My account
Services
The Mayor of Barnsley chooses Art Competition Winner as part of celebrating 40 years of DIAL’s impact in the community
Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme celebrates the people, projects, and places that make our borough a place of possibilities.
As part of this initiative, the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr David Leech, joined the Love Where You Live team and other professionals in October to celebrate the 40th anniversary of DIAL.
Founded in 1985, DIAL have served as a lifeline for many in our borough, offering free advice and support to disabled people, their families and carers. You can find out more about DIAL’s impact on the Barnsley community on their website.
At the event, the Mayor of Barnsley gave a heartfelt speech to thank DIAL for their continued commitment to the community. He was also pleased to present a special gift from DIAL’s Trustees to their Chief Executive, Sharon Brown, in recognition of her 40 years of dedicated service.
To mark the milestone, DIAL hosted an art competition, inviting residents to creatively express what disability means to them. The artwork was displayed during the celebration, showcasing the talent and voices of the community DIAL serves. The Mayor of Barnsley proudly selected the winner, Mark Evans, and the runners-up, and presented certificates to them.
Over the years, Barnsley Council has funded many of DIAL’s services, from their Advice Line and home visits to community groups and advocacy work. Currently, our North Area Council funds community advice sessions delivered by DIAL and Citizens Advice.
Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: "DIAL has been a cornerstone of support for our residents living with disabilities, their families and carers.
“Their work embodies the spirit of a Healthy Barnsley, our ambition to empower people to get help early, promoting wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle, and celebrating every individual’s potential. We’re proud to continue supporting them."
Sharon Brown, Chief Executive Officer of DIAL Barnsley, said: " To every colleague, past and present: thank you. To our funders and partners who’ve believed in us, even when budgets were tight and times were tough, thank you. And to our clients: you’re the reason we’re here. Your courage and honesty in asking for help have taught us more than you’ll ever know.
We’ve come a long way in 40 years. But we’re not done yet. As welfare systems grow more complex, and inequality continues to affect so many lives, DIAL’s mission remains as urgent as ever."
The Love Where You Live campaign is all about trying something new, making a difference and getting involved in your community. Find out how you can feel connected to the place you call home at barnsley.gov.uk/LoveWhereYouLive.
