CONGRATULATIONS: BRIAN JACKSON COLLEGE LEAVERS

Another year and another cohort of leavers at YCC’s alternative provision school.

This year, several pupils came to the end of their journeys at Brian Jackson College, after completing two years with us, studying the national curriculum, gaining important qualifications and certificates, and learning important life skills.

Brian Jackson College is an Alternative Provision supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. We are based in Kirklees across 2 sites (Huddersfield and Heckmondwike).

This year’s cohort completed courses in core subjects such as English, Maths, Science & Financial Education; plus vocational subjects including food technology, motor vehicle maintenance and construction.

Our aim is to inspire all our pupils to be motivated and successful citizens, equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. We have created a positive environment that offers a fresh start and encourages and promotes pupils’ academic, social, moral, spiritual and cultural learning.

“Where does the time go? We are SO PROUD of this year’s leavers, who fought valiantly throughout the pandemic to continue to achieve to the best of there ability. At the end of the academic year, we always try to spoil our pupils and give them a great send off. This year, all pupils were invited back for an afternoon of pizza and laughter. This included the staff showing off their dance moves. On behalf of myself and every one of the college staff, we wish each and every pupil joy and success on the next part of their journey, and remind them that we area always here, if they need us!” 

A message from Brigitte Barrowclough, Deputy Head Teacher at the Huddersfield college
In the summer, before the academic year came to an end, staff and pupils held an impromptu Sports Day which was great fun!

If you would like to learn more about YCC’s alternative provision colleges, please click HERE to visit the college website.

If you would like to fundraise for, support, or collaborate with the college, please contact [email protected].

The college also has an Amazon Wish List, which includes appliances for the cooking and art classes, plus educational books. You can view this, HERE.

Fresh Futures Sends a Big Thank You to All Of July’s Supporters

July was a fantastically busy month for all involved at Fresh Futures last month. Each day was filled with exciting achievements and developments across the charity. And none of it would have been possible without the wonderful support from the community, local businesses, volunteers, employees and beyond!
Today we would like to take some time out to say not one but TEN THANK YOUs to a wide array of Fresh Futures Charity supporters, who have been fundamental in helping us achieve so much. Here we go…

On 10th July, Daniel Todd from Proactive Code ran the Ilkley 1/2 marathon to raise funds for Fresh Futures. Proactive Code are the organisation that supported Fresh Futures with the creation of the new website that we have today, and it’s amazing that we have been able to continue working together since. Daniel raised a whopping £203.75 for the charity which will go towards providing vital services for our Children, Young People and Families.

On 17th July, a group of 27 walkers and three dogs took to the streets of Huddersfield for a 2.5 mile hike from Fresh Futures Brian Jackson House, up to the top of Castle Hill (and back down again!). It was a really fun day, and the walkers collectively raised a whopping £837.50 for YCC. A big thank you to everyone who took part, and who sponsored the walkers to help this run so successfully.

For this event, all refreshments were provided by AG Barr who sent us 48 bottles of water and 72 cans of Iron Bru. Refreshment bags were handed our to all participants at the start of the walk, and they were much needed as we walked up during heatwave weather. We were all very happy to enjoy a cold can of Iron Bru once we reached the top. THANK YOU AG Barr!

What’s more, the yellow t-shirts worn during the event were provided by IPrint Apparel in Huddersfield. Another very kind and helpful gesture came from IPrint Apparel, who gave the charity a large discount for the t-shirts. These Fresh Futures shirts were great at helping us raise our profile as we marched up the hill as one team.

This July, Fresh Futures also received a very important donation from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. Following some employee First Aid training across all of YCC’s sites, it was brought to the attention of the Leadership Team that the charity and the communities in these areas, would largely benefit from having access to defibrillator machines. In response to this, WYFRS have provided Fresh Futures with funding through their Community Grant for FOUR defibrillator machines and cases to support the charity and local communities. The defibrillators will soon be installed outside Brian Jackson House, our two colleges, and the Jo Cox House community centre in Batley. Once up and running, they will be accessible to staff and members of the public by calling 999 or 112 and following the simple instructions.

On 22nd July, we posted our Amazon Wish list across social media. We were absolutely delighted when, less than a week later, we received a small library in the post! A big big THANK YOU goes to Dr Ellen Jackson (Daughter of the charity’s founder, Brian Jackson) for this wonderful gift. These have been taken to be shared across our Alternative Provision Colleges in Huddersfield and Heckmondwike for our students. These positive books, will help not only with their literacy skills, but to enhance their positivity, motivation and enthusiasm.

The 23rd and 24th July was a big weekend for YCC, as 5 brave walkers took on the 24hr National Three Peaks Challenge. Thanks to the amazing support from lots of sponsors, the walkers collectively raised £1447.02 for Fresh Futures which is outstanding!

As the month neared the end, we bid an emotional farewell to our Year 11 pupils of Brian Jackson College. The pupils completed two years in our alternative provision schools, broadening their knowledge and skills, building on their health and well-being, and growing into mature young adults. We couldn’t be prouder of these pupils for what they have achieved – especially given that this cohort also experienced the global pandemic whilst developing themselves. A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who has supported the college with donations of money, experiences and equipment over the academic year, and of course to the college staff who worked so hard to help get the pupils to where they are today!

On 26th July, Fresh Futures put out an urgent appeal for more Community Friends volunteers to help us meet the increasing need for lonely and isolated people around many towns within Kirklees. Thanks to your shares and comments on our social media, we reached thousands of viewers and have since seen a surge in the number of people looking to get involved. This kind of interaction on social media is invaluable. So THANK YOU to everyone who supported our social media appeal, and of course THANK YOU to those who have joined our Volunteer Family and those who have continued to volunteer over the months and years. We continue to have a great need for volunteers. If you are interested in learning how you could volunteer, don’t hesitate to speak with Lucy Martin:

01484 519988

[email protected]

Finally, a big thank you to YOU! For reading this post. The fact that you are here, keeping up to date with our charity means the world to us. We hope that you enjoy our news updates and if you would like to get involved with Fresh Futures in ANY WAY, please don’t hesitate to email [email protected] or call us for a chat, on 01484 519988.

Volunteer of the Month: August

It’s Volunteer of the Month time again at YCC! This month, the Community Connections team nominated Phil Clarke – a very worthy candidate.

Phil started volunteering at the start of the pandemic, as he recognised how lucky he was to have a partner and not be isolated during lockdown. Phil decided to take action and help others who were not as fortunate. He has since linked with, and continues to provide support, to not one but THREE isolated and lonely individuals.

Phil spoke to Lucy Martin about his experience volunteering during the Covid-19 struggle, and beyond…

  1. Name: Phil Clarke
  2. Tell us a little about yourself? I am 75 years of age, having fully retired 3 years ago after 50 years as a Social Worker/Manager. I live in the Holme Valley with my partner Sue, and have four adult children who live across the country. I enjoy gardening, attending gigs, walking, and supporting Oldham Athletic (enjoying is sometimes debatable).
  3. How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I started volunteering during the height of the pandemic, in 2020.
  4. Please explain your volunteering role in a nutshell: I became a telephone befriender to a man with serious health problems who was isolated and scared. Since then, I have also become a telephone friend to two people, a male and a female, both of whom for quite different reasons are somewhat isolated. I intend to begin a direct contact friendship with one of them when the necessary agreements are in place.
  5. What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? My initial reasons for volunteering were acknowledging during lockdown that I had a partner – and therefore company – and we could go out together walking etc. I felt that I was in a position to be around for folk who did not have this in their lives.
  6. Sum up a typical day of volunteering for you? I am not sure that there is a typical day of volunteering for me, I telephone perhaps twice a week or so and have an enjoyable chat with both my friends.
  7. And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? Get involved if you wish to, seek advice if uncertain and get to know and build a relationship with whomever you are friends with. It’s great!

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Phil, or if you would like to get involved, please email [email protected]

YCC’s #WalkForFresh Futures a Big Success

This July saw Fresh Futures take on TWO walking challenges to raise funds and awareness for Fresh Futures.

On Sunday 17th July, a group of 27 walkers and three dogs took to the streets of Huddersfield for a 2.5 mile hike from YCC’s Brian Jackson House, up to the top of Castle Hill (and back down again!).

It was a really fun day, and the walkers collectively raised a whopping £837.50 for YCC.

The following weekend, five very brave walkers and two noble drivers took on a much larger challenge, taking on the 24hr National Peak Challenge. The group left Brian Jackson House at 9am on Saturday morning, where they drove to Ben Nevis and took on the first mountain.

Then, during what can only be described as torrential rain (a yellow weather warning was in place) they carried on to the Lake District, where they took on England’s tallest and most prominent mountain; Scafell Pike!

With a heavy heart, the group were then forced to turn back and agree to take on the final mountain, Snowdon, another day, after the weather warnings had been removed. After hours of hiking and over 30 hours of being on the road, the walkers finally returned to Huddersfield for a well-deserved rest.

YCC’s Chief Exec pictured on Scafell Pike in the blistery weather.

Although they didn’t make it to Snowdon, we can all agree that the walkers did absolutely amazingly. What’s more, the self named ‘Peaky Walkers’ collectively raised £1447.02 for Fresh Futures which is outstanding!

Together, these two walks have raised £2284.52 for YCC.

Rob Edden, YCC’s Head of Income and Support Services, took part in both the Castle Hill walk AND the National Peaks Challenge. Rob told us; “Seeing staff, volunteers and family come out to support Fresh Futures was a fantastic experience. It took a lot of effort to organise and people put themselves outside their comfort zones. So it was a privilege to be part of the group; and raising money for our programmes was a bonus“.

All of the funds raised during the two events will go directly to supporting the children, young people and families in the community, through the range of services that Fresh Futures offers.

Sara Eltman, Head of Income and Partnerships at the Charity and one of the designated drivers for the 24hr 3-Peaks Challenge, said: “On behalf of YCC, we’d like to say a HUGE thank you to all of our Fresh Futures walkers, and to everyone who very generously supported the charity.”

Would you like to get involved in Fresh Futures fundraising events? Check out our news & events page for a list of upcoming events, or create one of your own with your friends, family or colleagues and let us know about it.

#WeAreYCC

Volunteer of the Month: July

We love this time of the month: when we get to shout about our amazing volunteers and the quite literally life changing work that they do to help Fresh Futures run smoothly and effectively.

This month we are giving a very special THANK YOU to Diane David, who started volunteering earlier this year and has helped out across many of YCC’s departments since then!

We caught up with Diane to hear about her Fresh Futures Volunteering Journey so far…

  1. Name:  Diane David.
  2. Tell us a little about yourself? I’m a single mother in my 40’s. I initially came to Fresh Futures to begin some training around getting back to work, having been a stay at home mum for over a decade. Then the pandemic hit and I was introduced to the Hopeful Families programme. 
  3. How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I began volunteering in March this year, so it’s been around four months. 
  4. Please explain your volunteering role in a nutshell: In my volunteering role, I help out Jo with the weekly stay and play and spend time interacting with both the kids and their parents. I also helped out at recent Jubilee celebrations and generally anywhere I’m asked provided I have the time. 
  5. What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? Being on a programme here helped me massively during the isolation of the pandemic. I have a teenage daughter on the autism spectrum and so my life was somewhat isolated already. I was introduced to and given access to courses that I’ve used to gain knowledge and further my interests as well as mental health and well-being support for myself and my family. It was a no brainier to try to pay it forward for all the support I had received during some testing times.
  6. Sum up a typical day of volunteering for you? A typical day of volunteering would involve me arriving and greeting everyone whether I’ve met them before or not! I generally try to make the children and parents feel comfortable, it can be a little scary for new comers after the last couple of years of uncertainty and of course the children born at that time will have had little to no interaction with their peers. Same goes for parents, especially for first timers it can be a jarring experience and being isolated can have made what should have been a happy time, anxious and uncertain. I try to speak to everyone individually about anything and everything and hopefully Jo and I have made it so people want to come back which is the main goal. 
  7. And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? My advice would be, to give it a go! It’s really a very enlightening experience and led me to other things I probably wouldn’t have even considered before. I’ve met some amazing, like minded people, had fun and hope to continue doing so!
Diane (centre) pictured with several of the Children and Family Services Team

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

News Update: Team of Walkers Hike Castle Hill to Raise Awareness for YCC

On Sunday 17th July, a group of 27 walkers (and three dogs) took to the streets of Huddersfield for a 2.5 mile hike from Brian Jackson House, up to the top of Castle Hill (and back down again!).

All ready to go – the team met at Brian Jackson House and walked through the centre of Huddersfield, and up Newsome Road.

The group was made up of Fresh Futures staff, volunteers and members of the community. It was an excellent turn out and we certainly turned some heads as we marched up to the top the hill sporting our bright yellow Fresh Futures t-shirts.

The objective of the walk was to raise the charity’s profile. We spoke to several members of the public as we completed the walk, to spread the message that Fresh Futures seeks to Improve Lives and Inspire Change through our four core values: Employability, Education, Health and Wellbeing and Healthy Relationships!

The walkers passed thousands of cars and members of the public whilst sporting bright yellow Fresh Futures t-shirts!

As well as raising our profile yesterday, many of the walkers were sponsored to complete the challenge. Thanks to these individuals, we have also so far raised over £600 for the charity which will be fundamental in helping Fresh Futures reach even more children, young people, and their families to offer life-changing support where it is needed most.

What’s more, the charity was lucky enough to be joined by Fresh Futures royalty! Amongst the walkers was Lucy Jackson – the daughter of YCC’s founder, Brian Jackson – and two of her children! Lucy told Fresh Futures

“It was a real pleasure to join staff, volunteers and friends of Yorkshire Children’s Centre on Sunday for the sponsored walk up Castle Hill, with two of my own children (now adults!). It was great to see my dad’s legacy still alive in his home town – he always believed that every child is exceptional  , that every child has the right to play, be looked after, be safe and protected from violence, to learn and be loved – all beliefs that I still see in the work of Fresh Futures today, 39 years after his death (running in Huddersfield to raise funds for the centre). Thank you all again for all your passion and commitment”

Lucy Jackson – daughter of the charity’s founder Brian Jackson – and two of her children joined in with the walk on Sunday.

On behalf of the Fresh Futures charity – a HUGE thank you to all of those who participated in the walk and who sponsored the event. This includes everyone who reached out to us on our Just Giving page and left donations and messages of support, all of the friends and family who donated on sponsorship forms, the members of public who cheered us on with car beeps and words of encouragement, and to AG BARR who provided us with plenty of refreshments to keep us going throughout the day!

Samantha Latchayya who led the group on the day said that “The walk was a huge success. It’s completely thanks to the group of amazing individuals who could have chosen to do anything on that hot Sunday morning, but chose to spend it supporting Fresh Futures – which was incredibly heart-warming!”

If you would like join in with any of YCC’s upcoming events, please feel free to check out our volunteer page on the website or you can also contact [email protected] (Volunteering Development Officer) directly.

JUST GIVING LINK: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/WalkWithYCCCastleHill?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=campaign&utm_content=WalkWithYCCCastleHill&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=c41db53cdb1244d5b77d7ccbb73231e2

Finally at the top! The group posed for a photo and enjoyed some refreshments before heading back down again.

#WeAreFresh Futures #WalkWithYCC

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ycc24hrthreepeaks2022

To find out more about the ways you can support Fresh Futures please contact Head of Income and Partnerships Sara Eltman [email protected]

Safety Rangers Takes Place at YCC’s Brian Jackson House for the First Time

Between 13th and 24th June, Fresh Futures hosted their Safety Rangers event, delivering safety sessions to 247 year 5 pupils from six local schools: Clough Head, Fieldhead Primary Academy, Lowerhouses J&I, Netherhall Learning Campus, Newsome Junior School and Warwick Road Primary.

For the first time since the event was developed, Safety Rangers took place at YCC’s Brian Jackson House in the centre of Huddersfield.

Pupils learned about the importance of a balanced diet and where to find important vitamins and minerals to fuel their bodies.

The event is coordinated by YCC’s Thriving Kirklees team and runs for two weeks at a time, every week day. The day is run by Katie Lockwood – Thriving Kirklees 0-19 Service Manager; and Jodie Kavanagh – Thriving Kirklees Service Support Worker in partnership with local services.

Working on physical health

Safety Rangers focuses on three key areas:

  • Practical Safety
  • Emotional Health and Wellbeing
  • Physical health.

Each session is designed to educate the pupils to live safely; and the fun activities the pupils undertake ensure that the information is easily retained after they leave the event.

“I enjoyed my day because I learnt about something.
“I liked that you could be open with your thoughts and feelings.”
I liked that it was very calm and if you got something wrong it was okay”

Various Pupils who attended the June event
Learning about Emotional Health and Wellbeing from the team at Northorpe Hall. The pupils took part in a meditation exercise and discussed the importance of looking after your mental health.

Safety Rangers Sessions:

Morning Sessions:

  • Road Safety, delivered by Kirklees Road Safety
  • Anti-Social Behaviour, delivered by Safer Kirklees and West Yorkshire Police
  • Fire Safety, delivered by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Afternoon Sessions:

  • Emotional Health and Wellbeing, delivered by Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust
  • Physical Health and Nutrition, delivered by Huddersfield Town Foundation
  • Physical Exercise, delivered by Huddersfield Town Foundation

Jodie Kavanagh who coordinates the event behind the scenes and facilitates the event during delivery, said that,Safety Rangers is made possible by a partnership of local services who give their time to deliver important safety and health messages to the pupils who attend. From the feedback, you can see that pupils and teachers alike find these sessions to be informative, useful and, of course, fun. We’d like to thank the aforementioned organisations for their help and participation, and we look forward to delivering again this coming October.“.

Safety Rangers runs four times a year, and usually takes place at Huddersfield Fire Station (winter events) and Dewsbury Fire Station (summer events). If you would like to learn more about Safety Rangers events, please visit our website.

Pupils sit down to learn about Physical Fitness from football players of Huddersfield Town

A fantastic event with vitally important messages, well organised. Would definitely recommend and wish to come again.

Teacher

Meet the Team: Terri Moxon

Full Name: Terri Moxon

Job Title: Senior Finance Officer

How long have you been working at YCC? I joined back in April of 2010 and have done a lot of different roles. I originally came to Fresh Futures as the administrator for a 16-19 programme. I then moved to Brian Jackson College in Heckmondwike to do more admin in the morning and cleaning in the afternoon. Following that I switched to administration for the senior managers in the afternoon, before finally starting in the finance department in 2015. I worked my way up from part time administration assistant to part time finance assistant in 2017. In 2018, I finally changed to full time and became the Senior Finance Officer in 2020.

Tell us a little about yourself? I enjoy crafty things and doing a little fundraising for Fresh Futures. Most recently I sold teddy bears at my local club, and have been running various raffles within Brian Jackson House reception. I am also in the process of arranging a fashion show where all money raised will go to Fresh Futures.

Your role in a nutshell: Processing wages, Purchase Orders, Petty Cash. Basically anything finance related

Why do you like working for YCC? I enjoy working with all staff across all of our different sites.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? A few years ago we had a Christmas party at Brian Jackson House. We had a 3 course dinner and all staff had a great get-together.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Just go for it! We have a wonderful team here at YCC!

Contact: [email protected] / 01484 519988

Meet the Fresh Futures ‘Peaky Walkers’

On 23-24 July, a team of 5 walkers from Fresh Futures will attempt to climb the National 3 Peaks in just 24 hours! Pictured left to right, David, Janine, Mark, Rebecca and Rob.

The self-named ‘PEAKY WALKERS’ are getting ready to take on an incredible walking challenge this month: climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in a 26-mile hike with an ascent of 9843ft all in 24hrs.

Pictured above wearing their #WeAreFresh Futures t-shirts, the walkers are taking on this challenge to raise awareness and funds for YCC; a charity that seeks to Improve Lives and Inspire Change. You can support the walkers, and keep track of their fundraising progress, HERE.

Meet the Team:

Mark Farmer, YCC’s CEO

Hi Mark, how are you linked with YCC? I joined Fresh Futures as CEO back in November 2020.

What made you want to take on this challenge? Well… it was my idea! And the team thought that it was a good – albeit crazy one! I did the walk many years ago and it can be done – we have a great team giving it a go and I think we will do really well!

How do you feel about the upcoming challenge? I’m actually really looking forward to it. I walk regularly so I feel confident in my fitness. It’s the slog up Ben Nevis that’s the hardest mentally but it comes first and it will get better from then.

Do you have a message for those who are supporting you and the team? THANK YOU! As a charity we need your support to keep growing our services and reach more people. Please wish us luck!

Rob Edden, Head of Finance and Support Services

Hi Rob, how are you feeling in the lead up to this challenge? Great. This has always been on my bucket list, and it’s great that it gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Fresh Futures that will help us to develop our services.

What thoughts/emotions do you have when you think about the challenge ahead? Excitement! We’re going to see some great parts of the UK. I’m also looking forward to some team bonding and of course finishing on the Sunday night!

How have you been preparing for the walk? I’ve been doing lots of regular runs and walks and taking on some hilly terrain including the Yorkshire Dales.

What’s your message to the members of the community who are sponsoring you on this walk? Please share our message as far as you can! If you can give financially that’s great, but let’s also be vocal about the needs and services we provided. See you on a hill with us next time 🙂

David Gill, former Fresh Futures Caretaker & Member of the Local Community

Hi David, what’s your affiliation with YCC? I worked for Fresh Futures for 4 years until a little while ago. I absolutely loved the job! Fresh Futures does a lot of caring work for the community and I’m very happy to be involved in this fundraiser.

How are you feeling about the walk? I feel fine, I do a lot of walking every day, but I’ve never climbed two of the three mountains that we will be taking on before.

What’s your message for those out there who are supporting you on the walk? I’m going to try my very best to walk all 3 mountains!!!

Rebecca Lund, Receptionist at Batley & Huddersfield

Hi Rebecca, what made you want to sign up to this huge challenge? I wanted to challenge myself and even if I only manage to climb one of the mountains, I’ll know that I still did the best I could and helped to raise money for the charity.

How are you feeling in the run up to the event? I feel nervous but excited at the same time. I’m also really proud to walk for YCC! We are a charity that helps people throughout the community. Through Covid, Fresh Futures really came together and this is shown by the award we received when we were a finalise for the Covid Hero award earlier this year!

Have you been doing any activities to get you ready? I have been going on my exercise bike 4 days a week, and as a group we have also been going on a few walks after work to build our resilience.

What would you like to say to everyone who has been supporting the charity’s 3-Peaks event? I would like to thank everyone who supported me and those who are encouraging us on the walk!

Janine Lomax, Receptionist at Huddersfield

Hi Janine, are you feeling ready to take on the 3 peaks? I’m very nervous with a little excitement mixed in. This will be a great opportunity to really push myself mentally and physically.

Why is Fresh Futures an important charity in your eyes? Fresh Futures helps to many people within the community from young to the elderly!

How have you been getting physically and mentally prepared for the challenge? I have an exercise bike that I’ve been pushing myself on. I’ve also been walking daily with my daughters and as a walking group, we have also been out completing various walks.

What would you like to say to those who have sponsored you? I just want to say thank you so much to the people that have supported me and the other walkers on this challenge, the support has been overwhelming!

Thank You So Much: Spire Foundation

The Spire Foundation is a charity run by Spire Barristers in Leeds, and aims to support vulnerable adults and children, who have learning or physical disabilities, or have experienced the care system.

Fresh Futures has been working in partnership with Spire Barristers since 2021 and has been fortunate to receive two previous donations from them.

First some chairs to be used in our Huddersfield office spaces, and then with a generous donation of £250.00 towards our Christmas appeal.

In April, Fresh Futures were nominated by the Spire Foundation to apply for funding for two new laptops, to be used by the students within our alterative provision colleges. Fresh Futures were awarded funding and gifted two high quality laptops to be used by our cohort of 60 pupils.

The Headteacher of the colleges, Jacqui Green, said that; ‘The two laptops have not only been fundamental in helping our pupils work on their IT skills, but even more exciting, we have also been able to install adobe photoshop which is supportive in them completing their silver Arts Award and to engage in a coding course – something our students have really enjoyed and a good skill to take into the world of work when they leave us.

Pupils have been delighted to receive such special technology in the schools, and have taken the responsibility of caring for the equipment seriously and using it to its full potential. One pupil (pictured below with the new laptop) told us that; ‘The new laptop is…… it helps me when…… We are really thankful to Spire Foundation for thinking of us and we would like to invite them into our college so we can show them how we have been using them and what we have learned.’

If you would like to support Fresh Futures in any way, then please contact [email protected] and find out how you or your organisation could get involved to Improve Lives and Inspire Change.