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Tag: #volunteerofthemonth

Volunteer of the Month – June 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 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 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]

Volunteer of the Month – April 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 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!

A bright and cheerful graphic celebrating the 'Volunteer of the Month' from Fresh Futures. The top of the image includes the Fresh Futures logo with the tagline 'Improving lives, inspiring change'. In the center is a photo of a smiling woman, identified as Laura Cumiskey, with a speech bubble beneath her photo displaying her name. A yellow label below reads 'Core Volunteer'. The background is a warm orange with playful cloud and trophy illustrations, creating a joyful and uplifting tone.

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 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.

A digital graphic features a 'Volunteer of the Month' recognition for Karen Tippett, a core volunteer with Fresh Futures. The design has a bright orange background with playful cloud and swirl illustrations. At the top, the Fresh Futures logo is displayed alongside the tagline 'Improving lives, inspiring change.' The main focus is a cutout-style photo of Karen Tippett, a woman with dark hair and glasses, sitting beside an elderly woman with short white hair, both smiling warmly in a cozy home setting. A speech bubble contains Karen’s name, and below it, a yellow tag marks her role as 'Core Volunteer.' A small trophy icon is included as a symbol of recognition

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 – January 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 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]

Volunteer Of The month – December 2024

Posted on 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 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]

Volunteer of The Month: July 2024

Posted on 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 Rosemary Howe who volunteers for the charity as a Community Friend volunteer.

We caught up with Rosemary to hear about her Fresh Futures volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 

I started volunteering a month or two before COVID hit, just before the Christmas period. I’d just started visiting my first friend when we had to move over to the telephone. We chatted over the phone through the entire duration of COVID, and then started meeting up again after that. After around 3 years I was matched with my current friend. It must have been over four years since I started now.

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m a people person – I love talking to people. I’ve done a lot of things in my life, like running a small post office for around six years, working in retail, and on a market. When I got married, I inherited 4 stepdaughters – and then had two children of my own! But now I live on my own, so I know how it feels to be alone.

Tell us about your volunteering role: 

In my volunteer role as a befriender, it’s important to show an interest. It doesn’t matter what you talk about, I just chatter away. There must be moments where I bore the pants out of my friend. But for him it’s something outside of the usual, its someone coming in with a different mindset.

Tell us about a typical day in your role: 

I visit my friend; we sit and chat and sometimes have a cup of tea. I tell him a lot about my life, but he also asks me a lot of questions and asks for my advice. I think he likes to use me as a sounding board when he’s unsure about things.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? 

The reason I wanted to start volunteering is because I know what it’s like to be alone. I was looking after my husband for 8 years, but during that time, there were moments where I felt isolated, as he spent a lot of time sleeping and watching the TV. I felt like I had lost him long before he had died, which made me feel very much like I had been on my own for a long time. When I moved, I knew I had to make an effort to go out and meet people. As I’m still fairly mobile and have my car I’m able to volunteer and help others, so I will go on doing this as long as I can.

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

To become a befriender, I think you’ve got to be patient and appreciate that the person you are visiting might feel frustrated to be in that situation. They will probably be very pleased to see you, but at the same time they might be feeling like things in their life were not meant to be that way. But if you succeed in brightening their day, it’s really worthwhile.

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