More Money in Your Pocket

The government has announced that the Household Support Fund, which was due to end on 30 September 2024, will now be extended for a further six months until 31 March 2025.

We've received a further £2.3 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to support people with their food, energy and other essential household costs.

We've been made aware of winter fuel and financial support scams circulating and targeting people.

Any text messages you may receive from us will include a name ID and will not come from a standard mobile telephone number.

Please be vigilant when sharing your personal information.

Free school meal support

We'll be providing free school meal vouchers for the October half term. These vouchers are for £15 per child, and you'll receive a separate voucher for each child in your household that's in receipt of benefits related free school meals.

The Post Office have now started sending these vouchers out. You don't need to apply for these vouchers.

We're also providing free school meal vouchers for one week in the Christmas holidays and February half term. Updates will be posted nearer the time regarding these.

Community support

These services are there for residents across the borough who need some extra support. Check each service for who can apply and how to do this.

Borough wide support

Warm Homes team

The Warm Homes team have funding from the Household Support Fund to support households in Barnsley with keeping your house warm.

If you're worried about paying for your energy bills or struggling to keep your home warm you may be able to get support.

For full details and how to apply visit our warm homes webpage, you can get in touch with us by calling 01226 773366 or emailing warmhomes@barnsley.gov.uk.

Resettlement Grant scheme

The resettlement grant scheme is available to low income households. It's for those who've signed up for a new tenancy within the Barnsley borough and need help in furnishing the property with essential items. The scheme is part of help being provided within the Household Support Fund. It will help you equip your home with essential household items.

Funding is limited and based on eligibility and evidence of needs. Each award will be made on a case by case basis.

For full details of the scheme, how to apply and the eligibility criteria, visit our resettlement grant webpage.

Community First Credit Union

Interest free loans up to a maximum of £500. These loans are for those who are struggling to buy food, pay energy bills or buy essential items.

Who can apply

To apply you need to:

  • be a Community First account holder, or be willing to become one
  • be 18 years of age or over
  • have an established electronic payment into your Community First savings account. This could be a standing order or deduction from your wage. You also qualify if your wages or benefit payments are paid directly into the account.

How to apply

Call Community First on 03030 300010.

Barnsley College

Barnsley College have support available to students who need support with:

  • food voucher support
  • energy arrears
  • wider essentials
    • hygiene products
    • clothing

In the first instance, students and families can email Barnsley College at householdsupportgrant@barnsley.ac.uk including the name and date of birth of the current Barnsley College student, to check eligibility to apply.

Alternatively, if you do not have access to emails, you can contact Barnsley College on Tel. 01226 216267.

Barnsley Borough City of Sanctuary 

Barnsley Borough City of Sanctuary work with asylum seekers and refugees. Those seeking sanctuary usually have a need for:

  • food and clothing
  • help with travel costs for things such as English classes and visits to Home Office interviews

Those that have achieved sanctuary are less in number, but have more diverse needs. This includes food, clothing and bedding.

Who can apply

Asylum seekers and refugees who are seeking or have achieved sanctuary in Barnsley.

How to apply

Email secretary.bbcos@gmail.com or call 07939 787192.

Educational Learning Support Hub (ELSH)

The ELSH look to bring people together through English. They deliver their entry level English course free to many people, including local vulnerable young people. They work with asylum seekers and refugee children to overcome the barriers of language as they settle into the area.

Who can apply

  • Refugees, asylum seekers and those who have settled in Barnsley from around the world.
  • You must be a student with ELSH.

How to apply

Email florentineboothaking@gmail.com or call 01226 643249.

Family hubs

Family hubs deliver early help services for children from pre-birth up to 19 years. If the young person has a disability they offer support up to 25 years.

Family hubs bring people together from a range of services in each local area. This includes those from:

  • schools
  • the police
  • social care
  • the private and voluntary sector
  • some adult services

The services they offer vary in each area of the borough. This depends on the needs of families and the wider community.

For full details of the services on offer in your area, visit the family hubs webpage.

Support in Dearne areas

The Uniform Fairies 

Pre-loved uniforms for children and young people in the Dearne.

Who can apply

You must be a family who is struggling with the cost of buying a uniform for your child.

How to apply

All giveaways are advertised on the Uniform Fairy Facebook page.

Families are welcome to chat to volunteers and specific orders can be made if a pre-loved uniform isn’t available first.

Support in North areas

Ad-Astra - Athersley

Weekly food parcels which include dry and long-life items.

Who can apply

You can apply if you:

  • live in the St Helens ward
  • have a low household income
  • are in receipt of benefits, for example:
    • Universal Credit
    • Income Support
    • Pension Credit
    • Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
    • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • are a working single person, or a single person on a low income under £12,000 (after tax)
  • are an unemployed unpaid carer on welfare benefits
  • are a pensioner in receipt of Pension Credit

How to apply

Call 07462 805640 or email adastrabarnsleycic@gmail.com.

Romero Communities

Romero Communities is the only place in Barnsley where anyone can go for help from Monday to Wednesday mornings. You can be sure of a warm welcome and a friendly worker to listen and give you guidance.

Romero Communities deals with issues such as:

  • benefits
  • housing
  • debt
  • relationship problems
  • health issues
  • safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
  • problems associated with isolation and social exclusion

Support and guidance is available at Roundhouse Lifelong Learning Centre. The drop-in is open Monday to Wednesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

For an appointment please phone 01226 770390 or 07716 415648.

Crossroads Café

A welcome space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Advice sessions are available, including coffee mornings, craft and wellbeing sessions.

Who can apply

Anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation.

Venue: Crossroads Café, 18 Barugh Green Road, Higham, Barnsley, S75 1JT

Support in South and Penistone areas

Darfield Cricket Club

A welcome space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Coffee mornings, craft and wellbeing sessions.

Who can apply

Anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation.

  • Venue: Darfield Cricket Club, The Pavillion, School Street, Darfield, S73 9EZ
  • When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm

Forge Community Partnership

A welcome space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Coffee mornings, craft and wellbeing sessions running from the Rockingham Centre and Cloughfields.

Who can apply

Anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation. Contact Forge to attend:

Hoyland and Birdwell Methodist Church

A welcome space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Coffee, craft and wellbeing sessions available.

Who can apply

Anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation.

  • Venue: Hoyland and Birdwell Methodist Church, Sheffield Road, Birdwell, S70 5XB
  • When: Thursdays 12:30pm to 5pm

Penistone Asylum Seekers and Refugee Support 

The group works with local service providers to help asylum seekers and refugees living in Barnsley. They support vulnerable households who are struggling with the cost of living.

Who can apply 

Support is targeted at female asylum seekers who aren't able to take paid employment whilst their application to remain in the UK is pending. They also help those who aren't in receipt of the extra government funds available to UK citizens to help with the cost of living.

How to apply 

You should attend the weekly meeting of the Refugee, Migrant and Asylum Seeker Women’s Group:

  • Venue: Hope House Community Cafe, 2 Blucher Street, Barnsley, S70 1AP
  • Day and time: every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm

For more details call Christina on 07917 135843.

Support in North East areas

Grimethorpe Activity Zone 

Free food and a warm place to go with hot drinks.

Who can apply

People or families who live in Grimethorpe.

How to apply

Email gactivity1959@outlook.com or call 01226 713599. You can also visit the Grimethorpe Activity Zone at The Acorn Centre, 51 High Street, Grimethorpe, S72 7BB.

Royston Friends Association 

A welcome space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Advice sessions are available, including coffee mornings, craft and wellbeing sessions.

Who can apply

Anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation.

How to apply

Call Sue on 07944 479824 or email martinerfacommunity@outlook.com.

Support in central areas

Higham Cricket Club

A welcome space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Coffee, craft and wellbeing sessions available.

Who can apply

Anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation.

  • Venue: Higham Cricket Club, Pog Well Lane, Higham, Barnsley, S75 1PH
  • When: Monday to Thursday 7pm to 11pm, Friday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 11pm