Shariqua Ahmed

  

Shariqua Ahmed is a multi-platform BBC News journalist with a passion for bringing stories from under-represented communities to the forefront.

BBC News •

Lack of Changing Places toilets is 'frustrating'

Families have spoken of their frustration at the lack of specialist Changing Places toilets (CPTs) in Peterborough. The large accessible toilets for disabled people - including hoists, changing benches and space for carers were made compulsory for new buildings in England in 2020.Louise Ravenscroft, a Peterborough mum to two adult children with complex needs, said she had been campaigning for these toilets for more than 20 years.There are four CPTs in the city including at Car Haven Car park an...
BBC News •

Children no longer housed in B&Bs, says Peterborough City Council

Children are no longer being housed in bed-and-breakfast (B&B) accommodation following a campaign to end the practice, a council said.Peterborough Citizens, an alliance of schools and charities, had called on Peterborough City Council to stop placing families in B&Bs after schools said the arrangements were having "a significant impact" on pupils.The authority said the campaign had helped drive a 73% reduction in the use of B&Bs to house homeless people since December 2024 and no children were n...
BBC News •

Peterborough boxing gym prepares traveller teen for England debut

A boxing club that is helping young people from diverse communities stay off the streets is preparing a fighter to make his international debut.Jerry-Mike,15, attends Top Yard School of Boxing in Peterborough, and is about to represent England at a tri-nations boxing championship starting on 28 May in Cardiff.The teenager from Wisbech said being a traveller brought extra challenges for him, adding that it had "pushed" him to work harder.His ultimate dream is to be an undisputed champion, which i...
BBC News •

Rowing club empowers blind and partially sighted

A group of visually impaired rowers say a piece of simple technology is empowering more people to take up the sport.Kate Lindgren was the first blind rower to join Peterborough City Rowing Club eight years ago.She helped set up the Row the Rhythm project last year to support blind or partially sighted participants, and there are now 15 at the club from across Cambridgeshire.A coach involved in the project said a Bluetooth headset used by the rowers to communicate was "life-changing".

A group of...
BBC News •

Eid celebration 'can be lonely' for Muslim converts

As a month of family celebrations around Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr pass for another year, for some Muslims who have converted to Islam the whole time period could be "isolating and lonely" instead, a charity said.New Muslim Circle, in Peterborough, supports converts in their journey of faith by teaching them how to pray, organising regular meet-ups and hosting meals and celebrations.Natalia Zaman, who became a Muslim in 2007, described the charity as a "safe space" and a "lifeline" for those it he...
BBC News •

'A smear test saved my life', says cancer survivor

A woman who survived cervical cancer has advocated the importance of smear tests after she said having one saved her life.Stacey Roberts, 37, from Peterborough, has been in remission for three years after being diagnosed with the illness aged 34, and said she feels "proud" of her journey. NHS England said around one in three women take up their invite to get a cervical screening, even though 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by the test.Ms Roberts said: "Screenings save lives. It saved mi...
BBC News •

'Troubled' Peterborough teen says boxing has changed his life

A 15-year-old aspiring boxer said he had been "immature and troubled" before the sport helped him become a better person.Ismael, from Peterborough, who attends Top Yard Boxing School in Newark Road, won gold at the National Development Championships, external on Sunday.The tournament in Kettering, Northamptonshire showcases up-and-coming talent, and is a boost for the teenager's dreams of boxing for Team GB one day.He said he took up the sport two years ago after going through "years of getting...
BBC News •

Wheelchair user 'humiliated' after staff argue ramp request

A wheelchair user is calling for "better training" after railway station staff questioned her request for a ramp.Disability activist Marie Blackett, from Ipswich, said she felt "humiliated" at Peterborough station.She said station staff argued over her request to have a ramp fixed to the train, leaving her "embarrassed".London North Eastern Railways (LNER) which runs the station said it took staff training "very seriously".Marie Blackett, 33, said she was "frustrated" and had "lost count" on the...
BBC News •

King's Lynn woman fights for crash killer to be jailed for life

A woman is calling for an "insulting" jail term handed to the man who killed three members of her family to be increased to life. Aurelijus Cielevicius, 39, from King's Lynn, Norfolk, was jailed for 10 and a half years in June for causing the crash on the A47 on 15 January. Paul Carter, 41, his wife Lisa, 49, and her 25-year-old daughter Jade died.Jade's sister, Summer Mace, said her family was "serving a life sentence instead".Ms Mace has raised a petition, external calling for the criminal jus...
BBC News •

Peterborough City Hospital: Still no gas and air for new mums

Women in labour are often being denied their first choice of pain relief, after a hospital suspended gas and air. North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust temporarily stopped using Entonox in Peterborough's maternity ward in February.Some mothers have called the suspension "unfair" and "completely unacceptable".The trust said it was suspended "to protect midwifery and medical teams" and it was working to reinstate it.Hollie Nolan gave birth to a baby boy, Cole, on 9 September at Peterborough City...