DIAL Barnsley

19/12/2025

We are now closed for the festive period to give our fantastic staff and volunteers a well-deserved break. This includes our office, social groups, and advice services. We'll be back open on Monday 5th January!

Thank you for all your support this year! From everyone at DIAL, we wish you all a restful, joyful and peaceful holiday season 🎄🧡



Image description: The image features a festive scene with Father Christmas, in his sleigh, a reindeer and a Christmas tree. In the top right-hand corner, there is large text which reads 'Merry Christmas'. The background is light grey with snowflakes and white dots, resembling snowfall. The DIAL logo appears in the top-right corner with its vibrant colours. Below the sleigh, the text reads in large, red handwriting-style font: "See you next year...". All other information is included in the caption of this post.

18/12/2025

Last week, our staff got into the festive spirit with our very own Christmas Jumper week! 🎅

From all of us at DIAL, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄

17/12/2025

Congratulations Emma!🎉

Emma will be training volunteers to become Pen*stone Befrienders! She had this to say, “The 'Train the Trainer' course was really engaging and insightful. It involved a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. I’m looking forward to supporting our new volunteers in their roles as befrienders!”

If you’re interested in volunteering just one hour a week to support older residents in Pen*stone to feel more connected to their community, get in touch with Emma…

📱 01226 240273
📩 emma.race@dialbarnsley.org.uk
🌐 www.dialbarnsley.org.uk/pen*stone-befrienders/

A huge congratulations to the November class of Train the Trainer. Emma DIAL Barnsley, Jess The Helpful Bureau - Stapleford and Rasha CCAWS have dedicated three weeks to the course and building their confidence as trainers. Train the Trainer blends interactive virtual classes with independent study through e-learning with the goal of developing practical skills to enhance their volunteer or staff training programmes.

Week One: Preparing
Our group reviewed the responsibilities of a trainer, reviewing objectives and how best to create equal opportunities for participant success. We explored strategies for accommodating diverse learning styles and ensuring that all learners feel supported. Participants were tasked with developing a teaching plan to demonstrate their understanding of effective preparation.

Week Two: Facilitation
Our group demonstrated their facilitation skills, taking turns to lead a 15-minute session they prepared in week one, providing a sample of interactive training. Each participant emphasised the importance of managing the learning environment and setting a positive, engaging tone.

Week Three: Evaluation
Our group explored various evaluation methods, considering their strengths and appropriate uses. Participants engaged in self-reflection and peer assessment to deepen their understanding of the evaluation process. They reviewed their learning and identified areas for continued growth.

Well done to our three trainers, and best wishes for the volunteer training they are now set to prepare, facilitate and evaluate ✨

Looking to improve your training skills? Join Befriending Networks in February for Train the Trainer https://befriending.co.uk/product/vital-skills-train-the-trainer-3/

15/12/2025

🌟 Meet Claire! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Claire to the DIAL Team in the exciting new role: Community Connector (Disability Sport and Physical Activity).

Claire supports disabled people in Barnsley to get more active and make new connections. She plays an important role in making sure the voices and needs of disabled people are heard and acted on when it comes to physical activity.

➡ Read more here: https://dialbarnsley.org.uk/new-community-connector-disability-sport-physical-ativity/

…
Grassroots Sports Academy Yorkshire Barnsley FC Community Trust Barnsley Metrodome

10/12/2025

🎁 This Christmas, wrap up kindness 🎁
Become a Pen*stone Befriender and share the gift of friendship.

Want to get involved? Get in touch today…
📲 01226 240273
📩 emma.race@dialbarnsley.org.uk
🌐 www.dialbarnsley.org.uk/pen*stone-befrienders/
..
Barnsley Pen*stone Area

09/12/2025

We’ve been very busy gifting our Comfort & Joy Christmas Hampers to residents in Barnsley with a disability or long-term health condition, who could use some support during the cost-of-living crisis.

Our Christmas Hampers have all found a home and we will no longer be taking new requests.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support and for helping us continue to make a difference! 💛

…

North Area East Area Barnsley Central South Barnsley Pen*stone Dodworth Dearne Barnsley Council South Yorkshire

08/12/2025

We did it! Thank you to everybody who donated 🎉

To mark four decades of empowering and supporting our community, we launched our £4K for 40 Years Fundraiser.

💛 Our Goal: Raise £4,000
Every penny raised will go directly towards strengthening and expanding our Advice Line service, helping us reach more people, train more volunteers, and respond faster to those in need.

👉 If you'd still like to donate: www.givey.com/4kfor40years

Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s continue our support for the people of Barnsley for the next 40 years.
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04/12/2025

☕ Winter Warm Packs ☕

As part of our Warm Connections service, we can come and deliver Winter Warm Packs to help you stay warm during the colder months.

What’s in the packs: thermal socks, double duvet, foot warmers, thermal gloves, Cadbury hot chocolate, and Bachelors Cup a Soup.

To request a pack, call or email Emma to find out if you qualify. You must be disabled or have a long-term health condition and be struggling with cost of living and energy prices. Please ask for a ‘Winter Warm Pack’ on your request.

Ask for Emma:
📲 01226 240273
📩 emma.race@dialbarnsley.org.uk
🌐 www.dialbarnsley.org.uk

Get advice. Cut costs. Stay warm.
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North Area Team Barnsley North East Area Team Barnsley Central Area Team Barnsley South Area Team Barnsley Pen*stone Area Dodworth Team Barnsley Dearne Area Team Barnsley Council South Yorkshire

04/12/2025

🎄Comfort & Joy Christmas Hampers! 🎄

For those in Barnsley with a disability or long-term health condition, who could use some support during the cost-of-living crisis. 💛

What's in them... Christmas cards, mince pies, Maltesers Reindeers, gravy, stuffing, Christmas pudding, and more!*

To request a hamper, call or email Emma.
Please ask for a ‘Comfort and Joy, Christmas Hamper’ in your request.
There’s a limited number, so hurry!

📲 01226 240273
📩 emma.race@dialbarnsley.org.uk
🌐 www.dialbarnsley.org.uk

*Contents may vary
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Council
North Area East Area Barnsley Central South Barnsley Pen*stone Dodworth Dearne Barnsley Council South Yorkshire

03/12/2025

Today we were at the Winter Wellbeing Fayre in Wombwell, giving out some of our Comfort & Joy Christmas Hampers 🎄🎁 Look out for us at other Winter Wellbeing events in the next couple of weeks!

Find out more here:
➡ https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/community-and-volunteering/whats-on-in-your-local-area/

🎄To request a hamper, call or email Emma.
Please ask for a ‘Comfort and Joy, Christmas Hamper’ in your request.
There’s a limited number, so hurry!

📲 01226 240273
📩 emma.race@dialbarnsley.org.uk
🌐 www.dialbarnsley.org.uk

*Contents may vary
..
Council
North Area East Area Barnsley Central South Barnsley Pen*stone Dodworth Dearne Barnsley Council South Yorkshire

27/11/2025

We’re proud to support ’s .

This year’s theme focuses on what fuel poverty really means for children and how living in a cold home can affect their health, comfort, and future opportunities. We believe every child deserves a warm, safe place to thrive.

💛 How can we help?
We offer expert advice to disabled residents of Barnsley, helping you keep warm and safe.

➡ Get in touch with our Warm Connections team…
01226 240273
warm.connections@dialbarnsley.org.uk
www.dialbarnsley.org.uk

…
Barnsley Central Area Pen*stone Dodworth Dearne Council South Yorkshire