A new service for carers in Barnsley

It's estimated that 27,161 people in Barnsley spend part of their week looking after adult friends or relatives.

Our new, free to access, service will provide an extensive range of resources designed to improve unpaid carers' quality of life. We are here to support carers by providing drop-in sessions, information and advice, one-to-one support, help getting into employment, events and activities, befriending and assistance with accessing grant funding.

Barnsley Council will invest almost half a million pounds in the borough-wide service over the next 2 years, based on the findings from its #BarnsleyCares Carers’ Strategy 2017-20. The new service has been designed in partnership with carers, partners and other care providers make sure our carers receive the best possible support from across the county.

Cath Magee, area manager for Making Space, said: "We’ll be coordinating with partner organisations to improve the support and services offered to carers. As part of our offer, we will be working in partnership with Beacon South Yorkshire who will ensure carers of substance misusers in Barnsley are supported. This is a fantastic opportunity to harness the strengths of the local communities across Barnsley through this new combined model.”

Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities, said: "Our carers' strategy highlighted the importance of recognising the value of carers and supporting them to get the help and assistance they need to remain healthy and independent, so they can continue to be effective in their caring role. This new service will bring real support to unpaid carers’ in our borough and strengthen our priority for people in Barnsley to stay healthier, happier, independent and active.”

If you think this service could help you, or someone you know, please get in touch with our team: E: BarnsleyCarers@makingspace.co.uk