Residents Magazine

Barnsley Spotlight Shining the light on our fantastic borough

barnsley.gov.uk BarnsleyCouncil @BarnsleyCouncil BarnsleyCouncilOfficial

Welcome

...to the very first edition of Barnsley Spotlight magazine, keeping you up to date with the latest information and the fantastic things that our borough has to offer.

The years of austerity have been tough for Barnsley. Cuts in government funding have reduced the council’s budget by £95million since 2010.

However strong financial management and an ongoing efficiency programme mean we are now in an improved position. This has enabled us to invest in some service areas and we’re hoping to do more in 20202021. See page 3 for more details.

There are also improvements taking place in Barnsley town centre and in our Principal Towns and we’re working with partners across the borough to think about how we want Barnsley to change and develop over the next 10 years. Barnsley 2030 offers us a unique opportunity to work together to tell the story of our borough and how we can transform it into the place we all want it to be. We want to encourage people to visualise Barnsley as a borough where people can realise their potential.

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We’re looking to the year 2030 because we think this will give us enough time to make some real changes and we want the whole borough, not just the council, to transform and develop to meet the challenges it currently faces, turning our borough-wide ambitions into a reality.

We need to build on Barnsley’s strengths and tackle these challenges together so that we can make Barnsley a place where everyone benefits from the growth and regeneration happening here.

We want to listen to local people and are keen to hear what your local priorities are.

Please share your thoughts on pages 8 and 9.

We believe that by working together, we can create a better Barnsley.

Flooding update In November, a month’s rain fell in just two days.

Many staff worked 24/7 to support our residents with: • individual property recovery assessments • clean and clear • utility safety checks • housing/accommodation • specific support for vulnerable people.

Financial support is available to residents and businesses affected by flooding, visit barnsley.gov.uk

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Digital Media Centre expansion will lead to over 100 digital jobs The Digital Media Centre (DMC) in the heart of Barnsley town centre is expanding. It is currently home to over 55 successful businesses, mainly in the creative and digital industries, many of which have seen significant growth. In order to provide better spaces for them, the DMC is expanding into what will become DMC 02 just across County Way. The expansion is part of a wider Barnsley Digital Campus development that will see more and better jobs and education provided across the Courthouse site including Barnsley College.

Opening in summer 2020, the redevelopment of the existing ‘Core’ building into the DMC 02 is expected to create over 100 jobs in high value industries such as creative and digital. The larger office space created will provide the much needed space for Barnsley businesses looking to grow. It will provide contemporary ‘coworking’ space for freelance workers, and a brand new maker space that will include a range of machinery, technology and tools for ambitious people and companies to develop new technology ideas.

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Investment in schemes across Barnsley We’re investing in one-off and ongoing investment schemes that have a positive environmental impact, supporting wellbeing and that make a visible difference in your community.

Some of the schemes include: Increase the current ward alliance budget by £10,000 per ward to fund initiatives for their local areas.

Recruit additional town centre wardens. We’re also replacing old CCTV cameras with new ones

to support the development of a smart town centre and to help provide even better reassurance and keep residents safer.

Invest in an environmental impact team to operate within the private housing sector to deal with a range of environmental issues.

Tree planting programme across the borough involving local communities.

Removal of weeds and graffiti across the borough together with a focus on general cleanliness.

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streets cleared of weeds and over...

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tonnes of material removed

including...

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telecom boxes repainted

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pay and display machines cleaned

electricity sub-station building cleaned

underpasses treated and cleaned

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litter bins cleaned

bridges treated

Barnsley Market Something for everyone

“The new market is great. We’re bucking the trend of the decline of the high street. It’s in a high street position, it’s busy and vibrant.”

Paul Bates is the owner of Keith’s Quality Meats in Barnsley Market. His business – owned by his father Keith before him – has been on the market for 32 years.

Barnsley is a market town and proud of it. The new indoor market hall offers a modern shopping environment with wide aisles, lifts and escalators, public toilets, seating areas and free Wi-Fi. With over 100 stalls located over two floors it offers you a great range of quality products and appeals to people of all ages.

Outdoor Market

The busy outdoor market offers a range of different stalls throughout the week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - A mixed market with general and second-hand stalls; you can find everything you need in the way of fashion, bags, footwear, jewellery, textiles, stationery, fresh flowers, home accessories and much more. Tuesday - A specialist second-hand market; browse the stalls to bag a real bargain.

OPENING HOURS

Indoor Market - 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Outdoor Market - 8am to 4.30pm, excluding Thursdays.

Did you know

... you can buy the best quality meat and fish – sourced from the same suppliers as popular local farm shops?

Did you know

... you can buy exact measurements of cooking ingredients, handmade greetings cards and fresh fruit and vegetables?

The market’s even gone digital, too

If you haven’t got time to shop in person, visit shopappy.com.

You can order everything you need from the market online and collect from pickup points in the town centre. @barnsleymarket

@BarnsleyMarkets

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Market Kitchen Flavours of the world now on the menu The Glass Works now has its own independent food court.

Introducing Market Kitchen – bringing flavours of the world to Barnsley.

Market Kitchen is home to Indian, Thai, Balkan, Italian and British food. Complemented by a sumptuous dessert bar, a quality coffee shop and a bar offering panoramic views of the town centre. You can even get a range of tasty rotisserie duck dishes from Quack.

The three traditional market cafés are still at its heart, selling tasty café favourites, meaning there is something for everyone.

This is a unique offer, something the town centre has never seen before.

Subscribe to our

Who are the food and drink outlets?

Introducing you to…

• DOLLY’S DESSERTS – A range of wacky and traditional desserts including ice cream, cakes, cookie dough, crepes, waffles and more.

• DADDY BEANZ COFFEE – roasts its own beans in Barnsley, and sells its own specially brewed blend for Market Kitchen.

• RAJAH – rustles up all of your Indian favourites including curries and sundries.

• JAR BAR – brings tastes of the Balkan Peninsula to Barnsley, including tasty grilled meats and salads.

Market Kitchen offers a relaxing environment; perfect for a meal with the kids, family and friends or a night out. Live music takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

digital newsletter

barnsley.gov.uk/love-barnsley

• KHAO NIEW – cooks up all of your favourite Thai dishes including curries, noodles and more.

• BREEZE BROS PIZZA – try all of your favourite pizzas stonebaked pizzas – including create your own.

• QUACK – specialises in rotisserie duck dishes including wraps and salads.

• CUCINA SKY LOUNGE – serving up all of your favourite tipples including cocktails, gins, lagers and craft beer.

• HILTON’S, KAY’S AND PAUL’S CAFÉ – the homes of traditional British favourites including breakfasts, pies, burgers and more.

MARKET KITCHEN OPENING TIMES Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 9pm Friday and Saturday: 8.30am to 11.30pm Sunday: 11am to 8pm

Starting the conversation around mental health By harnessing community spirit, the Alright Pal campaign encourages us all to talk about our mental health as we would about physical illness. Through the five ways to well-being, we’re sharing tips on simple changes people can make to take care of their emotional, mental and physical health. Reach out and show your support by getting involved with the campaign using #AlrightPal on social media.

You can also get support from Umbrella. It’s a service that provides early help for people who are experiencing difficulty with mild symptoms of anxiety, depression or social isolation. When it comes to proving support one size doesn’t fit all, so this service offers a range of activities including personal counselling, structured group work, peer support and mutual aid groups, befriending and housing support.

Contact the service for support or to make a referral on behalf of someone else on 01226 709040 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Help to heat your home You can get help to heat your home thanks to funding from the National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund.

Struggling to heat your home or have trouble paying energy bills? Call the Warm Homes and Hospital Discharge service team on 01226 773366 or visit barnsley.gov.uk/help2heat.

We also have free first-time gas central heating systems available through Better Homes Barnsley.

One homeowner said: “You don’t realise how efficient gas central heating is. I saved 50% on my first bill!

“I can control the heating at a touch of a button and have hot water readily available. My home’s never been warmer!”

If you use electric heaters, gas fires or coal, Better Homes Barnsley could help. The gas central heating systems are free to eligible homeowners or cost £750 for private landlords with eligible tenants.

Call 0800 5971 500 or visit betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk for more information.

Give us your thoughts on the future of Barnsley Barnsley 2030 gives us a fantastic opportunity to uncover the story of Barnsley and help us to shape what our ambitions and priorities are for the future to be inspired create a better and brighter life.

We’re looking to the year 2030 because we think this will give us enough time to make some real changes here.

Your views will help us to tell the true story of Barnsley and the place we all want it tow be. It will also help us, as a borough, to find out what challenges you feel you will face over the next ten years, as well as what your ambitions are for the future.

This piece of work isn’t just for the council, or any other single organisation or business, it is for all of us. We’re work with an independent company, thinkingplace, to identify the key themes from your feedback and to start to create Barnsley’s story. We will then use this story to work together to turn our ambitions into a reality.

Your input is really important to us and we would appreciate it if you could spend a few minutes to complete the survey online at barnsley.gov.uk/ barnsley-2030 or by completing the paper survey on the next page and post this back to us. The deadline for responses is 11.59pm on Sunday 1 March 2020.

If you would like some help to complete this survey, or if you would like an Easy Read version, please contact Teresa Gibson or Rachel Neale at Barnsley CVS on 01226 812813. If you are deaf or hard of hearing text 07476340270.

Let’s shape what happens over the next ten years together and build a brighter future, a better Barnsley.

Find out more at www.barnsley.gov.uk/barnsley-2030

£10 voucher

As a ‘thank you’ we’re offering ten people a chance to receive a £10 voucher to spend at Barnsley Markets. Make sure you complete the last question to be entered into the draw.

1. What is your relationship with Barnsley (tick all that apply)?

Give us your thoughts on the future of Barnsley

Live in Barnsley

Work in Barnsley

Own a business in Barnsley

Study in Barnsley

Other, please specify……. (free text)

2. Using only three words, tell us what the Barnsley borough means to you?

Word 1 Word 2 Word 3 3. What is really good about the Barnsley borough?

4. What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you and/or your family in Barnsley in the future?

5. What three things would you like to be able to say about the borough of Barnsley in the year 2030?

1.

2.

3.

The following questions are about you. The reason we are asking for this information is to make sure that we have sought the views of a fair representation of people and so that we can better understand the responses we receive.

By providing the information for the following questions you consent to Barnsley Council processing this information for the purposes of equalities monitoring. The information will be included in the final report in an anonymous and aggregated format and will not identify you in any way. Your information will not be used for any other purposes or shared with any other organisations.

1. What are the first four parts of your home postcode (e.g. S70 4): 2. How old are you?

2. Please tell us which of the following apply to you (please tick all that apply): Male

Female

Trans*

L esbian, gay, bisexual

eligion or R belief (please state)….?

Disabled person**

White UK

White non-UK

lack or B minority ethnic

I identify in another way (please give details):

* The term Trans has been used here as an umbrella term to describe people whose gender or gender identity is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. ** A re your day-to-day activities limited (a little or a lot) because of a health problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months? This doesn’t have to be based on a formal diagnosis and can be related to either your physical or mental health.

Thank you for completing this survey.

Here is your chance to win a £10 voucher for Barnsley Markets As a ‘thank you’ you can also choose to be entered into our free prize draw for a chance to receive a £10 voucher to spend at Barnsley Markets. We have ten to give away. Please enter your name and preferred contact details in the box below. Please visit barnsley.gov.uk/barnsley-2030 for our prize draw terms and conditions.

By ticking this box you consent to Barnsley Council processing your personal information for the purposes of contacting you if you are the winner of the prize draw. Your data will not be used for any other purposes, and will be securely destroyed after the prize draw. For further information on how the council handles and processes personal data please see our privacy notice here: barnsley.gov.uk/privacy.

Get involved with

Barnsley 2030

and shape Barnsley’s future.

Try not to limit your thoughts - be bold with your answers, particularly when thinking about what the future could hold.

How to have your say • take the survey online at barnsley.gov.uk/barnsley-2030 • complete the paper survey and either drop this off at your nearest library • place the paper survey in an envelope and write FREEPOST SURVEY 2030 on the front and post this back to us. No stamp is required.

The survey closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 1 March 2020.

Could your two year old be eligible for 15 hours free childcare?

Eligible families with two-year-old children can receive 15 hours of free childcare per week.

This offer helps families and children in lots of ways. Your two-year-old gets 15 hours a week of playing, learning and making friends. You’ll get more time to yourself to learn a new skill, get some chores done, or spend time with friends and family.

To find out if you’re eligible or for more information visit the Families Information Service directory at fsd.barnsley.gov.uk/ or call 0800 0345 340.

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2020 Tour de Yorkshire races back into Barnsley Tour de Yorkshire will be joining us again in Have you heards? The the new Barnsley on Thursday 30 April - Sunday 3 May.

It promises to be another spectacular event for people of all ages across the borough, and with plenty already being planned, it will be one not to be missed.

We really want you to get involved and help us make Barnsley the ‘best dressed’ town throughout the tour and bring the community spirit to life. ‘But how do we do this?’ I hear you say. Simply head to the 2020 Tour de Yorkshire news page at barnsley.gov.uk/tdy and download our activity pack.

Inside you will find handy hints, tips and instructions to make your very own decorations that will bring our town to life on the day. Put on your creative caps and let’s get making.

Active travel, whether it’s walking, running or cycling, is not only great for the planet but for your physical and mental health too. There’s lots of helpful information on our website from journey planners, how to get a bike, cycle routes and much more. Find out more at barnsley.activetravelhub. co.uk/ or barnsley.gov.uk/services/sport-and-leisure/cycling/active-travel.

Positive steps towards devolution At the Yorkshire Leaders meeting on Friday 10 January 2020 Leaders were unanimous in reiterating their desire to secure a Yorkshire Devolution deal.

Leaders also recognised that a stepped approach may be required to achieve this through the establishment of a Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council Yorkshire Committee (as proposed by the Prime Minister) to provide strategic co-ordination across the region, supported by a number of interim funding arrangements at the sub-regional level.

The achievement of such a framework would be a major step towards achieving a full Yorkshire wide devolution deal.

Following that meeting discussions have taken place between South Yorkshire and the Government and agreement has been reached that the Government will continue work with Yorkshire councils to establish a Yorkshire Committee.

This is on the basis that the South Yorkshire devolution deal is brought to a positive conclusion, with Barnsley and Doncaster having the opportunity to join any full Yorkshire devolution at a future date.

This is in line with the Yorkshire Leaders discussions and represents a significant step forward for the region.

Following discussions with other South Yorkshire Leaders, South Yorkshire councils will now consult on the proposed South Yorkshire deal but also continue to work with other Yorkshire councils to secure their own interim funding arrangements.

On the successful development of the Yorkshire Committee, and to move the region forward towards a full devolution deal.

Find out more about our devolution plans, barnsley.gov.uk/devolution

Investment in our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service We’re proud that education outcomes for pupils with SEND continue to improve. To support this, we’re investing more resources in SEND and have improved and simplified the Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) process. This year we’re introducing the option for people to manage their EHCP digitally. For pupils who need more support, we’ve created more specialist school places.

It’s important that parents and carers are involved in deciding how we deliver services, so we’re working with national charity KIDS to make it easy for people to get involved. To have your say, visit the KIDS Barnsley Facebook page.

We’ve also invested in SENDIASS (SEND Information, Advice and Support Service) who can help parents, carers and young people to navigate the SEND system.

Visit barnsley.gov.uk/localoffer, for information about support and services available.

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Achieve your goals with Adult Skills and Community Learning Want to improve your confidence, wellbeing and employability this year? Adult Skills and Community Learning (ASCL) has courses for people aged 19 and over that will do just that.

ASCL is based in Barnsley town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the interchange. There are also venues across the borough so classes can be local to you.

Whether you want to gain a qualification, prepare yourself for going back to work or build your confidence and wellbeing, there will be a course for you.

Visit barnsley.gov.uk/services/adult-skills-and-community-learning/, call 01226 775270 or come along to their next open day on Wednesday 1 April from 10am to 7pm at level 2 Wellington House.

Barnsley children’s education outcomes continue to grow Barnsley pupils have continued to #AchieveIt this year, with fantastic results across lots of areas. The Provisional Education Outcomes in Barnsley report (2019) showed a picture of continuing improvement for Barnsley pupils.

The percentage of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined at Key Stage 2 is 65.9 per cent, and achieving a strong pass in English Language/ Literature and Maths (The Basics) at Key Stage 4 is 40.9 per cent, both above the national average.

The per cent of pupils achieving a standard pass in The Basics at Key Stage 4 has improved further to 62.5 percent. That’s three per cent points above the national average.

This is brilliant news for Barnsley’s children. A big thank you to all the pupils, parents, carers and Barnsley Schools Alliance for all their hard work.

Do you look after a loved one?

If you care for a family member, partner or friend, the Barnsley Carers Service offers a range of support to help you in your caring role and to look after your own health and wellbeing.

Here’s some wonderful feedback from our service users, telling you how the Barnsley Carers Service has helped to improve their lives.

BE BOLD. BE A FOSTER CARER. Meet Wayne. Wayne is one of two single men to foster for Barnsley after fostering two children on a respite placement.

Now, he is one of our fostering champions who has gone on to foster two long-term placements.

Wayne said: “It’s great knowing that you’re giving a child the chance to grow up happy.

“My experience with Barnsley Carers service has been positive, very warm and welcoming thanks to their friendly staff.”

“Accessing the Service has given me confidence; the one-to-one support helped me to know someone was there.”

“It is nice to know there is an organisation that is there to provide some support when needed.”

“Information, advice and one-to-one support has improved my self-confidence, and I have been able to tackle situations myself.”

“Being a single guy and having no kids was a massive change, but I think they settled in well. I’ve got a good rapport with them because I give them a structured and stable life.

“My advice to future foster parents is don’t be scared to ask for help - it doesn’t make you weak. I have a fabulous mentor, and this has allowed me to grow my network, go on training and meet new friends.”

Do you want to find out more?

Visit the Barnsley Carers Service Facebook page to see what they’re doing in the local community. To find out how the team can support you call 01226 288772.

barnsley.gov.uk/fostering 01226 775876 Fostering Barnsley @FosterBarnsley

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Yorkshire’s first commemorative walkway launched in Barnsley Barnsley is now home to Yorkshire’s very first HM Armed Forces Commemorative Walkway. The dedicated space, which is provided in partnership with Barnsley College, has been created to honour our armed forces community.

Built with honed granite, our commemorative stones are a unique way for families and friends to remember those who have and are currently serving. With proof of service, anyone with a connection to Barnsley can purchase a stone.

A stone dedicated to Private Matthew Thornton who sadly lost his life in Afghanistan was among the first stones laid. Matthew’s father said: “His mother and I are extremely proud of his achievements, and we’re pleased that we’ll be able to honour his name on Yorkshire’s first commemorative walkway.”

Stones for the walkway can be purchased for £250 by visiting barnsley.gov.uk/armed-forces-walkway.

Barnsley Recycles Sorting your rubbish into the right bin really does make a difference, and means we can recycle and dispose of it in the best way possible. We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s done their bit to #ProtectIt in Barnsley by recycling right.

Our handy guide on what you can put in your bins is featured on our new 2020 bin calendars, along with your collection dates for this year. You can view your calendar online at barnsley.gov.uk/ waste, or head down to your local library where staff will be available to offer a helping hand.