Fresh Futures Community ANCHOR

We are proud to deliver the Community Anchor Programme across:

• Birstall & Birkenshaw
• Cleckheaton
• Heckmondwike
• Liversedge & Gomersal

Our role is to help local groups, organisations and residents build stronger, healthier and more connected communities.

Whether you run an established community organisation, volunteer with a local group, or have an idea for something new, we’re here to support you.

Supporting health and wellbeing

Local community groups play a vital role in helping people stay healthy, active and connected. We work alongside existing groups and organisations to help them continue, develop and reach more people.

Where there are gaps in local provision, we’ll support new groups to get started wherever possible.

We also help bring health services closer to communities by connecting local organisations with health professionals. This creates opportunities for outreach sessions, advice, early support and signposting in familiar, trusted community settings.

Reducing health inequalities

Everyone should have the opportunity to access activities and support that help them live well.

We focus our work on reaching people and communities who experience the greatest health challenges. By working with a wide range of local groups and organisations, we help ensure activities are inclusive, accessible and responsive to local needs.

Where communities are underrepresented or underserved, we will support the development of new groups and initiatives to help fill those gaps.

By working with health professionals and local partners, we’ll help bring services into community spaces where people already feel comfortable and welcome.

Reducing social isolation

Feeling connected to others can make a huge difference to wellbeing.

We help create more opportunities for people to meet others, take part in activities and become involved in community life.

A key part of this work are our annual Community Open Door Fortnights, taking place across:

-Birstall & Birkenshaw

-Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Liversedge and Gomersal

During these events, local groups and organisations open their doors as part of their normal activities and warmly welcome residents to come along, look around and get involved.

There is no pressure, no commitment and no expectation. It’s simply an opportunity for people to discover what’s happening in their local area and find activities that interest them.

We’ll promote a shared programme online so residents can easily see what’s happening and where.

Building stronger communities

Strong communities happen when people feel they belong and have opportunities to take part.

The Community Open Door Fortnights help bring together residents, volunteers and local organisations, showcasing the wide range of activities already taking place across our communities.

These events help people:

-Find local groups and activities
-Meet new people
-Explore volunteering opportunities
-Learn about services and support available locally
Feel more connected to their community


They also create valuable opportunities for organisations to connect with one another, share ideas and build stronger local partnerships.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Community Plus and local partners, including teams from Kirklees Council, helping create a joined-up approach that benefits everyone.