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Category: Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month: April 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 Sudeep who has been volunteering at the charity since February 2024.

We caught up with Sudeep to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 2 months.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am Sudeep Varghese John and I enjoy working with young people & children. I am passionate about working as a Health Safety Environment, Food Safety Supervisor and Trainer. 

Tell us about your volunteering role: I supervise children, give information about day-to-day activities to parents and serve food from the kitchen during the Fresh Futures Stay & Play Warm Spaces sessions.

Tell us about a typical day in your role:  I come to Brian Jackson House in the morning take on the daily activities to prepare for the Stay and Play sessions. When parents arrive with their children I register their names and provide them with the relevant information about the session. I involve them in the activities and provide refreshments.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I wanted to work as a volunteer to gain experience of working with children for future employment in schools and colleges. I consider this is a great opportunity.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? It would be a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in working with children and young adults. Fresh futures has a very supportive management team and volunteering could help to attain a job in this field.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Sudeep, 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 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 Omar who has been volunteering as the Sustainability Champion at Fresh Futures since October 2023.

We caught up with Omar to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 5 months.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am 18 years old, I enjoy sports, like football and F1, and enjoy reading about business and finance. 

Tell us about your volunteering role: My role as a Sustainability Champion Volunteer entails helping the charity become more sustainable in its day-to-day operations by creating and implementing new sustainability initiatives. 

Tell us about a typical day in your role: A typical day of volunteering includes going into Brian Jackson House and catching up with Lucy about upcoming sustainability-related events. I will then check the Sustainability Action Plan and select a goal which I would like to accomplish. Lucy and I will then form a plan to achieve this goal and proceed from there.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I started volunteering with Fresh Futures as I saw this as a unique opportunity to gain office work experience, whilst making a positive and impactful change. 

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? A piece of advice for anyone considering a volunteering role with Fresh Futures is to just reach out and get involved, as there is something for everybody and everyone at the charity is very helpful and supportive. 

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Omar, 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 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 Patricia Hastead who has been volunteering at Fresh Futures since May 2022 as a Community Friend.

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

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? Since May 2022.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am now retired but was a primary school teacher for many years before having a complete change of employment and working for a friend’s mystery shopping company.

Tell us about your volunteering role: I visit my friend every Monday for about two hours. On cold or wet days we stay inside and chat but during the summer we sit outside in the garden. Every four to six weeks we go out for lunch and we are always looking for new places to try. I now feel that each week I am going to see a friend and look forward to the visit.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? Programmes about loneliness in people of all ages were often on television and when I saw the advert for volunteers to train as befrienders I thought this was how I could do a little to help.

Volunteer of the Month: January 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 Ahmed who has been volunteering at Fresh Futures since October 2023. Ahmed has been supporting Fresh Futures with the recent rebrand by creating engaging content and contributing to the charity’s visual identity.

We caught up with Ahmed to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

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

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am originally from Egypt. I am a final year graphic design student at the University of Huddersfield.

Tell us about your volunteering role: In my role as a volunteer, I’ve been involved in supporting Fresh Futures with their rebranding effort. A typical day of volunteering involves collaborating with the Fresh Futures team, brainstorming and working on design projects.

What made you want to start volunteering with Fresh Futures? I found Fresh Futures as a result of research for my University project. I was drawn to the charity because I saw their commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Once I was able to volunteer I reached out and they were very friendly and helpful.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with Fresh Futures? My advice would be to find a role that aligns with your skills, so you are passionate about it.

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: October

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 89-year-old Elaine who has been a Community Friend to 94-year-old Rita over the last year. Elaine shows incredibly heart-warming compassion and kindness to Rita, and they have formed a wonderful friendship through their weekly catch-ups.

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

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I have been volunteering for Fresh Futures for 1 year.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am 89 years old, turning 90 in March, with 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. I love chatting to people, I’ve always worked amongst people and just really enjoy company.

Tell us about your volunteering role: Every week when I visit Rita who is 94 years old, she is waiting for me at the window and waving at me. I really look forward to seeing her, we have so much to talk about, and honestly we have become great friends. Rita can’t always get her words out, so I just hold her hand and let her know that it’s okay to take her time. Usually she manages to get her words out after a little while, and I’ve noticed that her speech has improved a lot over the last year. Sometimes when she is struggling, she tells me to talk while she listens. I tell her all about my family and what’s been going on. She always remembers the details, and the following week she won’t forget to follow up! Before leaving we always have a hug when we say bye.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? I’ve always had a busy life, but now that my children have their own families and I’m alone, it really helps me to go and see someone. I don’t really enjoy my own company, so getting out and talking to other people who might be experiencing loneliness has been really important for me too.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? It’s really helped me a lot. If you are helping someone else, it also helps you. I would say, if you can visit someone who might be feeling lonely, bring them a story, a bit of news, something like that – it will really brighten their day.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Elaine, 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]

Volunteer of the Month: August

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 Helen who has been volunteering as a Community Friend for two and a half years. Helen has been an incredible volunteer and support to her friends, June and Joanne, and has made a positive impact on their lives through her uplifting, encouraging and motivating presence.

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

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? Two and a half years

Tell us a bit about yourself: I work in an adult social care front door service. I am married with a son who is about to make the leap into University life.

Tell us about your volunteering role: I started supporting a lady with weekly phone calls during Covid, and when lockdown was lifted, my Community Friend asked for in-person meet ups; We now speak or meet up every two to three weeks. About a year ago, I was asked if I could befriend another lady who had asked for home visits, and I now visit or phone her every couple of weeks. Sometimes, I will take my friends out to places such as the cinema, shopping, or the garden centre.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? Like some of my family and friends, I decided to volunteer as a Community Friend during Covid when I saw social media adverts looking for volunteers. I also knew of others who were also volunteering and I was aware through my work of the impact that social isolation had on people.  

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Helen, 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: July

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 are giving a very special THANK YOU to Martyn Sykes who has been volunteering at YCC’s Pass It On shop for almost seven years. Martyn is a loyal and dedicated member of the team, and is known for going the extra mile for his colleagues and customers. 

We caught up with Martyn to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

  1. Name: Martyn Sykes
  2. How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 7 years on the 26th September.
  3. Please explain your volunteering role in a nutshell: I help the Pass It on team in any way I can, but mostly I enjoy working with the logistics team doing collections and deliveries. You never know what we are going to pick up from someone’s house. I make sure on a morning when I volunteer that everyone has a cuppa to start the day off well.
  4. What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? Originally, I came via the job centre on an 8-week placement and I enjoyed what I was doing, so I stayed on afterwards.
  5. And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? Just to give it a go – you never know until you try, keep your horizons open and you are helping people out which is a good thing.

If you feel inspired to become a volunteer like Martyn, or if you would like to volunteer in any way for our charity, please contact YCC’s Volunteer Development Manager, Lucy on: 01484 519988 or email: [email protected]

Volunteer of the Month: June

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 are giving a very special THANK YOU to Chris Sinclair who has been volunteering as a community friend at Fresh Futures for the last 9 months. Chris has already created a lasting relationship with his friend, and has become an invaluable support to him and his wife.

We caught up with Chris to hear about his Fresh Futures Volunteering journey so far…

  1. Name: Chris Sinclair
  2. How long have you been volunteering for the charity? 9 months. 
  3. Please explain your volunteering role in a nutshell: I am a Community Friend for YCC, and I visit my friend once a week. Every other week, I take my friend and his wheelchair in the car to see his wife who suffers from Dementia, and is in a care home. It’s the best thing I can do to help him, and he appreciates it immensely.
  4. What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? I started volunteering with Fresh Futures after a friend told me about her experience and how rewarding it was.
  5. And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? If anyone asked me whether it’s worthwhile doing it, I’d say that it’s very fulfilling, and one day someone may do something like that for them. I’d suggest that they try it – there’s little to lose, and everything to gain.

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