Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Register for priority service from your energy supplier

You might be able to get extra support from your energy supplier by signing up to the priority services register if you:

• are disabled or seriously ill
• are recovering from an injury
• have mental health problems
• don’t speak or read English well
• have children under 5, or are pregnant
• have reached your state pension age
• are in a vulnerable situation

Benefits of priority service can include free energy saving advice.  A password protection scheme to protect you from cold-callers.  Your meter moved free of charge if it’s hard for you to use or read.  Bills sent to a relative, carer or friend to help you check them. You might also get advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted, priority re-connection if your supply is interrupted.  You may also get annual gas safety checks.  Find out more on the Ofgem priority services register website.

To find out if you’re eligible to join the priority service register, speak to your energy supplier.

If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:

• For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
• For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172

Energy suppliers priority service

• British Gas
• EDF
• E.ON Next
• Northern Powergrid

Pension Credit Toolkit

Use this collection of materials to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit.

 This toolkit is for anyone who works with pensioners. Use it to help older people understand how they may get extra money every week by:

• increasing understanding in your organisation
• helping your customers find out if they could get Pension Credit

The toolkit contains:

• guidance to help you understand Pension Credit
• information to help you support someone applying for Pension Credit
• common reasons why pensioners don’t claim
• ideas for events and dealing with the media
• useful contacts

The Pension Credit toolkit can be accessed here: Pension Credit toolkit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for energy bill discounts and benefits

See if you are be eligible for three heating related benefits:

• One-off £150 discount off your electricity bill with the Warm Home Discount Scheme. 

• If you’re eligible, your energy supplier will apply the discount to your bill. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

  This should be paid direct to you if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.

  You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

  To find out if you qualify you contact your energy supplier directly.

• £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025 with the Winter Fuel Payment. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. You will not get the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment given in 2022 and 2023. It stopped in winter 2023.
• Extra help if temperatures fall below a certain level with the Cold Weather Payment.

Struggling to pay for your gas and electricity?

The price of gas and electricity has increased greatly over recent weeks. If you are worrying about what to do, did you know that there is support available to help you during this time?

You can contact your supplier, to discuss ways to help pay what you may owe. This should be made affordable to you based on your budget. Your energy supplier may have support funds available.

British Gas - British Gas Energy Trust

• They offer a number of schemes to help people who are in arrears. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.

Octopus Energy - Octo Assist Fund

• To apply you would need to be an Octopus Energy customer and are currently struggling with your bills.

OVO - OVO Energy Fund

• You have to either be an existing OVO customer or previous customer. This is designed for people in debt of over £150 and unable to pay their bills

Scottish Power - Scottish Power Hardship Fund

• If you are an existing customer of Scottish Power and having difficulties paying your bills you may be able to get additional support.

National Energy Action - NEA – 0800 3047159 Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm. 

• A charity who specialise in assisting people with help with energy debt.  Giving benefits advice and making the most of your income. Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt and switching suppliers and helping with energy efficiency.  They can also help you apply for trust fund money, Water rates, Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register details.

If you need extra financial support, you can contact:

Money Advice Service - 0800 1387777 

National Debtline - 0808 8084000

Citizens Advice - 0808 2231133

Step Change - 0800 1381111 

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Preparing for Colder Weather

• From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
• Tips for staying warm and well this winter

The UK Health Security Agency has advice on staying well in the cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating.

• Cold Weather Alerts will keep you safe and well this winter by keeping you informed

The Cold Weather Alert operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alerts give you advanced warning of adverse weather conditions that could have a significant effect on your health and well-being, enabling you to take extra precautions to keep safe and well. Sign up here.

Local Support Services

Barnsley Council’s Warm Homes team can provide access to grants for heating and insulation, advice, support and signposting to help residents stay warm and healthy in their homes.  Visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/warmhomes or call 01226 773366 for information.

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT - ALCOHOL

Do you think you would benefit from some further support to reduce your drinking to 'lower risk' levels?

• Speak to your GP, a loved one or call Drinkline 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm). The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality
• Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money.  Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial – and with the right help, it's easier than you think. Download the 'Drink Free Days' app to update and track your drink-free days, get simple and practical tips to help you control your drinking, receive reminders and celebrate milestones.
• Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

Organisations that offer support: 

Please see the foot of this section for a list local drug and alcohol services, along the brief details on the support they offer.

SELF CARE - ALCOHOL

Further tips on cutting down

Make a plan
Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.

Set a budget
Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.

Let them know
If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.

Take it a day at a time
Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.

Make it a smaller one
You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.

Have a lower-strength drink
Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.

Stay hydrated
Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a soft drink.

Take a break
Have several drink-free days each week.  

NATIONAL SUPPORT - Drugs

Change Grow Live

Local Support Services

Healthy living - Alcohol 

Details of alcohol units, local support and advice is available on our webpages:

https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-living/alcohol/

Humankind - Barnsley Recovery Steps

We provide free and confidential support if you would like to make changes to your drug or alcohol use in Barnsley.

Phone us to speak to one of our friendly, trained experts. We’re here to help and will work with you to you manage, reduce or stop your drug or alcohol use.

Tel: 01226 779066

Email: brs.referrals@humankindcharity.org.uk

Web: https://www.humankindcharity.org.uk/service/barnsley-recovery-steps/

Drink Coach

If you live in Barnsley, you can book a free 40-min online coaching session with an alcohol specialist. Book a time that suits you, with weekend and evening appointments available.   There is also a free app available to help track and change your drinking.

Sessions are paid in full by Barnsley Council.

Website: https://drinkcoach.org.uk/

 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau provides support with welfare benefits, debt management, housing, employment issues, and utility bills and more. They assist with benefit applications, challenges, and housing-related matters such as eviction prevention and tenant rights. Additionally, they offer guidance on debt management, employment rights, and energy efficiency, assisting individuals navigating complex financial and legal challenges.

Tel: 0800 144 8848

Webpages:

Benefits - Benefits - Citizens Advice

Housing - Housing - Citizens Advice

Help with debt - Help with debt - Citizens Advice

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Citizens Advice

Make your home more energy efficient - Make your home more energy efficient - Citizens Advice

Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Citizens Advice

Government support - GOV.uk

GOV.uk provides financial assistance and support services in the UK. This includes the administration of welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The platform offers information and resources for managing finances, understanding pensions, and accessing various government support programs.

Additionally, GOV.uk provides guidance on tax credits, housing benefits, and financial aid for families and individuals in specific circumstances. 

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): You can apply if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Web: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for Universal Credit: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Emergency Financial Assistance: Emergency Financial Assistance (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Winter Fuel Payment:
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP is responsible for providing support and services related to welfare, pensions, and employment.

Financial Hardship Support:

In cases of immediate financial hardship, you may be eligible for hardship payments. Speak to the DWP or Contact your local Jobcentre for information on how to apply.

You can usually only get a hardship payment 15 days after your JSA payment was stopped.

You’ll be able to get your hardship payment straight away if you’re considered ‘vulnerable’ by the Jobcentre. This means you or your partner:

• is responsible for a child or young person
• is pregnant, disabled or a carer
• is homeless
• is under 18
• is under 21 and has recently been looked after by the local authority
• has a chronic medical condition
• has a long-term mental impairment - this includes mental health conditions (such as depression), cognitive impairments (such as dementia) and learning disabilities (such as downs syndrome)

You’ll have to show proof, for example a letter from a doctor or a benefit letter.

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment: Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange Debt Charity offers free and confidential debt advice, helping individuals create realistic budgets and negotiating with creditors to freeze additional costs. They assist in setting up Debt Management Plans for structured debt repayment. In cases of severe financial distress, StepChange provides insolvency advice. Online tools and resources, including budgeting calculators, are available. The charity emphasises ongoing support and financial education to empower individuals for a secure financial future.

StepChange Debt Charity can provide guidance if the cessation of benefits has led to financial difficulties.

Web: StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.

Life, money and budgeting: Your Personal Situation. Debt & Money Advice. StepChange

Coping with the rising cost of living

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? If you're on a low income, find out if you're entitled to:

One-off payments to support people with the rising cost of energy bills: Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange

Grants and funding to pay for energy bills: Grants And Funding To Pay For Energy Bills. StepChange

Government help with gas and electricity bills: Government Help With Gas & Electricity Bills. StepChange.

National Debtline

National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer a free and confidential debt advice service. They have helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Tel: 0808 808 4000 or Live webchat
(Between Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and on Saturdays 9.30am-1pm)

Web: Debt advice | Free debt advice | National Debtline
Cost of living hub: Cost of living library | National Debtline

To find out more advice and information on specific topics visit the Fact Sheet Library.

Web: Fact sheet library | National Debtline

 

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government:

• Advice and guides to help improve your finances
• Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
• Support over the phone and online

Tel: 0800 1387777

*Calls are free. We’re committed to providing you with a quality service, so calls may be recorded or monitored for training purposes and to help us develop our services.

Web: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Turn2us

Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity.

Apply for a charitable grant: Charitable grants can be given as money, products or services and don't have to be paid back.

Search for charitable grants Or contact Turn2us who can provide free financial advice and support to people in the UK in crisis.

Call the free helpline: 0808 802 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5.30pm)

Web: Turn2us Grants Search

The Trussell Trust

Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times.

If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of our free helplines.

Web: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust

No Recourse to Public Funds Network

Other National Support

Mental Health

Please refer to the Mental Wellbeing MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Helpline, established in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, provides immediate and confidential support to individuals facing domestic abuse in the UK. Those in need can access expert advice, emotional support, and information on available resources, guidance on safety planning, and information about local services, including refuge accommodation.

The free 24 hour helpline: 0800 9995 428

Drugs and Alcohol

For alcohol support please refer to the Alcohol MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Homelessness

Please refer to the Housing and Homelessness MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Local Support Services

'Help with the Cost of Living' websites for your Local Authority area are listed below.  These provide a valuable source of information on some of more localised support arrangements for where you live.

Local Support Services

Barnsley

Barnsley Council - MORE MON£Y IN YOUR POCKET (MMIYP)

Information and support to help with the rising cost of living.  Find out how you
could save money or get help in a range of areas by visiting the More money in your pocket website:

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/advice-benefits-and-council-tax/help-with-the-rising-cost-of-living/

The More Money in your pocket website includes:

• Housing support
• Support with utility bills
• Food support
• Help to manage you money
• Wellbeing support
• Employment and Skills support
• Household support grants and other support
• Support for Berneslai Homes tenants
• Freebies and money saving ideas

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Dementia Connect 

Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice. 

Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisers can support you directly by phone or face to face, as well as connect you to a range of local services.

Web: Dementia Connect for healthcare professionals | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

 

Dementia Toolkit

This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers.

Web: Living with Dementia Toolkit

 

The NHS

It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. 

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/

 

The Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Web: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis

Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide

Tel: Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456

 

Other Key links

Dementia UK - Dementia Helpline (support from dementia specialist admiral nurses):  0800 888 6678

Tide - Together In Dementia Everyday: Telephone: 0151 237 2669 Email: carers@tidecarers.org.uk

Carers UK- Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999

 

Self Care

We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For good heart health:

• don’t smoke
• keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
• be active and exercise regularly
• maintain a healthy weight
• eat a healthy balanced diet
• drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Web: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/

Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. 

Carers and / or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as the contact numbers, medication needed, locations the person was last seen and so forth also a photograph can be provided. 

West Yorkshire Police - The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police - For patients known to wander

South Yorkshire Police - Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk)

North Yorkshire Police - People with dementia at risk of going missing (Herbert Protocol) | North Yorkshire Police

Humberside Police - The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police

Please see below for more information and contact details in your local area. 

Local Support Services

Making Space | Barnsley Carers Service 

Barnsley Carers Service is a new, free to access service, here to support you in your role as an unpaid carer. Their staff are based in community venues right across Barnsley – please get in touch to find out details of support available near you.

Tel: 01226 288772

Web: Making Space

Email: Barnsleycarers@makingspace.co.uk

Address: Priory Campus, Pontefract Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S71 5PN

South Yorkshire Police 

Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk)- The Herbert Protocol is an initiative introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies which encourages carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

Carers, family members and friends can complete, in advance, a form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc.  In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.

Web: Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk) 

Crossroad for carers

Crossroads Caring for Carers is a professional well respected charity, established in 1993 to provide direct support services to carers and the people they care for across the Barnsley Borough.

Tel: 01226 731094

Web:  - Crossroads Caring for Carers (crossroadsbarnsley.org) 

Email: JosephD@crossroadsbsly.co.uk or JulieG@crossroadsbsly.co.uk

Address: Maple House Maple Estate, Barnsley, S75 2BL 

Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support

BIADS is an organisation formed by Barnsley people to provide support to those who have any form of dementia and their families and friends. 

Tel: 01226 280057

Web: BIADS | Help for today - Hope for tomorrow

Email: biads@btconnect.com

Address: BIADS' Dementia Support Centre, Joseph Exley House, Dean Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 6EX

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

There is a wealth of information and ways to prevent falls on the following websites

• Saga - Discover ways to stay fit at https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/wellbeing/falls-guide

• Age Uk - Information on falls prevention, exercise classes and handyman services in some areas.  Call free on 0800 169 6565 or see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/fitness/falls-prevention/

• The effective assessment of an individual’s risk of a fall would be a multifactorial intervention considering falls history, visual impairment etc. This assessment would enable the referral of an individual to effective interventions targeted at specific risk factors

• Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
  • having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses 
  • having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
  • requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
  • advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)

• NHS Choices - Find this leaflet and other resources at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/

Local Support Services

Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance

The Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA) is aiming to increase the provision of physical activity programmes that will improve the strength and balance of older people across Barnsley. Find out more about physical activity opportunities available in Barnsley on the BOPPAA page.

Web: https://boppaa.ageukbarnsley.org.uk/

Chair Based Exercises and Healthy Bones (classes around Barnsley)

When people have major health issues in their lives, it is important that Physical Activity Practitioners work with them to develop an appropriate physical activity programme to enable them to have greater control of their illness or disease and increase their physical activity levels. This activity should be a constant feature of the individual’s lifestyle and not just a short burst.

We hold many classes in community settings throughout the Barnsley area that happen on an ongoing basis. Many GPs refer patients to us and the difference that we make to their lives is amazing. We are able to accommodate and recommend appropriate exercises specific to individuals and Bronia is a qualified Level 4 exercise specialist. Activities include posture stability/falls prevention for conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinsons, MS and those who have suffered a stroke.

All exercises are tailored to the individual, and include options like movement to music, tai chi, chair based exercises suitable for people with dementia.

Tel: 07895 380615  

Email: bronia@healthy-bones.co.uk

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Equipment, adaptation and sensory impairment service.

Tel: 01226 775800 

Web: https://www.livewellbarnsley.co.uk/directory/equipment-adaptation-and-sensory-impairment-service/

The service provides assistance to people with physical and/or sensory disabilities. We help people make the most of their abilities to remain as independent as possible in their own homes. We provide advice and information, assistance with obtaining specialist equipment, assistance with adaptations to the home, advice regarding moving and handling, mobility training for people with visual impairment.

My Best Life Barnsley - (GP Referral Only)

Our advisors work with people to connect them with local non-medical support. They can visit you at home, or wherever you feel most comfortable, at a time that suits you best – including evenings and weekends They’ll work with you to put together your own action plan that can help with a range of things, including:
• Improve mental wellbeing
• Manage your physical health and symptoms
• Lead a healthier lifestyle
• Improve your home environment
• Get involved in your local community
• Maximise your income and access benefits
• Find work, training and volunteering opportunities

Live Well Barnsley

Live Well Barnsley is an on-line directory of services available with contact information helping you to stay well, active and independent. 

Web: https://www.livewellbarnsley.co.uk/

Self-care and National Support Services

If someone is in crisis and needs urgent help, especially if experiencing suicidal feelings:

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support if you prefer to talk to someone over text message.
• Go to your nearest A&E or call 999, in an emergency or if you’re worried that you can’t keep yourself safe.

Support for gambling harms

Share sources of information and support appropriate to the person’s requests. These can include:

Chapter One

Chapter One is an information and support hub for everyone affected by gambling.

This is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. The valuable resource contains details on help for an individual and others that might be affected by gambling.

Website: https://www.chapter-one.org/

*Chapter One has been developed by experts, research and lived experience and is free from gambling industry influence.

Free and confidential support is available from NHS specialists

NHS Northern Gambling Service

This Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north of England - the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North West. Clinics are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Call the NHS Northern Gambling Services team (NHS Team) on 0300 300 1490. If you get through to voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back.

Website: Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Other Support services

National Gambling Helpline and Support

The National Gambling Helpline provides advisors who are available 24/7 online or via the telephone. They can signpost you to a range of confidential and free support services, such as counselling and therapy, as part of the National Gambling Support Network.

You can speak to an advisor or refer yourself to the National Gambling Support Network by contacting 0808 8020 133.

The National Gambling Helpline and Support Network is commissioned by the charity GambleAware, which receives voluntary donations from the gambling industry.

Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/ngsn

Peer support: Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is described as a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.

Gamblers Anonymous operates local meetings of people who are affected. Each local group operates slightly differently. It is not a ‘treatment’ option, as it is not a registered mental health support service, but some have found Gamblers Anonymous meetings helped them to stop gambling.

Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Peer support: GamLearn

The Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network supports and empowers those who have experienced gambling-related harm.

Website: https://www.gamlearn.org.uk/

Peer support: GamFam

GamFam is a charity empowering individuals and families to reduce the impact of gambling harms and move towards a more positive future. GamFam offers free online peer support, including structured peer support groups for affected others and separate groups for those directly in recovery.

GamFam have created an opportunity for anyone affected by gambling harms to share experiences in a safe space, with no fear of judgement. Structured peer support groups provide information and support to help those affected learn and understand about gambling disorder.

GamFam is not a clinical service, it is an organisation that has lived experience at the heart of everything they do. Following a referral someone will reach out within a maximum of 24 hours with access to a group usually within a week.

Online Referral Form: GamFam Referral Form (office.com)

Gambling with Lives

A charity set up by families bereaved by gambling that provides support, raises awareness of gambling disorder’s devastating effects, and campaigns for change.

Website: https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/

Blocking tools and self-exclusion

Physical premises:

See Chapter One for guidance on how to self-exclude from physical gambling venues.

Online tools:

Gamstop
Signing up stops someone being able to use gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
https://www.gamstop.co.uk/

Gamban
Signing up blocks access to gambling websites and apps on your devices.
https://gamban.com/

Gambling Commission
Information on how to block gambling payments with your bank.
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions 

Avoiding marketing

Visit account settings with gambling operators to unsubscribe from marketing emails.

Support with debt/financial concerns

If you have got into difficulty with money - these services can offer advice:

Citizens Advice - 0300 330 1313 - www.citizensadvice.org.uk

StepChange Debt Remedy - 0800 138 1111 - www.stepchange.org

*see this helpful guide for information about language and gambling harms:

Language guide by ecgmca - Issuu

Local Support Services

If someone is in crisis and needs urgent help, especially if experiencing suicidal feelings:

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support if you prefer to talk to someone over text message.
• Go to your nearest A&E or call 999, in an emergency or if you’re worried that you can’t keep yourself safe.

Support for gambling harms

Share sources of information and support appropriate to the person’s requests. These can include:

Chapter One

Chapter One is an information and support hub for everyone affected by gambling.

This is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. The valuable resource contains details on help for an individual and others that might be affected by gambling.

Website: https://www.chapter-one.org/

*Chapter One has been developed by experts, research and lived experience and is free from gambling industry influence.

Free and confidential support is available from NHS specialists

NHS Northern Gambling Service

This Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north of England - the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North West. Clinics are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Call the NHS Northern Gambling Services team (NHS Team) on 0300 300 1490. If you get through to voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back.

Website: Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

NHS Better Health - Lose Weight

Lose weight - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) – information and advice, and links to offers from approved partners

NHS Weight Loss Plan app, a 12-week programme following NHS advice on losing weight safely. Available from the App Store and Google Play. To find out more you could watch our app demo

Healthy Steps email programme:

Healthy Steps is a budget-conscious email programme designed to encourage families to take steps to improve their health and wellbeing. ​It provides regular reinforcement and feedback to help families set and achieve goals. Particular focus on lower income families with children aged 5-11​.

The programme invites families/parents/carers to complete a quiz, leading to a recommendation of the best NHS approved health options for your family. There are currently three on offer: sugar reduction, 5 A Day or planned cooking​. Those who sign up will get eight weekly emails with hints and tips on their chosen theme, as well as weekly challenges. Built-in feedback loops means that they will also be provided reinforcement and encouragement after set-backs to help them in their journey through Healthy Steps.

Local Support Services

Health Referral Scheme - Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL)

The Health Referral Scheme offers opportunities for people with long-term medical conditions to receive specialist support to help them manage and improve their health and wellbeing. You will receive a free consultation, health check and personalised 12-week plan tailored to your needs.

Our discounted non-contract membership enables you to continue beyond your initial 12-weeks and doesn’t increase or change for as long as you are with us.

Tel: 01226 730060

Web: https://secure.refer-all.net/referrals/Barnsley/Refer

Weight Management Programme (Tier 2) - Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL)

This is a free 12-week programme includes support with diet, nutrition and physical activity with opportunities to attend nutritional education sessions along with unlimited access to gym, swim and group exercise sessions at any BPL venue in Barnsley.

You also receive 12-weeks free access to our home workout online portal Your Space at Home, so you can even workout in the comfort of your own home.

Eligibility Criteria: (must meet all)

• Aged 18 or above
• Are a resident of Barnsley or registered with a Barnsley GP
• Have a BMI of 25-40

Please note that for this funded programme we are unable to accept referrals for people with any heart conditions or COPD.

Please contact BPL for more information on eligibility and how to access the programme.

Tel: 01226 730060

Web: https://bpl.org.uk/community-health/weight-management/

Barnsley Tier 3 Weight Management Service - South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT)

This service utilises diet and lifestyle interventions such as improving the overall quality of a diet, increasing physical activity levels, and implementing behavioural strategies. The service has support from medical and psychological staff for those wishing to pursue pharmacological treatments, receive psychological input and/or bariatric surgery. The service can be delivered face-to-face within a clinic, receiving telephone consultations, or even accessing online videos and virtual group sessions.

Tel: 01226 644364 and choose option 1

Website: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/services/barnsley-tier-3-change4life-weight-management-service/

Live Well Barnsley - Barnsley Council 

An online directory providing information on local groups within Barnsley. You can search here for local physical activity groups.

Website: https://www.livewellbarnsley.co.uk/

Active Travel

Active travel means using walking or cycling to get about. It's healthier, and better for the environment too. Visit the Active Travel page for further information https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/sport-and-leisure/cycling/active-travel/

Walking 

Walking is an activity that all the family can do together. It's a great form of exercise and good for your mental and emotional wellbeing too.

Find out information on local trails and groups here https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/sport-and-leisure/walking-in-barnsley/

Healthy Holidays

Healthy Holidays is about supporting families who might need extra help to access food and activities to keep their children healthy through the school holidays. It's run in partnership with Good Food Barnsley and the Department for Education. The Barnsley Healthy Holidays webpage has information on local holiday clubs, as well as information on staying active and healthy recipes:

https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/children-young-people-and-families/healthy-holidays/

Good Food Barnsley MBC

Good Food Barnsley is made up of a group of private, public and third sector organisations working to build a better Barnsley where everyone has the right to the food they need to thrive. Their website includes an interactive food map to find healthy food sources.

Tel: 01226 755624

Web: https://goodfoodbarnsley.org/

 

Self-care and National Support Services

If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.

Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach.  A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text

Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.

This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.

Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.

Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/

Not sure which local authority area to choose?  If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.

Local Support Services

Barnsley

Barnsley MBC - Housing

The website has lots of links to other useful websites and information including council housing, affordable housing and buying your council house.

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/housing/

Berneslai Homes

Berneslai Homes is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) responsible for managing around 18,500 homes on behalf of Barnsley Council.

They are responsible for:

• Managing the waiting list and letting vacant homes
• Collecting rent
• Repairs, maintenance, and improvements in homes and on estates
• Supporting tenants to manage their tenancies
• Supporting tenants with money issues, jobs, training, and skills, and much more
• Keeping their estates clean and tidy and dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB)
• Engaging with and listening to their customers and communities
• Working with Barnsley Council to build and acquire new homes

You can contact Berneslai Homes by phoning 01226 787878.

Or, visit the website: https://www.berneslaihomes.co.uk/

Winter fuel payment

If you were born before 26 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in both winter 2022 to 2023 and winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits. Find out more here.

Homelessness

Barnsley Council offer support and help whether you're homeless or worried about becoming homeless. On the council website you will be able to see lots of advise as well as further contact information.

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/housing/homeless-and-housing-advice/

Self-care and National Support Services

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

If you are worried that this person is in crisis, please see section for Suicide Prevention

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

SELF CARE 

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available

• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
• For Men -CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer accredited, confidential and free support to men anywhere in the UK through a helpline and web and webchat service.  They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.
• Quell - Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
• Kooth - is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous support, for 11-25 year olds
  

Better Health - Every Mind Matters

Better Health Every Mind Matters website​. NHS-assured information & advice on common mental wellbeing concerns: anxiety, stress, low mood & poor sleep​

Tips to manage mental wellbeing based on Mind’s ‘5 ways to wellbeing’. 

Plus self-help CBT techniques section​ Life’s challenges - practical tips on dealing with drivers of poor mental health eg coping with money worries and job uncertainty, maintaining healthy relationships and loneliness​

The Mind Plan – free, personalised plan. Answer 5 quick questions on how you’ve been feeling over the last 2 weeks and you’ll get recommendations on practical self-care actions that could help. You can customise the plan and get it emailed to you​

​Free email support programmes – complete the Mind Plan to sign up for regular emails with further tips on building wellbeing actions into everyday life, or go to the “anxiety” page to sign up for a tailored email programme with expert advice and practical tips to help deal with anxiety

Support Services - Adults

Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.

Support Services - Veterans

Veterans Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.

Tel: 0800 138 1619

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

PANDAS Foundation

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.

Tel: 0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)

Web: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Support Services - Carers

The Carers Trust

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.  Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too.  The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.

Support Services - Children and Young People

Children and Young People can contact the 'The Mix which is a leading support service that can help young people to take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. 

• Tel: 0808 808 4994 (Freephone)
• Web: http://www.themix.org.uk/

For Parents

YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline, which parents/careers can call if they are worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving.  They also run a group called Parents Say, for parents whose children are accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Web: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  The mental health equivalent to the dietary advice to have ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables for physical health.

1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.

• As being well connected is good for your mental wellbeing… Is there anything you could be doing more of?
• Can you think of connections that you would like to make or remake?

2. Be Active - Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

• What activities do you engage in on a regular basis? How would I like to develop this?
• Are there any minor adjustments you can make in your life that can help you to be more active?

3. Take Notice -  Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. 

• How can you practice slowing down and pausing more often?
• What difference will incorporating this into your daily life make?

4. Keep Learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. 

• What would you like to learn about? What interests you? What do you value? What would you find useful?
• What do you need to do to make learning something you look forward to?

5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. 

• Do you notice what it’s like for you when you give to others?
• What else could you give others that you hadn’t thought of before?

Local Support Services

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.

Mental Health SupportThe council website provides support for you or someone you care about with a range of groups and services that can help.

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/adult-social-care/help-with-your-mental-health/

Rotherham and Barnsley Mind

Rotherham and Barnsley Mind is an independent local provider of high quality mental health services. Mind aim to empower individuals to start on the pathway to recovery.

Tel: Barnsley Mind on 01226 211188.

Web: http://www.rbmind.co.uk

Hey Let's Talk - (Children & Young People)

Hey Let's Talk is the mental health charity for children and young people.

Tel: 01226 872120

Web: https://heyletstalk.org/ 

 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support

Do you think you would benefit from some further support to spend more time in Nature and Greenspaces?

Nature and Mental Health

• Thriving With Nature | Mental Health Foundation Guide containing suggestions for seasonal activities to help people engage with nature, and personal stories.
• Walking with Nature: Notice three good things - Paths for All | Paths for All Connect with nature on your walks by noticing three good things in nature. Free Guide.
• Natural Environment- National Academy for Social Prescribing | NASP Helping People Connect with Nature for Better Health and Wellbeing  
• Bring people closer to nature | The Wildlife Trusts Materials and resources available and offer a Wellbeing Through Nature course

Nature and Physical Activity

• Parkrun UK Free, weekly events around the country. Events are in parks and open spaces. Walk, run, jog, volunteer or spectate.
• Places to visit | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (ywt.org.uk) Discover Nature reserves near you. Includes address/map, accessibility and difficulty levels.  
• Home | National Trust Ideas for days out, parks, discover and learn about nature

Nature and Community

• Social Farms & Gardens | (farmgarden.org.uk) UK wide charity supporting communities to farm and garden.
• Ramblers Bringing people together to enjoy walking and outdoor pursuits. Includes Walking for Health and Wellbeing walks.
• Wildlife Actions - Quick Wins for Wildlife.pdf (ywt.org.uk) Things you can do at home/in your community to connect with nature.

Nature and Conservation 

• The RSPB Wildlife Charity: Nature Reserves & Wildlife Conservation Find a place to visit with birds and wildlife.
• TCV | The Conservation Volunteers Connecting people and greenspaces on their doorsteps

Can you think of opportunities that you may have to connect with and spend time in nature? Suggestions include: 

Outdoor: 

• Walks in nature
• Bird watching
• Conservation volunteering
• Green gym
• Volunteering for local charities – nature based, animal-based
• Gardening, growing and horticulture activities
• Art and nature – creative activities
• Watching nature
• Visiting nature and local greenspaces
• Open water swimming
• Horse riding
• Cycling

Indoor: 

• Decorate with plants and flowers. Use of window-sills, side-boards, and hanging plants from above can bring a welcome burst of green and colour indoors.
• Use natural textiles around the home to create a more natural feel.
• Grow herbs on window-sills. Most supermarkets sell a range of herbs or try growing from seed. Most herbs just need sunlight and moisture.
• Do a nature table. Decorate a focal point e.g. a crate or box with natural objects.
• Listen to nature sounds such as birdsong and sea waves. Use apps like Spotify or Alexa to listen to a mixture of sounds. RSPB have a ‘Birdsong’ radio app.
• Let natural light in and open windows.
• Watch nature documentaries and films.
• Use the colour green as much as you can. It is calming and soothing.
• Do seasonal displays e.g. leaves and conkers in the autumn and consider doing artwork with a nature theme.

Local Support Services

Barnsley Council - Parks and greenspaces

Barnsley Council provides various services to facilitate access to parks and green spaces, including information on local parks, play areas, and outdoor activities. They manage public rights of way, allotments, and tree maintenance.

There are opportunities to get involved in community activities within the parks, and services for reporting issues like littering. Spaces can also be hired for events.

Web: Parks and green spaces (barnsley.gov.uk)

South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw - Green Social Prescribing test and learn

The South Yorkshire Integrated Care System's Green Social Prescribing program aims to enhance mental and physical health by promoting outdoor activities in natural environments. This includes improving access to green and blue spaces, especially for vulnerable groups, understanding the health benefits of nature, and supporting the sustainability of these environments. The initiative involves collaboration between health, care, and community organisations to integrate nature-based activities into health and wellbeing strategies.

Web: Green social prescribing: South Yorkshire I.C.S. (syics.co.uk)

TCV - The Conservation Volunteers

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) in Yorkshire offer numerous activities and programs to connect people with nature. Services include:

• Practical conservation work
• Health and wellbeing activities
• Outdoor learning and play
• Food growing projects
• Volunteering opportunities
• Community events
• Local offices across Yorkshire provide specific activities and events.
• TCV also supports key volunteer roles and corporate volunteering.

Web: TCV in Yorkshire | Connecting People and Green Spaces

Self-care and National Support Services

 Self Care

Get Active - Better Health

The 'Get active - Better Health' - NHS (www.nhs.uk) - website includes access to free online exercise routines you can do at home and offers from approved partners

Active 10 walking app - track your walking habits to increase the number of brisk minutes, which is when the health benefits will be greatest. No Lycra required, and there are lots of benefits of getting out into local green spaces like parks for your mental health too. Available from the App Store and Google Play

Couch to 5k app - easy to follow, flexible programme to get you running 5k in as little as 9 weeks, or longer if you want. Listen to your preferred music player as you run, between motivational messages from your chosen celebrity “coach”. Track your achievements and collect awards as you progress. Available from the App Store and Google Play

How to be more active - Regular physical activity is good for our bodies and minds, but it can be difficult to get started – especially if we're not particularly sporty or have not done any exercise for a while.

Home workout videos - We could all do with a boost to feel better right now – and you don't even need to leave the house to do it! Exercise is great for your mind as well as your body, so clear some space and follow along with our 10-minute home workouts.

Park Run

Why not join a Parkrun in your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Local Support Services

Sport & Active Recreation - Barnsley Council

We give help to people, local clubs and groups in Barnsley. We offer a signposting service for funding, inclusive clubs and training courses. We want to get more people into sport and active recreation. It means we'll be able to close the gap in health inequalities.

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/sport-and-leisure/

What's Your Move Barnsley

Barnsley Premier Leisure

BPL is a not-for-profit social enterprise and charitable company delivering affordable, value for money health, sport and leisure facilities and activities across Barnsley. Find a leisure centre near you using the link below.

Tel: 01226 730060

Web: - https://www.bpl.org.uk/

Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA)

The Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA) is aiming to increase the provision of physical activity programmes that will improve the strength and balance of older people across Barnsley.

Funded by Barnsley Council and led by Age UK Barnsley, the BOPPAA is an alliance of NHS, private and third sector organisations offering physical activity opportunities for over 50s in Barnsley.

Find out more about physical activity opportunities available in your part of Barnsley using the link below.

Web: https://boppaa.ageukbarnsley.org.uk/

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Barnsley

Wellbeing Walks Barnsley is an Inclusive Walking scheme covering the Borough of Barnsley. All our walks are free for people to attend. We particularly encourage people with long-term health conditions to join our walks.

Web: https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/wellbeing-walks-groups/ramblers-wellbeing-walks-barnsley

Live Well Barnsley

Live Well provides a directory of local services and activities for you are your family.

Web: https://www.livewellbarnsley.co.uk/

Parkrun - Barnsley in Locke Park

Why not join a Parkrun in Barnsley? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Self-care and National Support Services

Provide the details in the Self-Care section below and offer support to help navigate and access the local services – most services have moved to initial contact via phone due to the pandemic, with some elements accessed online (see specific area for contact details/ websites).

 Self-Care

• For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/ or https://www.brook.org.uk/
• The Sexual Health Helpline provides advice and information on all aspects of sexual health, call free on 0300 123 7123 (open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4pm). Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.
• This website https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ is designed to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best and provides honest information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
• For information about HIV prevention and treatment visit https://www.startswithme.org.uk/ and for HIV PrEP see https://prepster.info/ including how to talk about PrEP here.

Local Support Services

Spectrum Sexual Health Services

Free and confidential sexual health services from Spectrum

Tel: 0800 055 6442

Website: https://spectrum-sexualhealth.org.uk/

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT

• Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*
• Better Health quit smoking website which includes information about the benefits of quitting, advice on various quitting aids and a local stop smoking service lookup tool 
• NHS Quit Smoking App (Apple) or NHS Quit Smoking App (google/android) - a 28-day programme that provides practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice on your mobile/tablet. Includes a savings calculator so you can see how much money you're saving.
• Get a free Personal Quit Plan Quitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!
• You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.

SELF CARE

• Download the NHS Quit Smoking app from apple or google/android
• Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
• Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
• Get daily email support - If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox.  Sign up for email support
• Find your online community - You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment.  Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook

Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good

Local Support Services

Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley

Yorkshire Smokefree provides expert NHS advice and support for anyone who wants to stop smoking. So when you're ready to quit, we're ready to help. Our friendly experts will help you find the best way to quit and provide support throughout your journey, so you're smoke-free in no time.

Tel: Landline 0800 612 011 or Mobile 0330 660 1166

Website: http://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. The person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

• The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Call 0800 470 8090.  The Silver Line can also put you in contact with community activities in your local area

• Age UK has a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending Telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

• https://www.reengage.org.uk/ Re-engage works with people aged 75 and over who live alone; those who are especially vulnerable to loneliness.  Call our freephone number 0800 716 543 Email info@reengage.org.uk 

• NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Loneliness in Younger People

• It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliness capital of Europe.  

• Whilst on the outside young people can be very well connected on social media but if this replaces face-to-face contact then it can add to a feeling of loneliness.  Some people also present an idealised version of themselves online and we expect to have social lives like those portrayed in the media.

• Helplines can reduce loneliness, at least in the short term

• The Samaritans are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call on 116 123

• Get Connected is a free confidential helpline for young people, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness.

• There are also support services on websites such as Mind's that can remind you you're not alone.

• It doesn’t really matter who you talk to first. Some ideas would include: a friend, family member, anonymous listening service like Nightline or the Samaritans, student union welfare rep, personal tutor, students support services staff member, counsellor, or doctor. Decide who is the best person for you to talk to first. Be realistic about what each person can offer. If it doesn’t work out, try someone else. Talk to more than one person.

Local Support Services

Barnsley CouncilThe council website signposts to a range of services and provides tips to reduce the impact of loneliness and social isolation. 

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/safeguarding-families-in-barnsley/safeguarding-adults-in-barnsley/information-help-and-support/

Live Well Barnsley 

Live Well Barnsley is an online directory of services that can help you live healthily and stay independent. It contains information and contact details for hundreds of health, wellbeing and care services that help people to look after themselves, stay independent and get involved in their community. 

Whether you are looking for a social club that caters for your disability, someone to help you with shopping, care at home or you want to join an interest group in your local area, the site will help you to find what you need.

Web: https://www.livewellbarnsley.co.uk/

Age UK 

Age UK provide a range of services to all older people across the Barnsley borough. We can offer support in a number of ways including: Activity Groups, Classes and Day Care to address issues such as social isolation. We have a free Information & Advice service providing information on keeping warm and well, advice on accessing care, older persons benefits and benefits checks and much more.

Tel: 01226 776820 We are open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 3.30pm

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnsley/

Men in Sheds Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The Shed aims to support older men aged 50 and over who may have experienced life changing events such as redundancy, retirement, bereavement and mental or physical ill-health. It may be that you are just looking for something new to do! It is a safe, supportive and friendly place to meet, where men can socialise, do a bit of light work or busy themselves doing a hobby or learn new skills. 'Shedders' will have access to facilities and workshop space where they can share and learn skills.

For more information on the location and contact details for Men's Sheds in your local area see: https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

NHS Stay well this Winter

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/

 

Self Care

Staying Warm

Age UK have produced a great that explains what you can do to get yourself and your home ready for winter, as well as where to go for more information and support. Download the guide from the link below

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig27_winter_wrapped_up_inf.pdf

Eating Well

Make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day to keep yourself warm, and keep active in the home if you can.

Visit NHS Choices for further ideas and information.

Wear warm clothes

Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layering clothing helps you stay warm as air is trapped between layers, keeping you insulated. Wearing layers of cotton or fleecy clothes is particularly effective.

Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside and wear a hat or head scarf. If possible, stay inside during a cold spell if you have heart or respiratory problems. When indoors, wear well-fitting slippers with fleecy linings to keep your feet warm and to help prevent falls.

To keep warm when inside you could try:

• using a covered hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not at the same time!) to keep warm in bed
• wearing bed socks and warm night clothes

Keeping your home warm

Cold homes have a significant impact on your health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

If you have reduced mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should:

• heat your home to at least 18^oC
• keep your bedroom at 18^oC all night

If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18^oC as long as you're comfortable.

Reducing fuel bills

See more about affordable warmth

Cold weather benefits

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill if you either receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit, or you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Staying Safe

Prevent falls in winter weather

One of the biggest risks from wintry weather is falling, particularly among older adults. Icy conditions make it harder to stay on your feet, and the cold may cause us to limit our activity, which can lead to loss of strength and balance.

• Here are some tips to help prevent falls:
• Wrap up to stay warm but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, even if you're just going out to get the newspaper.
• Do some light stretching before you venture out; it will make you physically more able to prevent a fall.
• Avoid walking on surfaces that may be icy if you can. If you can't, slow down, shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent to improve grip and balance.
• Snow can hide curbs and uneven surfaces. If you can't see where your foot will land, find another way.
• Replace worn rubber ferrules on walking sticks, walking frames and crutches but remember that brakes on wheeled walkers may not be as effective on icy pavements so avoid unsalted ramps and slopes.
• Dry off shoes, sticks, crutches and walking frames as soon as you get indoors. Wet shoes on dry surfaces are just as dangerous as dry shoes on wet surfaces.
• Carry a cleaning cloth and stop immediately to clean your glasses if they fog up going from outdoors to indoors.
• Ask shops and your local council about options that might make it safer for you when conditions are bad e.g. delivering to your home or collecting the bin from beside your house instead of the end of your drive
• When in doubt, don't risk it. Ask for help if you don't feel safe doing something.

Local Support Services

Stay Well This Winter

Web: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/news/stay-well-this-winter

Self-care and National Support Services

If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

Other options include:

• contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
• call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
• call their social worker or key worker, if they have one 
• encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
• go through their Safety Plan with them

If they don’t want help, don’t push them. Sometimes it’s easy to want to try and fix a person’s problems, or give them advice but try and at least leave a couple of key telephone numbers with them for Samaritans any local support numbers for their area (Crisis teams etc).

It’s usually better for people to make their own decisions. Help them think of all the options, but leave the choice to them.

A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned

Encourage them to contact their GP, they will be familiar with their medical history and will be able to direct them appropriately which may include a referral to the Primary Care IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies).  IAPT team are skilled in helping people 18 years old and older overcome emotional and mental difficulties like:

• Depression.
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Confidence and self-esteem problems

All the local IAPT services are listed under the 'Mental Wellbeing' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section. 

 

SELF CARE

• Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber

• A range of self-help techniques is available on the MindWell Leeds website, these include:
  
  • Stress
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Self Harm
  • Having a baby

Local Support Services

Samaritans Barnsley

Samaritans (Barnsley) provide confidential emotional support to anyone, whatever you're going through.

Tel: 01226 202222 (local call charges apply) / 116123 (free from any phone)

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/barnsley/

Address: 77 Pitt Street West, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 1BN

Support for children, young people and families affected by suicide

Chilypep have developed a toolkit called ‘Walk with Us’ to support children, young people and families affected or bereaved by suicide. The Chilypep website has lots of information, services and resources for those who may be affected or bereaved by suicide to help people know where to turn.

Web: https://chilypep.org.uk/library-resources/support-for-those-affected-and-bereaved-by-suicide/

Self-care and National Support Services

Re-cycling and Waste Management

Recycle Now is the national recycling campaign for England, supported and funded by Government, managed by WRAP and used locally by over 90% of English authorities

A-Z What can you do with

Find out if it can be recycled: aerosols, bicycles, building rubble, car batteries, carpet, CDs, Christmas decorations, clothes, engine oil, paper, printer cartridges, spectacles, stamps and video tapes.

Find out about how your paper, glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans, electrical, cartons, food waste and garden waste are recycled at the collection services and the recycling centre.

Recycling symbols explained

Packaging labels and recycling symbols are now appearing on lots of everyday items, and help us to identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. It’s good to know what can and what can’t be recycled so that we can segregate this as required.

Reuse networks

There are many reuse networks so your waste can be reused by someone else:

• Charity shops – charity shops will accept nearly anything from clothes to furniture.
• Freecycle and Freegle - internet-based, not for profit organisation dedicated to reducing landfill by "gifting" reusable items rather than sending them to landfill.
• Ebay – make money by selling your unwanted items on line.
• Community RePaint - your paint can be reused on community projects

Find information on your local recycling centre

Food and Water usage

How can I save water? 5 ideas to reducing water use

Swap to a water efficient shower

For you: Switch to an aerated showerhead. Without even noticing you will save on hot water and your heating bill. Find out how much it costs to run your shower.

For the planet: An aerated showerhead uses up to 75% less water than a regular showerhead.

Don't linger in the shower

For you: Cutting a minute off your shower time every time, you could save about 3,300 litres of water a year and enough energy to make 16 cups of tea every day for a year.

For the planet: Heating water is responsible for 5% of your household’s carbon footprint. Using hot water wisely is a cost effective way to cut your impact.

Don't flush money down the drain

For you: If your water is metered, a dual-flush toilet could cut your water bill by 15%. Put a brick, a bottle filled with sand, or a Hippo / Bog-Hog bag into your toilet cistern. This reduces the amount of water you flush down the toilet.

For the planet: Toilet flushing is 30% of your daily water use. That water is processed before it gets to you, which creates carbon emissions. Using less water to flush your loo means less carbon.

Collect free rainwater

For you: Enough rainwater falls on your roof in a year to fill three tanker lorries. Store some in your garden with a water butt and water your plants and wash your car for free.

For the planet: Processing water to drinking quality takes up 2-3% of all the UK’s electricity consumption, emitting carbon. Using rainwater where you can will help reduce our carbon emissions.

Choose A or A+ appliances

For you: Choose A or A+ rated washing machines and dishwashers and only pay for heating the exact amount of water you use. Only run your washing machine/dishwasher when full. An efficient dishwasher can use as little as 10% of the water needed to wash up in the sink.

For the planet: Fully loaded A or A+ appliances use less energy and water than lower-rated ones. This helps cut carbon emissions and save water too.

‘Best before’ vs ‘Use By’ dates

The best before date, sometimes shown as BBE (best before end), is about quality and not safety. The food will be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best. Its flavour and texture might not be as good. Best before dates appear on a wide range of foods including:

• frozen foods
• dried foods
• tinned foods

A use-by date on food is about safety. This is the most important date to remember. Foods can be eaten until the use-by date but not after. You will see use-by dates on food that goes off quickly, such as meat products or ready-to-eat salads.

Get into the habit of checking what you already have in the fridge and freezer before you go shopping. Look out for foods that are approaching their use-by date and other fresh foods that can go off over time and try to use them up first. This includes:

• fruit and vegetables
• meat and fish
• cheese, milk or other dairy products

Reducing Food waste

The production of food has its own carbon footprint, this is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by growing, rearing, farming, processing, transporting, storing, cooking and disposing of the food you eat.

The ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign is to provide everyone with helpful and practical hints and tips on how to enjoy the food we buy, and cut down on the amount of good food thrown away.

Here are some ideas we thought we’d share:

Stop before you shop

• Check what is in your cupboard or freezer, not forgetting the back of the fridge, before you shop for more.
• Make a list and shop with meals in mind. This will mean that you do not buy food unnecessarily and save you time and money.
• Be careful of special offers and multi-buys especially on fresh goods – make sure you will use them.

Use it or lose it

Keep an eye on perishables you have and plan to eat meals with in their ‘use by’ date. View our advice about food date stamps.

Love your leftovers

Meals made from leftovers can be delicious and timesaving – whether its dinner from the night before or food left in the fridge or cupboard. Do your own ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and see what meals you can make. Try using an on-line recipe database to give you some inspiration. When cooking for a family – take a few minutes to measure food out – perhaps into a favourite cup – so you get the right portion per person.

No more soggy surprises

• Keeping your fridge between 1-5 degrees centigrade helps you get the best of your food.
• Milk and other food items kept in the fridge can perish quickly when not stored at the right temperature
• Make good use of the fridge and freezer to keep food better – for example, most ripe fruit can be kept in the fridge to make it last longer.

Consider your options

Chilled and fresh food has become more popular over recent years – however sometimes it may be worth purchasing frozen or ambient food to increase shelf life at home. This is particularly useful if your meal times are more unplanned due to work or family schedules.

Remember, that often fresh and chilled produce can be frozen at home if it is not going to be used in time.

Storage Solutions

You can also influence the shelf life of your cupboard storage,

• Store root vegetables in a dark place away from other fruit and vegetables.
• Store cereals, flour, rice, pasta and other dry goods in airtight containers.
• Close packets and bags with airtight bag clips. There are many ingenious products available to protect the quality of your food.

Start composting at home

Home compost your peelings and cores, this is a great way to prevent unavoidable food waste such as peelings, cores and teabags ending up in landfill and can do wonders for the garden

 Minimise single-use plastics

Carry a reusable bottle

In the UK we use over 35 million plastic bottles every day! Carrying a reusable bottle is a great way to cut your plastic use and save money too! There’s even the refill app that tells you where you can refill your bottle for free!

Say no to plastic straws

Plastic straws are bad news for our oceans. Next time you order a drink, think about whether you need a straw – and if you don’t, just say no! You can also ask your local pub to stop adding straws to drinks as standard and offer paper straws to those who want one – more info here.

Take a reusable coffee cup

2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away every year in the UK – and less than 1 in 400 are recycled. Carry a reusable cup with you – some cafes even offer a small discount if you use your own cup (and if they don’t ask them why not!)

Avoid excessive food packaging

Whether it’s making different choices in the supermarket or choosing a different place to shop, we can all try and cut down the plastic we buy. And as an added bonus, loose fruit and veg is often cheaper than pre-packaged alternatives!

Say no to disposable cutlery

We’ve all been there – caught out in a cafe or at a train station when we’ve bought a salad or a yogurt but the only cutlery on offer is plastic! Whilst it’s hard to plan for every opportunity, consider carrying a spoon or fork (or spork!) in your bag or keeping cutlery in your desk at work.

Get your milk delivered

Although the early morning sound of a milk float is not as common as it used to be, there are still lots of places in the UK where you can get milk delivered in glass bottles – which are then collected and reused. You can find your nearest milk round here

Carry a shopping bag

Since the plastic bag charge was introduced in England, there’s been a massive 85% drop in their use. Many of us are used to carrying an extra bag with us – if you still find it hard to remember, try a foldaway one that you can carry in your normal day bag.

Making just a few small changes can have a big impact on the amount of plastic we use on a day-to-day basis.

Energy consumption

Green Energy providers

Before you switch energy provider or tariff, it’s a good idea to look at all the different types of tariffs available. Each gives you different options, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-a-better-energy-deal/choosing-energy-tariff/

You can choose a ‘green tariff’ if you want your energy to come from renewable supplies like wind or solar. These tariffs are usually more expensive but reduce your carbon footprint. Many of the price comparison website will inform you which of the tariffs are linked to green energy.

If you’re on a green tariff, your supplier has to tell you:

• how much of each kind of renewable energy they generate
• if they contribute money to environmental schemes on your behalf

Energy efficient appliances

Energy efficiency labels can help you choose household appliances which cost less to run and have less impact on the environment. They help you compare the efficiency of different makes and models, enabling you to make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget.

With the energy label recognised by 85% of consumers, manufacturers are keen to see their products in the highest available category when compared to competitors. For example, roughly two-thirds of refrigerators and washing machines sold in 2006 were labelled as class A, whereas well over 90% of those sold in 2017 were higher than class A, namely A+, A++ or A+++. 

In addition to information about the product’s energy consumption, the labels can also provide specific data about other relevant features of usage e.g. the product’s noise emissions or water consumption.

Home energy efficiency

There are many simple yet effective ways to insulate your home, which can significantly reduce heat loss while lowering your heating bills.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust for further information on the following

• Roof and Loft
• Cavity Wall
• Tanks, Pipes and Radiators
• Floor
• Solid Wall
• Draught Proofing
• Damp and Condensation

 Clean/Active Travel

Walking and cycling to work

Travelling to work on foot or by bike is a practical and healthy alternative to using the car.

Step to it! - for journeys of less than two miles, walking is a quick, easy and cheap way to get to work and it’s also a great way to build exercise in to your daily routine.

Every minute you walk adds between 1½ and 2 minutes to your life - a return rate of almost 2:1.

Top tips for increasing your steps within a working day

• If you don’t walk regularly, start gradually, and try walking just one day a week.
• Walk one stop further to catch the bus or get off a stop earlier.
• Park further away from work.
• Improve your social and work life and take a 10-minute lunchtime walk to boost your productivity.

Did you know that people in cars suffer three times as much pollution as pedestrians?

Bike it!

Cycling is a great way to keep fit; it’s fun to do and gives you the flexibility to time your journey to work, putting you in control.

By cycling to and from work - or to the train station - you can by-pass traffic jams and arrive alert for the day ahead, as well as saving on fuel and parking costs.

5 reasons for walking and cycling to work

1. Increases energy levels and boosts brainpower making you mentally sharper.
2. Helps to control weight by reducing body fat and pumping up metabolism.
3. Reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes, some cancers and diabetes.
4. Boosts ‘happy’ hormones, improving mood and reducing stress.
5. Cuts traffic congestion and pollution.

Walking for 30 minutes a day could mean you burn off up to 130 calories, the equivalent of a doughnut or a small glass of wine. 

Local Support Services

Sustainable Barnsley

We all have a part to play in protecting our borough for future generations.  People can get around Barnsley more easily than ever, thanks to an increase in walking and cycling routes and better connections between workplaces, schools and colleges, residential areas and our countryside.  We’re proud of our borough, and it’s vital that we look after our local environment by reusing our resources. Together, we can reduce pollution, minimise waste, and support people to heat and power their homes, cars and businesses with affordable, sustainable energy.  Find out more about our commitments and what you can do on our Sustainable Barnsley webpages.

 

What residents and our communities can do

• Be kind to the environment by walking and cycling and using public transport. You can find out about public transport options available at the Travel South Yorkshire and Stagecoach website.
• Make your home more energy efficient.
• Look to reduce your carbon emissions.
• Recycle more and dispose of your waste responsibly.
• Take care of our borough, local parks and green spaces.

Self-care and National Support Services

Please select the Family Hub in the local area to find out more information.

Local Support Services

The services offered vary in each area of the borough. It depends on the needs of families and the wider community, and include:

• preparing children for school and helping them to thrive in school
• helping parents and carers to develop their parenting skills
• helping parents and carers to develop personal skills, access training and education, and enhance their ability to get employment
• helping parents and carers to keep children safe
• helping children to achieve their full potential and reduce inequalities in their health and development
• supporting the development of healthy lifestyles for children
• helping families to become more resilient

Activities we deliver

A range of activities is delivered; virtually through Microsoft Teams and Facebook, and face-to-face at our hubs.

Information about what's on offer is available on the Barnsley Virtual Family Hub and through the Families Information Service by emailing infofis@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 08000 345 340.

Details of our family hubs

To find your Family Hub or find out more information visit the Barnsley Family Hubs website.

If you need to speak to one of our team you can call any of our family hubs on 0800 0345 340 and press option 2.