News

A NEW safe space will be set up in the town centre as part of the council’s work around violence against women and girls.The space will be open between the hours of 10pm and 4am on a Friday and Saturday night, though no venue has yet been confirmed.It’s hoped the safe space will improve the safety of women within the night-time economy – though it will be open for anyone who...

BARNSLEY Council’s ruling cabinet members will discuss the best ways to get residents into work at a meeting in July.The Pathways to Work commission aims to pave the way for solutions to the barriers that people face when trying to get into work.A council spokesperson said: “Barnsley residents are 12 per cent more likely to be economically inactive than the national average. This is different to unemployment.“It means that...

GROUPS in Barnsley have the chance to apply to an innovative funding scheme which awards grants to tackle and prevent mental ill-health through nature connection.Groups in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield can apply for up to £7,500 from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).The South Yorkshire Green Social Prescribing Grants Programme, which is being delivered in partnership with the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust and many...

BARNSLEY Council’s social care emergency duty team will be adopting a new way of working from today in a bid to support residents around the clock.The team has been a joint service covering both adult and children’s social care, supporting those with urgent needs at night, weekends and on bank holidays.Following an inspection in May 2022, a comprehensive review of the council’s emergency service has been carried out.The review...

BARNSLEY Council is hosting an apprenticeship event at Oakwell next month.Taking place between 4pm and 7pm on Tuesday, June 18, those interested will be able to learn how apprenticeships work.Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic option to consider.“They can help people to get started and progress at work, while gaining nationally recognised qualifications.“If you have an interest in learning more...

POLICE will host a series of pop-up stations in Barnsley town centre next week.Residents who have been impacted by crime in their area have been invited to air their concerns to officers and can do so anonymously.Three events have been scheduled to take place, each of which will last for an hour-and-a-half.They will be at the Glass Works at 1pm on Tuesday, Library @ the Lightbox on Wednesday at...

RESIDENTS are being advised to consult their GP if they detect any unusual symptoms that could be an early sign of cancer.Following the successful launch of the 'Peace of Mind' campaign by the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance, aimed at encouraging people to seek ‘Peace of Mind’ by getting themselves checked out without delay, focus is now on symptoms associated with womb cancer.Womb cancer, sometimes called endometrial or uterine cancer, is the fourth most...

BARNSLEY Council is supporting Foster Care Fortnight 2024 with information sessions and a walk.The campaign, which runs from next Monday until May 26, aims to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives. The theme this year is #FosteringMoments, celebrating the moments that define fostering journeys, big and small, for foster carers and their families. The moments that built confidence, made young people feel safe and created...

MATERNITY services have seen a positive impact on the number of pregnant women smoking in Barnsley since the implementation of a new model.Last year, each maternity service in South Yorkshire implemented the NHS Tobacco Dependence delivery model – and since then Barnsley has seen the smoking at time of delivery rates fall by more than the national average.A report states: “Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham have all seen smoking at the time...

HEALTH bosses are encouraging Barnsley residents to have their cancer screening test.Everyone aged 56 to 74 and registered with a GP in the borough is sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every two years.The kit can detect signs of cancer before people notice something is wrong.Nine out of every 5,000 people who use their test kit turn out to have cancer.But if it’s spotted early, the...

IF you need a chemist on Bank Holiday Monday, the following pharmacies are open:Asda Pharmacy Asda Superstore, Old Mill Lane, Barnsley S71 1LN 10am-4pmBoots, 34-40 Cheapside, Barnsley S70 1RR 10am-4pmBoots, Unit 2 Cortonwood, Barnsley S73 0TB 10am-4pmTesco Pharmacy, Wombwell Lane, Barnsley S70 3NS 10am-4pm

HEALTH bosses in Barnsley are urging residents to ensure they know where to get the correct care over the bank holiday weekend.People who need medical help that isn’t an emergency are being advised to contact NHS 111 in the first instance by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.Patients can also get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment or prescription as...

TOMORROW Barnsley residents go to the polls to vote in the local council elections. We have a round-up of candidates as well as details of what you need to know about voter ID and how to check where your polling station is.You can vote between 7am and 10pm and you can check where your local polling station is as well as the candidates in your ward and details of the South Yorkshire...

A NEW survey which will target communities plagued by antisocial behaviour is set to be launched.Barnsley residents have been told their local officers will be conducting the survey, which aims to seek out people who have concerns and how the police can better respond.As well as this, a new format of ‘neighbourhood newsletters’ is being trialled in Barnsley, which will be available digitally or in print.A police report said:...

BARNSLEY’S local election count will be held the day after votes are cast next month after a box of postal ballots failed to be counted in 2021.Traditionally, votes are counted overnight after the polling stations close.However, during the elections on May 5, 2021, the council failed to count a box of postal ballot papers through ‘simple human error’.This year, voters will take to the polls to elect their local...

RESIDENTS in Barnsley are being urged to remember their ID when they go to vote next Thursday. Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a drivers’ licence, including provisional; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or disabled person’s pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate....

THE NHS in Barnsley has opened its booking system for Spring Covid-19 vaccinations.People aged 75 or over, and children and adults with a weakened immune system, can now book their spring Covid-19 vaccine to get protection with vaccination appointments starting from Monday.Dr David Crichton, chief medical officer at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “NHS staff have already been working hard this week to visit older adult care homes and eligible housebound patients...

FUNDING of up to £600,000 has been received by Barnsley Council to increase its domestic abuse services.The cash – from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – will go towards providing more immediate accommodation for victims in times of emergency.A council report said: “IDAS has plans to develop properties to accommodate people who cannot access the women’s refuge due to more complicated needs.“Length of time staying in...

HEALTH bosses are encouraging Barnsley residents to get a ‘peace of mind’ check if they notice anything unusual which could be an early sign or symptom of cancer.The Cancer Alliance’s new campaign launched this month and is aimed at giving people ‘peace of mind’ by getting themselves checked out without delay.Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.However, many people hesitate in seeking medical advice due...

DOES your pooch deserve a bit of pampering? Local students are offering to do it for free!Wigfield Farm are appealing for owners to take their dogs along for grooming.Dogs will be used for student training and assessment purposes therefore there will be no charge for this service. The breeds needed are Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Maltipoo, other small poodle mix types, toy/miniature poodle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Border terrier (hand strip), Border...

BARNSLEY Hospice has opportunities for volunteers in a number of roles.A hospice spokesperson said: “Volunteers are a huge part of Barnsley Hospice and have been since we opened 30 years ago. If you'd like to dedicate some of your time and expertise to support us, we have a variety of roles currently open:"The roles available are volunteer ward assistant, volunteer befriender, fundraising community event volunteer, fundraising public collections volunteer and volunteer...

BARNSLEY Council has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging residents to speak up on safeguarding.Locals are being asked to speak to a member of the council’s team if you think someone’s being mistreated, neglected, harmed or is struggling with hoarding.Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern, whether it’s about yourself, a loved one, a friend, a neighbour or someone you work with.Wendy Lowder, executive director for place health and...

SOUTH Yorkshire Police’ fraud team are warning people who are buying tickets for gigs, festivals, football matches and more to look out for the tell-tale signs of ticket fraud.When you miss out on tickets for an event you desperately wanted to go to, it can be tempting to turn to social media, online marketplaces or fan forums to ensure you don’t miss out.Unfortunately, police say that some people who venture down...

FIVE candidates will be standing for South Yorkshire Mayor election on May 2 which will run alongside this year’s local election.In South Yorkshire the functions of the mayor and those of the elected Police and Crime Commissioner are being brought together into the single role of Mayor of South Yorkshire.As a result, the term of the current elected Mayor of South Yorkshire has been shortened by two years, bringing the election...

A NEW support group for residents who have been affected by cancer is set to launch later this month.The first session will take place at 2pm on April 16, at the Barnsley Healthcare Federation’s Priory Campus on Pontefract Road, Lundwood.A spokesperson for the federation said: “This group is for all carers, loved ones, relatives, and friends of those living with cancer, and affected by cancer.“The group is also open...

CHARITIES are being invited to apply for a stall at a charity market in Hoyland.The event at Hoyland Market on Tuesday May 28, will give animal welfare charities a free platform to reach a wider audience.A second charity market planned for September will be open to all charities.Applications are open for the May event, where our regular Tuesday stalls will also be trading.The council is also encouraging...

BARNSLEY Council is offering residents with learning disabilities the chance to shape future plans.An event will be held on April 11 at the Metrodome from 10.30am until 2.30pm. The My Big Voice event will allow people with learning disabilities and their loved ones to share their views on what the council can do to support them.Wendy Lowder, executive director for place health and adult social care, said: “In Barnsley, we’re committed...

LOW Valley will have its first polling station since 2021 at this year’s local elections.The polling station locations for May’s elections have now been confirmed following public consultation.The Sportsman Inn, on Pitt Street, will be used for the election.Darfield Valley Methodist Church closed its doors in 2021, meaning residents were forced to travel further to other polling stations.Meanwhile, High View Primary School in Wombwell will not be...

RESIDENTS in the Dearne are being encouraged to attend a skills and employability event in Goldthorpe later this month.Taking place between 9.30am and 3pm on April 18 at Goldthorpe Market, locals will have the chance to speak to organisations and explore options for learning, training, work and volunteering. Everyone is welcome to attend the event, no matter their background or starting point.On the day, there will be the chance to meet...

BARNSLEY took centre stage recently as a panel of inspirational female leaders from the technology industry shared their expertise with businesses.Hosted by Innovation Network South Yorkshire, a partnership between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, the event attracted over 60 attendees eager to explore the future of digital transformation.Joining the panel of digital business leaders were representatives from Enterprising Barnsley, the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, and both...

A LOCAL MP will host a virtual funding workshop for charities with the People’s Postcode Lottery next month.John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne, will host the event on Friday, April 19 at 10am.The session gives local charities, volunteer organisations, and community groups advice on how they can apply for funds to make a difference in their community.Over £109,000, raised by People’s Postcode Lottery players, has already made a...

WITH the Easter bank holiday weekend just around the corner, NHS South Yorkshire is reminding people that it’s important to know where you can get health care and advice should you need it over the long weekend. NHS South Yorkshire wants to ensure that when people are unwell they get the right service at the right time so they can get the best possible treatment. Some NHS services such as GP surgeries and...

BARNSLEY Museums have announced new opening times for four of their free heritage attractions starting on April 8.Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens will be opening Thursday-Sunday 11am-4pm until Christmas with school holiday opening being Monday-Sunday, 11am-4pm with the museum being closed Christmas to Easter. Park and Gardens open all year round.Worsbrough Mill will be open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-3pm with the Country Park open all year round.Elsecar Heritage...

PATIENTS in Barnsley are being urged to not leave it until the last minute to order and collect prescriptions ahead of the Easter holiday weekend.Over the four-day holiday weekend, many community pharmacies and all GP surgeries will be closed, so the advice is to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions as soon as possible before Good Friday, March 29.The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is via the NHS App or...

WE ALL know how important it is to get our blood pressure checked every now and then – and Barnsley’s How’s Thi Ticker team are going to be out and about across Barnsley over the next week offering free blood pressure checks and heart health advice.Getting your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and could save your life, so if you see the team in your local area, come say hi and find out your...