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Tag: #FreshFutures

Supporting Positive Destinations: Introducing Our New Work Wardrobe

Posted on by Aimee Webb

At Fresh Futures, the ambition is clear: every young person who graduates from the provision should move on to a positive destination. What that looks like can vary significantly depending on individual needs, strengths and aspirations. For some young people, the right next step may be further education or training, while for others it may be securing employment. Fresh Futures’ role is to provide tailored support that helps each young person move forward with confidence and purpose.

One barrier we identified for many of the learners was the interview process. Interviews can be an intimidating experience, particularly for young people who may lack confidence or have limited experience in professional settings. Fresh Futures’ know that feeling comfortable and confident in how you present yourself can make a real difference, so began exploring ways to offer more practical support.

As a result, Fresh Futures is proud to be developing an onsite ‘work wardrobe’ at our post-16 education provision. This will allow young people to access appropriate, smart outfits for interviews and work placements, helping to remove financial barriers and boost self-confidence at a crucial moment.

To bring this idea to life, we contacted Owen Scott, a bespoke tailors based in central Huddersfield. They immediately understood the purpose and impact of the appeal and were keen to help. Owen Scott generously donated a range of high-quality items, including full suits, waistcoats, shirts and shoes – all carefully selected to be suitable for interviews and professional settings.

Scott, owner of Owen Scott, said:
“As a local business, we believe strongly in supporting young people in our community. When Fresh Futures approached us, it was clear how much of a difference this initiative could make. Something as simple as the right outfit can completely change how someone feels walking into an interview.”

Two people stand inside a bespoke tailor shop with warm wooden interiors. A man in a tweed jacket and tie holds a black garment bag branded “Owen Scott Bespoke Tailor,” while a woman in a cream knit sweater and dark jeans stands beside him, smiling. Behind them are shelves neatly stacked with folded shirts and a wall sign reading “Owen Scott Bespoke Tailor,” with mirrors and tailoring displays visible in the background.Two people stand inside a bespoke tailor shop with warm wooden interiors. A man in a tweed jacket and tie holds a black garment bag branded “Owen Scott Bespoke Tailor,” while a woman in a cream knit sweater and dark jeans stands beside him, smiling. Behind them are shelves neatly stacked with folded shirts and a wall sign reading “Owen Scott Bespoke Tailor,” with mirrors and tailoring displays visible in the background.
Receiving the donation from Owen Scott

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of Fresh Futures, added:
“This donation will have a lasting impact on our young people. The work wardrobe is about more than clothes – it’s about confidence, dignity and helping young people believe in their own potential. We’re incredibly grateful to Owen Scott for their generosity and support.”

Get Involved

Fresh Futures is now inviting other local businesses and organisations to support this initiative by donating suitable interview clothing or making a contribution towards expanding the work wardrobe. Whether it’s clothing, footwear or financial support, every donation helps us ensure young people feel prepared, confident and valued as they take their next steps.

If your business would like to get involved and make a real difference to young people in our community, contact us using the button below!

Contact Us

Jobs Fair

We’re looking forward to attending this local Jobs Fair and chatting all things Elevate and employment!
Come and find out more about our FREE Elevate Work Ready courses, designed to support people to build confidence, develop employability skills, and take their next steps towards work or training.
📍 DRAM Centre, Ridgeway, Huddersfield, HD5 9QJ
What to expect on the day:
➜ Meet local employers who are hiring now
➜ Explore full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship opportunities
➜ Access recruitment advice and ongoing support, including careers guidance, CV help, application support, and interview tips
➜ Get help to overcome barriers to employment and learning
Email [email protected] to confirm your attendance.
Pop along, say hello, and see how we can support your next steps 👋✨

People Helping People Networking Event

Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration and community support at our next People Helping People meeting.
We’re welcoming guest speakers Lucy Moore (Senior Partnerships Manager) and Emma Dickens (Associate Director of Charity & Partnerships) from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, who will be sharing insights into MY Community Promise.
We’ll also hear from Billy Tindle, Third Sector Officer at Kirklees Council, who will demystify the funding process, share guidance on applying for grants, and offer practical tips to make securing funding easier.
🤝 Why come along?
• Meet TSL Kirklees and discover local funding opportunities
• Connect with your local Community Anchors, Fresh Futures and S2R Creative Space, and learn how they can support your group
• Hear from local community organisations and charities
• Share updates about your services and learn what others are doing
• Get tips on promotion, volunteering, staying connected and finding funding
• Network with others who are working to make a difference in North Kirklees
This event is delivered in partnership with TSL and S2R Create Space (Dewsbury & Mirfield Community Anchor), and is open to all VCSE groups across North Kirklees.

FREE Wellbeing Event

You’re warmly invited to our FREE Wellbeing Event
Take a little time for you and join us on Thursday 8 January 2026, 10:15am–1:15pm, at Batley Community Centre (Upper Commercial Street, Batley WF17 5DH).
Enjoy a relaxed, friendly session and discover the support available to you, including:
✨ NHS Talking Therapies – practical relaxation tools and an overview of their services
✨ Kirklees Wellness Service – simple lifestyle changes that can make a real difference to everyday wellbeing
Get in touch to find out more!
📞 01484 415465
💬 WhatsApp: 07849 398828
We’d love to see you there!

Fresh Futures’ Winter 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 Winter we would like to say a big THANK YOU to Phil who is a Core Volunteer. We caught up with Phil to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am 78 yrs old and have lived in the Holme Valley for approximately 35 years! I trained as a Social Worker and worked in this field for over 50 years, initially with all age groups and circumstances but later with children and families. I have four adult children and four grandchildren. I have varied interests including gardening, walking, exercise, football and studying. I like to keep active and still hope I can still provide some useful roles hence my volunteering activities!

How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?

I started volunteering after Covid, in early 2022.

Tell us about your volunteering role:

I joined the charity volunteering for the Community Friend service. This service has since ended although I am still in touch with the friends I made. Now, my role varies from supporting the charity during events, covering reception, and also helping to spread the word about Fresh Futures through leaflet drops and having conversations within the community about their services.

What made you want to start volunteering at Fresh Futures?

In the early stages of the Covid pandemic, I received information on the Community Friend service at Fresh Futures, I initially had telephone contact, due to the restrictions on movement, but over the years I have been linked with four friends, three of whom I still have regular contact with! I felt that it was important to assist others who were struggling in various ways, and also it provided myself with beneficial experiences!

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

I would support anyone who wanted to give it a try! I have no hesitation in recommending Fresh Futures as a place to volunteer, I have always felt welcome here! I would always say be open and upfront with what your interests and needs are, don’t be afraid to say no – they don’t mind!! I have always embraced the volunteering opportunities at Fresh Futures.

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

Voluntary and Community Get Together

Please join North Kirklees’ Community Anchors and Community Plus for a relaxed, social networking evening to meet local groups and charities.

This is an opportunity to connect with other like minded people, form partnerships, gain support, information and local connections.

Refreshments will  be available. Please bring along promotional material you would like to share!

Address:

The 3 strands café, Longcauseway Church, 36 Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury, WF13 1NH

Birkby Junior School Fundraises £187 for Fresh Futures!

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Year 5 students from Birkby Junior School showed incredible community spirit last summer by fundraising for Fresh Futures and their school’s own food bank.

The pupils decided to sell ice pops during break times, a choice that couldn’t have been better timed, as their sale days coincided with some of the hottest days of the year! Their efforts paid off, raising an impressive £187 for Fresh Futures!

On Monday 10th November, a member of Fresh Futures’ Income and Engagement Team attended the Year 3 and 5 assembly to receive the cheque and talk to students about the work Fresh Futures does in the local community. They also shared how the donation will help support children and families throughout the charity’s various projects and services, including their Christmas campaigns.

Aimee Webb, Income and Engagement Officer, said

“It was wonderful to visit Birkby Junior School this week to receive the cheque and thank the students in person for their amazing fundraising. Their donation will help us support local families through our festive campaigns. “

Two women stand smiling indoors as one hands the other a cheque. They are in front of a colourful classroom display featuring a painted tropical house scene with written notes around it. One woman wears a white cardigan and grey trousers, and the other wears a black leather jacket over a floral dress. They appear to be marking a donation or presentation moment in a cheerful school setting.
Cheque Handover at Birkby Junior School

A huge thank you to all those in Year 5 at Birkby Junior School for your amazing fundraising efforts and support for Fresh Futures!

 If your school would also like to support Fresh Futures, please email us at [email protected].

Post 16 Christmas Lunch

To celebrate the festive season, post-16 students at Brian Jackson College will be enjoying a special Christmas lunch together.

They’ll be decorating the Christmas tree, getting creative with crafting and card making, and designing their own engraved gifts, a fun and festive way to round off the term! 🎄✨

Post 16 Students Celebrate Children In Need

On Thursday, post-16 students at Brian Jackson College will be baking Pudsey Bear buns in support of Children in Need.


Then on Friday, they’ll be selling their delicious creations at both the college and Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield — all while wearing their pyjamas!