COMMUNITY groups from across the region came together to celebrate four decades of local giving at a special anniversary awards event hosted by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).

Since being established in 1986, the Foundation has distributed more than £40m in funding to thousands of grassroots organisations and charities across Barnsley.

The Exodus Project won the Barnsley Community Impact Award, presented by Anna Hartley, director of public health for Barnsley Council, while the Barnsley FC Community Trust was highly commended.

Jack Dutton, project manager for The Exodus Project, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award.

“It means so much to our volunteers, staff and everyone who has supported The Exodus Project over the years.

“Every day we see the difference that kindness, community and practical support can make in people’s lives.

“This recognition belongs to everyone who helps make our organisation such a welcoming and supportive place for local people.”

Anna Hartley added: “South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation is really important because they’re brilliant conduit to get money out to the voluntary sector.

“Often, particularly grassroots organisations that sometimes have the biggest difficulties in our community, struggle to get funding.”

Barnsley’s Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Ed Clancy also spoke during the evening, reflecting on his own upcoming 40th birthday and drawing comparisons between the dedication, resilience and teamwork needed to achieve long-term success in elite sport and in sustaining community impact over four decades.

Ed, who was appointed South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner by Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “It’s quite moving - there’s been a few tears.

“I’ve seen these community projects on the ground and had a tear or two in my eye.

“I think in 40 years when I’m looking back on my life, I’ll realise that the most meaningful measure of success is what you can do for other people.”