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Category: Staff Bio

Meet the Team: Katie Shephard

Posted on by 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.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam

Meet the Team: Dawn Humpleby

Posted on by Katie Shephard

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.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam

Meet the Team: Christine Rhodes

Posted on by Katie Shephard

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.

#WeAreFresh Futures #MeetTheTeam

Meet the Team: Lynne Haigh

Posted on by Katie Shephard

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

Meet The Team: Rachel Helliwell

Posted on by Katie Shephard

Name: Rachel Helliwell

Job Title: Research and Development Officer

Date joined YCC: March 2023

Tell us a little about yourself: I love baking, reading books, and watching Disney Pixar movies. When I’m not doing those things, I’m normally surrounded by good friends, cooking and most importantly, eating amazing food!

Your role in a nutshell: I am researching the experience of loneliness and social isolation amongst young adults in Kirklees, specifically focusing on people aged 18-26 years old. I will be helping Fresh Futures to develop a new service to tackle youth loneliness.     

Why do you like working for YCC? I get to meet new people and learn about their life experiences. I feel like I am making a positive difference to people’s lives.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? Even though I only recently joined YCC, I have lots of memorable moments working with the team. A highlight has been celebrating Volunteers Week, where Community Connections held an Afternoon Tea for its Befriending Service. I loved chatting to the clients and volunteers about the positive influence befriending has on their lives over a sandwich and a slice of cake. Did I mention I love food?

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? I would say anyone who is passionate about helping people and creating meaningful change in communities will feel right at home. The staff are so welcoming, and the work is incredibly rewarding, so get involved!

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Brig Barrowclough

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Name: Brig Barrowclough

Job Title: Deputy Head Teacher at Brian Jackson College

Date joined YCC: July 2014

Tell us a little about yourself: When I was 18 years old, I went to work in Dubai

Your role in a nutshell: I am responsible for the daily operations within the Huddersfield Provision           

Why do you like working for YCC? I work with colleagues who are a little bit nuts, like me, have the same passion as me for trying to make a difference within our community

What’s one of your favourite work memories? I have so many, our school trip to build water rafts in Chester ranks highly though

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Be prepared to work hard and be flexible/adaptable

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Colin Dixon

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Name: Colin Dixon

Job Title: DAPP Facilitator

Date joined YCC: December 2019

Tell us a little about yourself: Dog walking, socialising and playing chess.

Your role in a nutshell: Running domestic abuse classes for men.

Why do you like working for YCC? Good relationship with colleagues and enjoy attempting to change behaviours of men in order to change others lives linked to them, children etc, for the better

What’s one of your favourite work memories? Recently finishing work after a long day and walked towards what I thought was my wife’s car, only to find out it was the husbands car of the facilitator I had been working with! Her husband was a little startled and said “IM NOT A TAXI”. Once we realised what had happened we had a good giggle.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Give it a go otherwise who knows? 

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Lucy Martin

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Name: Lucy Martin

Job Title: Volunteering Development Officer

Date joined YCC: October 2021

Tell us a little about yourself: I love travelling and previously lived and worked in Indonesia and Spain before moving to Huddersfield. When I’m not working, you’ll probably either find me with a good book, watching super Leeds United or jumping in some cold water!

Your role in a nutshell: All things volunteering! I have the lovely job of recruiting and working with our wonderful volunteering community across all Fresh Futures services.

Why do you like working for YCC? I love creating opportunities for people and helping them work towards their goals. It’s amazing to work with people who are donating their time to improve the lives of others.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? There’s a few! I absolutely love our annual Summer & Winter events for volunteers and service users, and it’s been really lovely to work with some of our volunteers to transform the garden space at the Brian Jackson House in time for Summer. It’s also been great to watch volunteers progress and become members of staff with Fresh Futures and smash their goals!

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Give it a go… If you’d like to work with people who try and improve lives & inspire change within the community, Fresh Futures might be for you!

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Ryan Cross

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Name: Ryan Cross

Job Title: Lead Anchor Coordinator

Date joined YCC: November 2020

Tell us a little about yourself:  I have 2 daughters and I am an actor and a musician… so I keep myself busy.

Your role in a nutshell: The community anchor work is about identifying gaps and supporting all manner of groups and proactive individuals in Batley and Spen to create varied and sustainable activities. We do this by offering peer support, helping with applications, finding volunteers, facilitating collaboration and managing a huge network of incredible local providers.

Why do you like working for YCC? I like knowing that the work that I am doing makes an impact on the local community. This is the greatest benefit of my work!

What’s one of your favourite work memories?  It’s hard to pick one – every time I see one of the groups I’ve been supporting it feels incredible. I guess I have a collection of favourites.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC?  Be prepared to work hard, but feel extremely rewarded for it

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.

Meet The Team: Jonathan Fell

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Name: Jonathan Fell

Job Title: Service Manager

Date joined YCC: October 2016

Tell us a little about yourself: I like Rugby League , football , eclectic music, travelling, walking and craft beer.

Your role in a nutshell: I am Service Manager for the Domestic Abuse service working with perpetrators and victims of abuse.

Why do you like working for YCC? Fresh Futures are caring towards the people who require support whatever the circumstances and offer a flexible work life balance for employees.

What’s one of your favourite work memories? Being interviewed on Look North promoting the work we do.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering working at YCC? Think about the positive experiences of helping others less fortunate that you will achieve here at Fresh Futures.

If you would like to learn more about YCC, click HERE.