Credit to Exodus group The worry is real...

DAN JARVIS, MP for Barnsley Central This year’s Proud of Barnsley awards were truly exceptional.

We were privileged to see an outstanding array of incredibly dedicated local people who’ve all done extraordinary things for the people of Barnsley.

I commend all of the nominees and the winners for their commitment and congratulate them on their achievements.

They make us very proud of Barnsley.

Thanks must go to the team at the Barnsley Chronicle who’ve once again done a brilliant job in organising the awards.

Thanks also the sponsors – without whom the awards wouldn’t happen. This really was a wonderful, inspiring and uplifting event and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

On Thursday last week, we made a trip from Scarborough back to Barnsley to see a performance of a play, ‘Footsteps’, put on at Emmanuel Methodist Church by members of the Exodus Project, an amazing charity that Barnsley should be proud to have.

The play told the story of birth and growth of Exodus, and first of all, we would like to commend all involved in the production, which we thoroughly enjoyed and which offered some quite overwhelming moments.

To say that the members of the cast are not regular performers, they did a sterling job in bringing it all alive, to the obvious delight of an appreciative audience. Through speaking to people, it was obvious that most of the audiences were there because, like us, they have already had involvement at some level with Exodus. It seems such a shame that people unfamiliar with Exodus and what they do, were not there to enjoy the performances and to learn about this wonderful local charity.

For those who don’t know about it, Exodus Project works with children and young people all across Barnsley, particularly in areas which could be described as deprived. They provide a safe place for children and young people to come together at evening activity clubs (16 across Barnsley) and weekend camps, where the youth leaders foster a sense of mutual respect and personal responsibility, through games, play and discussion.

They also keep contact with the children’s families and offer support, if needed. Exodus has already won a national award for their work, but they do not rest on their laurels. They have great plans for the future and deserve the support of the people of Barnsley.

In recent weeks I have had the pleasure of attending several events in my home community of Worsbrough.

I was there when Barnsley legend Danny Wilson, along with Barnsley Mayor (and fellow ‘Briggers’ supporter), Coun Sarah Tattersall unveiled the centenary plaque as Worsbrough Bridge FC officially celebrated 100 years of providing football to the community.

I was there on Remembrance Sunday at the war memorial. As I took a moment to reflect, I spotted the name of a distant relative on the memorial who had made the supreme sacrifice. That really hit home. But Worsbrough doesn’t just look back.

This week I attended the new over 50s’ club at Maltas Court in Bank End. Events like this perform a vital role in fighting social isolation and low levels of physical activity during the winter.

However, one thing that came out loud and clear from listening to residents at all these events is that local folk in Worsbrough are worried.

Worried about turning on the heating, worried about the next bill, worried about what the future may bring. I understand that worry.

This winter is going to be incredibly hard for families who are facing a costof-living crisis inflicted on them by an incompetent and uncaring Conservative government.

I’m proud a Barnsley Labour Council has introduced a £6 million Winter Support Package to help families in need and that’s why I’m determined to continue that work to support those who live in Worsbrough, not just now, but in the future too.

I’m proud to call Worsbrough my home and that’s why I’m standing up for Worsbrough; not knocking it down.