One Sheffield, Many Communities message aims to celebrate strength of diversity
A city campaign aimed at strengthening cohesion and overcoming divisions will celebrate One Sheffield, Many Communities.
Sheffield City Council will bring various celebrations under the banner as part of its anti-racist work. The strategy and resources policy committee backed the move at its meeting on Monday (February 23).
A report to the committee said the campaign is important because of “heightened community tensions stemming from poverty, misinformation, demographic change and wider social division.
“These pressures became particularly visible during the 2024/25 national unrest, where parts of the city experienced anxiety, increased hostility and a significant rise in misinformation related to migration and identity.”
It added: “The campaign will celebrate the different communities that make Sheffield such an amazing city.
“It will seek to unite existing events and activities that bring people together across communities, both those delivered by the council and by partners, under a unified message: “One Sheffield, Many Communities”.”
The programme of events leads up to celebrations in 2027 of the 20th anniversary of Sheffield becoming the first City of Sanctuary.
Key dates coming under the banner include International Women’s Day on March 8, International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17, Carers’ Week and Men’s Health Week on June 9-15, Windrush Day on June 27, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Asian Heritage Month in July, Black History Month in October, Disability History Month from November 14 to December 20 and Inter Faith Week on November 10-17.
It will encompass major city events, religious festivals and saint’s days.
Committee chair and council leader Coun Tom Hunt said the city has 147 neighbourhoods and everyone will be encouraged to take up the campaign themselves.
Strength
“I think that message of One Sheffield, Many Communities is absolutely right for our particular time. We are a city of many faiths, many communities, many backgrounds but we are one Sheffield, a city that we all love.
“Our diversity is our strength and it’s absolutely right that we come together to celebrate it.”
Coun Mohammed Mahroof said it was important that the celebrations should reach rural communities.
Coun Fran Belbin commented: “I think this is needed more than ever on the day when Reform UK say they want to set up ICE-style deportation agencies.”
She added: “Can we be as quick as possible, please? Sooner rather than later.”