We are celebrating 40 years of supporting, enabling, and empowering disabled people, their carers, and their families! It was a wonderful event that brought people from our community together.
To commemorate four decades of service from DIAL and, most importantly, our clients, who are at the heart of everything we do, we hosted an Art Show to unveil local talent and their creative work, with the theme ‘What does disability mean to you?’
The winner of the art competition was chosen by our special guest, the Mayor of Barnsley, David James Leech. Mark Evans won 1st place with his self-portrait in oil pastel and a book of drawings from his recovery from a stroke in February this year; as soon as Mark woke up in the hospital bed, he asked for pencils and paper. He was rewarded with £400 in our art competition. The runners up, Margaret Hall and Molly Perkins, stunned with Margaret’s impactful mountain landscape and Molly’s lovable painted shoes. These were displayed alongside many more fantastic pieces, making it incredibly difficult for the Mayor to choose from, who said in his speech, “You’re all winners.”
Sharon Brown, our CEO, is also celebrating 40 wonderful years of service as one of the first two employees here at DIAL. From the beginning, she’s helped transform a small charity into a wide community of support across Barnsley. Empowering people with disabilities is at the core of our mission. We hope to continue promoting and delivering equal rights for years to come. Sharon’s unmatched dedication and compassion are central to the charity’s success.
Sharon had this to say on the das.
“I’ve had the privilege of being part of this organisation since the very beginning. 40 years ago, we were a small but determined group with a clear purpose: to make sure disabled people in Barnsley were heard, included, and supported in navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind.
Back then, we operated out of a single room with a kettle that barely worked, a typewriter, and an unwavering belief that everyone, regardless of ability, income, or background, deserves access to rights, justice, and opportunity.
Fast forward to today, and DIAL Barnsley has grown into something far greater than any of us imagined. We’ve advised and supported tens of thousands of local people, helped bring millions of pounds into households through benefit claims and appeals, and stood alongside residents through some of the hardest times in their lives, from welfare reform and austerity to a global pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
But what hasn’t changed and what I’m most proud of is our values. We’re still rooted in the community. Still independent. Still person-centred. And still quietly, consistently making a difference where it matters most.
Of course, I haven’t done this alone. DIAL’s journey is a shared one made possible by passionate staff, dedicated volunteers, supportive trustees, and our many partners across Barnsley and beyond. You’ve brought energy, ideas, resilience, and above all, heart.
To every colleague, past and present: thank you. To our funders and partners who’ve believed in us even when budgets were tight and times were tough, thank you. And to our clients: you’re the reason we’re here. Your courage and honesty in asking for help have taught us more than you’ll ever know.
We’ve come a long way in 40 years. But we’re not done yet. As welfare systems grow more complex and inequality continues to affect so many lives, DIAL’s mission remains as urgent as ever.
So, here’s to 40 years of impact and to the future we’re still building. One where fairness, dignity, and support aren’t just nice words, but everyday realities.
Thank you for being part of our journey.”
Over the years, our Advice Line has provided support for thousands of people who are seeking guidance and a listening ear during difficult times. Whether it’s a quick question or a life-changing decision, our team has been here to help. Our Peer Advisors all have personal experience with disability. We understand the issues or problems you may be facing – in other words we ‘get it.’
Last year alone, we helped over 9000 people navigate complex systems and access essential support. With demand growing, we need to raise £4,000 to ensure we can continue providing this essential service free of charge. We want to ensure we can keep doing just that for years to come. As we no longer receive government funding, it’s more crucial than ever to support our advice line.
If you would like to donate to DIAL to help us continue our work with disabled people, their families and carers, here are ways to do that…
An online donation is the quickest and easiest way:
To donate by cheque, please send cheques to our address below:
DIAL Barnsley, Freepost RTAC-UBXR-KEUC, McLintocks, Summer Lane, Barnsley, S70 2NZ
For a bank transfer:
Account holder name(s): DIAL Barnsley
Bank name: Unity Trust Bank
Account number: 2 0 1 5 8 2 9 1
Sort code: 6 0 8 3 0 1
Thank you for your continued support.
DIAL has and always will be Passionate About Possibilities!
