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Category: Articles & Media

Happy 1st of September and welcome to Q4!

picture from a high angle of Fresh Furute and Brian Jackson College during One Team meeting
Posted on by Rahel Abegas

Today, we had the pleasure of bringing together colleagues from across Fresh Futures and Brian Jackson College for our One Team meeting during the college’s INSET day.

It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen connections, welcome new starters, and raise awareness of the services and support available through Fresh Futures. We also shared some of the exciting projects and developments planned for the coming months, reinforcing our commitment to working together to achieve the best outcomes for young people.

As part of the day, everyone also stepped out of their comfort zones and took part in a fun five-minute chair yoga session. It was a great way to pause, reset, and focus on wellbeing while bringing colleagues together in a relaxed and engaging way. There were plenty of smiles and laughter in the room, and it served as a reminder of the importance of taking time to look after our physical and mental wellbeing, even during a busy working day.

A special highlight of the day was celebrating a valued member of staff’s 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, they have made a remarkable positive impact on the lives of countless students. Their dedication, passion, and ability to engage young people have been truly inspiring. In particular, they were recognised for transforming attitudes towards Food Technology, encouraging students to participate and engage in lessons where previously many had been reluctant to take part.

Thank you for your years of commitment and for the difference you continue to make every day. 🎉

Here’s to a successful and impactful Q4, built on collaboration, connection, and a shared purpose.

matt lumb receiving 10 year anniversary

Chair Yoga for our Volunteer Thank-You event!

Posted on by Rahel Abegas

At Fresh Futures, Volunteers’ Week gave us the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible people who make so much of our work possible.

As a small token of our appreciation, we were delighted to host a special event dedicated entirely to our volunteers – a chance to say thank you, spend time together, and reflect on the difference they make every day.

We began the event with a relaxing and enjoyable chair yoga session, led by a fantastic instructor who guided everyone through gentle movements and stretches. It was a lovely way to unwind, connect, and take a well-earned moment for wellbeing.

Chair yoga for volunteers thank you event

Afterwards, volunteers enjoyed a light lunch, giving everyone time to chat, share experiences, and strengthen the sense of community that sits at the heart of Fresh Futures.

A highlight of the event was the screening of a special thank-you video, featuring messages from our Chair of Trustees and CEO. The video was created to recognise the dedication, compassion, and impact of our volunteers – reminding them just how valued they are, and how vital their contributions are to our work with young people and families across Kirklees.

Our volunteers truly are the backbone of Fresh Futures. Whether they’re supporting programmes, offering a listening ear, or helping behind the scenes, their time and energy create real, lasting change.

To every one of our volunteers: thank you. Your passion, generosity, and commitment inspire us every day, and we are so grateful to have you as part of the Fresh Futures community.

🌸 Fresh Futures Spring Raffle 2026

Posted on by Rahel Abegas

This spring, Fresh Futures was delighted to bring our community together through our Spring Raffle 2026 — and what a success it has been!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen an incredible response from supporters across Kirklees and beyond. From purchasing tickets to sharing our posts and engaging with us online, every action helped make this raffle a truly special event.

🎉 Congratulations to Our Winners!

We are thrilled to announce our lucky winners:

1st place spring raffle winner - Amy Robins
Amy Robins at 1st place
2nd place spring raffle winner - Peter Shaw
Peter Shaw at 2nd place
3rd place spring raffle winner - Noah Quirke
Noah Quirke at 3rd place
  • 🥇 1st Place: Winner of our beautiful Spring Hamper, filled with a variety of seasonal gifts
  • 🥈 2nd Place: Winner of our indulgent Chocolate Hamper, packed with favourite treats
  • 🥉 3rd Place: Winner of vouchers for CoffeeEvolution, Haigh’s Farm, and Bolster Moor Farm

A huge congratulations to all our winners — we hope you enjoy your prizes!

💛 A Heartfelt Thank You

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this raffle:

  • 🙌 Our generous local businesses and donors, who kindly provided the fantastic prizes
  • 🎟️ Everyone who purchased tickets, helping to support our work
  • 🌟 Those who followed, shared, and engaged with us across social media
  • 💛 And everyone who chose to give an additional donation, helping us go even further

Your support directly helps Fresh Futures continue delivering vital services and opportunities for children, young people, and families across our community.

🌱 The Impact Behind the Fun

While the raffle brought excitement and a bit of friendly competition, it also represents something much bigger. Every ticket sold and every donation received contributes to the ongoing work we do — supporting wellbeing, creating opportunities, and helping people thrive.

👀 What’s Next?

If you missed out this time, don’t worry — this is just the beginning!

We’re excited to share that more Spring Raffles will be coming in the future, along with other opportunities to get involved, support our work, and perhaps win some fantastic prizes along the way.

💐 Thank you once again for being part of our Spring Raffle 2026.
Your generosity, enthusiasm, and community spirit made it all possible.

Stay connected with Fresh Futures for updates, events, and future opportunities to get involved — we can’t wait to do it all again!

Fresh Futures Launches Every Birthday Counts Campaign to Support Children Across Kirklees

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Fresh Futures mission is for all children, young people and their families to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future. The charity is delighted to announce the launch of it’s Every Birthday Counts campaign, a heartfelt initiative ensuring that children and young people across Kirklees can experience the joy of receiving a birthday gift, regardless of their circumstances.

Following the overwhelming generosity shown during our Christmas Toy Appeal last year, which received an exceptional number of donations of toys and gifts, we are now able to extend support throughout the year. Thanks to this kindness from local businesses and the community, Fresh Futures can now offer birthday gifts to children and young people aged 0–18 years who may otherwise go without.

The image shows a promotional poster for the Every Birthday Counts Campaign, the poster identifies that if you need help with a birthday gift for your child, Fresh Futures can help. The poster is very colourful and includes cartoon graphics of presents and bunting.
Every Birthday Counts Poster

The Every Birthday Counts campaign provides age‑appropriate birthday gifts to families facing financial challenges. We are encouraging professionals and community partners to help spread the word so that support reaches those who need it most. Thanks to the generosity of UK Greetings, Fresh Futures is also offering age appropriate cards and gifts to families to give to their children and loved one.

Katie Shephard, Head of Income and Engagement, says

“ I am thrilled to be able to launch this new project to support families across Kirklees. At Fresh Futures, we know that this is a challenging period with fuel and petrol prices likely to continue to increase, leading to additional pressure on family budgets. We are delighted to be able to offer year round support to families who need us and I’d urge all families who need to access the project to get in touch as soon as possible to secure a gift for their child. We are here to help.”

How Families Can Access Support

Families who would like to request a gift for their child or young person can access the appeal in two ways:

  • 1. Email Fresh Futures directly: Please contact [email protected] to request birthday gift support.
  • Through Families Together Navigators at the Kirklees Family Hubs: Families can also speak with their Families Together Navigator, who can help make a referral on their behalf.

It is important to note that:

  •  There is a two‑week turnaround from the point of referral to the delivery of birthday gifts.
  • Gifts are limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. This project will only run as long as we have gifts available.

Fresh Futures extends its gratitude to all supporters and donors who help make this campaign possible. Together, we can ensure that Every Birthday Counts for children across our community.

For any further details or enquiries, please email:
📧 [email protected]

Spotlight on Fresh Futures: Our Rangoli Radio Feature

Mark Farmer (CEO) & Katie Shephard (head of Income and partnerships) for Fresh Futures featuring on Rangoli radio, show presented by Rashik Parmar & Hari Joshi
Posted on by Rahel Abegas
Mark Farmer (CEO) & Katie Shephard (head of Income and partnerships) for Fresh Futures featuring on Rangoli radio, show presented by Rashik Parmar & Hari Joshi

Last week, we had the pleasure of joining Rangoli Radio to talk all about Fresh Futures, our mission, and the work that were doing to support children and young people across Kirklees – and how our partnerships are helping to create brighter futures for the next generation.

Hosted by Rashik Parmar and Hari Joshi, the interview featured our CEO, Mark Farmer, and Head of Income & Partnerships, Katie Shephard, who shared the heart behind Fresh Futures, the challenges young people face today, and the opportunities that can transform their lives.

During the discussion, Mark spoke about the significance behind our name — and how it reflects our purpose.

“Really, that name sums up what we do. We are here to give a fresh future… it’s all about opportunities and fresh futures.”

— Mark Farmer, CEO

Fresh Futures exists to ensure every child and young person has the chance to succeed, no matter their background or obstacles they may face. Whether through education, mentoring, wellbeing support, or community partnerships, our work centres on opening doors and creating pathways to brighter outcomes.

“If (people) can do more, they should do more. That’s why we exist.” added Mark.

Katie shared powerful insights about the role our teams play in supporting young people — not only academically, but holistically.

“Our colleges are wonderful at providing a holistic wraparound support for our young people… we’re not just teachers. We really support them, build their confidence, give them life skills, and give them the ability to thrive in the real world.”
— Katie Shephard, Head of Income & Partnerships

This whole‑person approach is central to our work. Many young people need more than lessons; they need encouragement, stability, and the belief that they can succeed. Our staff and partners work tirelessly to offer exactly that.

Our conversation with Rangoli Radio highlighted just how much can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision — a vision of opportunity, hope, and positive change.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to the full conversation here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sLKJzN9GCzLb-mGINJJ14P-mPJUyLV9J/view

A big thank you to Rangoli Radio for shining a ‘spotlight’ on Fresh Futures. We look forward to building more partnerships like this in the future.

Fresh Futures Launches Summer Holiday Provision in Huddersfield

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Fresh Futures is thrilled to announce that we’ve secured funding to run holiday provision, supporting local families and young people during the summer break.

The programme will take place throughout August at Brian Jackson House, in the centre of Huddersfield, and will run Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. Aimed at 11 to 13-year olds, the sessions are completely free for children who receive free school meals.

Each day, young people will be offered a healthy, nutritious meal, with all dietary requirements catered for, ensuring everyone can enjoy lunch together in a relaxed and inclusive setting.

What is on offer?

Our holiday provision is designed to be fun, engaging and supportive, with a wide range of activities planned to keep young people active, creative and connected. These include:

  • Sports and physical activities to get moving and build teamwork
  • Cooking classes and baking competitions to spark culinary creativity
  • Arts and crafts sessions to encourage self-expression
  • Chill Zone – Board games and time for socialising and relaxation
  • Weekly access to our onsite cinema installation – a unique way to end the week in style

This new initiative marks an exciting step forward for Fresh Futures as we continue our mission to support children, young people and their families from across Kirklees. We’re passionate about creating opportunities that inspire confidence, promote wellbeing, and help every child thrive.

“We’re incredibly proud to be launching our holiday provision at Fresh Futures,” said Mark Farmer, Chief Executive. “This project represents a step forward in how we support local children, young people and their families, particularly during the long summer break when access to activities and meals can be a challenge. Every young person will receive a healthy meal each day, with dietary needs fully catered for. We’re excited to launch this new project to increase the support we provide for families from across the region.”

Sessions will run Monday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm during weeks commencing 4th, 11th and 18th August. Due to the bank holiday on 25th August, sessions that week will run Tuesday to Friday.

Places are limited to 15 young people and are expected to book very quickly so parents and carers are encouraged to reserve their place for free as soon as possible. To book a place for a young person, please click HERE.

What can you expect each day?

DayMain Activity FocusAdditional Notes
Monday🎯 Sports Tournaments (indoor: Pool, Darts, Dodgeball, Table Tennis – Outdoor: Football, Cricket, Rounders)Arts & Crafts and Chill Zone open in afternoon 
Tuesday🍳 Intro to Cooking (Buy, simple meal prep & eat)Group cooking
Wednesday🏏 Sports Tournaments (indoor: Pool, Darts, Dodgeball, Tennis – Outdoor: Football, Cricket, Rounders)Arts & Crafts and Chill Zone open in afternoon 
Thursday🧁 Bake off day (Cupcakes, Cookies, Biscuits)Bake + decorate + take home or eat at lunch

🖌️plus access additional activities throughout the sessions including…….

🗣️ Hangout Area:

music, reading, relaxed social vibe

🎨 Creative Corner:

colouring, painting, pottery painting

🎥 Chill Zone:

films, board games, card games, internet access

Exciting Spring Events for Families Hosted by Fresh Futures!

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a fantastic line up of fun and educational events for families? Fresh Futures, a charity dedicated to supporting children, young people and their families, is hosting an array of exciting activities throughout Spring. From creative play sessions to a special Baby Boutique sale, there’s something for everyone!

A Spring Full of Fun and Learning

Fresh Futures has carefully designed these events to engage young children, encourage creativity, and provide valuable experiences for families at an accessible cost. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on sensory play session, a heartwarming storytelling event, or even a chance to capture precious family moments, there’s an event for you.

Two young children, a boy and a girl, are sitting on lush green grass during an Easter egg hunt. The boy, wearing a plaid shirt and brown pants, is reaching into a white woven basket while the girl, dressed in a pink shirt and patterned leggings, is holding a blue basket. Colorful plastic eggs, some open and some closed, are scattered around them. Another empty basket and a small hand are visible in the background, indicating more participants in the activity.
Easter fun

Here’s what’s coming up:

Thursday 17th April, 10:00-12:00,

Under 5s Easter Party

Come along to our EGGstra special Easter party, a multi-activity event including games, egg decorating, music, and much more! Perfect for celebrating Easter with your little one.

Price: £5 per child with one accompanying adult. £2 per additional accompanying adult

Wednesday 23rd April, 30-minute slots available from 08:00-17:00,

Me & My Family Mini-Photoshoot

A professional photoshoot session, including digital prints that will be delivered in plenty of time for them to be developed into the perfect Father’s Day gifts!

Professional 30-minute, private photoshoot with Fly On The Wall Photographer. Limited slots available.

Price: £35 per session – includes digital prints sent directly to your email!

Wednesday 14th May, 10:00-11:00,

Springtime Sensory Play

Fun, themed sensory stations for your little one to explore! Including lights, music, bubbles, and more to spark curiosity and creativity! Plus a handprint station for a cherished keepsake.

Price: £5 per child with one accompanying adult. £2 per additional accompanying adult

Tuesday 27th May, 10:00-11:00,

Storytime & Free Books

Bring your little one and their favourite teddy for a super storytelling session that will peak their imagination. Our readers will host group session reads, or children can explore the vast range of books by themselves or with you. What’s more, every child will be gifted a bag of books to enjoy at home, worth over the ticket price!

Price: £5 per child with one accompanying adult. £2 per additional accompanying adult

Why You Should Get Involved

These events aren’t just about fun—they provide incredible developmental benefits for young children, including boosting imagination, improving social skills, and enhancing sensory exploration. Plus, they offer families the chance to connect with the community and make local connections.

How to Book

Call 01484 519988 (option 5 for reception) and a member of staff will be able to make the booking and take payment. Or you can visit Brian Jackson House and pay in person.


Local MP Visits Fresh Futures’ Post-16 Provision

Posted on by Aimee Webb

On Friday 14th February, Iqbal Mohamed, MP for Dewsbury and Batley, visited the newly opened Brian Jackson College Post-16 Provision in Heckmondwike. The visit provided an opportunity for Mr Mohamed to meet with both teachers and students at the College, which opened its doors in October 2024. 

During the visit, he was presented with a hand carved box containing scrolls written by the students about their personal journeys and why the Post-16 is making a difference in their lives and their ambitions for the future.

A group of professionally dressed individuals, smiling at the camera, in a classroom setting.
Iqbal Mohamed and staff from Brian Jackson College

The Post-16 Provision has received overwhelmingly positive feedback since it opened, and the support from the local MP further reinforces the value provided to the students, their families, and the wider community.

Designed to offer a tailored educational experience for students aged 16-18, the provision aims to align with each individual’s unique interests, needs, and future aspirations.

The college offers students the opportunity to gain vocational qualifications alongside crucial life skills and work experience, enabling them to take their next step on their pathway towards adulthood. The highly trained staff, passionate about their fields, bring a wealth of knowledge to the students.

A group of people in a workshop, one man in overall explains something, gesturing to a car part, with two students and another man watching.
The mechanics workshop at Brian Jackson College

Additionally, the provision provides onsite access to essential support services, including counselling, career advice from external specialists, and enrichment sessions that give students a taste of the working world.

Iqbal Mohamed reflected during the visit:

“Firstly, I just want to say a massive thank you to the staff, and to Rhys and Kieran for their invitation, I experienced a brilliant warm welcome, and tour around. Staff are doing doing a fantastic and amazing job that changes lives for all these young adults – it’s incredible, thank you very much!

Being prepared for life can be daunting and complicated, but if you stay grounded and focus on being the best human you can be, you’ll acquire many important skills along the way. There are others facing the same or even more difficult challenges, so never hesitate to seek help and always be ready to offer help to others.

Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, and when something is offered to you, take it with both hands!”

A blue pool table, two people are playing with one person leant over the table, taking a shot while the other person watches them
Iqbal playing pool with a Brian Jackson College student

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive, continued

“Everyone at Fresh Futures is exceptionally proud of our new Post-16 offering.  We offer holistic support and a safe space to young people who would struggle to thrive in a more traditional education environment. By providing vocational qualifications as well as building life skills and confidence, we are giving the young people who attend our provision the stepping stones they need to move on towards a positive destination that is right for them.”

This inspiring visit highlights the importance of the Brian Jackson College Post-16 Provision in shaping the future of young people in the local area and Fresh Futures is excited to continue on our journey of developing our support for young people in the future.

Celebrating 50 Years Of Fresh Futures

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Fresh Futures, previously Yorkshire Children’s Centre, is a regional charity supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families in our community. The charity was first set up by Brian Jackson, who was passionate about improving the quality of childcare in the Kirklees area, resulting in the creation of the National Children’s Centre, the charity’s name when it was launched. Since then, it’s services have expanded and diversified to support more groups in the community through four strands of work; education; health & wellbeing; employability & skills and relationships.

A lively outdoor community event on a grassy field, with families and children enjoying activities. A colourful double-decker bus, a white camper van, and a green tent with bunting are visible, along with people sitting on blankets and strolling around. Traditional stone houses surround the scene
A black-and-white photograph of smiling children running towards the camera in front of a decorated double-decker bus with playful illustrations. More children are visible in the background near the bus, which appears to be part of a community event
Photos from Fresh Futures over the years
A colourful and engaging early learning classroom with children playing on the floor with toy trains and blocks. Two adults are working on a craft project at a table. The room is decorated with educational posters, learning materials, and playful decorations

In 2024, Fresh Futures celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the occasion in various ways, including Brian Jackson House playing host to the Kirklees Top 100 companies event held in June, the launch of a Patron scheme to enable corporates to pledge their support and a World Record attempt – to have the largest collection of erasers!

A group of smartly dressed people, posing and smiling at the camera, in front of a silver and black balloon arch.
Kirklees Top 100 Event hosted by Fresh Futures

Fresh Futures also celebrated many of those involved with the charity, through their 50 faces of Fresh Futures campaign, interviewing those who work for, volunteer for or support the charity throughout Kirklees.

In 2025, we continue to be keen to hear stories from anyone who may have worked for the charity or used any of the services over the last 50 years. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to share your story.

Lucy Jackson, daughter of Brian Jackson, is now a trustee of the charity and shared some memories the family have of her father and the charity. She said: “About 2 or 3 years ago I noticed on social media that there was a sponsored walk from my dad’s charity. Over the years since his death in 1983 I had attended irregular events of the charity, but this felt like an opportunity to chat with some of the staff. I went on the walk with two of my adult children, really enjoyed chatting to everyone about where the charity now was. Since then I’ve been delighted to join the board of Trustees and it’s wonderful to see first how my father’s legacy continues to thrive.”

Other members of the family shared how “it was wonderful to visit recently and see children and parents playing happily together at Brian Jackson House” Fresh Futures don’t boast about what they do – but it’s noticed when parents need their help.”

Brian Jackson’s youngest son, Seth who works for Strange Thoughts, a Patron of the charity. Believes, “It’s lasted, it’s evolved and it’s still making a difference!”.

A word cloud including the words inclusive, unique, heard, remarkable, crucial, families, adventurous, seen, warmth and perseverance.
A word cloud to show how people describe Fresh Futures

With many exciting fundraising activities planned for 2025, Fresh Futures will continue to support children and families in the Kirklees area most in need.

Fundraising can take many forms, visit our Fundraising page HERE for some inspiration. If you would be interested in fundraising for Fresh Futures, please contact the team to find out their plans or suggest your own at [email protected]

New books for YCC!

Posted on by Katie Shephard

Fresh Futures have recently received a fabulous donation of brand-new books from Independent Usborne Book Partner, Lauren Sykes (Albie’s Bookshelf).

Back in the Summer, Lauren decided that she wanted to fundraise for a local charity who support families in her local area, so she chose Yorkshire Children’s Centre after hearing about the vital services we provide.

Lauren held numerous fundraising activities including raffling signed rugby league shirts and prizes that were generously donated by local businesses. Lauren was overwhelmed when her final fundraising total was an incredible £720! Usborne then topped this up by 10% taking the grand total to £792.

Fresh Futures staff and supporters enjoyed selecting over 100 books that will be used across all our sites including the Colleges in Heckmondwike and Huddersfield, and our Contact Centres. Books have also been chosen to be used in our Toy Appeal this Christmas; ensuring no child in Kirklees wakes up without a gift on Christmas Day.

Lauren told YCC, “As an Independent Usborne Partner I love getting new books out to people so enjoy running community book pledges. I chose to raise money for the Yorkshire Children’s Centre as I think the work they do is amazing and so many children and adults will benefit from the books in different ways. I love seeing people enjoying reading and learning together.”

Lauren would like to give a special thank you to Hird and Partners Vets, and Tivoli Travel Mirfield & Holmfirth for their amazing donations towards her fundraising.