Category: Staff Bio

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.

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.

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.

Name: Leah

Job Title: Child Contact Centre Coordinator

Date joined YCC: March 2022

Tell us a little about yourself: I enjoy socialising with my friends and family and spend a lot of time looking after my two young nieces.

Your role in a nutshell: I facilitate contact between children and their families, where there are issues around conflict and safeguarding. I am based in Brian Jackson House where we have two contact centres.

Why do you like working for YCC? Fresh Futures supports families as a whole and you can see that we are making a real difference. The people I work with are friendly and we all work well together as a team.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? I really enjoyed the Fresh Futures away day. It was a fun day and a great way to meet new people having only been at Fresh Futures for a few months.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, Fresh Futures is a great place to work. 

If you would like to learn more about the services that YCC’s Child Contact team offer, click HERE.

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.

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

1. Full Name: Nicola Barber
2. Job Title: Community Engagement Worker
3. Date joined YCC: I joined Fresh Futures in September 2021, but I’ve been in my current role for just 3 weeks after a role change!
4. Tell us a little about yourself? I love baking! This hobby developed over Covid and I love any opportunity to bake for a special occasion. I also like getting to gym classes when I can (to burn off all the cake!)
5. Your role in a nutshell: Always looking for opportunities to promote the Hopeful Families service within the Kirklees community.
6. Why do you like working for YCC? It is a friendly and supportive working environment. The flexible working hours are great and make you feel like you have more of a home/work life balance. I also like that the service focuses on the whole family as well as individual needs; ‘Improve lives & Inspire change’, how could you not want to be a part of that. 😊
7. What’s one of your favourite work memories? The Jubilee Event for families. It was the first big family event I’ve attended and there was a great atmosphere. I know the team put a lot of hard work into making the day special for everyone attending, so it was lovely to see it being enjoyed.
8. And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? If the role sounds right for you, then just apply!
9. Contact: [email protected] / 07546 307478