More Money in Your Pocket

Crisis and Resilience Fund

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From 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaces the Household Support Fund. It aims to support low-income households who encounter a financial shock, and to support activity that builds individual and community financial resilience.

We're currently developing new support plans to meet the requirements of this fund. Using this funding, alongside the council’s own resources, we aim to continue providing help to residents who are struggling, including support to prevent problems from getting worse as well as help in times of crisis.

Once our plans have been finalised, they'll be considered by Cabinet for approval. We'll update this webpage with details of the support available once the decisions have been agreed. Some support is already available, and details of this are below.

 

Financial support

Crisis loan

Community First Credit Union offer interest free loans up to a maximum of £500. These loans are for those who are struggling to buy food, pay energy bills or buy essential items.

To apply you need to:

  • be a Community First account holder, or be willing to become one
  • be 18 years of age or over
  • have an established electronic payment into your Community First savings account (a standing order, deduction from your wage, or a wage or benefit payment paid directly into the account)

You can apply by calling Community First Credit Union on 03030 300010.

Resettlement grant

The resettlement grant is for low income households who've signed up for a new tenancy in the Barnsley borough and need help to furnish or pay for essential items for the property. Essential items could include:

  • fridge freezer
  • beds and mattresses
  • cooker or microwave
  • washing machine

For full details of the scheme, how to apply and the eligibility criteria, visit our resettlement grant webpage.

Fuel support

Keeping your home warm

If you're worried about paying for your energy bills or struggling to keep your home warm, you may be able to get some support from our warm homes team. Visit our webpage about making your home warmer and cheaper to run for details.

Food support in the community

Ad Astra

  • Location: New Lodge Community Centre, New Lodge Crescent, New Lodge, Barnsley, S71 1SH.
  • Eligibility: people living in the St Helens Ward, prioritised towards:
    • low income households
    • those in receipt of benefits
    • working single people on low income under £12,000 (after tax)
    • unemployed unpaid carers on welfare benefits
    • pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit
  • How to apply: email adastrabarnsleycic@gmail.com, direct message @adastrabarnsley on Facebook, or pop into the community centre.

Crossroads

Honeywell Good Food Pantry

  • Location: Honeywell Community Centre, Honeywell Street, Barnsley, S71 1PZ.
  • Eligibility: residents within the pantry’s catchment area (proof of address required). 
  • How to apply: email honeywellgoodfoodpantry@gmail.com

Grimethorpe Activity Zone

  • Location: Acorn Centre, Grimethorpe, S72 7BB.
  • Eligibility: those on low incomes, struggling to pay bills, in debt, elderly, or families with children, living in the Grimethorpe area.
  • How to apply: email gactivity1959@outlook.com, call 01226 713599 or 07597 562908, or visit the Acorn Centre.

Family support

Family hubs

Family hubs deliver early help services for children from pre-birth up to 19 years (or 25 if the young person has a disability). They bring people together from a range of services in each local area. The services they offer vary depending on the needs of families and the wider community.

Hygiene support

Salvation Army Goldthorpe

  • Support available: free monthly personal care services, including haircuts, foot care, nail kits and take-home hygiene essentials.
  • Location: Goldthorpe Salvation Army, Straight Lane, Goldthorpe.
  • Eligibility: Anyone accessing the foodbank or Salvation Army services.
  • How to apply: Pre-booking is essential. Drop into the Salvation Army Goldthorpe and speak to Alison Sykes.

  • Support available: free nappies and hygiene products to improve the hygiene and comfort for babies and children.
  • Location: Goldthorpe Salvation Army, Straight Lane, Goldthorpe.
  • Eligibility: Open to all families that are experiencing financial hardship.
  • How to apply: Contact Goldthorpe Salvation Army on Facebook, phone 01709 898847, or email alison.sykes@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Servatius Healthcare

  • Support available: foot health assessment and treatment delivered by qualified foot health practitioners .
  • Location: The Foot Health Practice, Servatius Healthcare CIC, The Glass Works, 9 Cheapside, Barnsley, S70 1GW.
  • How to apply: email servatiuscic@gmail.com or call 01226 293693.

 

Welcoming Spaces

Welcoming Spaces are places in the community that offer a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. Find a Welcoming Space near you.

See also...