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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.”

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 £1,250 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, £1 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 Café – 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

Volunteer of the Month – July 2025

Posted on by Aimee Webb

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 Ruby who is an Elevate Volunteer. We caught up with Ruby to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am going into my final year of university in September.

I think most people would describe me as chatty and I LOVE doing a jigsaw puzzle.

How long have you been volunteering for Fresh Futures?

I have been volunteering with Elevate for 6 months, since the end of January this year.

Explain your volunteering role:

I am mainly there to talk to about things, such as something specific for a session.

The main aim is to make and everyone feel involved and included throughout the duration of the session.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?

I wanted to do some form of volunteering and when I found the opportunity with Fresh Futures I knew it would be something that i would enjoy doing.

I love coming to the sessions every week and am glad to have made new friends and connections.

What’s a typical day of volunteering for you?

A typical day volunteering would include me showing up to our usual room and helping set up; organising which games we want to play; helping tidy up and chatting with everyone.

If we have something scheduled like going bowling or to a food bank, sometimes we meet at the place and then I get involved in the activity like everyone else.

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

Fresh Futures is a great place to volunteer, all the staff are kind and friendly.

The atmosphere is welcoming and there’s always something going on activities wise!!

Volunteer of the Month June 2025 – Ruby Chadwick

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

Farewell to the Befriending Service!

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Fresh Futures wishes to share some important news. On 30th June, the Befriending Service was officially handed over to Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees.

This decision was not made lightly; it followed careful thought and planning. The Charity firmly believes that handing the service over to Age UK is the best way to ensure the project continues to deliver outstanding support for isolated individuals, while allowing Fresh Futures to focus on its core charity values – supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in Kirklees and the surrounding areas.

Fresh Futures has worked closely with Age UK for many years, including during the pandemic when the two organisations collaborated to deliver the Befriending Partnership. The Charity knows firsthand how exceptional Age UK is at providing caring, community-based support for older people. Fresh Futures is confident that Age UK will continue to offer the same warm, friendly connections that have made this service so special.

The Charity would like to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. To all the staff and volunteers, your time, dedication, and kindness have made a significant difference in many people’s lives. To everyone who has taken part in the service, thank you for the connections made and the moments shared.

As Fresh Futures takes the next steps in delivering its core projects for children and young people, the Charity remains proud of everything the Befriending Service has achieved over the years. It has been a privilege to witness the support that has been provided and the joy that has come from the relationships built through the project.

Fresh Futures is excited to see the Befriending Service continue to thrive under the leadership of Age UK and is confident it will continue to make a meaningful difference in the community for years to come.

To keep up to date with the Befriending Service and Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees, please visit their website, and their Facebook page.

Wreath Making Workshop

Fresh Futures Wreath Making Workshops Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Come and join us for two delightful evenings dedicated to crafting your very own beautiful wreaths. We’ll provide all the materials you need, along with expert guidance to help you create something truly special.

Enjoy a complimentary mince pie and drink, and soak up the cozy, festive atmosphere with friends or family.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out, book soon to secure your spot and kick off the festive season!

Wreath Making Workshop

Fresh Futures Wreath Making Workshops Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Come and join us for two delightful evenings dedicated to crafting your very own beautiful wreaths. We’ll provide all the materials you need, along with expert guidance to help you create something truly special.

Enjoy a complimentary mince pie and drink, and soak up the cosy, festive atmosphere with friends or family.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out, book soon to secure your spot and kick off the festive season!

 

Snowman Felting Workshop

Join us for a morning of felting!

TICKETS ARE £27.50 and can be purchased by emailing [email protected] today!

All materials provided, no experience necessary, hot drink included and cakes available for purchase.

Christmas Tree Felting Workshop

Join us for a morning of felting!

TICKETS ARE £27.50 and can be purchased by emailing [email protected] today!

All materials provided, no experience necessary, hot drink included and cakes available for purchase.