THANKS to the generosity and support of the community a local charity service has been able to renovate one of their rooms as they aim to provide more space to support people’s mental health.

Volunteers at Local Mencap Barnsley - a charity focused on supporting adults with learning disabilities - had an idea for a multi-function room that could service all their members’ needs.

They quickly realised that a ‘massive’ but abandoned room within their building on Castlereagh Street, just outside of the town centre, would make the perfect space for it - however making that a reality was harder than it appeared.

Business development manager, Jayne Armstrong, told the Chronicle: “One of the things that’s come across since Covid is problems with mental health.

“This isn’t just with our members, but also those who support them.

“So we had this idea for a multi-function room that can be used for lots of different things like games, activities or conferences.

“But it could also be a safe haven for when people need to chat and unwind.

“Financially though, we couldn’t do it on our own - we’re a charity and it’s always a struggle.”

Thankfully, the community stepped up to provide all that was needed, with local business Johnstone’s Decorating Centre - based on Wakefield Road in Smithies - donating all the paint needed and volunteers from other local decorators like Darren Riley and

George Travis from DR-Decor, Jez Wright from Style and Pattern Decorators and Gary Smith and Josh Halliday from Johnstone’s offering a helping hand.

Dawn Sweet and her friend Sienna Armstrong also volunteered.

“It’s a beautiful room now, with plenty to do inside,” Jayne added.

“A lot of love has gone into it and it’s been made possible thanks to lots of help from the community.”