South Yorkshire..
..is home to Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and all the places in between - each with its own distinctive character.
“Sheffield is a big, diverse city – and then, some Barnsley villages are so small. Who is Your Neighbour? works with really different groups.”
![South Yorkshire is home to Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and all the places in between - each with its own distinctive character [graphical map]](https://whoisyourneighbour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Region.webp "South Yorkshire is home to Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and all the places in between - each with its own distinctive character.")
The area has in recent decades, years and months undergone rapid change. Looking back, many places in South Yorkshire boomed or were birthed during the Industrial Revolution and when the pits opened for deep coal mining.
Download Proud of this Place to learn more.
![Older man in cap, holding cigarettes and gesturing from his electric wheelchair with shopping bags attached [photograph]](https://whoisyourneighbour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Older-man-in-cap-holding-cigarettes-and-gesturing-from-his-electric-wheelchair-with-shopping-bags-attached-3-2.webp "Older man in cap, holding cigarettes and gesturing from his electric wheelchair with shopping bags attached")
The region was hit hard by a decline in many industries, and that decline is still evident in empty buildings and factories and the stories people tell. Mining and steel work meant more to many communities than a wage. A sense of loss remains in some places, despite regeneration projects, local creativity and resilience. Read more in Industrial Decline.
“older generations here feel a deep attachment to these villages.”
Where I live
Here are some quotes about areas in and around Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield from people we have met who live there. Can you guess which place they’re from?!
“We get on quietly with all that’s been shovelled our way. There are nice villages and not nice villages. We were a leading edge place - we’re surrounded by the past.”
Les.
“You won't find an area with more honest, kind people. You are greeted with a smile and a ‘Hello’.”
Hannah.
“When I arrive back from holiday it is a bit depressing knowing I’m back - but you soon get used to the old stamping ground.”
Paul.
“We have had our problems - new developments give us hope for a brighter future. This place is full of diversity, surrounded by green spaces, with great links to surrounding areas.”
Dawn.
“This place was built on tough industries and hard workers. There is a lot of pride. I was raised here and I’ll always have a place for it in my heart - but I think it is getting left behind because of stubbornness.”
Dan.
“It’s vibrant, with a range of things to do and cultures to explore! To us, it is an up-and-coming place we’re excited to be part of.”
Hannah.
It is a small mining town with a lot of heritage - on the rise. It has always been a quiet, steady town, keeping the wheels turning.”
Nathan.
“I enjoy the local slang and woodland walks”
Beth.
“It has its highs - good night life, lovely parks, community spirit. It also has negative aspects. It can be depressing or full of joy. I can’t honestly say it’s good or bad, it depends on your experience.”
Paul.
“It’s a place of two halves. I love the fact I can always strike up a friendly conversation in the pub. But one side is affluent and the other is not. And there is so much unused land and space.”
Matt.