Community and relationships

We're proud of our armed forces community. We know the importance of healthy relationships and being part of our wider communities.

Armed Forces Covenant Forum

The Barnsley Armed Forces Covenant Forum is a public forum which meets twice a year. The forum is a chance to share updates about what's happening in Barnsley and in the wider Sheffield region.

It's chaired by Councillor Joe Haywood - the area armed forces champion for Barnsley.

For more details on the Armed Forces Covenant you can email us at armedforcescouncilqueries@barnsley.gov.uk 

Armed Forces Walkway

Our Armed Forces Walkway is a space to remember our armed forces personnel. It's been created with Barnsley College.

The walkway is on Westgate in the college gardens. It's a great place for families and friends to sit and think of those who have served and are serving.

You can find out how to apply for a stone on the Armed Forces Walkway webpage.

Bereavement support

Events

See our events and activities page for details of how you can get involved with armed forces events in your local area. You'll be able to meet like-minded people of all ages and enjoy some social time. You'll also be able to make new friends and get involved in your community.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

SSAFA is an armed forces charity. They provide life long support to those who are serving or have served in the forces. They also provide support to the families of those who have served or are serving. 

You can call SSAFA South Yorkshire on 07483 214925 or 01226 289517. You can also email Ross.Waterlow@Syorks.ssafa.org.uk. You can also contact the North East Regional hub contact Callum Crane on 020 4566 9117 or at Callum.Crane@ssafa.org.uk.

Find out more about SSAFA South Yorkshire.

Support for armed forces children

Working in the forces affects not only the person themselves, but also their family and children.

Children can be affected by:

  • mobility - moving from one place to another
  • interrupted learning - moving from one school to another and changing their learning style
  • anxiety - due to the serving person being away from home for long periods of time
  • isolation - young people can often feel isolated from parents and serving members
  • taking on extra responsibility - this may happen when a parent leaves for active duty.

Here are some services that may be able to help: 

Bereavement Scholarship Scheme

The Bereavement Scholarship Scheme is for the children of service personnel whose death has been attributed to service since 1990.

To apply or find out more visit Veterans UK.

Childcare support

The Army Families Federation offers advice about:

  • how to register for day nurseries, nannies or childminders
  • childcare options
  • free early years education
  • moving schools

Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium was brought in by the Department for Education (DfE). It's part of their commitment to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant. It helps schools to provide extra (mainly pastoral) support for children with parents in the armed forces.

Find out more about Pupil Premium.

Resources for helping to support armed forces children

  • The Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) employs parent support officers. They cover four regions of the UK and liaise with schools overseas.

  • Forces Children Scotland have a programme for working with schools. They provide advice, resources and training to help people recognise and support the struggles of forces children.

  • Scotty's Little Soldiers support children and young people who have lost a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.

Veterans' Gateway 

Veterans' Gateway helps to give veterans and their families advice and support. It helps put them in touch with help and support best placed for their needs.

Find out more about the Veterans' Gateway. You can also call them on 0808 8021212 or text on 81212.

Veterans Outreach Project

The Veterans Outreach Project gives a voice for veterans across the county. It does this with the support of our local councils and by using their outreach trailer. 

The outreach trailer is used to:

  • provide support to veterans and their families across the county
  • promote drop-in sessions and meet-ups in the region
  • support veterans to help them reach their goals

You can find out how you might be able to book the outreach trailer online.

Welcoming Afghanistan refugees to Barnsley

We’re welcoming Afghan families to Barnsley. We're making sure they feel supported as they start to build their lives in the UK.

Read more about how we're helping Afghan families and where to find details of how you can help.