Celebrating 40 incredible years of service, DIAL began its journey in 1985 with just two dedicated employees and a small team of passionate Volunteers, committed to providing essential advice and information to disabled people, their families, and carers in the local community. Fast forward to today, and DIAL has evolved into a professional organisation, with 21 staff members and 14 devoted Volunteers – each one driven by the same passion to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
For four decades, DIAL has remained steadfast in its core belief: disabled people are the true experts in understanding their own needs. This people-first approach has been the foundation of our success, keeping DIAL at the heart of Barnsley’s disabled community and ensuring our ongoing impact. As we celebrate this milestone, we are filled with pride and excitement for the future, knowing that our commitment to empowering those we serve will continue to drive us forward for many more years to come.
The Early Years
Before DIAL, there was no centralised source of support or advice for disabled people and carers in Barnsley. Recognising this critical gap, Sharon Brown – our current CEO – was appointed by Barnsley District Council for Voluntary Service (BDCVS) in October 1985 to establish the first-ever DIAL in the area, alongside her colleague, Angela Jones. By 1993, DIAL had grown strong enough to become a registered charity. This year, we’re not only celebrating DIAL’s 40th birthday but also Sharon’s incredible 40 years of leadership and dedication to the cause.
A Celebration of Sharon
Sharon’s journey with DIAL began from day one, transforming a small, unregistered organisation into the essential, widely respected charity it is today. Under her guidance, DIAL has become a lifeline for thousands of disabled people and their families; it’s no exaggeration to say that without Sharon, DIAL wouldn’t exist as we know it. Through financial challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting landscapes, Sharon has been the unwavering force behind DIAL, securing essential funding and leading us through turbulent times.
Sharon’s remarkable contributions have been widely recognised. In 1999, she was nominated for the prestigious ‘Cosmopolitan Woman of Achievement Awards,’ and in 2003, she helped DIAL gain national recognition as a finalist in the BT Employer of the Year awards. Her leadership has not only ensured the charity’s survival but its thriving success, making Sharon’s 40-year milestone an extraordinary celebration in its own right.
Supporting the Disabled Community for 40 Years
Last year alone, DIAL helped disabled people access over £7 million in unclaimed benefits – just one example of the life-changing support we’ve provided over the past 40 years. It’s almost impossible to measure the full financial impact DIAL has had, but what’s clear is that our support has empowered people with disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives. The right advice and information can be transformative, helping people gain the financial security they need to thrive. Alongside our essential welfare rights advice, we’ve also delivered numerous community groups and campaigns, helping people feel less isolated and fostering personal growth through our volunteer programmes.
A Timeline of DIAL
This timeline highlights DIAL’s journey from 1985 until now, with all of our wonderful achievements in between, from securing crucial funding and launching key services to innovative projects to support the Barnsley community. As we look into the future, we remain passionate about possibilities and committed to our vision for a community that is truly inclusive.
