Meet the Team: Katie Shephard

This month we have caught up with Katie who is the Head of Income and Partnerships at Fresh Futures. Katie joined the team back in September and is passionate about making a difference to children, young people and families. Katie is already planning some exciting events and activities for 2024 so keep your eyes peeled!

Job Title: Head of Income and Partnerships       

Date joined YCC: 11th September 2023

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’ve worked in the charity sector for the past 15+ years and I’m really passionate about making a difference.  As a parent, Fresh Futures work is really close to my heart and it’s fantastic the way that the charity works to support families holistically so they get the support they need to move forward to a positive future.

Tell us about your role at YCC: I oversee all of the fundraising activity at Fresh Futures which means I get to work with all the wonderful people and companies who do fantastic fundraisers for us.  I also oversee all of the marketing and comms activity, which includes things like our social media channels.

Why do you like working for YCC? It’s fantastic! The charity does amazing work with local people across Kirklees, providing vital support and services to people who need them.  It’s also a great team to be a part of, everyone is so committed and enthusiastic.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Definitely go for it! It’s a fantastic place to work, with wonderful people, and there’s always something new and interesting happening. 

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

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Meet the Team: Dawn Humpleby

This month we have caught up with Dawn who is a SEN Assessment Co-ordinator at Fresh Futures Brian Jackson College. Dawn has been a part of the team for over five years and has already made a huge difference to the lives of many young people.

Job Title: SEN Assessment Co-ordinator                     

Date joined YCC: 3rd September 2018

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I started at Fresh Futures as a volunteer supporting a pupil with Autism in his role at our ‘Pass It On’ Charity Shop. Since then, I have worked at Brian Jackson College as a Learner Behaviour support worker, Keyworker and now SEN assessment co-ordinator.

Your role in a nutshell: Helping to support our pupils in several tasks. Assessing the pupils in their maths and English. I run a reading programme for the students who require additional support or just enjoy reading for pleasure. I also support the SENCo with the provision maps and summary of needs.

Why do you like working for YCC? I like the feeling of a united front, a family environment and there’s support when you need it.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? I was nominated and came second for ‘Support Worker of the Year’ in the Stafflex awards.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC?  Go for it, join our team and make a difference.

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

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Meet the Team: Christine Rhodes

Name: Christine Rhodes

Job Title: Children and Families Service Manager                                 

Date joined YCC: 5th October 2015

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a little obsessed with Astrology and Astronomy; it’s been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I love travelling and going on adventures, including walking in North Wales. I also love plants, growing vegetables and gardening; I have a tropical garden in Huddersfield! I also love music festivals.

Your role in a nutshell: I manage the contracts and delivery of Fresh Futures Community Connections services. This includes the Befriending Service, the Young Adults’ Research Work to support 18 to 26 year olds, the Kirklees Families Together work and Fresh Futures Community Champions. I also oversee YCC’s Community Anchor Service. In addition to this, I am YCC’s Designated Safeguarding Lead for Adults. I’ve got an amazing team of staff and volunteers who I work with and I am always trying my best to make sure they are looked after! 

Why do you like working for YCC? I love the diversity of my role, and the changes and services that I can implement quickly to help others and of course our communities.  Every day/week is different, and although it’s hard work, I’m never bored! 😊 My plan was to stay at Fresh Futures for six months, but I am still here nearly eight years later so that says it all really.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? This is a hard one, I have many, but I’d probably say all the lovely outings I’ve been on with the Young Onset Dementia Group; That group is amazing and made such a difference to everyone who attended.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? If you want to make a difference to people and children, and have a passion in that area, then Fresh Futures is for you. Third sector work is extremely fulfilling and varied.

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

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Meet the Team: Lynne Haigh

Name: Lynne Haigh

Job Title: Fundraising and Communications Coordinator

Date joined YCC: February 2020

Tell us a little about yourself: I have two young children so I don’t have much time for hobbies that don’t include soft play, but before kids I was a keen skier and runner and I worked a ski season in France after I left University.

Your role in a nutshell: I work in the Income and Partnerships team and do everything from fundraising events, social media, website articles and networking with local companies to raise awareness and funds for Fresh Futures.   

Why do you like working for YCC? The role I am in is very varied and there are so many new and exciting opportunities that come up all the time, so I am always busy.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? I recently took part in a podcast in the air where I was asked questions about Fresh Futures in a 4-seater plane – you can watch this HERE.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? It’s a really good place to work with a lot of opportunities and the people are amazing.

If you would like to join the Fresh Futures Team, keep a look out for our current vacancies HERE.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam