Investment in a new residential facility for young people in Barnsley

This morning, Cabinet members have discussed and approved the development of Rock House, a new residential facility for young people aged 16 and above.

This initiative aims to provide short to medium-term accommodation support, helping young people acquire the necessary skills and emotional resilience to transition successfully to adulthood.

Cabinet has approved the use of investment of up to £1 million capital funding, which has been previously allocated back in 2021 to provide more residential provision in Barnsley.

The development will see an existing Barnsley Council asset converted into a five-bedroom facility, featuring four self-contained flats and a staff sleep-in area.

The conversion of Rock House will allow us to better support young people, ensuring they remain closer to their local community, family, and friends. This is particularly important for those who may have been placed outside of Barnsley for a significant period as children in care, to help them re-engage with their hometown and local community.

The project, which is expected to be completed by June 2026, is in line with our Children in Care Placement Sufficiency Strategy 2023-26 which aims to reduce pressures on placement costs. It will also help us address increased demand for post-16 provision in Barnsley as well as reduce dependence on high cost out of borough placements.

Councillor Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Service, said: "This facility is essential to help our young people transition to adulthood while staying close to their local community in Barnsley."

"We remain committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our young people to thrive and ensuring that every young person in our borough receives the support they need."