Barnsley's LGBTQ+ Guide

Barnsley's LGBTQ+ Guide

Discover Barnsley's LGBTQ+ spaces, who provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves and connect with others in the community.

LGBTQ+ spaces provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves and connect with others in the community. These spaces offer support, resources, and a sense of belonging, which can be invaluable for LGBTQ+ individuals who may face discrimination or marginalisation in other areas of their lives. By providing a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to come together, these organisations and venues help to build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient community.

How have the LGBTQ+ spaces below been selected? The PROUD Network at Barnsley Council and Barnsley’s LGBTQ+ Forum undertook a survey in summer 2023 to discover the venue operators and event organisers that provide spaces and activities for the LGBTQ+ community in the borough. All the operators and organisers have agreed to be included in this guide. Should you have any suggestions for further listings, please email PROUDnetwork@barnsley.gov.uk and Barnsleylgbtqad@hotmail.com 

Town Centre - social spaces and activities  

Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum 

Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum was established in 2008 as a way of bringing together the local LGBTQ+ community together to look at issues and concerns that affect them, to provide support and guidance. They offer meetings and one-to-one sessions, depending on the needs of the individual. They also go into schools and colleges to offer support for their work with students. The organisation works with local businesses to look at LGBTQ+ support in the workplace and with health providers to make sure that health promotion materials reach the community. The Forum has grown over the years, now having over 670 members and supporters.

Contact email: barnsleyLGBTQad@hotmail.com 

Private Facebook page: Barnsley LGBQT Forum  

Coven Barnsley 

Step into a vibrant world where self-expression knows no bounds. Coven Barnsley, located in the heart of Barnsley town centre on the Victorian Arcade, is not your ordinary tattoo and piercing studio, or hair salon. It is a place where artistry, creativity, and community come together in perfect harmony, providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. Coven Barnsley proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community and embraces diversity, celebrating the beauty of individuality, where everyone is embraced.  

Address: 33 The Arcade, Barnsley S70 2QP 

Phone: 01226 251240.  

Email: info@dozytattoo.co.uk.  

Website: Coven Barnsley 

The Outpost  

The Outpost is known for its cosy welcoming atmosphere, allowing customers to relax after a hard-working day. The pub serves a wide variety of beverages and boasts a decent-sized room for any function like a special birthday or anniversary. The staff are known to be pleasant and helpful, and the pub is also a short walk from Barnsley Interchange. The Outpost also host LGBTQ+ events throughout the year including drag shows and some good old karaoke, weekly.  

Address:  2 Union Street, Barnsley, S70 1JJ 

Contact: 01226 872700  

Email: craigcoward4674@gmail.com 

The Garrison 

The Garrison is a modern sports and live music bar with a stunning courtyard and 160-inch LED TV screen. It is known for its cosy atmosphere and serves a variety of beverages, including beer, gin, and ale. The pub is also known for its professional service and calm atmosphere. The Garrison offers a spacious courtyard where live music is performed, and entertainment, with regular performances by bands and DJs. Every Monday LGBQT+ choir, and events during PRIDE and Barnsley Live. 

Address: Hanson St, Barnsley S70 2HZ 

Contact number: 01226 983727

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheGarrisonBarnsley

Email: jsgleisureltd@outlook.com/ robbiegainey@hotmail.com 

Spiral City 

Spiral City in Barnsley is a vibrant and inclusive venue that offers a unique blend of craft beers, real ale, wines, spirits, vinyl records, and art.  It’s a place where creativity and culture converge, providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, including the LGBT+ community. Spiral City represents a safe and supportive environment where individuals can come together, socialise, and enjoy the various amenities. It’s a hub for expression and connection, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. 

Address: 26-30 The Arcade, Barnsley, United Kingdom, S70 2QN 

Email: spiralcitybar@gmail.com 

Contact number: 01226 283013 

Website: Spiral City 

Heaven and Ale   

Heaven & Ale in Barnsley is a community bar that prides itself on serving the very best cask and keg ales, wines, and more. It’s a place that welcomes everyone, aiming to provide a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. For the LGBT+ community, Heaven & Ale represents more than just a bar; it’s a space where individuals can feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves.  

Address: 66 Agnes Road, Barnsley, S70 1NH 

Contact number: 07519097444

Website: Heaven and Ale  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandale/ 

The Old Tailors  

The Old Tailors is a micro pub located in, opening in October 2022 in what had most recently been a record shop but had been, from 1888 to 1920, Albert Ranshaws tailors, hence the name. Stylish, minimalist interior with pale green walls, a chunky wooden counter, a couple of shelves (one hosting a sewing machine) and just a few small tables. For the serious beer drinker, Beavertown Neck Oil is the best bet, albeit not at a Barnsley price. Quiz and theme nights are promised. 

Address: 3 Regent St, Barnsley, S70 2EG 

Email: phil@carbongroup.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old_tailors_pub/ 

Borough - social spaces and activities  

Cannon Hall Museum 

Cannon Hall is a stunning Georgian country house museum set in 70 acres of historic parkland and beautiful landscaped gardens. It is the perfect day out for all the family. Cannon Hall and all other Barnsley museums are LGBTQ+ allies registered under the Safe Places Scheme. There are also engagements around LGBTQ+ History Month annually – both digitally and in person. 

Address: Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT. 

Email: cannonhall@barnsley.gov.uk

Contact number: 01226 772002

Website: Cannon Hall  

Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Site  

Maurice Dobson ran a shop with his partner Fred Halliday back in the 1950s at a time when homosexuality was still decriminalised in this country. Maurice gave his shop to the people of Barnsley to be turned into a museum. Maurice died in 1990 and in 2000 he got his wish when the Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre opened in Darfield. You can see some of the things Maurice collected on display at the Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre.  

Address: 2 Vicar Road, Darfield, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 9JZ 

Email: info@DarfieldMuseum.co.uk 

Contact number: Museum: 01226 754593 / Bookings: 01226 752818 

Website: https://www.darfieldmuseum.co.uk/ 

Health and Wellbeing Support 

Chilypep  

Chilypep is a young people's empowerment project, dedicated to raising the voices of young people and giving them the confidence, influence and platform to shape their world and stay connected. They work with young people in Sheffield, Barnsley, South Yorkshire and beyond to campaign around issues that affect them. This also includes working with organisations and schools to increase the meaningful participation of young people in strategic decisions. 

Address: Blucher St, Barnsley, S70 1AP 

Contact number: 01226 213123 

Website: https://chilypep.org.uk/ 

‘Sexuality and Gender Awareness’ Forum (SAGA)  

Sexuality and Gender Awareness Forum (SAGA) is a support and peer education group that provides a community for LGBTQ+ identifying students, allies and others who simply want to know more about gender identity and sexuality topics. SAGA seeks to educate the campus about the unique issues faced by LGBTQ+ students.  

Email: barnsleycollegesaga@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BarnsleySAGA/ 

Trans Barnsley 

Trans Barnsley is a supportive initiative based at the Barnsley Recovery College. It is dedicated to assisting the transgender and non-binary community and their families in Barnsley. The program offers support groups for trans and non-binary individuals aged sixteen and over. The program aims to provide a non-judgmental, confidential space where individuals can be themselves and connect with others, regardless of where they are on their gender identity journey. They also run a Families & Partners Focus group every four weeks for those supporting a trans or non-binary person. 

Address: 33 Gawber Road, Barnsley, S75 2AH. 

Email: TransBarnsley@swyt.nhs.uk. 

Website: Trans Barnsley 

Contact number: 07880 016359 

Barnsley Wellbeing Programme  

The Barnsley Wellbeing Programme is a 12-week initiative funded by BMBC Public Health, designed to support individuals in making positive lifestyle changes. It’s available to residents of Barnsley or those registered with a Barnsley GP who meet certain criteria, such as having a BMI of 25-40. The service will provide with personalised support, full leisure centre access for the duration of the programme, and nutritional support, as well. The programme aims to empower participants to take control of their health and wellbeing through structured support and access to leisure activities. It’s a comprehensive approach to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes. 

Email: community.health@bpl.org.uk 

Contact number: 01226 738657 

Address: Queens Ground Queens Road, Barnsley S71 1AN 

Locations 

Address details: 

Metrodome, Queens Rd, S71 1AN 

Hoyland Leisure Centre, West St, Hoyland, S74 9EH 

Royston Leisure Centre, Station Rd, Royston, S71 4HZ 

Dearnside Leisure Centre, Goldthorpe Road, S63 9EN 

Age UK- Barnsley 

Age UK Barnsley is a local independent charity dedicated to supporting older people and their carers in the Barnsley area. They offer a variety of services including advice on social care, housing, benefits, and more, all provided free and confidentially. Additionally, they run activity programs like Yoga, Tai Chi, Healthy Bones, and Men in Sheds—a social project for older men (50+) to learn new skills. For those needing assistance with basic DIY or garden maintenance, there’s a Handyperson and Gardening Service. 

Email: enquiries@ageukbarnsley.org.uk 

Contact number: 01226 776820 

Address: 36a Queens Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 1AR 

IDAS – Independent Domestic Abuse Service 

Talk to us if your current, ex-partner or family member makes you feel afraid, embarrassed, calls you names, takes control of your money, stops you from seeing friends or is violent towards you, even some of the time.   

People from all walks of life can be subjected to abuse and violence, including men as well as women, people in same-sex relationships, trans and non-binary people, older people, and people with a disability.

IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) is an independent charity working in Barnsley and other areas of Yorkshire. We offer support to anyone who is at risk of harm, abuse, or violence from a partner, ex-partner, or a family member.

We can provide information and guidance. We will not tell you what to do. Our helpline is open seven days a week. Call us on 03000 110 110, or visit our website where you can join a LiveChat from 1 pm – 4 pm Monday – Friday. Visit: www.idas.org.uk 

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