BEACON

A Barnsley-based charity which supported unpaid carers during the pandemic received a share of a National Lottery grant in October 2020.

Beacon South Yorkshire, on Doncaster Road, was given £10,000 from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund brought in to support charities during the outbreak.

The grant helped to provide counselling for unpaid carers who are suffering with their own mental health issues. The funding came as referrals to the charity skyrocketed.

It helped the project led by volunteers to increase counselling services from once a week to a full-time weekly service.

Sheila Owen, chair of trustees at Beacon, said at the time: “Due to the pandemic we have seen a huge surge in carers needing our support due to diminishing mental health during the lockdown.

“Thanks to the new funding from the government and The National Lottery Community Fund, we’re able to give carers access to the counselling services they may need without long waiting times – offering telephone support and zoom sessions to suit the individual.

“The funding will also enable us to expand the counselling service to deal with future needs as we expand across South Yorkshire.”