Our impact
Our impact
At CISWO, we are committed to delivering a wider range of support than ever before, constantly adapting our services to meet the changing needs of those we work with. Our Impact Report highlights the vital services and meaningful interventions we have provided, showcasing the real impact on former coal miners, their families, coalfield communities, and mining charities.
James’ story
Former miner James discovered CISWO’s Personal Welfare Service through a miners’ social media group, a decision that proved life‑changing. Although already receiving Industrial Injury Disability Benefit for pneumoconiosis, he felt his award did not fully reflect the condition’s impact on his daily life.
With CISWO’s specialist welfare benefits support, he increased his disability award, secured additional compensation, and gained vital financial help. James described the outcome as transformative, providing not only essential financial support but also a sense of being understood, supported, and properly represented.
Supporting Sustainable Energy at Dodworth Miners’ Welfare
CISWO has been supporting Dodworth Miners’ Welfare with guidance around funding, permissions and partnership working to help improve the long‑term sustainability of this important community facility. Through this work, it was identified that rising energy costs were placing significant strain on the welfare, limiting the resources available for local groups and activities.
With a £25,000 CISWO investment, delivered alongside Net Zero Barnsley and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a major solar energy installation has now been completed. The project includes 50 solar panels and battery storage, reducing annual energy bills by almost half and generating 18,920 kWh of clean energy each year. This will deliver around £3,500 in savings, plus an additional £2,500 through surplus energy sold back to the National Grid.
These improvements will help secure the future of a vital community hub supporting sport, recreation, music groups and large local events.
“Energy costs have put real strain on the welfare for years, so the impact of these solar panels has been unbelievable. We’re already seeing a projected £3,500 annual improvement to our bottom line. As someone who spent 50 years in mining, I’m proud to see the welfare embracing modern energy solutions that secure our future.” — Eric Richardson, Chairman of Dodworth Miners’ Welfare
Mark’s Story
Following a life changing health diagnosis, Mark was finding it difficult to navigate the stairs up to his first floor property and worried about his future. We supported Mark to move into one of our self-contained, low cost bungalows, which has significantly improved his quality of life, and eased some of his worries around coping in the future.
“Moving into this bungalow has changed my life, in fact I would say that it has also prolonged my life. The first night after moving in I felt like a weight had been lifted, knowing that I have everything I need and no longer had to worry about having to climb stairs to access my home. I am very grateful for all the support.”
Supporting Brooke with Higher Education
Brooke, who is currently studying for a degree in Social Media Management, first learned about the CISWO education grant through her uncle, who encouraged her to apply after hearing about the support available for those from mining families.
Brooke’s father worked in the mines for fourteen years, from 1980 to 1994, before sadly passing away when Brooke was eight years old. With a strong personal connection to the industry, the CISWO grant offered meaningful assistance at a crucial time in her academic journey, offering both practical and emotional reassurance during her studies.
As she progresses through her degree, Brooke is preparing for a future in digital marketing, an industry experiencing rapid growth. She hopes to build a career in media advertising, taking advantage of the expanding opportunities within the sector.
“The CISWO educational grant was incredibly beneficial to my education. It allowed me to purchase equipment and software that improved my overall performance at university and ensured my assignments were completed to the highest standard. It gave me access to things that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible and greatly improved my university experience”
What we delivered in 2025
2362
people received our support.
139 k
grants given to support individuals
£ 4.59 m
worth of additional income for beneficiaries
200 +
local mining charities provided with support and guidance
£ 176 k
invested in other charities
£ 608 k
in external funding secured for miners’ welfare charities
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