 Not attending cancer screenings can pose serious health risks and has broader implications for healthcare systems.
People are skipping cancer screenings due to fear or anxiety about the results, lack of awareness about the benefits, embarrassment or discomfort, access issues and mistrust in the healthcare system.
A one-stop cancer shop event was held last Friday at the Horse and Groom Square in Goldthorpe in partnership with Barnsley Health Care Federation, Barnsley Cancer champions and Barnsley PCN Care coordinators.
Cancer services were invited to provide information and advice and the primary care cancer screening bus from Doncaster came to carry out mobile cervical screening. Services included Macmillan, Barnsley Breast Services, Bowel Screening, NHS smoking service and Barnsley cancer champions.
Dearne North Ward Alliance and Dearne South Ward Alliance elected members and volunteers also gave out free personal hygiene and fruit and veg packs to residents.
The results
- 26 cervical smear screenings were completed in the mobile screening unit
- 8 HPV vaccines were given to young people aged 12 to 25
- We gave out 169 free household cleaning packs
- We handed out 200 free fruit and veg packs
- 6 residents signed up to the Stop Smoking Service
- 8 volunteers supported the event, with one volunteering for the first time
- £2,500 in external funding was secured to support the event
Partner services also spoke to dozens of members of the public:
- Barnsley Cancer Champions had almost 140 visitors to their stall and provided information and advice to 76 people, with 11 referred to a GP.
- The Bowel Cancer Screening Service, MacMillan and the Breast Screening Service talked to 60, 60 and 66 people respectively, with almost 40 referrals or appointments for screenings made.
- Barnsley Smokefree Service spoke to more than 30 people and made six referrals for further support
These results show the impact of partnership working to bring health partners to the Dearne - it was a fantastic event making use of our town square.
 The art project to design and produce murals for the Horse and Groom Square in Goldthorpe was such a great example of a community coming together.
Funded by the Goldthorpe Town Deal, this project saw art duo STATIC commissioned to work with school pupils and people living in the Dearne to draw up a design celebrating the area's heritage, nature and future aspirations.
They held a spray paint art workshop at Goldthorpe Pentecostal Community Church and a community painting day to bring the mural vision to life.
Children from Highgate Primary Academy were invited to a photocall at the square in the heart of Goldthorpe to see the finished artwork on the side of Goldthorpe Library, which is called The Stories.
A second mural at the rear of the square reads: "Learn from the past; Look to the future."
A planning application has also been submitted for an inspiring sculpture on the new gateway roundabout in Goldthorpe, which has been shaped by local people's memories and experiences.
Artist Dan Jones, who lives in the Dearne Valley, has drawn up the design.
This project is also providing a mentoring experience for emerging artist Ailish Treanor.
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 Who wants to come on an ARtQuest?
We’ve hidden six icons of Barnsley at locations around the borough – you just have to scan a special QR code with your phone to uncover them.
You can find 3D augmented reality sculptures in Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell – with a soundscape and a unique poem specially written for each location.
Goldthorpe's spectacular phoenix can be found in the Horse and Groom Square.
ARtQuest for Barnsley was dreamed up by artist Patrick Murphy and poet Ian McMillan (pictured above) as part of our Storying Barnsley programme to bring the stories of Barnsley’s towns to life.
The pair were working on another art project, A Walk Around Town, when they discovered our town's connections with some spectacular creatures and developed the idea into a new trail celebrating the heritage and character of each town.
Click the link below to find out more - then grab your phone and join the ARtQuest!
Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #ARtQuestForBarnsley and #StoryingBarnsley.
 Barnsley’s newest Good Food Pantry has officially opened its doors in Thurnscoe
Open every Monday from 10am to 12pm, the pantry at St Helen's Church offers good-quality food at heavily discounted prices – helping local people access quality food, no matter their budget.
This fantastic new space is part of our growing network of Good Food Pantries across Barnsley, made possible thanks to the amazing team at St Helen’s Church and the dedicated volunteers.
By using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, we’re not only supporting residents – we’re also supporting a more sustainable Barnsley.
 Our Love Where You Live campaign is up and running as we celebrate Barnsley's amazing community spirit and highlight the efforts of Barnsley's brilliant volunteers.
Love Where You Live is all about celebrating our communities coming together to get involved, try something new, and make a difference.
We're also happy to help fund community projects across the borough.
At the launch of the new food pantry at St Helen's Church Hall in Thurnscoe, Dearne North councillors presented the church with a cheque from Love Where You Live funding.
The funding will cover essential roof repairs, helping to make sure the community hall and church remain safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for everyone.
 Love Where You Live launch week earlier this month was a fantastic chance to celebrate our communities coming together to get involved, try something new, and make a difference.
You can watch our round-up video by clicking on the photo above to see some of the highlights from the many wonderful events held in the week across Barnsley.
Launch week was just the start – there’s so much going on near you every week, whether it's a fun class or activity, a community event, or a chance to get stuck in and volunteer.
 Are you struggling to find a cot or bed for your young child?
Beds for Babies, part of South Yorkshire’s Safe Place to Sleep programme, provides children under 5 with a safe bed and bedding.
This scheme, backed by Mayor Oliver Coppard and delivered in partnership with Baby Basics UK, helps families facing bed poverty in South Yorkshire.
Why it matters
A proper night’s sleep is essential for a child’s development and a family’s wellbeing.
Bed poverty – such as broken beds, soiled or mouldy bedding, or no age-appropriate bed – can seriously impact health and quality of life.
What support is available?
Families can receive:
- Moses baskets
- Cots and cot beds
- Toddler beds
- Mattresses
- Bedding bundles
Need help? If you’re a parent or carer in need, please speak with your:
- Midwife
- Health visitor
- Social care professional
- Local Family Hub
- Supporting charity or organisation
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