Mamas project creates a safe and inclusive space where local women can build a support network of like-minded mamas, grow in confidence and self-esteem.
At the Mindful Mamas project, we believe in more than just support — we believe in connection, safety, and the power of being heard.
If you are looking for a space where you can be your authentic self, please contact Jodie Smith on 07538 118 947 for more details about the group and how you can get involved.
How to get in touch
Contact the Communities Team
For more information or a casual chat, please ask to speak to one of the Communities Team on 0114 213 4067 or email communities@soarcommunity.org.uk
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Contact the Families Team
To get in touch with the Families Team please ask to speak to one of the team on 0114 213 4065 or email enquiries@soarcommunity.org.uk