Author: Rahel Abegas

This summer, Fresh Futures was delighted to deliver another successful Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, providing children and young people with a safe, engaging and enriching place to spend their holidays. From arts and crafts and cooking sessions to educational trips and wellbeing activities, the programme was packed with opportunities for children to learn, create, stay active and make lasting memories.

What made this year particularly special was the successful launch of our new HAF provision in Heckmondwike, alongside our established programme in Huddersfield. Expanding into a second location enabled us to reach and support even more children and families across Kirklees, and the positive response from the local community has been incredible.

Creativity at the Heart of Summer

Throughout the programme, children explored their creativity through a wide variety of arts and crafts activities. Sessions included diamond art bookmarks, picture frame decorating, pebble art, personalised bracelet making, clay modelling, keyring creation, canvas painting, graffiti art, tile printing, mask decorating, seed planting and team mural projects.

Children also took part in mindfulness-focused activities such as mandala colouring and pop art projects, helping them to express themselves while developing confidence and creativity.

We were also pleased to welcome volunteers from CAMHS to both sites, who delivered engaging wellbeing workshops. Children created colourful pinwheels and bracelets whilst participating in activities designed to encourage positive mental wellbeing and self-expression.

Learning Through Cooking and Baking

Food education remained a key part of the programme, with children taking part in numerous cooking and baking sessions throughout the summer.

Together they prepared a variety of recipes including pizza naan breads, tortilla pizzas, calzones, bread making, chicken and vegetable skewers, cupcakes, cookies, chocolate treats, mug cakes, salads and fruit platters.

These activities helped children develop practical cooking skills, teamwork, confidence in the kitchen and an understanding of healthy eating in a fun and supportive environment.

Building Life Skills

One of the highlights of the summer was a life-skills project delivered in Huddersfield, where children created shopping lists, planned budgets and visited a local supermarket to purchase ingredients for a bake sale.

The children then worked together to organise and run a successful bake sale, with funds raised helping to support future treats and activities. This experience gave participants a valuable insight into budgeting, planning, teamwork and enterprise skills while boosting their confidence and independence.

Exploring Our Local Community

Getting out and about was an important part of the programme, and children enjoyed a variety of educational and recreational trips throughout the summer.

Alongside twice-weekly visits to local parks, children explored:

• Greenhead Park
• Wilton Park
• Bagshaw Museum
• Oakwell Hall Country Park
• Tenpin Laser Quest in Dewsbury

These outings gave children the opportunity to learn about local history, connect with nature, build friendships and create positive summer memories outside of their usual environments.

The end-of-summer visit to Tenpin Laser Quest was a particular favourite, and we are grateful to the team for generously providing discounted ice creams for our young people.

Staying Active Every Day

Physical activity was incorporated into daily programming, with children encouraged to take part in at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day.

Activities included football, basketball, tennis, rounders, boxing fitness, Thai pad training, team games and guided walks. Breathing exercises and mindfulness activities were also integrated into outdoor sessions.

We were fortunate to have support from Shabana, a qualified Personal Trainer, who delivered mini workout sessions both onsite and in local parks, helping children develop healthy habits whilst having fun.

In addition to organised activities, children had access to recreational facilities including table tennis, pool tables, basketball hoops, interactive boxing games, board games, card games, supervised Xbox sessions in Heckmondwike and a cinema room in Huddersfield.

Community Support Makes a Difference

The success of the programme was strengthened by the incredible generosity of local businesses and community partners.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:

• Greggs, who donated bread loaves weekly for four weeks, with surplus bread distributed to families and caregivers.
• UKFC, who donated chicken and chips meals for children and staff.
• Burger Avenue, who kindly donated pizza and chips.
• Pizza Hut, who donated pizzas for participants.
• West Coast Super Store, who provided treats for children during a community visit.
• Tenpin Dewsbury, for supporting our end-of-summer trip.

These contributions helped ensure children had access to additional food, treats and memorable experiences throughout the programme.

Looking Back on a Fantastic Summer

This year’s HAF Summer Programme was filled with creativity, learning, laughter and new opportunities. Most importantly, it provided children with a place to feel safe, supported and valued while developing friendships, confidence and life skills.

The successful expansion into Heckmondwike marks an exciting step forward for Fresh Futures, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact achieved across both locations.

A huge thank you goes to our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, children and families who helped make this summer such a success.

We look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities for children and young people in the future. ☀️💙

Hear what the children thought below!

Fresh Futures responds to national concerns about significantly high numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), and calls for greater investment in the services that help young people thrive. 

This week’s BBC coverage of the growing NEET crisis paints a stark picture of the challenges facing young people across the UK. Young people have shared stories of hundreds of unsuccessful job applications, years spent searching for work, barriers created by disability and poor mental health, and increasing competition for apprenticeships and entry-level roles. The message was clear: young people are not short of ambition, but many are short of opportunity.  

At Fresh Futures, we recognise these stories because they reflect the experiences of many of the young people we support. 

However, we also see something else: resilience, determination and untapped potential. 

The risk facing our communities is not that young people lack motivation. The real risk is that without sustained investment, coordinated support and meaningful opportunities, we may create a lost generation of young people who become disconnected from education, employment and society through no fault of their own. 

Young People Need Opportunity, Not Judgement 

The BBC’s reporting echoes findings from Alan Milburn’s national review, which concluded that the challenge is not one of effort, but of access to support and opportunity. For many young people, particularly those experiencing anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD or other additional needs, traditional pathways into education and employment do not always work effectively.  

At Brian Jackson College, we have long understood that success is rarely achieved through qualifications alone. It starts with relationships, a feeling of belonging, confidence and feeling understood. 

That belief sits at the heart of our alternative education, in particular our Post 16 provision, launched last year to create a safe, supportive learning environment where neurodiverse young people can thrive. We developed the provision in response to a growing need amongst young people who were struggling to flourish within more traditional educational settings and who were at significant risk of becoming disengaged. 

By providing personalised support, smaller learning environments and a culture that values each young person’s strengths, we are helping learners re-engage with education, develop confidence and take positive next steps towards adulthood. 

The results have been encouraging, with strong progression outcomes and young people demonstrating that, when given the right environment, they can achieve far more than many believed possible. 

Every Success Story Matters 

Behind every headline about NEET statistics is an individual story. 

At Brian Jackson College, we regularly see young people arrive with low confidence, poor previous educational experiences or uncertainty about their future. Through tailored support, consistent relationships and high expectations, they begin to rebuild confidence and discover what they are capable of achieving. 

These journeys reinforce a simple truth: young people do not need to be fixed. They need opportunities to succeed. 

That is why investment in specialist educational provision, early intervention and youth support services remains so critical. Without them, too many young people risk falling through the gaps between schools, health services, employers and wider systems of support. 

Tackling Social Isolation Through Elevate 

The BBC coverage also highlighted the growing links between mental health, disability and long-term disengagement from employment and education. 

For many young people, isolation can become a significant barrier to progress. 

Through Fresh Futures’ elevate programme, we work to tackle that challenge directly. Elevate creates opportunities for peer connection, helping young people build meaningful relationships, increase confidence and develop a stronger sense of belonging. 

For young people who are furthest from the workforce, Elevate also provides opportunities to develop employability skills, build aspirations and gain confidence in taking their next steps towards education, volunteering, training or employment. 

We know that confidence often develops through connection. When young people feel part of a community, they are far more likely to believe in themselves and their future. 

Welcoming Employer Action 

While the national picture remains challenging, there are positive signs. 

Fresh Futures welcomes this week’s announcement from Sainsbury’s that it will create approximately 10,000 work experience opportunities through its new Modern Work Experience Programme. The initiative aims to help young people build confidence, gain practical workplace experience and improve access to employment opportunities. Research associated with the programme found that meaningful engagement with employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of a young person becoming NEET.  

This is exactly the kind of action that is needed. 

Too often, access to work experience depends on personal networks or family connections. Initiatives that open doors to all young people, regardless of their background, are vital if we are serious about addressing youth unemployment and economic inactivity.  

We hope more employers will follow Sainsbury’s lead and recognise the valuable role they can play in supporting the next generation. 

A Call for Long-Term Investment 

If we are to avoid a lost generation, Fresh Futures is calling for a move beyond short-term solutions. 

We need sustained investment in youth services, specialist educational provision, mental health support, employability programmes and opportunities for meaningful employer engagement. We need systems that recognise the individuality of young people and support them holistically, rather than expecting them to navigate increasingly complex challenges alone. 

At Fresh Futures, we remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure young people do not become NEET. 

Through Brian Jackson College, our Post 16 provision and Elevate, we will continue creating environments where young people feel safe, connected and empowered to thrive. 

Because every young person is more than a statistic. They deserve a future filled with opportunity. 

Mark Farmer, Fresh Futures Chief Executive, says: “The stories highlighted this week should concern us all. We are seeing increasing numbers of young people facing barriers linked to mental health, neurodiversity, social isolation and a lack of opportunities. The risk is that we create a lost generation of talented young people whose potential goes unrealised. At Fresh Futures, we know that when young people are given the right environment and the right support, they thrive. That’s exactly why we’ve invested in our Post 16 provision at Brian Jackson College and programmes such as Elevate. We welcome initiatives like Sainsbury’s new work experience programme, but we also need sustained national investment in services for young people if we are serious about creating lasting change.” 

Volunteer of the season is when we get to shout about our amazing volunteers and the, quite literally, life changing work they do to help Fresh Futures run smoothly and effectively.

This time we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Lesley who is a Event Photography and Content Creation Volunteer. We caught up with Lesley to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am Zimbabwean British born in West Yorkshire!
I love self expression and creativity and most Importantly giving back to my community.
I am also a freelance luxury event and wedding stationery designer! I also love attending music gigs and traveling.

How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?

I’ve been volunteering with Fresh Futures for 9 months now.

Tell us about your volunteering role:

I am a creative content producer and photographer!

What made you want to start volunteering at Fresh Futures?

I wanted to give back to the community who supported my parents who came over to England.
I also wanted to be an inspiration to those who are younger than me that you can make a big impact on yourself and your community by giving back.

What’s your favourite thing about volunteering at Fresh Futures?

My favourite thing about volunteering for Fresh Futures is that I have been able to meet so many incredible people from all walks of life!

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering at Fresh Futures?

I would highly recommend volunteering for Fresh Futures, as mentioned already you get to meet so many inspiring and amazing people. It feels great to be able to give back to yours community while working alongside likeminded individuals.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Charlotte, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Aimee on 01484 519988 or [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who joined us, whether in person or remotely, to support Fresh Futures. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, meet some new ones, and come together over coffee, conversation and plenty of delicious baked goods.

A special thank you to all the businesses, cafés, teams and individuals who hosted their own Coffee Mornings and took part from afar.

– Ramsden Solicitors
– The Route Upgrade (TRU)
– Pedal and Pour Café
– JLR Huddersfield – Sytner Group
– Kumon Maths And English

Your support helped make this year’s event even more special, and we’re so grateful to everyone who baked, donated, attended and helped spread the word. WE MANAGED TO RAISE OVER £600!

Events like these show the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together to support children, young people and families across Kirklees. 💜

Thank you for helping us create brighter futures, one coffee and cake at a time.

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Over the past week, our budding bakers have been busy in the kitchen, preparing a range of homemade treats ready to sell as part of the holiday club activities. From mixing ingredients to decorating their creations, the young people have demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork every step of the way.

To get the fundraising started, they put their entrepreneurial skills into action by running a bake sale for staff, visitors and supporters throughout the building, which included:

• Hand-designing marketing material to put around the building to notify and attract customers
• Aesthetically positioning the goodies strategically on the platters
• Maintaining good food hygiene etiquette by wearing gloves whilst handling food
• Using their numeracy skills to handle cash transactions

Alongside their own baking preparations, the sale featured a delicious selection of treats kindly donated by supporters, helping to create a tempting display that proved popular with customers.

The bake sale offered more than just an opportunity to raise funds. It also gave the young people the chance to develop valuable life skills, including customer service, communication, teamwork and handling money. From serving customers with a smile to managing sales and keeping the stall stocked, they embraced every aspect of running a successful fundraiser.

They managed to raise £98 in just 2 hours! Every penny raised will help Fresh Futures continue supporting children, young people and families across Kirklees, making a real difference in our local communities.

Catherine McKenzie, Head of Children and Family Services at Fresh Futures, said:

“I’m really pleased to see how successful the bake sale has been and how well it’s been supported by our local community. The children have gained some great skills taking part in the event and built their confidence, which is fantastic to see and one of the key goals of our HAF clubs that we run during school holidays. Roll on next week!”

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Proposed reforms to England’s education system have sparked discussion across the sector this week, with plans to give young people more opportunities to combine academic learning with technical and vocational pathways from the age of 14. The proposals would also see schools working more closely with employers to help pupils gain relevant skills and experience for the careers available in their local area.

At Fresh Futures, we believe this reflects something we have known for a long time: there is no single route to success.

Every young person has different strengths, interests and aspirations. While traditional academic pathways work well for many, others thrive when learning is tailored to their individual needs, supported by practical experiences and connected to real-world opportunities.

The proposed changes would allow pupils to combine core subjects such as English, maths and science with technical education routes linked to local employment opportunities. Young people would also have opportunities to spend time with employers and gain valuable workplace experience. The reforms are expected to begin operating from September 2028.

For organisations like Fresh Futures, the recognition that different pathways deserve equal value is a positive development. We know that when young people are supported to find the route that is right for them, engagement improves, confidence grows and outcomes can be transformed.

Personalised support already delivering results

Across our education provision, we work with young people who may have struggled in mainstream settings or who require additional support to achieve their potential.

At Brian Jackson College, our alternative provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, personalised learning sits at the heart of everything we do. The college supports pupils who have often experienced barriers to education and provides tailored academic, pastoral and personal development support designed around individual circumstances and ambitions.

This approach was recognised in the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, published in June 2026. Inspectors described Brian Jackson College as a place where “leaders and staff have built a peaceful space where pupils thrive” and noted that pupils access a “highly inclusive environment”. They also highlighted leaders’ “unrelenting ambition for every pupil” and found that pupils are “well-prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training”

The report further praised the school’s strong personalised support, highly effective pastoral care and the positive academic and social progress achieved by pupils.

Inspectors recognised how young people are supported to develop into confident, resilient and respectful individuals, ready for the next stage of their lives.

Looking ahead

As discussions continue around the future of education, Fresh Futures hopes to see continued recognition that success looks different for different young people.

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of Fresh Futures, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, but there is no one-size-fits-all route to achieving that success. We welcome the growing recognition across the education sector that young people benefit when pathways are shaped around their individual strengths, interests and ambitions.

“At Fresh Futures, we see every day how personalised support can transform outcomes. Our experience shows that when young people are given the right environment, the right encouragement and access to pathways that make sense for them, they develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed to thrive.

The most important thing is that all young people are able to access high-quality opportunities that help them move positively into education, employment or training, whatever path they choose.”

The national conversation about education reform will continue in the coming months, but Fresh Futures believe that one principle should remain at its heart: young people achieve their best when they are recognised as individuals and supported to follow pathways that are right for them. Fresh Futures has long championed that approach, and we look forward to continuing our work helping young people build brighter futures.

A huge congratulations to our five incredible fundraisers who took on the Tough Mudder Yorkshire challenge!

From steep climbs and epic obstacles to plenty of mud along the way, each participant pushed themselves to the limit and showed amazing determination. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🔥

Not only did they conquer one of the toughest challenges around, but they also helped raise vital funds to support disadvantaged children, young people and families across Kirklees. 💙

We are so proud of everything they achieved and grateful for the difference they’re making in our community.

Please join us in celebrating their fantastic achievement! 👏👏👏 and support if you can on their fundraising page.

If you think you have what it takes to do the Tough Mudder challenge, look out for places opening soon so you can represent us down the course at next years event!

Watch how it went below:

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The award follows a comprehensive assessment process which found that the college is successfully embedding mental health and wellbeing across all eight areas of the School Mental Health Award framework. Assessors praised the college for its strong culture, leadership and commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the entire college community

Following our incredibly positive Ofsted Report earlier this month, we are delighted to continue the recognition for Brian Jackson College by announcing this Award.

The verification report described Brian Jackson as a “warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe” college where leaders are highly visible and accessible, students are friendly and engaged, and a strong sense of belonging is fostered through the college ethos, “This Is What We Do Here.”

A particular strength identified by assessors was the college’s approach to staff wellbeing. The report highlighted year-round wellbeing and performance conversations, protected weekly wellbeing time for staff, peer recognition initiatives such as the Mug of the Week, and access to confidential support through the Wisdom app for both employees and their families.

The assessor concluded that Brian Jackson College had demonstrated effective practice across every area of the framework and stated that they had “no hesitation” in recommending the college for the award. School leads were commended for approaching the accreditation with “energy, commitment, and genuine pride” in what the college provides for its learners and staff.

Jacqui Green, Headteacher of Brian Jackson College, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Bronze School Mental Health Award. Mental health and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything we do at Brian Jackson College, and Fresh Futures, and this accreditation recognises the dedication of our staff, the voice of our students and the strong sense of community that we have built together. Following our highly positive Ofsted outcome, this is another wonderful endorsement of the caring, inclusive and ambitious environment we provide for our young people. We look forward to continuing to build on this work and ensuring that wellbeing remains a priority for everyone in our college community.”

The report also confirmed that mental health and wellbeing will remain a permanent feature of the college’s ongoing improvement plans, ensuring that support for students, staff and families continues to evolve and respond to emerging needs.

This latest achievement further reinforces Brian Jackson College‘s commitment to helping every young person thrive academically, socially and emotionally, while providing a workplace culture where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to do their very best.

Fresh Futures is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of our dedicated runners who recently took part in the Lindley 10K, raising over £900 to support children, young people, and families across Kirklees.

On race day, our team laced up their trainers and joined hundreds of participants for the popular community event.

The fantastic total raised will contribute towards the support services, opportunities, and programmes that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and families throughout Kirklees. Every donation helps us create brighter futures and ensure that local people can access the support they need when they need it most.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the run, as well as the friends, family members, colleagues, and supporters who donated, encouraged, and cheered our runners on along the route. Your generosity and support made this achievement possible.

Congratulations to every member of the team on completing the challenge. Raising over £900 is a fantastic achievement, and every mile really has made a difference.