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 Christine who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Christine to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a retired violin teacher and still love to make music with my friends in chamber groups; love watching tennis and used to do marathon swims. I have a very caring and supportive partner.
How long have you been volunteering for the charity: I have been visiting my friend since January 2024. I regard my role as a friend, listener and sometimes a comforter.
Tell us about a typical day in your role: I visit my friend once a week and usually stay for about an hour and a half.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I saw an advert on the tele asking for volunteers for Age UK, and it led me to being put in touch with Brian Jackson House.
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? My advice is just be yourself and be a good listener.
Volunteer of the Month
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Christine, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]
Do you create or sell artisan products and want to reach a fresh audience and widen your reach? If so, Fresh Futures wants to hear from you!
On Saturday 7th June, Fresh Futures – a Huddersfield based charity – is running a Craft Fair at its head office in central Huddersfield. The craft fair will be part of a wider family fun day, with children’s entertainment as well as food and drink vendors available onsite.
Fresh Futures is looking for local traders and businesses who would like to host a stand at the event.
Katie Shephard, Head of Income and Engagement, says “We’re excited to be hosting the first ever Fresh Futures Fair this June. We’re hoping it will be a great event for everyone to attend with unique shopping opportunities, combined with entertainment for kids and food and drink vendors attending. The best part is that every penny raised at the event will be directed towards our work supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families, from across the region.”
Established in 1974, Fresh Futures is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, and their families, within Kirklees and surrounding areas. The vision is for all children and young people to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future. To find out more about the charity and how you can support its work, visit https://freshfutures.org.uk/corporate-partnerships/
Interested in hosting a stand at the event? Find out more by emailing Katie Shephard on [email protected]. Places are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Fresh Futures, previously Yorkshire Children’s Centre, is a regional charity supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families in our community. The charity was first set up by Brian Jackson, who was passionate about improving the quality of childcare in the Kirklees area, resulting in the creation of the National Children’s Centre, the charity’s name when it was launched. Since then, it’s services have expanded and diversified to support more groups in the community through four strands of work; education; health & wellbeing; employability & skills and relationships.
Photos from Fresh Futures over the years
In 2024, Fresh Futures celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the occasion in various ways, including Brian Jackson House playing host to the Kirklees Top 100 companies event held in June, the launch of a Patron scheme to enable corporates to pledge their support and a World Record attempt – to have the largest collection of erasers!
Kirklees Top 100 Event hosted by Fresh Futures
Fresh Futures also celebrated many of those involved with the charity, through their 50 faces of Fresh Futures campaign, interviewing those who work for, volunteer for or support the charity throughout Kirklees.
In 2025, we continue to be keen to hear stories from anyone who may have worked for the charity or used any of the services over the last 50 years. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to share your story.
Lucy Jackson, daughter of Brian Jackson, is now a trustee of the charity and shared some memories the family have of her father and the charity. She said: “About 2 or 3 years ago I noticed on social media that there was a sponsored walk from my dad’s charity. Over the years since his death in 1983 I had attended irregular events of the charity, but this felt like an opportunity to chat with some of the staff. I went on the walk with two of my adult children, really enjoyed chatting to everyone about where the charity now was. Since then I’ve been delighted to join the board of Trustees and it’s wonderful to see first how my father’s legacy continues to thrive.”
Other members of the family shared how “it was wonderful to visit recently and see children and parents playing happily together at Brian Jackson House”Fresh Futures don’t boast about what they do – but it’s noticed when parents need their help.”
Brian Jackson’s youngest son, Seth who works for Strange Thoughts, a Patron of the charity. Believes, “It’s lasted, it’s evolved and it’s still making a difference!”.
A word cloud to show how people describe Fresh Futures
With many exciting fundraising activities planned for 2025, Fresh Futures will continue to support children and families in the Kirklees area most in need.
Fundraising can take many forms, visit our Fundraising page HERE for some inspiration. If you would be interested in fundraising for Fresh Futures, please contact the team to find out their plans or suggest your own at [email protected]
We are excited to announce that Fresh Futures has been nominated for the Charitable Excellence Award at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025! This incredible recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of the Fresh Futures team over the past year.
Founded by Joanne Maltby and Melanie Malcolm, the Yorkshire Choice Awards celebrate the achievements of inspiring local people and businesses in Yorkshire, recognising their efforts to make a positive impact in their communities. Through adversity and courage, these awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations whose efforts truly deserve recognition.
In 2022, Fresh Futures was honoured to be the runner-up in the COVID Heroes Award, highlighting the collective efforts of our team during a challenging time. This year, we’re back in the spotlight, nominated for the Charitable Excellence Award, which was introduced in 2024 to recognise organisations excelling in charity work. The award celebrates not just charitable acts but also innovation, commitment, and the difference made in local communities.
For Fresh Futures, winning the award in 2025 would be a monumental achievement. It would celebrate over 50 years of charitable service and the tremendous impact we’ve had on children, young people, and families in Kirklees.
Katie Shephard, Head of Income and Engagement, shared: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been nominated for such a prestigious award. The team works incredibly hard throughout the year, and we’re grateful to have our work recognised. We’re all excited for the ceremony and appreciate the support from everyone who believes in the work we do!”
How You Can Help: We need your vote to help us win! It only takes a few seconds, and your vote could make all the difference. Here’s how you can vote for Fresh Futures:
Scroll down and click ‘CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE’.
In the ‘CHARITABLE EXCELLENCE AWARD’ category, select Fresh Futures from the drop-down box.
Scroll to the bottom, enter your email address, and click ‘SUBMIT’.
The public vote is crucial, so please share this link with your friends and family to help us secure as many votes as possible. Your support could help us shine a light on the heart and spirit of Fresh Futures!
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re making a difference!
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 Michael who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Michael to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m a bus driver and a cancer survivor. Now that I’m cured, I want to give back to the community. I never like to think of someone being on their own, so I’m doing what I can to make a difference.
How long have you been volunteering for the charity: I signed up over a year ago, but I had to take a break during my cancer treatment.
Tell us about a typical day in your role: It’s a joy to visit my two friends – they make my life feel whole just as much as I do for them. It’s really a two-way thing. Some days, I’ll think I can’t be bothered, but the moment I get there, I feel completely different. They’re both awesome people, and they help me as much as I help them.
There are so many rewards to being a befriender – more than I ever realised. Even on days when I wake up feeling off, just talking to my friends, and hearing their life stories makes everything better.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I wanted to give something back to the community and help improve people’s lives.
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? I’d recommend befriending to anyone. It’s one of the best things you can do, and the support from the team at the office makes it even better. They make sure you’re matched with the right people, which means a lot.
When I delivered Christmas presents, so many people wanted to stop and talk, and that really touched me. There are so many lonely people out there, and we don’t always realize it. Now I’ve got two friends for life, and it’s been an amazing experience for everyone involved.
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Michael, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]
Finding a fulfilling career can be daunting, especially when lacking confidence and direction. For Libbie, a beauty enthusiast with a passion for beauty therapy, the path forward wasn’t clear. Unsure of how to turn her interest into a career, she turned to Fresh Futures’ Employability Program.
With their guidance, Libbie transformed her passion into a thriving business, Pampered Perfection. Libbie first heard about Fresh Futures’ program through her family. She was unsure of her future, expecting to end up on a different path entirely.
Although she initially expected a formal, classroom-style experience, she was delighted to find an open and friendly environment where her confidence began to grow.
One of Libbie’s biggest initial challenges was overcoming her social anxiety. Nervous around new people and hesitant to speak up, she discovered that the program’s supportive mentors and peers helped her feel more comfortable.
By the end, she had built both friendships and professional connections. “The program gave me so much more confidence,” she recalls.
As she explored career options, Libbie’s passion for working in the beauty industry resurfaced. She received guidance through research assignments, networking sessions, and industry insights from the Fresh Futures team, who helped her see her dream as achievable.
“The best part was having someone to guide me on what to look for and how to get there. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them,” she says.
With this newfound confidence, Libbie took the leap. She began advertising beauty services from home, eventually moving into a professional salon setup in Marsden to meet growing demand.
Today, Libbie owns Pampered Perfection, a beauty business specializing in eyelash extensions and eyebrow treatments, with a loyal clientele and stellar reviews.
The interior of Pampered Perfection
Libbie encourages young adults to consider the Employability Program: “If you’re introverted like I was, just go for it. The informal environment makes it easy to build confidence and could completely change how you see yourself.”
For those inspired by Libbie’s journey, follow her business on social media:
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 Janet who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Janet to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m in my 60’s just about to officially become a pensioner-eek. I’ve been married to Greg for 45 years this month, we have 4 children and 7 grandchildren and our little dog Poppy. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out for meals, walking, swimming, reading and baking.
How long have you been volunteering for the charity: Since 2020, I started telephone befriending during lockdown.
Tell us about a typical day in your role: I had 2 ladies who now are personal friends, one I visit every week and the other I speak to on the phone every week. My 3rd lady I visit on a weekly basis with my dog. So it can be a chat with a cuppa or a bit of a walk if she’s well enough. . I usually spend a couple of hours with each one of them. They keep me entertained and I just love spending time with them.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I’ve always worked and volunteered around younger people from when my own children were tiny, but when my Dad developed dementia I realised that there was a big gap in respect of time given to elderly people, who I came to realise through the situation with my Dad also desperately needed stimulation, time and support. When my Dad passed away in 2017, followed by my mother in law in 2018 something was missing, that link with the older generation. I luckily saw an advert on Facebook for telephone volunteers and as I’m very sociable person and love to chat I thought it would be perfect for me. I knew I could free up a few hours a week to do this as we all now know people were terribly isolated during lockdown.
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? Go for it. It is so rewarding if you are matched with the right person. It has enriched my life so much and I’m sure it will yours.
Janet Sheard – Volunteer of the Month
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Janet, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]
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 Alan who volunteers as a Community Friend. We caught up with Alan to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…
Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Alan Moore, I was widowed in 1995 so I have some understanding of the effects losing someone close has. I am a retired engineer working for local company, Thomas Broadbent.
Tell us about a typical day in your role:
My usual volunteering day is a visit to the gym trying to keep fit, home for lunch then off to my friend to help him pass the afternoon.
What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?
I was looking for something rewarding, worthwhile and fulfilling to help pass some of the spare time I now have.
And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures?
For anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say DO IT. It gives me purpose to my visiting days and I get a lot out of our friendship. So much so that I am looking at trying to find another opportunity.
Alan Moore – Volunteer of the Month
If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Alan, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Lucy on 01484 519988 or [email protected]
Fresh Futures proudly operates two alternative provision colleges that offer a safe haven for students who’ve found that mainstream education isn’t the right fit and may be facing exclusion.
Located in Huddersfield and Heckmondwike, our colleges are dedicated to supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health challenges, giving them the tools they need to succeed.
We’re absolutely delighted to have launched our very first post-16 provision in Heckmondwike at the end of October! At Brian Jackson College, our mission is simple: to create a nurturing, motivating environment where every student can flourish.
Our new post-16 offering is designed to provide a bespoke educational experience that aligns with each student’s unique interests, needs, and aspirations for the future.
Jenny Netherwood, Head of Post-16 commented:
“I am delighted to introduce myself as the Head of the brand-new Post 16 provision at Heckmondwike. The provision will have an official opening later this term and staff are busily preparing for the arrival of the first ever set of learners!”
What Can You Expect from Our Post-16 Vocational Hub?
Our vocational hub offers an exciting range of opportunities. Every student is assigned a personal tutor who they’ll meet with daily, ensuring they always have the support they need.
The College boasts large, welcoming spaces to both study and socialise, creating a genuine sense of community. Our staff, highly trained in their respective fields, are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
Plus, we offer on-site access to counselling, career advice from external specialists, and enrichment sessions that provide a real taste of the working world.
the entrance to the post-16 centre
Here’s a glimpse at the courses available at our post-16 vocational hub:
Hairdressing
Barbering
Employability skills
Construction
Food technology
Motor vehicle maintenance
And of course, all courses include essential Maths and English!
What Will Students Achieve with Us?
By the end of their time at Brian Jackson College, students will:
Secure a positive destination—whether that’s employment, further education, or training
Have had their individual needs fully addressed to ensure success
Gain accredited certificates that demonstrate their knowledge and skills
Achieve qualifications in Maths and English (Functional Skills or GCSEs)
Complete entry-level SFLE through enriching experiences
the student break room at the post 16 centre
A Chat with Michael Winder – Our Enthusiastic Car Mechanics Teacher
We recently caught up with Michael Winder, our passionate car mechanics teacher, to hear more about his journey:
“At the College, my classroom is a high-octane mix of jokes, hands-on projects, and the occasional misplaced socket wrench. My ADHD means every lesson feels like an adventure—one minute you’re learning about engine timing, and the next we are in a conversation about how tanks are just really big cars with better paint jobs. Dyslexia? No problem. When the textbook gets confusing, I throw it aside and says, “Let’s make our own manual!”
I am excited for this next chapter at the post-16 offering and can’t wait to find my next exciting project—probably trying to fit a jet engine onto a go-kart, with a cup of coffee in hand, of course.”
In 2023, Leeds based publishing company Emerald hosted numerous charity events and raised an incredible £12,252 for Fresh Futures.
Emerald has a passionate team of volunteers who worked to coordinate several varied events that would allow all employees of the company to get involved with the fundraising efforts.
A few of the events held by Emerald included a sponsored walk, crafting events, a craft makers market, and skills workshops hosted by employees! One team member even opened his farm up to teach people about lambing!
Pictures of Emerald’s fundraising efforts
In addition to the events, numerous Emerald employees donated through payroll giving. Payroll giving is a way to contribute to a chosen charity each month without paying tax on the donation.
If your company is be interested in supporting Fresh Futures through payroll giving, you can find more information here.
When asked why they wanted to support Fresh Futures, Tamsyn Johnston-Hughes, Internal Communications Lead, said “Being a West Yorkshire business, Fresh Futures was a charity that we were passionate to support, especially as we also focus on education, and working towards supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in striving to not leave anyone behind”.
Fresh Futures would love to send a huge thank you to the team at Emerald for their donation and deciding to support Fresh Futures this year and every penny received from donations helps us make a significant and lasting impact on the services we can deliver across Kirklees. Check out Emerald on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The Tree of Wishes at Brian Jackson House
Are you interested in supporting a charity on the run up to Christmas?
Why not get involved in our Tree of Wishes Appeal! We are kindly asking businesses to sponsor a bauble for £50, in exchange for your generous donation, we will display a bauble with your company logo, on a Christmas tree displayed at Brian Jackson House.
If you would like more information or to support Fresh Futures, please contact us on [email protected] or call us on 01484 519988.
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