CONNECTING BUSINESSES - READ OUR LATEST WINTER NEWSLETTER!

19th November 2024

Our winter newsletter has just launched which includes lots of opportunities for businesses to connect with charities and community organisations across Kirklees and do good!

In the newsletter you can find out about:

• Team Volunteering

• Volunteering where you can share your skills

• How to become a Charity Trustee

• Requests for Support – including Christmas Present Donations

• and Third Sector services businesses can buy.

You can view the Winter Business Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/tslkirklees/business-volunteering-givingnov2024

And you can sign up to receive future Business newsletters here.

If you would like to share a good news story from your Business, or find out more about our work and how we can help you. Please email Becky volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk

FIND OUT about volunteering as a charity trustee

16th October 2024

Have you ever thought about volunteering as a Charity Trustee? It can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience; working as a team to shape and guide a charity’s direction.

There are no special qualifications required! You will be using your skills and life experience to make a difference, giving you a sense of purpose and satisfaction that comes from contributing to a cause you’re passionate about. Join us during National Trustees Week to find out more…

Lunch and Learn Online: What is a Charity Trustee?

Date: Tuesday 5th November

Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Where: Online (via Microsoft Teams)

If you live or work in Kirklees, this is a perfect chance to learn about the rewarding role of a charity trustee. Register now and find out how you can help make a difference! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-and-learn-online-what-is-a-charity-trustee-tickets-1046660869837

cuppa and chat: trustees week event

Ever wondered how you can make an impact behind the scenes?

Date: Friday 8th November

Time: Drop in anytime between 12pm – 2pm

Where: The Hive Café, 46 John William St, Huddersfield, HD1 1ER

Come along, enjoy a free drink, and chat with us! This event is open to anyone living or working in Kirklees who’s interested in learning more about becoming a trustee.

Book your spot – we’d love to see you there! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cuppa-and-a-chat-trustees-week-event-tickets-1046670528727

Trustee Development Session

Are you a new trustee or looking to refresh your knowledge? This training session is designed to help you understand and excel in your role.

Date: Wednesday 6th November

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Online (via Zoom)

Whether you’re just starting out or want to update your skills, join us during National Trustees’ Week to strengthen your trustee practice.

Reserve your place now https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trustee-development-session-tickets-1046656215917

You can also view the latest Trustee , Finance and Committee vacancies here.

Graham's Volunteer story

23rd September 2024

HOW DID YOU START VOLUNTEERING?

I used to volunteer at a different charity shop in Huddersfield but sadly the store shut during covid. The Retail Volunteer Development Officer for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice came to speak at a course I attended.  I went to do a trial at the shop and I now volunteer Mondays and Fridays 1pm – 4pm.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE?

In my volunteer role I serve customers on the till, take in donations and sometimes put labels on items like the books.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

I like talking to people and having something to do each week. I am proud to help raise money for the Children’s Hospice.

I have met new people in my volunteer role and I am not lonely any more. The Shop Manager is nice and shows me what to do. I really like it there. The only downside is the bakery next door as I keep buying cream cakes!

In the future I would also like to help out with the fundraising team as they organise events like bucket collections and stalls. I would tell other people to try volunteering

SEE THE LATEST VOLUNTEER ROLES WITH FORGET-ME-NOT CHILDREN’S HOSPICE HERE.

New NEWSLETTER FOR BUSINESSES!

23rd September 2024

We are delighted to launch a new newsletter to help businesses connect with local charities, community groups and social enterprises. The newsletter features ways to volunteer, opportunities to share skills as well as campaigns and requests. There is also a section on services and products delivered by third sector organisations in Kirklees that businesses can buy and know they are supporting organisations that are working with vulnerable and disadvantage people in the local area.

You can view the newsletter here.

If you would like to subscribe to future quarterly newsletters you can sign up here.

Peter's volunteer story

26th August 2024

Peter’s Volunteering Journey

I first met Becky from TSL Volunteering service in Batley Library and was supported with looking at local volunteer roles but then things came to a halt due to Covid. Following covid, I contacted Becky again and was supported to look at new roles of interest. I wanted something that was group based to start with as I was unsure about one-to-one support. I applied for a Group Befriender role with St Anne’s and soon began volunteering with them. My role at St Anne’s Befriending Service came to an end in the recent months due to the closure of the service. The staff at St Anne’s supported me to connect with new volunteer roles.

About my role:

As a Group Befriender, I supported a social/ drop-in group in Dewsbury. As part of this role I:

• Interacted with the wider group and supported clients on a one-to-one basis in the café environment.
• Helped improved clients’ mental health through general conversation and offering emotional support by listening, offering reassurance and giving advice.

What I enjoy about volunteering:

I enjoy being part of my local community, I found supporting a group of people very comfortable and felt like I was making a difference. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to brighten up someone’s day with general conversation. I was able to share my skills and knowledge with clients and learn from them which was great for me.

How volunteering has helped me:

Having purpose and finding the momentum has really helped me. I used to attend groups but sadly a lot of these are no longer around so being able to do something different and helping others has helped me. Interacting with people improves my day and gives me a focus for the week. It has also given me confidence to look at new volunteer roles.

My next steps:

Since starting with a Group Befriender role, I have now moved on to do this on a one-to-one basis. I also feel more confident to take a lead in supporting mental health and have recently applied to be a Group Facilitator Volunteer for another charity.

volunteering with LISA's CiC

5th August 2024

Leisure Inclusive Social Activity Services (LISA’s) is a Community Interest Company providing social groups and outings for over 50s in Cleckheaton, Birkenshaw and Heckmondwike including a group supporting people living with dementia. Activities include crafts, baking, quizzes games and chair exercise. Their 13 dedicated and caring volunteers support 49 members and 9 carers from the community to attend social groups and outings.

Volunteer Leah commented:

“I got into becoming a volunteer at LISA’s by first attending the weekly Dementia Group with my Gran.

I now volunteer on a Tuesday and Thursday as well as at the group outings we offer.

I have also completed all of the training now to become a group leader so I can lead groups when Lisa requires.

Volunteering has enabled me to develop my skills and training in many different areas.

It’s given me more confidence and fulfilment in life.

I love spending time with our members and the other volunteers who I would now call friends.“

Find out more about volunteering with LISA’s here: https://tslkirklees.org.uk/volunteering-roles/entry/group-and-outings-support-volunteer-lisas-leisure-inclusive-social-activity-services-cic-37771/

VOLUNTEERing with LOVING HANDS OUTREACH team

14th July 2024

Loving Hands Outreach is a registered charity run by volunteers, helping households in North Kirklees with food support since the start of covid. They mainly support families on low incomes, but also those struggling with the cost of living crisis, plus those isolated through illness and the elderly.

Loving Hands Outreach deliver food parcels free of charge and provide some support with small household items. They also run a cookery school for those who want to learn how to cook cheap, healthy food on a budget.

A team of 27 Volunteers give their time on a weekly basis to help with packing food parcels, delivering food parcels and helping with childcare at cookery, crafts and gardening classes.

Volunteer Chris said:

“Being a volunteer with the Loving Hands Outreach Team, where we deliver food parcels to those in need, is a profound experience. It’s about more than just providing sustenance; it’s about fostering hope and dignity. And being part of such a great team of people amplifies the impact. Together, we create ripples of positivity, reminding us that the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.”

To find out more you can visit their facebook page or email: lhoutreacht@yahoo.com

VOLUNTEERING WITH THE SOOTHILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

8th June 2024

The Soothill Community Association run the Soothill Community Centre in Batley for the local community and have 20 Volunteers that support in a wide range of volunteer roles. This includes helping the charity run as Trustees, Treasurer , Booking Clerk and secretary, as well as the dedicated and shared role of caretaker, cleaner and maintenance person. Volunteers also deliver groups and activities at the community centre including a cost of living coordinator, ladies group coordinators, social emotional well-being lead, MAGIC instructor and youth group lead.

Volunteer Adam said ” helping those that are in need is something that I have been doing but to do it for our community is special, getting the kids in for youth events is also very pleasing as your directly leaving a positive impact on their lives.”

You can find out more about what they do on their facebook page.

VOLUNTEERING WITH womencentre kirklees

7th June 2024

Women’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Service

We provide safe, trusted and supportive women-only spaces in both North and South Kirklees, for women experiencing difficulties with their mental health and wanting to maintain their wellbeing. All our activities are provided by women, for and with women.

At the core of all our services is the concept that each woman leads the way out of her presenting difficulties with resources, facilitation and support provided by WomenCentre.

We take a holistic approach to women’s lives and their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Our groups and courses are co-facilitated by workers and volunteers and aim to increase confidence, self-esteem, reduce anxiety and isolation, support recovery from domestic abuse, after grief and loss and develop healthy relationships. We also have specialist support for mothers living apart from their children, refugees and migrants and LGBTQ+

We also offer activity-based groups including singing, sewing and knitting, art and craft, book club and walking. Most of our groups are supported by volunteers or volunteer led.

We currently have 12 volunteers supporting WomenCentre projects across the week, and their dedication, contribution and hard work is invaluable to the service and the organisation as a whole.

Feedback from some of our volunteers;

 “I get to teach new skills and see the end results.”

“I know that by volunteering, I am benefitting the ladies that attend, and that gives me a sense of satisfaction and achievement.”

You can find out more about WomenCentre Kirklees by visiting their website.

You can view their current volunteer roles here.

VOLUNTEERING WITH PONY PALS EQUINE THERAPY CIC

7th June 2024

Pony Pals Equine Therapy CIC help children from the local area engage in fun activities, including crafts, games and gardening as well as time with their therapy Shetland ponies .

They provide opportunities for the local community in Thornhill Dewsbury including SEN children, and people on low income as well as care homes and dementia homes.

Pony Pals have 10 Volunteers including Angela who is known as ‘Nannie’ at Pony pals as she can put her hand to anything ! Angela loves working with the ponies and the children and she finds it very rewarding.

Find out more about Pony Pals by visiting their facebook page.

volunteering with yorkshire wellbeing and skills group

4th June 2024

Yorkshire Wellbeing and Skills Group bring together crafts with wellbeing activities at various venues across Kirklees which have included Thornton Lodge Community Centre in Huddersfield and the Crescent CiC in Batley.

Their programmes include crocheting, knitting, card-making and floristry and their work is supported by 8 Volunteers who help with the setting up the activities, coffee mornings, admin tasks and assisting with the crafts.

Volunteers give their time in a safe and supported environment which encourages them to grow and support their own mental health.

One Volunteer commented:

“Volunteering has really helped me build my confidence. Mentally I feel so much better.”

You can find out more about their activities through their Facebook page.

VOLUNTEERING WITH GWENNIE'S GETAWAYS

2nd June 2024

Gwennie’s Getaways is a registered charity that provide free respite holidays for people living with dementia, they also provide two weekly support sessions in the Colne Valley. Their 14 volunteers help to run the memory cafés on a rota basis, supporting their attendees who have dementia, as well as their family and carers. Without volunteers, Gwennie’s Getaways would not be able to provide this vital service. The memory cafes provide a two-course lunch which is prepared by their fantastic volunteers along with endless tea, coffee, and activities. Gwennie’s Getaways pride themselves on providing an inclusive barrier-free service and working very closely with their families to ensure they meet their individual needs. The memory cafes give families a couple of hours respite twice a week, whilst offering volunteers a purposeful and important role supporting families affected by dementia.

Sarah – Memory cafe Volunteer commented: ” I am absolutely loving my new volunteering role. It is polar opposite of all my other roles in paid or voluntary.”

You can find out more about Gwennie’s Getaways here.

youth volunteering podcasts launched!

27th May 2024

Over the last four months we have been working with Youth Social to produce a series of podcasts promoting the benefits of youth volunteering.

You can hear inspiring Volunteer stories from 14 young people who are volunteering with organisations in Kirklees.

These podcasts are now available on all the main podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts – Search ‘Youth Social Podcast’ or click the links below:

Apple http://tiny.cc/5mrwxz

Spotify: http://tiny.cc/cmrwxz

The podcasts cover a variety of subjects including how volunteering can help with applying for university, gaining experience of work, developing soft skills, and getting an apprenticeship or job.

We are so pleased to be part of this project as we know how rewarding volunteering can be for young people and young adults. We also know that charities and organisations benefit from involving young people as volunteers.

To find out more about volunteering as a young person in Kirkees please email volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk or text/whatsapp: 07776588691

huddersfield students' union celebrate their award!

30th January 2024

Congratulations to the Students’ Union at the University of Huddersfield who have achieved the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award. This is the second time they have received the award which recognises organisations which are delivering high quality volunteering. The Students’ Union engage over 1,500 Student Volunteers in a wide range of roles; from Academic Reps who represent students studying every course in the University, to committee members running societies and sports clubs.

The Quality Award Assessors highlighted a range of good practice at the Students’ Union including effective techniques to motivate and recognise volunteers, flexible and student-led roles and high quality training opportunities.

Becky Bracey, Volunteer Services Lead at Third Sector Leaders commented:

“We were delighted to present Huddersfield Students’ Union with the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award for the second time. They offer inclusive volunteering opportunities and recognise and celebrate the huge contribution volunteers make to the work of the Students Union. Volunteering is well-resourced and they are always striving to make improvements and listen to the voice of volunteers. “

Heather Wade, Voice and Representation Manager at Huddersfield Students’ Union reflected on the process:

“Working with Third Sector Leaders Kirklees to achieve the Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award gives us a measurable framework to work through to ensure that the opportunities we are offering for students are valuable to them as they build their skills and experience.  It helps us to ensure that our systems are robust and fair; the team are a critical friend who help us to question ourselves and our practices making us the best that we can be.

Maintaining the award gives us a lens through which we can see our work clearly and provides students with legitimacy for their skills and experience that is transferable into the job market and their long-term personal development.

We are committed to maintaining this award, proud to have received it for a second time, and delighted to be able to share our innovative and collaborative approach to the power of volunteering.”

To find out more about Kirklees Volunteering Quality Award please email: becky@tslkirklees.org.uk

YOUTH VOLUNTEERING CELEBRATED IN NEW PODCASTS

14th December 2023

The Volunteer Stories of young adults involved in an innovative Kirklees volunteer programme have been featured in a series of podcasts published on major platforms including Apple and Spotify.

Luke, Benita and Iqra who tell their stories in the podcasts; have all been volunteering with Third Sector Leaders Kirklees (the local Volunteer Centre for Kirklees) as part of the Future Creative volunteer programme. They have been involved in volunteering at a wide range of creative events including supporting Lawrence Batley Theatre and Kirklees Year of Music.

The podcasts were produced by Graham Sykes of the social enterprise Youth Social which is a local not for profit organisation which aims to enable young people under 25 years of age to maximum their potential, including through volunteering. The podcasts showcase the benefits of youth volunteering – both for the young people involved and the organisations they are supporting.

Becky Bracey, Volunteer Service Lead at Third Sector Leaders Kirklees commented:

“We were delighted when Graham from Youth Social approached us with the idea for the podcasts. We know a lot of young people listen to podcasts and we thought it was a great opportunity to celebrate the volunteer stories of some of our wonderful Future Creative volunteers and inspire more young people to get involved in volunteering”.

Graham Sykes of Youth Social added:

“These podcasts tell some genuine stories of the power of volunteering – not only helping young people develop skills for their career path, but also highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits volunteering can provide. These podcasts are the first in a series we will be producing that celebrate youth volunteering in the local area.”

Links to the podcasts:

Luke’s story

Apple: http://tiny.cc/j9xgvz Spotify: http://tiny.cc/n9xgvz

Iqra’s story

Apple: http://tiny.cc/p9xgvz   Spotify: http://tiny.cc/q9xgvz

Benita’s story

Apple: http://tiny.cc/y8xgvz  Spotify: http://tiny.cc/a9xgvz

If you are interested in volunteering in the Creative Sector in Kirklees, find out more here: https://tslkirklees.org.uk/volunteering-roles/entry/creative-steps-tsl-kirklees-29515/

For general volunteering queries in the Kirklees area contact Becky Bracey, Volunteer Services Lead at Third Sector Leaders Kirklees (the accredited Volunteer Centre for Kirklees) Email: volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk tel. 07776588691 / 01484 519053

Future Creative is managed by Lawrence Batley Theatre and funded by the Arts Council England’s Volunteering Futures Fund – through National Lottery Project Grants and working with Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). There are 19 Volunteering Futures projects across England which aim to create high quality volunteering opportunities for young people and others who may experience barriers to engaging in volunteering.

FRANK SHAW ASSOCIATES deliver social value in kirklees

12th December 2023

The Design Team from Frank Shaw Associates and their partners, teamed up with Environmental Projects in Kirklees to enhance the Colne Valley Riverside Nature Area as part of their Social Value within Kirklees. They were kept busy by constructing new benches for the local community, clearing pathways and installing information boards.

Environmental Projects in Kirklees are a group of passionate individuals offering practical environmental solutions on a not-for-profit basis. Their mission is to make Kirklees a better place to live and work, focusing on: Climate Action, Thriving Green Spaces, Active Travel and a more equitable, circular economy.

Megan Turpin, Architectural Assistant and Social Value Officer at Frank Shaw Associates commented “Not only was it a fantastic day of volunteering, but it was also a tremendous team-building experience!”

Frank Shaw Associates co-ordinate the team day, volunteering alongside Partner Consultants from re-form landscape architecture limited | Dragonfly Consulting | Turner & Townsend | Pegasus Group |and  Adept Consulting Engineers Ltd

If you are a Business/Organisation interested in delivering social value in Kirklees by volunteering your time, please visit our Team Volunteering page or contact: volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk

Trustee Story - Emma, Trustee with Yorkshire Children's Centre (YCC)

23rd October 2023

About you

I am a Solicitor and Partner in Brearleys Solicitors a local high street practice. I have practised as a solicitor for 28 years. I have mainly undertaken Family and Child Care work, which is predominantly legally aided. I am a member of the Law Society Children Panel and this recognises the experience I have in the field of Children’s Court cases, in particular Care proceedings. I work with children, Professional guardians, and family members. I undertake a lot of my own Court work. I really enjoy my job, being a voice for children and their families. I offer legal advice and guide them through the difficult Court process. My work is varied and challenging, there is always something new to learn. I meet lots of people from all walks of life. I can say my working week is never predictable, or dull.

How did you find out about becoming a Charity Trustee?

I was initially a trustee for the Batley Resource Centre a charity in Batley opposite one of my work offices. My colleague introduced me to them. I was impressed with their work and keen to join. They later merged with Yorkshire Children Centre, where I continued as a Trustee.

Can you give us some examples of the tasks you undertake in your Trustee role:

 I provide advice and guidance on Child protection issues that arise within the Charity and review some policy documents. I chair the Family and Children sub committee meetings and attend as many Trustee meetings as I am able. I have attended charity events, and run the London marathon to raise funds for the charity in 2012. I have been to Westminster when working on a project. I have attended Governor meetings for the school (Brian Jackson College).

How has becoming a Charity Trustee made a difference to your life?

 I have connected with more people and it has opened my eyes to the range of activities and good work carried out by the charity. I feel very proud to be a part of a charity with excellent values and a dedicated team striving to make a positive impact upon as many people and families as possible, in difficult and challenging times. It is good to work as part of a diverse team, working with other people with very different skill sets to me, on a common goal.

What would you say to encourage other people to consider becoming a Charity Trustee?

I would highly recommend it to others. We all have different strengths to bring to the table and it is the mix of these diverse skills and backgrounds, with a common goal, which come together to make a big difference. Trustees can devote differing amounts of time to a charity, depending upon their other commitments, however they can still play a valuable role. Look for a charity that shares your values and you will find other people of a similar mindset. It is very rewarding and opens up your knowledge, and social opportunities.

Have you been inspired by Emma’s story?

Find out more about becoming a charity Trustee here: https://tslkirklees.org.uk/have-you-ever-thought-about-becoming-a-charity-trustee/

Trustee Story - Moin, Trustee with Outlookers

23rd October 2023

About you

I am the founder and owner of Valli Opticians, an award-winning company and one the largest independent opticians’ groups in the UK.

How did you find out about becoming a Charity Trustee?

In 2016, a business colleague of mine saw a post by Outlookers (formerly known as Kirklees Visual Impairment Network ) who at the time were looking for trustees.  I went and met the founder and Chair, David Quarmby, and was impressed by his passion and the work the charity was delivering.  I realised there was a lot of value I could personally add with my business experience and agreed to become a trustee.

Can you give us some examples of the tasks you undertake in your Trustee role:

As vice-chair, I get involved in many tasks such as strategy, business development, finance, fundraising, and recruitment.

We merged with another charity this year and I lead on the work that needed to be carried out on this.  This was a complex and varied task at times where we needed to ensure the legal aspects of the merger were carried out correctly.

I also lead on the project to rebrand the charity, from sourcing the correct marketing agency, right through to working with other Outlookers colleagues to ensure the new brand was a true representation of the charity.

How has becoming a Charity Trustee made a difference to your life?

There is a great quote which is “Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting”.  My family brought me up like this and I try to live in this way.  What we have achieved in the 7 years I have been a trustee has been outstanding. My goal when I joined Outlookers was to help the charity grow. The work Outlookers carry out is exceptional and extremely relevant, however we needed to reach more people in the visually impaired community to provide them with the outstanding peer support and technology support Outlookers specialise in. We now have multiple drop-in centres across Kirklees and every person we help is an achievement we are immensely proud of.

What would you say to encourage other people to consider becoming a Charity Trustee?

For me, becoming a trustee gave me the opportunity to play a role in a completely different organisation to my day job.  I love working with incredibly talented and humble people, helping to shape a charity that I am passionate about, and having a real say in issues that are meaningful to me.

Has Moin inspired you? If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Trustee please visit:

https://tslkirklees.org.uk/have-you-ever-thought-about-becoming-a-charity-trustee/