Goldthorpe Salvation Army nominated for Charity of the Year

Goldthorpe Salvation Army has been nominated for Proud of Barnsley’s Charity of the Year for its work supporting the community. 

The church and charity in Straight Lane is a vital lifeline for the community, running a food bank, drop-ins, wellbeing and signposting sessions, cookery courses and offering pastoral support. 

As we head towards Christmas, they will also be giving gifts to children, and festive food to families struggling with the high cost of living. 

Church leader Territorial Envoy Alison Sykes and Community Programme Co-ordinator Jackie Kenning will attend the Proud of Barnsley awards later this month. The awards, hosted by Barnsley Chronicle, celebrate local community heroes, volunteers, fundraisers, and achievers from across the borough. 

Alison said: “It really is amazing to be recognised in this way, we still don’t know who nominated us, but it means a lot that it’s come from someone within the community. 

“We are here at the heart of the community offering support to people, especially those who are finding life a struggle at the moment due to the high cost of living or to things that may be happening in their personal lives. 

“Our support ranges from a vital food parcel, linking people up with services that they need or simply providing a hot cup of tea and a shoulder to cry on.

“We’re worried at the moment about the people that we’re not reaching, the families that are struggling or the neighbour that is living alone. We want to let people know we are there for anybody who is in crisis, please reach out and talk to us, you won’t be judged. Especially as we head into a difficult winter, our doors are open.” 

Alison and Jackie are currently gearing up for the Christmas period where they expect to give out gifts and food hampers to up to 100 families.  

Jackie said: “Christmas is the busiest time of the year for Goldthorpe Salvation Army. We’re already starting to collect donations which will be sorted into gift hampers for some of our most vulnerable families. 

“Our message is if you are struggling this Christmas reach out to us, don’t suffer in silence or feel like you need to get into debt to pay for it. We will do what we can to support you.” 

Alison and Jackie have been out and about during half term hosting activities and offering refreshments from The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Vehicle in the Market Square in Goldthorpe. 

For 160 years, The Salvation Army has been here in the hardest moments. We’re here in Yorkshire with warmth, welcome and urgent practical support. To find your local Salvation Army visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page