AUNTIE PAM'S SERVICE CELEBRATE VOLUNTEERING AWARD

7th February 2026

Auntie Pam’s are celebrating as they achieve the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award once again! The award demonstrates they follow national good practice in how they involve volunteers in their service.

Volunteers play a key role at Auntie Pam’s which offer a safe space and non-judgemental place for Kirklees residents to talk about pregnancy and becoming a parent.

The 1:1 service is offered by trained peer volunteers, who understand what it is like to be a parent offering time to listen and chat over a cup of tea or coffee. The service also runs a swap shop where parents can access baby equipment.

Becky Bracey, Volunteer Services Manager at Third Sector Leaders Kirklees (who manage the award) commented:

“We are so pleased that Auntie Pam’s have retained this quality standard, it demonstrates their commitment to their Volunteers and families that access the service. Volunteers play a vital role at Auntie Pam’s as they offer a kind, caring and understanding approach to the struggles that can come with pregnancy and caring for a baby. The volunteers receive a high level of training and support and many volunteers reported that Auntie Pam’s had changed their lives for the better”

You can find out more about Auntie Pam’s here.

If your organisation involve volunteers you can find out more about the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award here.

Our winter business newsletter has arrived!

2nd December 2025

If you are a local business looking to connect with your local community, then our Business Newsletter is just for you!

Whether you are delivering social value, looking at your corporate social responsibility outcomes or simply want to make local links – we can help.

Read the December 2025 Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/tslkirklees/business-volunteering-giving-december2025

If you would like to subscribe to future Business Newsletters, please subscribe here.

Please get in touch with us if you would like a conversation.

winter giving - give your time

24th November 2025

There are lots of ways you can help local people through our Winter Giving campaign.

Please GIVE LOCAL to help people in your local community and get the feel good factor!

Below are ways you can volunteer a little of your time over the festive period:

THE BRANCH, PADDOCK – CHRISTMAS DAY MEAL

The Branch, based at the Jubilee Centre in Paddock, Huddersfield are looking for volunteers to help with their Christmas Day Meal on Thursday 25th December 2025:
• Volunteer at the Jubilee Centre on Christmas Day, (various roles; kitchen, table serving, drinks team)
• Provide Transport for guests (getting them to the centre for around 12.30pm and then taking them home again around 3.30pm). This can be done as well as a role at the centre, or the person can go home between journeys, or just do one way.

If you would like to volunteer please tel. 01484 55155

You can also make a Financial donation for the meal on their Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christmasdayjubileecentre?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

locala health and wellbeing - achieve volunteering award

19th November 2025

The Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award was recently presented to Locala Health and Wellbeing – who have achieved the accreditation for the third time!

Locala Health and Wellbeing is a social enterprise that operates across Kirklees and beyond providing community healthcare and it is supported by over 100 Volunteers.

The Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award recognises and celebrates organisations that follow national good practice in how they involve Volunteers. The Assessment panel highlighted a wide range of good practice at Locala including:

• The innovative social impact reporting on volunteering activity
• The clear understanding of senior leaders on the role and impact of volunteering within the organisation
• How volunteering is embedded within the organisation, including as part of staff inductions.
• The clear volunteer ‘journey’ and high quality supervision to ensure volunteers feel valued and supported.

Heidi Curry, Volunteering and Partnerships Manager at Locala Health and Wellbeing commented:

“Locala are extremely pleased to be reaccredited with the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award for the third time, as it is our way of letting our current, and prospective, volunteers know that they will be well supported and looked after.  We never fail to learn something new from the assessment process, which always results in us tweaking and improving things.  We would highly recommend doing it and are proud to be able to continue to carry the quality logo, thank you!”

Find out more about the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award.

huddersfield Woodscape achieve king's award for voluntary service

14th November 2025

Woodscape, a charity run by a group of volunteers based in the Bradley, Deighton and Brackenhall area of Huddersfield have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

Woodscape volunteers look after Screamer, Dyson, Bradley Gate and Lower Fell Greave Woods, a connected network of ancient woodland that was badly damaged by fire in 1976. The woods were neglected and blighted by fly tipping and anti-social behaviour until Woodscape was formed by four local residents who started looking after them in the early 1990’s. Slowly, over the years with the help of 100’s of volunteers the woods were transformed into the much loved, valued and well used community resource they are today.

Woodscape undertake conservation work to restore the areas of ancient woodland damaged by the fire. Building and maintaining footpaths and bridges, planting trees and hedgerows, controlling invasive species and running a community allotment are just a few of the things you will find them doing every week regardless of the weather conditions!  Woodscape meet on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.

Woodscape is one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday

Representatives of Woodscape will receive the award crystal and certificate from Professor Adeeba Malik, CBE, DL, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers from Woodscape will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Keith Hunter a Trustee of Woodscape said:

“It is amazing that all the hard work our volunteers past and present have done to restore and improve our little bit of ancient woodland over the past 30+ years has been recognised in this way”.

Find out more about Woodscape from their Facebook Page

winter giving - attend a fundraising event

9th November 2025

There are lots of ways you can help local people through our Winter Giving campaign.

Please GIVE LOCAL to help people in your local community and get the feel good factor!

Below are fun festive events you can attend where your will be supporting a local community:

CHARITY CONCERT – HOLMFIRTH

This Christmas Joy event organised by Full Life Church will help raise money for Christmas presents for local children who are in need (this local food bank distributed more than 2,000 presents last year).

Featuring Hade Edge Brass Band and Honley Male Voice Choir. Competitions, Raffle and Refreshments.

Date: Friday 28th November 2025

Time: 7pm

Venue: The Civic, Holmfirth, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3AS

Tickets: £10 (Juniors £5 and Family Ticket £25)

Buy Your Ticket from: The Civic, Ultimate Kids PLay Centre Thongsbridge, Brindon Addy Butchers in Hade Edge or Zebra Gift Shop in Honley.

For further details contact info@fulllifechurch.co.uk tel: 01484 684545

FRESH FUTURES – FESTIVE WORKSHOPS

Established in 1974, Fresh Futures is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, and their families, within Kirklees and surrounding areas. Fresh Futures are offering a range of festive crafting workshops to help you get in the festive mood. Perfect to enjoy with family, friends or work colleagues and your ticket will help them raise vital funds for their charity.

Bauble Felting Workshop, 19th November 10-12 at Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP

Enjoy a crafting workshop with materials and hot drink provided and cakes available to buy.

Tickets costs £27.50 and can be purchased by emailing craftybaggage@outlook.com

For more information visit Fresh Futures event page.

Wreath Making Workshop – Multiple Dates

Thursday 20th November 2025 – 7pm

or Thursday 27th November 2025 – 7pm

Enjoy a delightful evening dedicated to crafting your very own beautiful wreathes. Cost £45 per ticket.

All materials provided, along with expert guidance to help you create something truly special. Enjoy a complimentary mince pie and drink, and soak up the cosy, festive atmosphere with friends or family.

Book via eventbrite

For further details contact:  fundraising@freshfutures.org.uk or tel. 01484519988

NORTHORPE HALL – FAMILY CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust is a West Yorkshire-based charity supporting children, young people, and families for over 60 years. Focusing on wellbeing, mental health, and neurodiversity, it works independently while collaborating with schools and other organisations

Date: Saturday 29th November 2025

Time: 11am to 3pm

Venue: Northorpe Hall, Northorpe Lane, Mirfield, WF14 0QL.

This free, family-friendly event promises a day full of festive fun and games, delicious food, and community spirit.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of stalls, from gifts and sweets to cakes and reindeer food, as well as crafts and activities such as face painting, three tombolas, storytime, and of course, Santa’s Grotto. Outdoors, the Born Explorers Forest School will be hosting festive nature-themed activities for children, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to the day.

The event will also feature a choir, live music, and festive food from Northorpe Barn, including jacket potatoes with seasonal toppings, hot dogs, pigs in blankets, and more. Greedy Little Pig will also once again be serving up their famous hog roast for hungry visitors.

Ahead of the event, the charity is appealing for donations of items that will help with their fundraising, including bottles (from shampoo to champagne!), chocolate and sweets, cakes and biscuits or gift vouchers.

Items should be delivered to Northorpe Hall by Wednesday 26^th November during working hours. For more information, visit the charity’s website: www.northorpe.com

winter giving - donate presents or food

9th November 2025

There are lots of ways you can help local people through our Winter Giving campaign.

Please GIVE LOCAL to help people in your local community and get the feel good factor!

Below are requests from local charities and community groups who need your help:

STORTH HALL CIC – CHRISTMAS FOOD DONATIONS

Storth Hall Community Interest Company are based in Cowlersley and run a Food Scheme providing food near its sell by date to local people in need. At Christmas they would like to add some Christmas Treats to the food available. They would welcome donations of chocolate, cranberry/apple sauce, crackers, cheese, tinned meats/fish and Christmas selection boxes for children.

Donations would be appreciated anytime on or before the 16th December 2025. They can be dropped at Storth House CIC 156 Cowlersley Lane HD4 5UX or they may be able to arrange collection. Contact Emily Edgar tel. 01484 300070

MHA COMMUNITIES KIRKLEES – COLLECTING TOILETRIES AND FOOD FOR OLDER PEOPLE

MHA Communities are a charity that support older people across Kirklees who may be isolated. They would welcome donations of biscuits, sweets, toiletries, tea bags or coffee – mainly non perishable items please. They can collect donations, please contact their Communities Manager julie.maude@mha.org.uk tel.07914480184 

FRESH FUTURES – TOY APPEAL

Established in 1974, Fresh Futures is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, and their families, within Kirklees and surrounding areas. Take part in their Toy Appeal — so every child in Kirklees wakes up with a gift this Christmas.
– Donate a brand-new, unwrapped gift for a child aged 0–16.
– Encourage your workplace, school, or community group to get involved!

Last year they gifted over 1,100 presents to local children.

To donate to the Toy Appeal email: fundraising@freshfutures.org.uk

NORTHORPE HALL – CARE LEAVERS HAMPERS

Northorpe Hall Child + Family Trust is marking the 10th year of its Christmas Appeal by shining a spotlight on care leavers and creating Holiday Hampers filled with thoughtful, comforting items for those spending their first Christmas on their own. Donations can be dropped off at Northorpe Hall, Mirfield (WF14 0QL), from Monday 5th to Friday 9th December.
Items requested include:
• Comforting treats
• Toiletries
• Cosy socks, gloves, hats
• Chocolates and sweets
• Hot chocolate and marshmallows
• Biscuits
• Self-care items
• Small, thoughtful gifts
These hampers aim to send one clear message: “You matter — and you’re not forgotten.”
For more information, visit: www.northorpe.com

jayne's volunteer story

5th November 2025

Jayne joined the Creative Steps volunteer programme to utilise her photography skills and meet new people.

Jayne had an extensive portfolio of amazing images and had her own camera equipment/lighting. Through the Creative Steps volunteer programme we matched Jayne up with a local charity – Gwennie’s Getaways in Slaithwaite to capture their weekly activities, particularly their memory cafe. Gwennie’s Getaways appreciated Jayne’s skills so much that they have continued to work with her on various projects to help them promote their charity.

Jayne has also helped Creative Steps and TSL Kirklees more widely at a number of our own events including for ‘One Big Day’ in September 2024, and more recently for TSL’s Connections Event in October 2025. Jayne document the events by taking engaging photos for us to use on our social media and website.

Jayne’s feedback on volunteering:

“Having taken the leap of faith and becoming a Volunteer for Creative Steps as a Voluntary Photographer it has helped me regain confidence in communicating with a wide range of people and Businesses. After being struck by cancer and loosing the ability to communicate verbally I now feel part of the wider community again”

You can find out more about Creative Steps and apply to join here.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

hoot celebrate volunteering award

24th October 2025

Hoot Creative Arts – an arts and mental health charity based in Huddersfield are celebrating as they have achieved the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award. The charity offer a diverse range of creative activities that support mental health and wellbeing, with staff supported by a small team of volunteers who help at their activities, sharing their skills and experience. The Quality Award recognises organisations that offer high quality volunteering programmes that reflect national good practice in how they involve volunteers.

Holly Petrie, Participation & Progression Coordinator at Hoot Creative Arts commented:

“We are thrilled to be awarded the Kirklees Volunteer Quality Award. The support from Third Sector Leader Kirklees along with the KVQA framework has been invaluable in interrogating our volunteering processes and procedures. Our volunteers play a key role in supporting our creative sessions and we are committed to maintaining this award to ensure that we are truly offering a great experience for those volunteering with hoot from start to finish.”

The Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award is co-ordinated by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees in partnership with Kirklees Council. The award is free to apply for and is recognised across Yorkshire. To find out more about the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award please get in touch.

Businesses connect with charities and community groups at special event

12th October 2025

There was a buzz in the air as local businesses browsed over 20 stalls from local third sector organisations at a special Connections Event held on the 8th October at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield.

The event provided a platform for local charities, community groups and social enterprises to share information about their partnership opportunities- including volunteering, project support and services on offer to help local businesses deliver their Corporate Social Responsibility and staff wellbeing programmes.

There were a wide range of stallholders profiled on the day including organisations supporting children and families, animals, the environment and tackling poverty and social isolation. You can view the Connections Brochure here listing all the organisations represented and their offer to Businesses.

Becky Bracey, Volunteer Services Manager at Third Sector Leaders Kirklees commented:

“We were delighted to provide an opportunity for Businesses to make valuable connections and start meaningful conversations with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Kirklees. We are often approached by businesses who want help delivering their Corporate Social Responsibility – this showcase event is just a small part of our work in their area, alongside Kirklees Council and One Community. If you are a business who are interesting in finding out more, please get in touch and we can help”

The next event taking place for Businesses is a CSR Networking event organised by One Community on 23rd October 2025 4pm – 6pm

More details and book your place here.

Joanne's volunteer story

26th August 2025

Joanne has volunteered as Social Media Lead for Kirklees Climate Commission and currently Volunteers as a Campaigner for Changing Faces – a national charity that provides support and promotes respect for everyone with a visible difference. 

How did you find out about volunteering?
I first got involved through Huddersfield Business School’s mentoring scheme, where I was paired with an industry mentor. She encouraged me to get involved with the Kirklees Climate Commission as she was leading their marketing and thought it would be a great opportunity for me. It was through this that I realised how valuable volunteering can be, not just for gaining experience but also for contributing to something that really matters.
With Changing Faces, I came across a post on social media calling for volunteer campaigners. As someone with a visible difference, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to share my experiences and support a cause that means a lot to me. I’d always wanted to use my story in a positive way, and volunteering with them gave me the chance to do exactly that.

What type of activities do you usually do when you volunteer?
With the Kirklees Climate Commission, I led their social media activity. I set up new profiles on different channels, created a content calendar, planned posts, wrote captions, and designed graphics. I also wrote an article for the website. As more volunteers joined, I supported them by reviewing and approving their content, helping to keep everything consistent and professional. This experience gave me the chance to take ownership of projects, and build leadership skills.
With Changing Faces, my volunteering is more personal and advocacy-based. I use my voice and lived experiences to increase representation for people with visible differences. I’ve written articles for their website, created social media videos, and taken part in campaigns such as Face Equality Week. Through this, I aim to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and help build a sense of community for others with visible differences. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that by sharing my story, I might be giving someone else the reassurance and confidence I once needed myself.

What do you like about your Volunteer role?
My current volunteering role with Changing Faces is very special to me. I never imagined I’d have the confidence to do something like this, but knowing I can support other young people who may be experiencing similar challenges to what I went through means a lot. It feels rewarding to know that my contribution is making a difference, while at the same time I’m building my own confidence and developing skills such as social media and speaking on camera. What I also love is that every opportunity feels meaningful. Whether it’s creating content, taking part in campaigns, or simply sharing my story. It reminds me how powerful representation can be, and it’s a privilege to be part of something that not only supports others but also helps shift perceptions
in wider society. Volunteering with Changing Faces has become more than just a role to me, it’s something that continues to shape me personally and professionally in the best way.

How has volunteering made a difference to you?
Volunteering with Changing Faces has helped me connect with other like-minded people who also have visible differences. That sense of community has been lifechanging for me. It’s reassuring and empowering to know I’m not alone, and to share experiences with others who truly understand.
It has also encouraged me to push myself outside my comfort zone and say “yes” to opportunities I might once have shied away from, whether that’s public speaking, creating social media content, or sharing my story more openly. Along the way, I’ve built new skills, grown in confidence, and developed a stronger belief in myself. Beyond the personal growth, volunteering has given me the chance to make a real difference for others. Whether it’s inspiring someone through my story, helping increase visibility and representation, or providing support to people who feel isolated, I can see the tangible impact of my
efforts. Knowing that my contributions might give someone else reassurance, confidence, or a sense of belonging makes it all worth it. It’s rewarding in a way that goes beyond skills or experience, it’s about supporting and helping create change for people who need it most.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your volunteering experience?
For me, the best part about volunteering is knowing I can help others with visible differences. It’s not just something for your CV, it’s a way to build confidence, pick up new skills, and make a real difference to people’s lives. I’m just happy that by sharing my experiences, I might make someone
else feel a bit less alone. What I also love is seeing the real-life impact of what you do. Whether it’s someone commenting that my story has helped them, or feeling like I’ve contributed to raising awareness and challenging stereotypes. Volunteering has shown me that even small actions can make a difference, and that being part of a supportive community can be empowering for both myself and the people we’re helping.

If you would like some help to start your volunteer journey please get in touch.

Rama's volunteer story

11th August 2025

How did you find out about volunteering?

I was introduced to TSL Kirklees through my uncle. After I arrived in the UK from Syria, he introduced me to TSL Kirklees, and they helped me find my first volunteer role as Welcome Mentor including interpreting skills.

What type of activities do you usually do when you volunteer?

Since starting off volunteering as a Welcome Mentor in 2021, I have done several voluntary roles since then. I have, and continue to, help asylum seekers and refugees in Kirklees in gaining access to services and support. I use the knowledge gained from my personal experience to help others.

I have recently joined the board of trustees at Lawrence Batley Theatre. Initially I just observed in the first meeting, but now I am an active member, and I am supporting them in their mission to ensure theatres are an inclusive and accessible environment for all.

I have also just returned from volunteering at Glastonbury Festival.

How has volunteering made a difference to you?

Volunteering has helped me with my mental health; I find passion and strength when I can help people in the best way possible. Volunteering has also made me fall in love with the country and made me feel at home.

If you would like help from TSL Kirklees to start your volunteer journey please get in touch.

northorpe hall child and family trust - celebrate volunteer award

29th July 2025

We are delighted to announce that Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust have achieved the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award. The award recognises organisations that deliver a high quality, safe and rewarding volunteering experience.

The award is managed by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees in partnership with Kirklees Council and involves a rigorous assessment process, overseen by Volunteer Management Professionals from the charity sector.

Becky Bracey, Volunteer Services Manager at TSL Kirklees commented:

“Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust offer some wonderful volunteering opportunities in a highly rewarding and supportive environment. Volunteers clearly make a huge difference to the charity in their work supporting children and young people who are facing difficulties in their lives. The assessors highlighted some excellent practice including how the charity involve volunteers in decision making processes and the wide range of training opportunities they offer volunteers to support their personal development.”

Dawn Kershaw, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Northorpe added:

“At Northorpe Hall we are incredibly proud of the outstanding dedication and commitment of our volunteers. Their passion empowers us to continue ‘transforming young lives’ and plays a vital role in shaping the services we deliver. Through their extraordinary efforts, they are making a truly positive difference for the young people, families, and communities we support.

We thank all our volunteers for everything they do and the difference they make.”

For more information on the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award here.

Find out more about Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust here.

Discover how to volunteer with Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust here.

our latest newsletter for businesses is out now!

22nd May 2025

We are delighted to share that are quarterly newsletter to help businesses connect with Charities and community groups in Kirklees is out now!

Find out how you can get involved in Volunteering, Sharing your skills and in kind support to local groups doing amazing things in your local community.

This month we have a special feature on our Volunteers Week events.

Read the May 2025 newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/tslkirklees/business-volunteering-givingmay2025

You can also sign up to receive future newsletters here.

OUR LATEST BUSINESS NEWSLETTER IS OUT!

25th February 2025

Every quarter we put together a newsletter which is bursting with ideas for how businesses and organisations in Kirklees can connect with local charities, community groups and social enterprises. Whether it be through volunteering as a team or individual, supporting fundraising campaigns or making donations of goods or services – there are lots of ways you can do good in your local community.

View the February 2025 Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/tslkirklees/business-volunteering-givingfeb2025

Sign up to future newsletters for Businesses here.

If you would like to connect with a local charity or community group, but are not sure where to start – please get in touch and we can help to match you up.

Email: volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk

mariam's volunteer story

23rd January 2025

“I am a Peer Support Volunteer for Auntie Pam’s which is a service that supports women, their partners and their families during pregnancy and the first years of becoming a parent. As a Peer Support Volunteer, I am the first point of contact for women and their families using the Auntie Pam’s service. I work with a team of other parents to share my parenting skills and provide support to women and families to help them making positive lifestyle changes.

I first discovered this role through TSL Kirklees which assisted me in identifying the exact opportunity I was seeking. I am particularly grateful to the staff for their exceptional support and guidance.

I have been volunteering for around 8 months now and it has helped me develop new skills, gain experience and step out of my comfort zone. I particularly enjoy the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes from volunteering and working towards a shared goal with others. It’s rewarding to know that your efforts, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on individuals, communities and the environment.

I now plan to use my volunteering experience to support me in applying for jobs in a school environment.”

You can find out more about volunteering with Auntie Pam’s here.

You can get help from us to find a volunteer role for you here.

HOME-START KIRKLEES CELEBRATE QUALITY AWARD

23rd January 2025

Staff and Volunteers at Home-Start Kirklees are celebrating once again as they achieve the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award. The award recognises organisations that are following national good practice in how they involve volunteers, and is managed by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees in partnership with Kirklees Council. Assessments are carried out by a panel of Volunteer Professionals from the sector and awards are valid for 3 years after which organisations are invited to re-apply.

(Image shows Staff and Volunteers with framed Quality Award certificate)

Becky Bracey, Volunteer Services Manager at Third Sector Leaders Kirklees commented:

“We are delighted to present Home-Start Kirklees with the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award – yet again. The award panel identified some excellent practice within Home-Start Kirklees including how they prepare volunteers through their interactive training, and collect and respond to Volunteer feedback. The Assessors also noted how highly-valued Volunteers felt and that senior leaders including Trustees understood the significant contribution made by volunteers within the organisation”.

Kerri Flanagan, Director at Home-Start Kirklees added:

“Home-Start are delighted to acquire the KVQA for a further 3 years. The award recognises the dedication of our volunteers, staff and Trustees that work tirelessly to ensure that we consistently invest in delivering quality provision and support.  Our volunteers are wonderful people who care, help and support local families and are the backbone to our organisation.”

Home-Start Kirklees is a volunteer led family support charity, offering volunteer support and practical help to families in Kirklees with pre-school children under the age of 5. They provide a unique service – recruiting and training volunteers to support parents with young children at home who are struggling to cope.

You can find out more about Home-Start Kirklees here.

You can view Home-Start Kirklees current volunteer roles here.

liz's Volunteer story

16th December 2024

I volunteer for two organisations; with Friend to Friend in Meltham and with Locala at Moorlands Grange in Netherton.

I have volunteered all my life, including when I was working. I have inherited this from my Mum who was always busy helping people.

I found the role with Locala through an online search. As a Volunteer Befriender I visit the Moorlands Grange Centre once a week and volunteer for two hours at a time. The Centre bridges the gap between hospital and home, helping people recover from an illness until they are ready to live independently again. A lot of the patients are older people who have broken a bone.

When I arrive, I am given a list of patients that might benefit from a chat with me, and information about their condition. Some of the patients don’t have any family to visit them and may not be able to get out of their room, so I start up a conversation with them and we often find we have something in common. I enjoying hearing about their life history, and sharing my time with them. I think it helps that I can talk for England!

I get as much out of it as the patients, I find it really uplifting. Locala are great to volunteer with and I have regular support meetings with the Volunteer Co-ordinator who takes on any feedback I may have.

Once a month I also volunteer with Friend to Friend in Meltham. Which provides a cooked meal and entertainment for 40-50 local older people each month. I help cook the meal and serve the food, we also have Volunteer Drivers who transport the participants to the Methodist Church in Meltham.

I prepare the vegetables and I am always in charge of the custard, and chief coffee maker!

I have been volunteering with Friend to Friend for over 10 years; I started as my Mum attended the group and got a lot out of it. Everyone who helps is so friendly, we all just muck in and have a laugh. Friend to Friend also run a Men’s group at Meltham Sports Centre, where they have a meal and play games quizzes. We would really welcome more volunteers to join us.

In both my volunteer roles I am giving my time to people who may be lonely or don’t have family nearby, and I get a lot of joy out of it.

Find out more about volunteering with Locala here.

Find out more about Friend to Friend in Meltham here.