Volunteer of the Month – July 2025

Posted on 14 July 202514 July 2025 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 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!

Posted on 7 July 20257 July 2025 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.

Volunteer of the Month – June 2025

Posted on 12 June 202512 June 2025 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 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!

Bright, cheerful poster for ‘Fresh Futures’ announcing its ‘Volunteer of the Month.’ A central photo, tilted playfully, shows a volunteer dressed in full firefighter gear standing part-way up an outdoor ladder, arms raised triumphantly against a blue-sky backdrop. Around the photo are cartoon clouds, curved yellow shapes and a small gold-trophy icon. Large white headline text reads ‘Volunteer of the Month.’ Beneath the picture, a speech-bubble panel displays the volunteer’s name in bold red letters, and a yellow tag below notes their role as ‘Telephone Befriender.’ — 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]

Volunteer of the Month – May 2025

Posted on 22 May 202522 May 2025 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 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.

Lawrence Benson, a smiling bald man wearing glasses, is named Volunteer of the Month by Fresh Futures. The background includes playful cloud graphics and a gold trophy icon. His role is listed as Community Friend. — 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]

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: Fresh Futures & Leach

Posted on 28 April 202528 April 2025 by Lynne Haigh

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.

a group of people pose for a picture, in front of a wall decorated with colourful birds and trees. The people all wear orange and yellow hi-vis jackets.

the picture shows a big printing machine, the artwork coming out of the printer is red, but it is not visible what is on the artwork. — Staff and Students from Fresh Futures watching the printing at Leach

the picture shows a woman holding something next to a piece of machinery. There is a man on the left explaining to the woman what to do. In the background, there are a few more people wearing hi-vis jackets and watching the woman.

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.

the picture shows a long hallway, with a window at one end and double doors at the other. It shows the wall which has a red artwork showing different time points like a timeline, with writing and pictures. There is a white radiator in the middle of the wall, the carpet is grey.

“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.

Volunteer of the Month – April 2025

Posted on 16 April 2025 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 Laura who volunteers during our family time sessions. We caught up with Laura to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I work at Netherton preschool Monday to Friday and volunteer for family time on alternative Saturdays. I have two children, a son who will be starting high school and a daughter who will be starting junior school this September.

Helping others is in my nature and something I really enjoy doing. You can find me on my day off standing on the football field cheering on my son’s team or enjoying a bottomless brunch, catching up with friends. I also aim to reach 10,000 steps a day and have managed to loose 3 stone since Christmas!

How long have you been volunteering for the charity?

I first started volunteering for Fresh Futures in 2020 when it was called the Yorkshire Children’s Centre. I first started doing community contact (befriending) then I moved on to family time. For a while I enjoyed both, however now I only volunteer for the family time which I enjoy.

Tell us more about your volunteering role:

I help support families to progress and rebuild positive relationships.

What’s a typical day volunteering like for you?

I’m usually the first one in the building & one of the last ones out (by choice)! Most days can be busy however the staff and other volunteers makes it more enjoyable as they are a pleasure to be around. They’re like family!

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?

In 2020 just before lockdown I found myself in a very confused place. I was a stay home single mum and needed a focus!

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

DO IT!

If something isn’t for you there’s always other roles you can try 😊 and everyone I have met here are lovely!

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Laura, 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 – March 2025

Posted on 10 March 202510 March 2025 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 Karen who is a Community Friend. We caught up with Karen to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I work as an admin assistant which I love. I have recently gone back to college to do math’s GCSE! I love spending time with family and friends.

Tell us more about your volunteering role:

My befriending role involves me visiting my friend most weeks and I ring her a couple of times a week for a catch up.

How long have you been volunteering for the charity?

I have been a befriender for about 11 years. I have also done some reading groups in a care home setting, helped out at the centre with events and delivered gifts at Christmas.

What’s a typical day volunteering like for you?

I’ll generally ring my friend on a Monday night and might call with a sandwich one day. She is 93 and loves a good chin wag!

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures?

I worked in Brighouse Sainsburys and we did some work collecting Christmas gifts for the elderly people who visited a rest centre. Most were on their own and the small gifts were so appreciated. The difference it made really made me want to help where I could!

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

It’s so rewarding, you can make such a difference by giving just an hour a week. I would advise anyone to do it, I have made some lovely friends over the years.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Karen, 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: February 2025

Posted on 26 February 20253 March 2025 by Lynne Haigh

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 Zach who volunteers for Elevate. We caught up with Zach to hear about his Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

Tell us a little about yourself: I’m 6’3 and I like to think I’m a little funny

How long have you been volunteering for the charity: I’ve been volunteering since the start of October 2024.

Explain your volunteering role: I help out wherever I’m needed and I help run the elevate sessions.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I’d been coming to sessions myself and wanted to try something new.

Sum up a typical day of volunteering for you: I turn up a little earlier than everyone else to help set up the session. I greet people as they enter the room and then we play some kind of game, normally its Uno no mercy but other times we do arts and crafts or we just have conversations.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Futures? It’s about more than yourself, it’s about everyone around you

A poster that says Volunteer of the Month at the top, with some hands reaching up below the title. Under these is a picture of 3 people stood next to a building looking at the camera.

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

Fresh Futures Gains Incredible Support from Local Café – Here’s How You Can Get Involved

Posted on 11 February 20255 March 2025 by Aimee Webb

Unity Yard Café at Holmfirth

Unity Yard, an arty café based in Holmfirth, has been supporting Fresh Futures since the end of 2024. The café supports over 140 local artists and makers, selling art; plants; gifts; clothes and more in their café. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Comfy sofas and chairs that customers can sit on whilst they visit Unity Yard Café — The seating area at Unity Yard

A member of the Unity Yard team posing with a cup of coffee by the till in the Unity Yard Café — The inside of Unity Yard

The café has kindly supported the charity over the festive period by selling our very own Christmas Cards that were designed by students that attend Brian Jackson College during their art classes.

Unity Yard also have a Fresh Futures collection tub, collecting funds that goes towards supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families. Fresh Futures looks forward to continuing this partnership into 2025 and beyond!

A member of the Unity Yard team has also given up their own time to volunteer as a Community Friend during the pandemic in 2020, making a weekly phone call to her matched friend every week for years to follow.

Interested in Volunteering:

If you would be interested in volunteering in Huddersfield or Batley, for a limited time we are running three Community Friend training sessions to the public!

Sessions at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield will be taking place on:

Wednesday 26 February, 9:30-11:30
Thursday 27 February, 17:00-18:30

And at Jo Cox House, Batley:

Wednesday 12 March, 10:00-12:00

After the session, the final steps will be completed including a DBS check and a short application, so you’ll be fully ready to start befriending and make a real difference!

For more information, please contact us today [email protected]!

a poster depicting the dates for volunteer training in Huddersfield and Batley.

Volunteer Of The Month – January 2025

Posted on 29 January 202510 March 2025 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 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.

A poster with 'Volunteer of the Month' at the top, with hands pointing up below. Then a picture of people walking away in the park is below these. — 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]

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