A NEW charity hub will be formed in Barnsley following a merger of two long-running organisations.

Voluntary Action Barnsley, which has been based at The Core on County Way in Barnsley town centre since 2008 and Priory Campus, on Pontefract Road, Lundwood, will join forces from October, under the new name of Barnsley Charity Voluntary Service.

VAB has already moved out of The Core to Priory Campus, with The Core being at the centre of a proposed purchase from Barnsley Council, which has identified it as a key place to entice more businesses to the location.

Established in 1978, VAB offered support to local charities and put its volunteers into local projects while Priory Campus, formed in 1996, has delivered a variety of services and offers accommodation to small local charities and community groups.

Melvyn Lunn, chairman of Barnsley CVS, hailed the amalgamation as something which will benefit the town’s volunteers for years to come.

He said: “This is a really exciting partnership as it brings together years of charitable and community experience.

“Trustees of Priory Campus and members of Voluntary Action Barnsley voted unanimously for the merger which will enable us to make an even bigger positive contribution to our community.

“As part of the merger, colleagues from VAB have moved to Priory Campus to ensure the charity operates as efficiently as possible.

“Barnsley Council has expressed an interest in the future use of The Core building. Discussions are taking place with a view to purchase but are still in the early stages.”

In addition to advice, information, training, facilities and accounting services offered by Barnsley CVS, the organisation will also promote volunteering and match volunteers with local opportunities.

The charity estimates there are around 900 volunteer-led community groups in Barnsley, while more than 20,000 of the town’s population give up their spare time to help projects get off the ground.

Mr Lunn added: “We will make it our mission to give Barnsley charities a voice and help them influence local and national partners, funders and policy makers.

“We welcome as many groups and organisations as possible to join our membership as, together through true collaboration and joint working, we can effect positive change for the people of Barnsley as a whole.

“Basic membership of Barnsley CVS is free of charge to all groups and organisations who choose to become involved, and existing Voluntary Action Barnsley members, will be offered automatic membership.”