Meet the Team: Katie Shephard

This month we have caught up with Katie who is the Head of Income and Partnerships at Fresh Futures. Katie joined the team back in September and is passionate about making a difference to children, young people and families. Katie is already planning some exciting events and activities for 2024 so keep your eyes peeled!

Job Title: Head of Income and Partnerships       

Date joined YCC: 11th September 2023

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’ve worked in the charity sector for the past 15+ years and I’m really passionate about making a difference.  As a parent, Fresh Futures work is really close to my heart and it’s fantastic the way that the charity works to support families holistically so they get the support they need to move forward to a positive future.

Tell us about your role at YCC: I oversee all of the fundraising activity at Fresh Futures which means I get to work with all the wonderful people and companies who do fantastic fundraisers for us.  I also oversee all of the marketing and comms activity, which includes things like our social media channels.

Why do you like working for YCC? It’s fantastic! The charity does amazing work with local people across Kirklees, providing vital support and services to people who need them.  It’s also a great team to be a part of, everyone is so committed and enthusiastic.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Definitely go for it! It’s a fantastic place to work, with wonderful people, and there’s always something new and interesting happening. 

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam

Meet the Team: Dawn Humpleby

This month we have caught up with Dawn who is a SEN Assessment Co-ordinator at Fresh Futures Brian Jackson College. Dawn has been a part of the team for over five years and has already made a huge difference to the lives of many young people.

Job Title: SEN Assessment Co-ordinator                     

Date joined YCC: 3rd September 2018

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I started at Fresh Futures as a volunteer supporting a pupil with Autism in his role at our ‘Pass It On’ Charity Shop. Since then, I have worked at Brian Jackson College as a Learner Behaviour support worker, Keyworker and now SEN assessment co-ordinator.

Your role in a nutshell: Helping to support our pupils in several tasks. Assessing the pupils in their maths and English. I run a reading programme for the students who require additional support or just enjoy reading for pleasure. I also support the SENCo with the provision maps and summary of needs.

Why do you like working for YCC? I like the feeling of a united front, a family environment and there’s support when you need it.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? I was nominated and came second for ‘Support Worker of the Year’ in the Stafflex awards.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC?  Go for it, join our team and make a difference.

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam

Meet the Team: Christine Rhodes

Name: Christine Rhodes

Job Title: Children and Families Service Manager                                 

Date joined YCC: 5th October 2015

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a little obsessed with Astrology and Astronomy; it’s been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I love travelling and going on adventures, including walking in North Wales. I also love plants, growing vegetables and gardening; I have a tropical garden in Huddersfield! I also love music festivals.

Your role in a nutshell: I manage the contracts and delivery of Fresh Futures Community Connections services. This includes the Befriending Service, the Young Adults’ Research Work to support 18 to 26 year olds, the Kirklees Families Together work and Fresh Futures Community Champions. I also oversee YCC’s Community Anchor Service. In addition to this, I am YCC’s Designated Safeguarding Lead for Adults. I’ve got an amazing team of staff and volunteers who I work with and I am always trying my best to make sure they are looked after! 

Why do you like working for YCC? I love the diversity of my role, and the changes and services that I can implement quickly to help others and of course our communities.  Every day/week is different, and although it’s hard work, I’m never bored! 😊 My plan was to stay at Fresh Futures for six months, but I am still here nearly eight years later so that says it all really.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? This is a hard one, I have many, but I’d probably say all the lovely outings I’ve been on with the Young Onset Dementia Group; That group is amazing and made such a difference to everyone who attended.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? If you want to make a difference to people and children, and have a passion in that area, then Fresh Futures is for you. Third sector work is extremely fulfilling and varied.

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam

Meet The Team: Brig Barrowclough

Name: Brig Barrowclough

Job Title: Deputy Head Teacher at Brian Jackson College

Date joined YCC: July 2014

Tell us a little about yourself: When I was 18 years old, I went to work in Dubai

Your role in a nutshell: I am responsible for the daily operations within the Huddersfield Provision           

Why do you like working for YCC? I work with colleagues who are a little bit nuts, like me, have the same passion as me for trying to make a difference within our community

What’s one of your favourite work memories? I have so many, our school trip to build water rafts in Chester ranks highly though

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Be prepared to work hard and be flexible/adaptable

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Lucy Martin

Name: Lucy Martin

Job Title: Volunteering Development Officer

Date joined YCC: October 2021

Tell us a little about yourself: I love travelling and previously lived and worked in Indonesia and Spain before moving to Huddersfield. When I’m not working, you’ll probably either find me with a good book, watching super Leeds United or jumping in some cold water!

Your role in a nutshell: All things volunteering! I have the lovely job of recruiting and working with our wonderful volunteering community across all Fresh Futures services.

Why do you like working for YCC? I love creating opportunities for people and helping them work towards their goals. It’s amazing to work with people who are donating their time to improve the lives of others.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? There’s a few! I absolutely love our annual Summer & Winter events for volunteers and service users, and it’s been really lovely to work with some of our volunteers to transform the garden space at the Brian Jackson House in time for Summer. It’s also been great to watch volunteers progress and become members of staff with Fresh Futures and smash their goals!

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Give it a go… If you’d like to work with people who try and improve lives & inspire change within the community, Fresh Futures might be for you!

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Jodie Kavanagh

Name: Jodie Kavanagh

Job Title: Thriving Kirklees Service Support Worker

Date joined YCC: 2016

Tell us a little about yourself: I spend a lot of time reading in cafes, at the cinema or the theatre – I like being out and about!

Your role in a nutshell: Lots of admin for the various TK services – and helping out the other services where I can.

Why do you like working for YCC? The variety and the people.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? The team building escape room pre-Covid was hilarious.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Be prepared to be flexible and you’ll develop all sorts of new skills.

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Samantha Cashman

Name: Samantha Cashman

Job Title: Administration Manager

Date joined YCC: 2006

Tell us a little about yourself: In good weather I love long walks around the countryside, and in all weathers I am a regular cinema and theatre-goer – usually a 1-2 times a week (finances permitting!).

Your role in a nutshell: As well as supporting our colleagues, the administration team are usually the first port of call for clients enquiring into Fresh Futures children and family oriented services such as the Child Contact service, the Domestic Abuse Prevention Programme, Community Friends (befriending and reducing loneliness), Safety in the Home and Hopeful Families.

Why do you like working for YCC? The variety of backgrounds and experiences my colleagues have and how they bring this to their own roles; and seeing the passion everyone has in supporting positive outcomes in people’s lives. I feel like I have met so many different and interesting people over the years, and learnt a lot along the way.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? Fresh Futures were nominated for the COVID Hero award at the Yorkshire Choice Awards in May of this year; some of us attended the ceremony which was a really fun experience. It was great to celebrate the Fresh Futures services that had kept going during lockdown and also see what other amazing organisations and individuals there are across the county as whole.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? If you are passionate about third sector or charity work – whether a more practical and supportive role such as finance or admin, or working face-to-face with clients – then it’s a great place to work.

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Dale Clarkson

Name: Dale Clarkson

Job Title: Caretaker at Jo Cox House

Date joined YCC: April 2013

Tell us a little about yourself: I like going to my allotment in my spare time where I grow my own vegetables and keep chickens and bees.

Your role in a nutshell: I carry out general maintenance which includes painting and decorating and day to day repairs. I provide front of house support and ensure all health and safety procedures are up to date for the building.

Why do you like working for YCC? I like working for Fresh Futures as I have a good team to support me, and I enjoy working alongside different tenants who use the building. I really enjoy helping the general public which is a big part of my role.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Be willing to work hard and be flexible in your job role.

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Leon Alexis-Bailey

Full Name: Leon Alexis-Bailey


Job Title: Facilitator

Date joined YCC: December 2020


Tell us a little about yourself: In my spare time I enjoy painting, playing chess and spending time with my family. Outside of Fresh Futures I also help run out of school workshops and boot camps.


Your role in a nutshell: I teach my READY programme (a confidence building workshop) across both Huddersfield and Heckmondwike sites two days a week and carry out key worker duties, as well as health and fitness one day a week.


Why do you like working for YCC? Fresh Futures are champions of personal development and progression. Since working here, I have grown in confidence in my ability both at work and outside.


What’s one of your favourite work memories? Taking my first class in the READY programme and hearing that first “Thank you, I enjoyed that lesson.” It was a great feeling and a reminder that working with young people is my purpose.


And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? If you want to be part of a positive movement and team mentality, then Fresh Futures is that movement.

If you think you would like to work in a College environment please check out our current vacancies, HERE.

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