The service is available in all languages.

Carer Connect has been launched as a new, free support service providing advice, support and information to unpaid carers across Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster, and Sheffield.

The service is available to anyone caring for a family member or friend across South Yorkshire.

Launched during Carers Week in June, 2026, the service aims to help more people recognise their unpaid carer role and access support that they are entitled to.

Across South Yorkshire an estimated 140,000 people provide unpaid care, with many not recognising themselves as carers or being known to local authority services.

Digital assistants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through WhatsApp, ready to provide advice and answer questions on local services, financial support, carers’ legal rights, and looking after personal health and wellbeing.

No referral is required.

Councillor Stan Bryan, Barnsley cabinet spokesperson for adult social care and integrated health, said: “Unpaid carers are often the invisible backbone of our health and care system, and it’s vital that we do more to support them.

“Carer Connect is about making sure no one in Barnsley has to face that role alone, with support available at any time, not just during office hours.

“By helping people access the right information at the right time, we can make it easier to tackle challenges early on and ensure carers have the tools and support they need to look after themselves, their families, and the person they care for.”