Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales has awarded Barnsley Beacon Support Services a two year grant of £24,800 to help people living with a family member who has drug or alcohol problems.
The charity started when June Marshall was confronted with drug addiction within her own family. Finding no support organisations for the family members of drug and alcohol misusers, June sought out other people dealing with the same issues and in 2002 Barnsley Beacon Support Services was launched. Currently the charity runs a drop in centre which provides one-on-one advice and information, group and individual counselling sessions, a telephone information line and respite therapies such as massage for relatives of people with drug and alcohol addiction.
The grant from Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales will fund the salary and on-costs of a new Project Manager, a crucial role which oversees the day to day running of the charity and will enable the expansion of the charity’s services so it can support more people confronting a family member’s drug or alcohol misuse.
June Marshall is the Founder and current volunteer Project Manager of Barnsley Beacon Support Services, she says: “Relatives of people with drug and alcohol problems often feel the affects of social stigma and guilt and can become socially isolated. The funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation will ensure Barnsley Beacon Support Services continues to operate and support people affected by drug or alcohol misuse within their family.”
Pat Greenwood is the region’s Grant Manager at Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales, she says: “Barnsley Beacon Support Services is a wonderful charity and the Foundation is very proud to support them. I encourage other registered charities helping disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community, to visit our website www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk to find out more about funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation.”
In 2009, the Foundation invested £2.15 million in charities in Yorkshire and £20.61 million across both England and Wales.
