Change-Makers: Big Arms Barnsley

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Christmas is a time of giving, and for Ellie and Local Action Group Big Arms Barnsley, they dedicated their time at the end of last year to give to those who needed it most in their local community and spread some festive cheer. 

Inspired by Marcus Rashford and his campaign for free school meals, Big Arms Barnsley found a way to help families where they lived by providing care packages over the holiday season. 

“We decided to do this project because of the current situation. Many people have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and unfortunately couldn’t pay for Christmas presents or even food. Many families were unable to see each other due to the virus therefore we wanted to make Christmas better than expected for everyone.” said Ellie. In order to raise money to create the care packages, Big Arms Barnsley got moving. Literally! They set up a fundraiser where they would cover 2,200 miles (the distance between Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley and Lapland) either by running, walking or cycling.

The fundraiser did exceptionally well, allowing the team to send packages to many families in Barnsley. And for Ellie and the team, it gave them a bit of perspective too. 
Ellie said, “The project had a massive impact on us all. It has made us realise that there will be times where we will struggle but there are always people out there to help. I have learnt a lot through this project as well as gained experience and independence, as we have each had a little role within the project to make sure everyone was involved and the project was done in time for Christmas.”

And it wasn’t just Ellie who saw the impact first hand. Amy, who works at the Barnsley Food bank, where some of the packages were given said, “The care packages were very gratefully received, and the variety of activities within them was absolutely fantastic. Christmas can be a really fun but also a really difficult time of year for many, and we’ve all been blown away by the generosity of local people and organisations in helping to make everybody’s Christmas shine a little brighter in 2020.”
The project also inspired other Local Action Groups, from food drops in Leeds to literacy competitions in North Yorkshire, personalised cards and poems in Kirklees to self-care boxes in Calderdale, and the launching of a mental health focused podcast in Sheffield. Over 100 young people across the country found ways to spread some festive cheer and help out the people around them at the end of a very tough year. Amazing!

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