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Tag: #FreshFutures

HAF Schools Out Club – October Half Term

🍂 FREE October Half-Term Holiday Club with Fresh Futures – Huddersfield!
* Please note this event is now fully booked*
Looking for fun, free, and active plans for your 9-15 year old this half term? Our Schools Out, Holiday Club! is back – running exciting sessions every weekday during the October break at Brian Jackson House.
Completely FREE for children on free school meals!

People Helping People – Batley

Local network meeting for community, voluntary & mutual aid groups in Batley & Spen.
Explore funding, find volunteers & unlock transport solutions.
Come along to:
-Meet local support charity TSL Kirklees. Find out about local funding and ways that they can help your group.
-Meet your local TSL Community Anchor, Fresh Futures . Find out what they are and how they can offer even more local support.
-Hear from local community groups and charities.
-Share information and updates about your services and activities and hear news from other local groups.
-Learn about ways to promote your group, stay connected, recruit volunteers and get funding.
-Network – connect and collaborate to work together and help each other.
This event will focus on two key challenges:
-Community transport – exploring issues faced locally and learning from solutions developed elsewhere.
-Volunteer connections – linking organisations with the people and skills they need to thrive.
Guest speakers will share best practices and ideas that could be adapted for the local area.
We’ll also provide updates on the current funding landscape and discuss opportunities available to support your organisation.
Although this meeting takes place in Batley, it is open to groups from across North Kirklees.
Come along to connect, share, and strengthen our local third sector together.
If you cannot attend this time, a follow-up event will be held in Dewsbury later this year.
These meetings are run by the local TSL Kirklees Community Anchor organisations in partnership with TSL Kirklees, which means that we can really tailor the information and support for your local area.
Please note: This event is organised by Fresh Futures in partnership with TSL Kirklees – a local charity that gives free support, advice and training to any charity, community group or social enterprise in Kirklees – and is only open to any workers, trustees or volunteers from third sector organisations based or working in Kirklees. Our events and services are free because, like any other charity, we rely on grants and funding. If you have booked a place and then cannot make it, please cancel your place via Eventbrite or by emailing [email protected], so that we can offer that place to someone else and so that our funding isn’t wasted.

Fresh Futures’ Autumn Volunteer 2025

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Volunteer of the season 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 Autumn we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Charlotte who is a Graphic Design Volunteer. We caught up with Charlotte to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hi, my name is Charlotte, I love all things creative and aspire to get into a creative role within the film industry!

How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?

I’ve had the privilege of volunteering as a graphic designer for Fresh Futures for around a year!

Tell us about your volunteering role:

I have been working on the Fresh Futures recipe book, in collaboration with Brian Jackson College and the Income and Engagement team at Fresh Futures. The book will soon be available to purchase through donations!

What made you want to start volunteering at Fresh Futures?

It gave me the opportunity to challenge myself to do new things, I’ve never designed a recipe book before! I’ve had the privilege of networking with lots of helpful and supportive staff at Fresh Futures.

What’s a typical day volunteering like for you?

A typical day for me comes with lots of creativity and problem solving to make sure the design is done the best it can be!

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering at Fresh Futures?

My only advice would be to get involved! You never know what new experiences you will have, the tools you will learn, and you’ll be helping other people along the way which is the best reward.

A volunteer spotlight graphic for Fresh Futures. The background is orange with autumn leaves and pumpkins. At the top, it says “Fresh Futures – Improving lives, inspiring change.” In large white text it reads “Autumn Volunteer 2025.” Below, there is a smiling young woman with curly hair, wearing a dark top. Her name, “Charlotte Adams-Stone,” is written in bold red text inside a white speech bubble shape decorated with leaves. Underneath, it says “Graphic Design Volunteer".
Autumn Volunteer 2025 – Charlotte Adams-Stone

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

Fresh Futures: Brushing Up on Oral Health

Titled community impact in action with a cartoon figure brushing their teeth, on a light purple background underneath Fresh Futures logo
Posted on by Lucy Martin

Fresh Futures focuses on providing support for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people. That’s why we were thrilled to receive funding from Public Health to deliver a new Oral Health campaign for children.

Since February 2025, Fresh Futures has distributed over 1,000 toothbrush and toothpaste packs through community events and partner organisations. Our Community Champions have attended more than 16 local sessions, from stay-and-play groups to coffee mornings, creating welcoming opportunities to talk about oral health.

By working alongside other charities, early years settings, and local networks, we’ve extended our reach and impact, ensuring more families have the knowledge and tools to protect their children’s teeth.

Our approach combines practical support with accessible education. Champions use engaging resources, like a giant teeth board where children “brush away” coloured-in plaque, to show the benefits of brushing for the full two minutes.

Parents receive tailored advice, guidance on registering with dental practices accepting new patients, and help overcoming barriers such as waiting lists, inconvenient appointment times, or uncertainty about the importance of check-ups.

To reinforce these messages at home, we’ve distributed 100 copies of To Be a Star, a storybook designed to help under-fives understand and enjoy daily brushing. Shared through early years groups, libraries, and community sessions, it’s proving a powerful tool to help children build lifelong habits.

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive, at Fresh Futures says:

“We’re incredibly proud to have shared such important oral health messages with children across Kirklees. By working hand-in-hand with local partners and empowering our Community Champions, we’ve been able to deliver these messages in a way that truly resonates , the project has been powerful, practical, and centred around the real needs of families. At the heart of this project is a simple goal: giving every child the best start in life with a healthy smile.”

The impact of the project has been tangible and Fresh Futures noted:

  • Greater awareness and confidence among parents to support their children’s oral health.
  • Early intervention reducing the likelihood of preventable dental issues.
  • Reduced stigma by delivering information in trusted, informal spaces.
  • A bridge between knowing and doing, families leave with both the understanding and the resources to act immediately.

As one Champion put it: “Seeing children get excited about brushing, and helping families find a dentist, is incredibly rewarding. The change starts small, but it lasts a lifetime.”

Paediatric First Aid Training

Are you a parent or carer? Build your confidence in delivering emergency first aid to your children with our Paediatric First Aid & CPR Training session!

In this session, you’ll learn:

– How to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest
– How and when to perform CPR
– How to use a defibrillator for babies and children

What to do if a baby or child is choking, and how to avoid choking hazards

This session is ideal for parents and carers who want to feel more confident in an emergency situation.
Please note: This is not an accredited course.

Let’s work together to make sure our children are safe!

A Tough Mudder Triumph!

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Three weeks ago, eight brave volunteers took on the Yorkshire Tough Mudder 5k for Fresh Futures! Including team members from UK Greetings and Leach, raising vital funds to support disadvantaged and vulnerable children, young people and families in our community!

Braving mud pits, electric shock wires, and challenging obstacles, the team powered through with determination and teamwork, crossing the finish line in high spirits!

Fresh Futures extends heartfelt thanks to all involved for their incredible effort, and collectively fundraising over ÂŁ1,250 for Fresh Futures!

Here are some highlights from the day:

Three smiling participants stand together after completing an outdoor race, proudly wearing medals around their necks and matching black athletic gear. Two of them wear orange headbands and hold drinks, while a large event banner with a flame design serves as the backdrop.
Two race finishers stand side by side on a grassy field, smiling with medals around their necks. One wears a green headband and patterned black tank top, the other an orange headband and dark green shirt. Metal barriers and event banners with the Tough Mudder logo are in the background
Participants in a Tough Mudder event climb a large metal structure covered with ropes, while others tackle the steep wooden wall at its base. Some people are already near the top, while others struggle upward, covered in mud. A woman in a black hoodie watches from the foreground as flags mark the course on the grassy field.
The image shows a large field, showing an obstacle course race taking part. In the distance you can see an orange obstacle, as well as a row of people all heading away from the camera.

Fancy taking on this challenge next year? Email us at [email protected] today!

Fresh Futures Brews Up Something Special for Yorkshire Day.

Posted on by Lucy Martin

On Friday 1st August, to mark Yorkshire Day in true community spirit, a handful of cafés and supporters across Kirklees came together to take part in our first ever Fresh Futures Remote Coffee Morning and what a fantastic day it was!

Fresh Futures wanted to bring the people of Huddersfield and surrounding areas together for a town wide moment of joy, fuelled by good coffee, delicious cake, and a shared passion for supporting young people and families. At the heart of it all was a mission to raise both funds and awareness for the vital work carried out every day at Fresh Futures.

Two smiling women sit behind a cake sale table decorated with red and yellow paper ornaments, offering a variety of cakes and bakes to raise funds for Fresh Futures.
Banana Moon Nursery at Mirfield
An image of cookies, and sweet treats on a table decorated with Fresh Futures bunting and a sign saying 'Cake Sale, ÂŁ1 per item'.
Banana Moon Nursery at Mirfield

Participants joined in from their own cafés and workspaces. It was so lovely to see spaces decorated with Fresh Futures-branded goodies, from colourful bunting and posters to cake flags and toppers. We were blown away by the effort and enthusiasm.

A participating group told us:
“No one had heard of Fresh Futures, but they have now!”

A group of older women sit around a blue tablecloth enjoying tea, cake, and conversation at a community coffee morning, with more people chatting in the background.
Spen Valley & Dewsbury Soroptomists at their friendship café in Mirfield library
Butterfly bins decorated with Fresh Futures icing labels on top.
Spen Valley & Dewsbury Soroptomists

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Turntable Café, Banana Moon Nursery (Mirfield), and the Spen Valley and Dewsbury Soroptomists for being part of this special day and showing such brilliant support. You’ve helped shine a light on Fresh Futures and made a real difference.

A close-up of a hand holding a cappuccino in a Fresh Futures mug, with cakes and slices displayed under glass covers in the background.
Turntable CafĂ© – Huddersfield
Image of 4 female members of staff at Turntable Vinyl Cafe in aprons smiling.
The team at Turntable Café on Yorkshire Day

We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

If you are interested in supporting Fresh Futures through fundraising, check out the events we have coming up or email [email protected].

Image of Fresh Futures female staff member holding a Fresh Futures cup in a kitchen, with cakes and buns in the foreground.
The event at Fresh Futures, Brian Jackson House.
Victoria Sponge cake.
Fresh Futures

Work Ready Programme – DECEMBER

Work Ready Programme – December 2025

Fresh Futures is pleased to offer a free two-day Work Ready Programme this summer at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield. Designed to support individuals in building confidence, improving wellbeing, and preparing for employment, the programme takes a holistic and person-centred approach.

Participants will benefit from:

  • Confidence-building activities
  • Creative and interactive wellbeing workshops
  • CV writing, job application guidance, and interview preparation
  • Ongoing one-to-one support for up to six months
  • Monthly check-ins and access to potential work placements
  • Continued access to follow-up workshops

The programme is ideal for those looking to re-enter the workforce, explore new opportunities, or improve their personal and professional skills in a supportive environment.

Places are limited. For more information or to reserve a place, please contact:
Email: [email protected]

Work Ready Programme – NOVEMBER

Work Ready Programme – November 2025

Fresh Futures is pleased to offer a free two-day Work Ready Programme this summer at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield. Designed to support individuals in building confidence, improving wellbeing, and preparing for employment, the programme takes a holistic and person-centred approach.

Participants will benefit from:

  • Confidence-building activities
  • Creative and interactive wellbeing workshops
  • CV writing, job application guidance, and interview preparation
  • Ongoing one-to-one support for up to six months
  • Monthly check-ins and access to potential work placements
  • Continued access to follow-up workshops

The programme is ideal for those looking to re-enter the workforce, explore new opportunities, or improve their personal and professional skills in a supportive environment.

Places are limited. For more information or to reserve a place, please contact:
Email: [email protected]

Work Ready Programme OCTOBER 2025

Work Ready Programme – October 2025

Fresh Futures is pleased to offer a free two-day Work Ready Programme this summer at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield. Designed to support individuals in building confidence, improving wellbeing, and preparing for employment, the programme takes a holistic and person-centred approach.

Participants will benefit from:

  • Confidence-building activities
  • Creative and interactive wellbeing workshops
  • CV writing, job application guidance, and interview preparation
  • Ongoing one-to-one support for up to six months
  • Monthly check-ins and access to potential work placements
  • Continued access to follow-up workshops

The programme is ideal for those looking to re-enter the workforce, explore new opportunities, or improve their personal and professional skills in a supportive environment.

Places are limited. For more information or to reserve a place, please contact:
Email: [email protected]