A DEDICATED Dearne fundraising team has raised thousands of pounds to help its quest to break down the stigma around mental health and raise awareness.

Dearne area community development officer Darryl Hand along with volunteers Scott Cutts, Kirsty Hart and Vikki Longden have been fundraising for several years and have been nominated in the Fundraising Team category in the Proud of Barnsley awards.

The nomination is in recognition of their ongoing commitment to supporting mental health charities in Barnsley.

Darryl said: “Over the last three years, we have worked together to raise money for three incredible causes: Project 14, Andy’s Man Club, and the Samaritans. We have done this by organising a charity football match and family fun day, which has grown year on year and become a fantastic community event.”

In 2022, £2,049.67 was raised for Project 14, in 2023, £1,700 was raised for Andy’s Man Club and in 2025, the Samaritans benefited to the tune of £1,409.48.

The total that the team has raised to date for mental health charities is £5,159.15.

Darryl said: “As a team, we are passionate about breaking down the stigma around mental health and raising awareness as well as vital funds.

“The charities we support provide life-saving work, and knowing that our efforts help them to continue makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“We are proud of what we have achieved together

and hope to inspire others to talk openly about mental health and to support the organisations that make such a difference.”