Category: Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Michael who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Michael to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m a bus driver and a cancer survivor. Now that I’m cured, I want to give back to the community. I never like to think of someone being on their own, so I’m doing what I can to make a difference.

How long have you been volunteering for the charity: I signed up over a year ago, but I had to take a break during my cancer treatment.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: It’s a joy to visit my two friends – they make my life feel whole just as much as I do for them. It’s really a two-way thing. Some days, I’ll think I can’t be bothered, but the moment I get there, I feel completely different. They’re both awesome people, and they help me as much as I help them.

There are so many rewards to being a befriender – more than I ever realised. Even on days when I wake up feeling off, just talking to my friends, and hearing their life stories makes everything better.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I wanted to give something back to the community and help improve people’s lives.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? I’d recommend befriending to anyone. It’s one of the best things you can do, and the support from the team at the office makes it even better. They make sure you’re matched with the right people, which means a lot.

When I delivered Christmas presents, so many people wanted to stop and talk, and that really touched me. There are so many lonely people out there, and we don’t always realize it. Now I’ve got two friends for life, and it’s been an amazing experience for everyone involved.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Janet who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Janet to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m in my 60’s just about to officially become a pensioner-eek. I’ve been married to Greg for 45 years this month, we have 4 children and 7 grandchildren and our little dog Poppy. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out for meals, walking, swimming, reading and baking.

How long have you been volunteering for the charity: Since 2020, I started telephone befriending during lockdown.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: I had 2 ladies who now are personal friends, one I visit every week and the other I speak to on the phone every week. My 3rd lady I visit on a weekly basis with my dog. So it can be a chat with a cuppa or a bit of a walk if she’s well enough. . I usually spend a couple of hours with each one of them. They keep me entertained and I just love spending time with them.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I’ve always worked and volunteered around younger people from when my own children were tiny, but when my Dad developed dementia I realised that there was a big gap in respect of time given to elderly people, who I came to realise through the situation with my Dad also desperately needed stimulation, time and support. When my Dad passed away in 2017, followed by my mother in law in 2018 something was missing, that link with the older generation. I luckily saw an advert on Facebook for telephone volunteers and as I’m very sociable person and love to chat I thought it would be perfect for me. I knew I could free up a few hours a week to do this as we all now know people were terribly isolated during lockdown.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? Go for it. It is so rewarding if you are matched with the right person. It has enriched my life so much and I’m sure it will yours.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Alan who volunteers as Community Friend. We caught up with Alan to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself: My name is Alan Moore, I was widowed in 1995 so I have some understanding of the effects losing someone close has. I am a retired engineer working for local company, Thomas Broadbent.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: My usual volunteering day is a visit to the gym trying to keep fit, home for lunch then off to my friend to help him pass the afternoon.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I was looking for something rewarding, worthwhile and fulfilling to help pass some of the spare time I now have.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? For anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say DO IT. It gives me purpose to my visiting days and I get a lot out of our friendship. So much so that I am looking at trying to find another opportunity.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Liyan who volunteers as a data analyst at Fresh Futures.

We caught up with Liyan to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I’ve been volunteering since November 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m Liyan, currently volunteering as a data analyst with Fresh Futures. I love working with data, transforming it into meaningful insights that can drive decisions and improve outcomes. It’s been a rewarding experience to contribute my skills to a cause that makes a positive impact.

Tell us about your volunteering role: My role involves analysing data to inform decisions, which contributes to advancing key projects and improving overall outcomes.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: A typical day involves collaborating with team members to analyse and present data through detailed graphic reports, focusing on Kirklees and the services Fresh Futures provides. I also analyse social media competitors to help optimize our outreach efforts and track the effectiveness of various initiatives.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I wanted to use my data analysis skills to make a meaningful impact in the community, and Fresh Futures provided the ideal opportunity to do just that.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding way to develop your skills while making a real impact. If you’re passionate about creating positive change, Fresh Futures offers a fantastic platform to contribute meaningfully and grow both personally and professionally.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Joe who has been helping the charity with content creation and social media management.

We caught up with Joe to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? Around 3 months

Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m a writer, editor, and musician. In my spare time, I sing in 2 bands, one of which I’m also in full drag. If you couldn’t tell, I’m horrendously confident.

Tell us about your volunteering role: I take the content creation and social media management skills I have gained through my career and I use it to help the charity improve their social media engagement and footprint. From creating analytics reports to creating graphics and pictures or video reels.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: I assess the social media engagement and trends for the charity and try to understand what things are working with their audience and what things aren’t. Sometimes I will create content based around the needs of their upcoming campaigns.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I wanted to gain some experience while also contributing to a good cause.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? Do it! It’s for a good cause, it’s good for your CV, what do you have to lose?

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Annalise who volunteers for the charity as a volunteer friend and peer group volunteer.

We caught up with Annalise to hear about her Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I have been volunteering at Fresh Futures for 6 months and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I hold a Level 3 BTEC in Art and Design and have a strong passion for both art and gaming. In my free time, I love immersing myself in creative projects and exploring new games.

Tell us about your volunteering role: As a volunteer friend and peer group volunteer at Fresh Futures, I help organise events and activities for the organisation. My primary focus is on making individuals aged 18-28 feel less lonely and providing them with a safe and welcoming space.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: A typical day of volunteering for me involves engaging with members of the Elevate group through activities such as board games, crafts, and event organisation. These interactions not only provide a fun and supportive environment for the participants but also bring a sense of fulfilment to everyone involved.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I was inspired to volunteer with Fresh Futures because I loved the idea of helping others and elevating their mood. The opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life was a driving force for me.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? To anyone considering volunteering with Fresh Futures, I would say absolutely do it. You will find it a fulfilling experience that helps you grow both personally and professionally. Another bonus is that everyone at Fresh Futures, whether volunteers or staff, are friendly and welcoming individuals.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Annette who volunteers for the charity as a Community Friend.

We caught up with Annette to hear about her Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 15 months.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I have been married to John for 45 years and we have 5 daughters and 15 grandchildren, I have lived in the Holme Valley since I was 12 and I walk 6k every day. I also love reading and baking 

Tell us about your volunteering role: I visit Ken every week, for a chat, shopping, eating or a drive in the country.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: If Ken is feeling ok we will go shopping, go to a garden centre,  or just go for a drive to enjoy the countryside, once a month I take him to the barbers and if he has a doctors appointment I take him to that. If he’s having a bad day we just stay in a chat until we have put the world to rights.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? My daughter volunteers, and until she did I have never heard of such a thing, so I wanted to help someone who might be experiencing loneliness as I can’t imagine how terrible it would be not to talk to anyone for days at a time.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? Just give it a go it will enrich your life and the person to whom you visit.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Sudeep who has been volunteering at the charity since February 2024.

We caught up with Sudeep to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 2 months.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am Sudeep Varghese John and I enjoy working with young people & children. I am passionate about working as a Health Safety Environment, Food Safety Supervisor and Trainer. 

Tell us about your volunteering role: I supervise children, give information about day-to-day activities to parents and serve food from the kitchen during the Fresh Futures Stay & Play Warm Spaces sessions.

Tell us about a typical day in your role:  I come to Brian Jackson House in the morning take on the daily activities to prepare for the Stay and Play sessions. When parents arrive with their children I register their names and provide them with the relevant information about the session. I involve them in the activities and provide refreshments.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I wanted to work as a volunteer to gain experience of working with children for future employment in schools and colleges. I consider this is a great opportunity.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? It would be a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in working with children and young adults. Fresh futures has a very supportive management team and volunteering could help to attain a job in this field.

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Omar who has been volunteering as the Sustainability Champion at Fresh Futures since October 2023.

We caught up with Omar to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 5 months.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am 18 years old, I enjoy sports, like football and F1, and enjoy reading about business and finance. 

Tell us about your volunteering role: My role as a Sustainability Champion Volunteer entails helping the charity become more sustainable in its day-to-day operations by creating and implementing new sustainability initiatives. 

Tell us about a typical day in your role: A typical day of volunteering includes going into Brian Jackson House and catching up with Lucy about upcoming sustainability-related events. I will then check the Sustainability Action Plan and select a goal which I would like to accomplish. Lucy and I will then form a plan to achieve this goal and proceed from there.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I started volunteering with Fresh Futures as I saw this as a unique opportunity to gain office work experience, whilst making a positive and impactful change. 

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? A piece of advice for anyone considering a volunteering role with Fresh Futures is to just reach out and get involved, as there is something for everybody and everyone at the charity is very helpful and supportive. 

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

Volunteer of the month 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 month we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Patricia Hastead who has been volunteering at Fresh Futures since May 2022 as a Community Friend.

We caught up with Patricia to hear about her Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? Since May 2022.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am now retired but was a primary school teacher for many years before having a complete change of employment and working for a friend’s mystery shopping company.

Tell us about your volunteering role: I visit my friend every Monday for about two hours. On cold or wet days we stay inside and chat but during the summer we sit outside in the garden. Every four to six weeks we go out for lunch and we are always looking for new places to try. I now feel that each week I am going to see a friend and look forward to the visit.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? Programmes about loneliness in people of all ages were often on television and when I saw the advert for volunteers to train as befrienders I thought this was how I could do a little to help.