Did you know that?

• 14.1% of Barnsley residents report their health as “not good”, compared with the national average of 9%.
• Over 55,000 people or 25% of the population report a limiting long-term illness, up from 39,000 in 1991
• The extent of the health problems are not limited to the older population - amongst people of working age, 21% have a limiting long-term illness.
• 26,100 people identify themselves as carers - 26% of whom provide care for over 50 hours per week.
• There are three times as many people long term sick as unemployed
• N.B. Statistics according to the 2001 Census as reported by Barnsley MBC

In 2008/9:

• We handled 7195 enquiries for advice and information from our client group of disabled people and carers
• We carried out 2531 home visits
• We responded to 180 enquiries from professionals and other external agencies during the same period
• We generated over £3.9 million of additional income for our clients in unclaimed benefits
• We trained 6 new volunteers in benefits advice 
• Our Carers Register has over 6,250 carers who receive our quarterly newsletter
• Every enquiry received by DIAL was checked for quality by a senior employee
• Our service evaluations indicated that 100% of DIAL’s clients surveyed were happy with the service they received and would use our service again

In 2007/8:

• We handled 5414 enquiries for advice and information from our client group of disabled people and carers
• We carried out 2038 home visits
• We responded to 139 enquiries from professionals and other external agencies during the same period
• We generated over £2 million of additional income for our clients in unclaimed benefits
• We trained 5 new volunteers in tribunal representation
• Our Carers Register has over 6,000 carers who receive our quarterly newsletter
• Every enquiry received by DIAL was checked for quality by a senior employee
• Our service evaluations indicated that 100% of DIAL’s clients surveyed were happy with the service they received and would use our service again