Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority deploy behaviour change platform to get residents moving more, with weekly, monthly and bi-monthly prizes and a growing network of local reward partners.

Modeshift Corporate Premium Member – BetterPoints, the UK behaviour change rewards platform, launched in Barnsley on 15 June 2026, bringing an incentive-based approach to increasing everyday physical activity across the borough.

BetterPoints launches physical activity rewards programme across Barnsley

Funded by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund, the programme is live across all six area councils. Its primary aim is to encourage residents to be active for at least ten minutes a day through walking, wheeling, and cycling – with public transport journeys also rewarded as part of the broader offer.

How the programme works

Residents download the BetterPoints app free on iOS or Android and earn digital points by recording walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport journeys. Points can be redeemed for:

• High-street vouchers with brands including Argos, Amazon, Costa, and Greggs
• Rewards at local Barnsley businesses
• Donations to local charities
• Entry into weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly prize draws for Barnsley Gift Cards, redeemable at over 160 local businesses

Prizes are available through the programme, with the prize draw structure designed to sustain long-term engagement beyond initial sign-up.

Programme objectives

The BetterPoints Barnsley programme has been designed to deliver across three priority areas:

• Increasing daily physical activity among Barnsley residents, with a target of at least ten minutes of active travel per day
• Encouraging more walking, wheeling, and cycling as part of everyday life
• Supporting local economic activity by directing spending power towards Barnsley businesses and reward partners

‘We’re committed to making Barnsley a healthier and more connected place to live and that means investing in the things that help residents make positive changes in their daily lives. BetterPoints is a simple, free way for residents to get involved, earn rewards and feel the benefit of being more active. And because those rewards can be spent locally, it also helps support businesses right here in Barnsley.’

Councillor Paul Kelly, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, Barnsley MBC

‘Barnsley is a borough that’s on the move, and BetterPoints is the perfect companion for that journey. We know that small, everyday choices – a walk to the shops, cycling to work, jumping on the bus – all add up to real change, both for people’s health and for our streets. This programme makes those choices feel rewarding in the most literal sense, and we’re proud to be bringing it to residents across all six areas of the council.’

Jack Windle, Chief Sustainable Transport Officer, BetterPoints

Partner and reward network

BetterPoints Barnsley is actively building its local reward partner network. Businesses, community organisations, and charities across the borough are invited to join the programme, offering rewards to app users in return for increased footfall and visibility among an active, engaged local audience.

Partner enquiries can be directed to BetterPoints via barnsley.betterpoints.uk.