From Day Centre to Crisis Hub: Age UK Barnsley Powers Ahead 

Age UK Barnsley has been awarded £20,000 to install a generator at their Queens Road site, ensuring they can continue to provide services to their users, and allowing them to become a crisis hub to the wider community.  

The challenges for Barnsley Residents Barnsley face significant challenges due to its ageing population, a high number of hard-to-heat homes, and widespread fuel poverty. 

The solution for Barnsley Residents To address these issues, the organisation has installed a backup generator at its head office, which also houses a Day Activity and Care Centre. This enables the site to function as a Warm Home Hub for residents aged 50 and over, offering warm spaces, engaging activities, nutritious meals, and dedicated care. 

Thanks to funding from the Household Support Grant, the organisation will also distribute 800 essential winter items (including blankets, hot water bottles, and torches) and deliver over 132 free home insulation and safety checks. These efforts aim to support vulnerable residents in one of England’s most fuel-poor areas, helping to reduce excess winter deaths and improve overall wellbeing. 

Diane Beardshall, Day Services Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have received the grant from the Northern Powergrid Foundation.  

“Installing this generator means we can continue to offer our day centre services if a power cut occurs, providing much needed respite to local families, and a welcoming place for elderly residents who experience social isolation. 

“But more than this, having a back-up supply of electricity means we can open our centre up to the wider community in times of need too, providing access to hot water, charging points, and a warm space for those who need it.” 

Jess Cook, Head of the Northern Powergrid Foundation, visited the centre, and said: “It’s clear to see, even in a short visit, how important the services Age UK Barnsley provides are to the people they support. 

“Knowing that this centre know has a back-up electricity supply should it be needed means they can provide consistent support to both people they work with day-to-day and residents living nearby.  

“There is a real community feel here, and it’s clear that the staff want to do more to support their community in times of need, which is something we love to see.” 

Founded in 1974, Age UK Barnsley is a registered independent local charity dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of all older people living in the Barnsley borough. Their aim is simple yet profound: to ensure that every older person in their community feels valued, supported, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives. The centre offers a range of services to its users including One-to-one support, Activity groups and classes, Affordable shopping support, Handyperson service and Day activities and care to address social isolation.  

Support from the Northern Powergrid Foundation 

The Northern Powergrid Foundation supported the community project with a £20,000 donation towards the installation of a generator at the Queens Road centre.  

More About the Northern Powergrid Foundation 

The Northern Powergrid Foundation is committed to supporting community resilience and sustainability projects across our regions. This grant is part of their ongoing efforts to empower local communities and promote renewable energy solutions.