We facilitate regular groups and events to engage in, and offer opportunities to start a friendship with a like-minded person of a similar age. We help young people start a friendship with a like-minded person of a similar age, to build confidence and self-esteem.
We create and facilitate regular groups and events, offering the chance to meet new people and socialise. Young people can also initiate ideas and make decisions about the direction of the service, as part of our Thinking Group, which helps them gain valuable skills and experience for future employment.
Fresh Futures is thrilled to announce that we’ve secured funding to run holiday provision, supporting local families and young people during the summer break.
The programme will take place throughout August at Brian Jackson House, in the centre of Huddersfield, and will run Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. Aimed at 11 to 13-year olds, the sessions are completely free for children who receive free school meals.
Each day, young people will be offered a healthy, nutritious meal, with all dietary requirements catered for, ensuring everyone can enjoy lunch together in a relaxed and inclusive setting.
What is on offer?
Our holiday provision is designed to be fun, engaging and supportive, with a wide range of activities planned to keep young people active, creative and connected. These include:
Sports and physical activities to get moving and build teamwork
Cooking classes and baking competitions to spark culinary creativity
Arts and crafts sessions to encourage self-expression
Chill Zone – Board games and time for socialising and relaxation
Weekly access to our onsite cinema installation – a unique way to end the week in style
This new initiative marks an exciting step forward for Fresh Futures as we continue our mission to support children, young people and their families from across Kirklees. We’re passionate about creating opportunities that inspire confidence, promote wellbeing, and help every child thrive.
“We’re incredibly proud to be launching our holiday provision at Fresh Futures,” said Mark Farmer, Chief Executive. “This project represents a step forward in how we support local children, young people and their families, particularly during the long summer break when access to activities and meals can be a challenge. Every young person will receive a healthy meal each day, with dietary needs fully catered for. We’re excited to launch this new project to increase the support we provide for families from across the region.”
Sessions will run Monday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm during weeks commencing 4th, 11th and 18th August. Due to the bank holiday on 25th August, sessions that week will run Tuesday to Friday.
Places are limited to 15 young people and are expected to book very quickly so parents and carers are encouraged to reserve their place for free as soon as possible. To book a place for a young person, please click HERE.
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 Faatimah who is a Telephone Befriender. We caught up with Faatimah to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself:
As a small business owner, I promote kindness and mental health through various activities. I’ve created my own activity book and have many different hobbies, including reading and baking.
I love learning new things and challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone.
How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?
I’ve been volunteering for three years.
Explain your volunteering role:
As a telephone befriending volunteer I call people who may be lonely and need a friend. I have befriended 6 people in my time at Fresh Futures.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?
I was searching for a volunteer opportunity where I could give my time, and Fresh Futures was the perfect fit.
I believe in ambition, drive, and the kindness of everyone, and these qualities make volunteering at Fresh Futures a genuinely enjoyable experience.
What is a typical day of volunteering for you?
My typical day involves giving up an hour of my time to people who need it, by giving them a call!
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures?
I would highly recommend volunteering with Fresh Futures to anyone considering it. Volunteering has a profound impact on people’s lives, including your own.
It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, so you absolutely must give it a try!
Volunteer of the Month June 2025 – Faatimah
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Faatimah, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]
Fresh Futures Family Time service is a child contact centre which provides multiple levels of support to children and families. The service offers a safe and child friendly space for children to have contact with their relatives. Please see the website for further detail for the levels of support offered: https://freshfutures.org.uk/family-time/
Family Time service works closely with Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), alongside the Family court arena and accepts private referrals.
The aim of the service is to support children re/establish relationships with a relative where their contact has broken.
Family Time staff pride themselves on listening to the voice of the child and emphasise it, while supporting children and families agree future arrangements. In addition, Family Time supports parents establish and maintain communication in a child focused manner.
Family Time focus on neurodiversity and have recently implemented sensory spaces to better support children. The team have developed their knowledge on ways of working with children and families with neurodiverse needs, focusing on communication, specifically when children are non-verbal.
A high percentage of children who attend Family Time have been exposed to lengthy court proceedings. In 2025, Family Time staff plan to promote the service to external services who work with families, with an emphasis on Family Time being use as early intervention, to hopefully prevent families from applying to the Family Courts.
The Family Time Team includes one service manager and three child contact officers who play crucial roles in facilitating contact between children and their relatives. Additionally, Family Time often have support from students and volunteers.
The team’s primary role is prioritising the child’s physical and emotional wellbeing, supervising contact sessions and providing detailed reports from their observation of Family Time.
Additionally, they tailor unique plans to best support the children and relatives in areas such as conflict management, communication, relationship building and ways to overcome barriers which may be preventing the child’s contact progressing positively with their relative. Family Time reports are confidential documents which make recommendations for future plans for the child/ren which can support judiciary decision making during family court proceedings when developing a child arrangement order.
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 Lawrence who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Lawrence to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a Scouser but have lived in the Huddersfield area since the 1980s. I am now retired and used to be a University lecturer in Manchester.
In the 80s and 90s I worked in the NHS for Huddersfield Health Authority.
How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?
I have been volunteering for about 18 months for this charity and another local one.
Tell us more about your volunteering role:
My role is a very simple but enjoyable one which consists of visiting an elderly man who lives locally. We have a chat of an hour every week.
What’s a typical day volunteering like for you?
Its only an hour and we talk about where the conversation leads. The guy I have befriended is very interested in how Huddersfield is trying to survive as a town and follows the local news far better than I.
We talk a lot about the past and for instance, how public transport now seems so advanced, especially when you think of Huddersfield trams , branch railway lines and even trolley buses.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?
I wanted to give back a little in my retirement and do voluntary work, I am a bit chatty myself so doing a befriending role seemed ideal!
I am also interested in history so talking and listening to someone in their 90s about the local history of Huddersfield and surrounding towns is fascinating .
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering at Fresh Futures?
Try it out and be open to listening about the past and experiences of someone who has led a long and happy life.
The role can be very important to someone who may not get lots of visitors in a typical day or week.
Volunteer of the Month – Lawrence
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Lawrence, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]
At Brian Jackson College, we understand that supporting our pupils’ development goes beyond the classroom. A holistic approach — where education is a shared journey between school and home — is at the core of everything we do. Strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers are fundamental to this vision, and our parents’ evenings was a key opportunity to nurture those partnership.
On Tuesday 13th May, the Heckmondwike provision held its first parents’ evening, welcoming families into the school between 4:30pm and 7:00pm. The event provided a dedicated space for parents and carers to speak directly with subject teachers, discussing their child’s academic progress, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. Together, staff and families explored strategies to support learning and identify areas for further development, laying the groundwork for better supporting our pupils and improving educational outcomes.
In addition to subject teachers, key members of the school team were on hand to offer guidance and support. The Attendance Lead and Behaviour Lead were available to address concerns and explore positive interventions. The Nurture and Wellbeing Lead shared details of bespoke support programmes, while our school counsellor offered private appointments, providing advice on mental health services and resources for managing exam-related anxiety — particularly timely for pupils preparing for GCSEs and mock exams.
Our careers advisor also joined the evening, offering drop-in sessions for pupils from all year groups to discuss future pathways, from post-16 education to employment and training opportunities.
The evening was a fantastic success, with 16 families attending — many bringing siblings and other relatives, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It was especially rewarding for the team from Fresh Futures to meet with parents and carers in an informal setting, building meaningful connections beyond the usual school day.
Feedback from parents and carers was overwhelmingly positive. Here are just a few of the comments we received:
“I never thought I’d have a parents’ evening as positive as this —I can’t believe how far he has come.”
“The change in him at home is massive. He’s back to being my happy son again.”
“I used to have to fight with him every day to get him to school. Now he’s up and ready every morning — no arguments, no meltdowns. It’s amazing.”
“This is the first proper parents’ evening I’ve been invited to. In the past, I was only called in to talk about her behaviour. It means so much to come here and hear something positive.”
A Fresh Futures, we’re incredibly grateful to all the families who attended and helped make the evening so special.
Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day, and at Fresh Futures, we’re taking a moment to shine a light on the remarkable team at Brian Jackson College, our alternative education provision.
Food technology at Brian Jackson College
At Brian Jackson College, our staff do so much more than deliver lessons — they create safe, supportive, and inspiring environments for young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Their work is transformative, sometimes challenging, and always deeply impactful.
Staff and students at Brian Jackson College
On this special day, Jacqui Green, Headteacher at Brian Jackson College, shared a heartfelt message of gratitude:
“On this National Teachers’ Day, I want to extend my deepest gratitude and admiration for the unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience you bring to your work every single day. Supporting young people with SEMH needs requires not just skill and expertise, but an immense amount of patience, understanding, and kindness. You are more than teachers—you are mentors, advocates, and champions of hope. You provide stability where there is uncertainty, encouragement where there is doubt, and a safe haven where there is struggle. Your presence and perseverance make an immeasurable impact, shaping lives in ways that may not always be visible but are always deeply felt.
Please remember that your efforts are seen, valued, and appreciated. Every breakthrough, no matter how small, is a victory. Every moment of connection you foster is a step toward a brighter future for the young people in your care.
Today, and every day, we celebrate you—your commitment, your passion, and the difference you make in the lives of those who need you most. Thank you for all that you do.”
The construction workshop at Brian Jackson College
We are incredibly proud of the work being done every day at Brian Jackson College. The staff are not only changing lives — they are opening doors to brighter futures.
To all our educators: we see you, we thank you, and today, we celebrate you!
On the 12th of April, Holly stepped into the boxing ring to raise funds and awareness for Fresh Futures as part of an Ultra White Collar Boxing Event in Huddersfield.
Holly managed to raise an amazing £1,218.75 and we are very grateful for her support towards the work we do at the charity!
Holly (in the red) during her boxing match
After seven years out of the ring, Holly made her return – not for titles or trophies, but to stand behind a cause she truly believes in. In the lead-up to the event, she dedicated herself to eight intense weeks of training to make sure she was ready when fight day came.
On the day of the event, Holly was nervous but felt ready, all thanks to the training and support of those around her. Holly didn’t win her fight, but for her, it was never about the victory—it was about proving something to herself, and she did exactly that.
Holly (in the red) during her boxing match
Holly says: “We raised money. We raised awareness. And we reminded people that every effort, even after setbacks, can still create impact. I didn’t get the win on the scorecards, but I gained something much more valuable — a sense of what I’m capable of, and a reminder of the community that stood behind me.”
Well done Holly!
If you would be interested in supporting Fresh Futures in ANY way, please contact us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!
Fresh Futures was honoured to be chosen as the Charity of the Year for 2024–2025 by Gail Harris, Lady Captain of Crosland Heath Golf Club in Huddersfield. Over the year, Gail and the ladies of the club raised an incredible £2,800 through a variety of fundraising events, including fashion shows, raffles, golf tournaments, and sale stalls, to name just a few.
The ladies at Crosland Heath during their fundraisingThe ladies at Crosland Heath during their fundraising
Gail Harris shared with us:
“I am delighted to have been able to support the work done by Fresh Futures to help individuals and families in West Yorkshire. Many of the members of Crosland Heath Golf Club are generous in giving their time as well as money to raise funds for local good causes. Throughout the last year we have held several fun golf events, raffles, a prize draw, an open house with afternoon tea, second hand clothes sales, book sales, donated Christmas presents and held a very successful Fashion Show. I wish you continued good luck in raising funds to maintain the excellent services Fresh Futures provides in West Yorkshire.”
The ladies at Crosland Heath during their fundraising
Aimee Webb, Income and Engagement Officer at Fresh Futures added:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Gail and the ladies at Crosland Heath over the past year, we have had lots of fun attending and hearing about the events they have put on to raise funds for Fresh Futures.
We are very grateful for the money they have raised that will help us continue to support disadvantaged families and young people in the Kirklees area.”
The cheque handover at Crosland Heath Golf Club
If your golf club might be interested in choosing to support Fresh Futures as Gail has, or supporting Fresh Futures in ANY way, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
As we mark an incredible 50 years of Fresh Futures, we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating this milestone in a truly special way – through a powerful collaboration with local creative leaders, Leach, who helped bring our story to life.
Thanks to their generosity and expertise, a stunning visual timeline now proudly showcases our journey and the positive impact we’ve made across Kirklees and beyond since our founding in 1974. This beautifully designed piece now sits along the ground floor of Brian Jackson House, offering visitors and staff a vivid reminder of the progress and partnerships that have shaped us.
Staff and Students from Fresh Futures watching the printing at Leach
But this wasn’t just about design and print, it was also a hands-on, inspiring experience for students at Brian Jackson College, who had the chance to visit Leach HQ in Bradley to see the printing process up close. Watching our story literally unfold before their eyes was a moment of real inspiration and curiosity for our young learners.
“Having this timeline displayed at Brian Jackson House is more than just a celebration of our past—it’s a reminder of the values and vision that drive us every day,” said Katie Shephard, Head of Engagement at Fresh Futures. “Our students loved visiting Leach and seeing how design and technology come together. It sparked so many conversations about creativity, careers, and confidence – it was a fantastic experience for them.”
Leach, who kindly donated the design and print work, expressed their pride in being part of this meaningful project.
“It was an honour to collaborate with Fresh Futures and to help commemorate such an incredible legacy,” said a representative from Leach. “Welcoming the students to our HQ was a highlight – they were curious, engaged, and asked brilliant questions. It reminded us how powerful creativity can be in inspiring the next generation. Supporting this project was our pleasure.”
As we look to the future, this timeline serves not only as a celebration of what we’ve achieved – but as a symbol of the partnerships and passion that will carry us forward.
Here’s to 50 years of Fresh Futures, and the many more to come.
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