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Tag: #Volunteers

Volunteer of the month: November

Posted on by Katie Shephard

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 Saberin who has been volunteering at Fresh Futures since July to support our mission to become more sustainable. Saberin has already made a huge difference here at Fresh Futures and we are so pleased to have her in the team.

We caught up with Saberin to hear about her Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? Since July 2023

Tell us a bit about yourself: My name is Saberin and I am very pleased that I had a chance to be a volunteer in Fresh Futures. I am passionate in my role and I like teamwork and I’m a very motivated person. I always like to upgrade my skills and my knowledge.

Tell us about your volunteering role: Identify and create projects or design posters and brochures that relate to YCC’s sustainability work. I also encourage people to support positive sustainable change and awareness.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? First of all I wanted to improve my computer skills but now I’m interested in my role.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Saberin, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Fresh Futures Volunteer Officer, Daisy, on: 01484 519988 or email: [email protected]

Volunteer of the Month: September

Posted on by Katie Shephard

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 Melanie who volunteers in the Community Friend Service. Melanie shows incredible support, encouragement and kindness to her friend, Beryl, and they enjoy regular trips out together to the park, shopping and to the farm shop.

We caught up with Melanie to hear about her Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I became a telephone volunteer during the pandemic, and then about 17 months ago I became a Community Friend to Beryl.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a mother of two grown up children in their 20’s and I currently work part time in a number of NHS  non executive director roles having left my full time role in further education in 2019. I love being active, walking and playing tennis when ever I can as well as some time working as an “extra” in the background on film  and tv. 

Tell us about your volunteering role: Initially, I would visit Beryl for an hour on alternate weeks at her request and we would have a chat and coffee as she cared for her ill husband. We spent time getting to know each other and listening, laughing and crying on occasions. As our relationship developed and she began to trust me, I was the first person to take her out of the house for some time and I gradually saw her gain more confidence. Now, we often either have a chat in the house or on good weather days we go shopping,  to the park, or farm shop and combine a small walk with shopping and coffee. We have had two summer trips to Shibden Park and we are planning other outings. I often visit for two hours or more and we always have lots to say to each other. 

It is a privileged position getting to know, and spending time with someone at a vulnerable time in their lives. It takes time to earn the trust and develop a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship with somebody new, entering their home and life.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? I absolutely love meeting people, listening and helping others. I felt the pandemic was very isolating and saw the impact on friends and family who were alone. I saw how my mother who had died from dementia benefited from visiting volunteers and I wanted to help as I saw some adverts for volunteers and knew there was a large list of people who were isolated or lonely.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Melanie, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact Fresh Futures Volunteer Officer, Daisy, on: 01484 519988 or email: [email protected]

News Update: Young Onset Dementia Group

Posted on by Katie Shephard

After eight years of building and establishing Fresh Futures Young Onset Dementia Group, last Thursday 30th June, the team handed the reins over to Kirklees Dementia Hub and Hoot Creative Arts who will work in partnership to ensure the fabulous work and vital support continues for the individuals and their families involved in this group.

The group began it’s journey with Fresh Futures back in 2015, and was held every Thursday at the Chinese Community Centre on Cambridge Road in Huddersfield before moving to it’s permanent base at Brian Jackson House. The group was set up by Fresh Futures Community Connections Team and over the years, it was run by Christine Rhodes and Gez Walsh.

The group was initially created to support those living with Young Onset Dementia, who are working age adults under 65 years old. The support also extended to partners and their families to offer a safe space to speak to someone and ask for advice over a cuppa.

The group has become a vital asset to the community for the individuals involved and has been a place for people to make friends and feel less alone over the last eight years. The ethos of the group has been around peer support, keeping healthy, being involved with local communities and above all, having fun together!

Fresh Futures Community Connection’s Team are so proud to see how established the group has become and the difference it makes to people’s lives.

It is safe to say that without the help of weekly volunteers, this group wouldn’t be where it is today. Fresh Futures would like to say a HUGE thank you to Tim Varga, Dawn Patrice, Dawn Turner, Stephen Yates, Katharine Marsh and Lorraine Jackson Royal, with a special thank you to queen baker Dawn Patrice, who has baked amazing treats for the group week in, week out, for the last five years!

Fresh Futures Community Connection’s Service Manager, Christine, said: “It’s been a privilege and an honour to facilitate this group over the last six years and be a part of everyone’s journey with dementia, I can honestly say it’s been the best group I’ve ever been involved with and we owe a huge thank you to all of the volunteers (named above) who have turned up rain or shine to support this group.  I wish Kirklees Dementia Hub and Hoot Creative Arts the very best with their future journey with the group”

YCC’s Community Connections Farewell Trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park before handing the reins over to
Kirklees Dementia Hub and Hoot Creative Arts.

From July 2023, Kirklees Dementia Hub and Hoot Creative Arts will be working in partnership to continue running this group, and ensuring the fabulous work continues. The great news is that the group will be held in the same venue, on the same day and the same time! For information, details included below:

Venue: Brian Jackson House, New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP

Day: Every Thursday Time: 1pm – 3pm

If you would like to find out more about this group, please contact Charlene Friedl from Kirklees Dementia Hub on:

Direct Tel: 07387019180

Office Tel: 01484 503 908

Email: [email protected]