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Tag: #Kirklees

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

A vibrant recognition poster featuring Ruby Chadwick as 'Volunteer of the Month' for Fresh Futures. The poster has a red-orange background with cloud and swirl graphics. In the centre, a photo shows a group of volunteers working around a table in what appears to be a warehouse or storage area. Ruby Chadwick is highlighted as an 'Elevate Volunteer.' A golden trophy icon adds to the celebratory theme. The top of the poster includes the Fresh Futures logo and the tagline, 'Improving lives, inspiring change.
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!!

A vibrant recognition poster featuring Ruby Chadwick as 'Volunteer of the Month' for Fresh Futures. The poster has a red-orange background with cloud and swirl graphics. In the centre, a photo shows a group of volunteers working around a table in what appears to be a warehouse or storage area. Ruby Chadwick is highlighted as an 'Elevate Volunteer.' A golden trophy icon adds to the celebratory theme. The top of the poster includes the Fresh Futures logo and the tagline, 'Improving lives, inspiring change.
Volunteer of the Month Poster- July 2025

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!

The image shows two people, a woman sat on the left and a man sat on the right, they are sat a table that is dressed with plates, food and teacups. The woman is eating a sandwich, and wears a white and grey striped jumper. The man smiles at her whilst wearing a Christmas jumper that is red with penguins and reindeer on. There are people chatting in the background.
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 image shows two women smiling at the camera, it looks like a living room setting with pictures on the wall. The woman on the left is elderly, with white hair and wears a purple cardigan, the woman on the right has dark hair, with a fringe and dark rimmed glasses.
A client with their befriending volunteer
The image shows six women, stood in a line all posing for the picture. The background looks like a classroom with a projection on the wall in the lefthand half of the picture. The women range from 30s to middle aged and they are all smiling at the camera.
Staff involved in the befriending service

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.

The image shows three women posing for the picture, it looks like it is Christmas as there is a tree and presents in the background, they are all dressed in red and all have blonde hair.
Staff involved in the befriending service
The image shows two women in a living rooms, there is a fireplace and a stack of video tapes in the background. The room is decorated in beiges and browns. One of the women is on the right, sat in a comfy chair and appears to be in the middle of saying something. The other woman is sat behind a elevated dinner tray and is laughing, she is wearing a teal jumper.
Clients and volunteers of the befriending service

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.

Bauble 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.

Autumn Wreaths 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.