Climate Change, cost of living and the Kirklees third sector

22nd July 2022

Climate change now

The record hot temperatures this week are a fierce reminder that climate change is happening right now, with a direct impact on all living things.  Being out in the heat of the day was an extraordinary experience – almost surreal. This Huddersfield Hub article highlights the health impacts: Health-threatening heatwaves to become more intense, warns Huddersfield Friends of the Earth – Huddersfield Hub

Climate change brings an intensification in weather patterns – rain falls harder for longer, winds blow stronger and as this week shows, hot days can become unbearably hot. More intense weather means more floods, more wind damage, more drought.

Resilient communities

Third sector organisations are on the front line on climate change and how governments and large organisations respond. They support vulnerable people whose health is at risk from heat stress, households whose finances struggle to pay higher food and fuel costs, communities affected by poor air quality and the loss of green space and as public services are stretched by low budgets and high demand, third sector organisations do what they can to strengthen communities so that people can help themselves and each other.

Third sector organisations help communities to be resilient, organised, inclusive and able to address inequalities. Buildings, services, volunteering and opportunities to come together are key to building strong communities. Without strong communities, individuals make more demand on public services and take longer to recover from setbacks – with real impacts on quality of life, local economies and loss of community connections.

Third sector action

Community organisations all over Kirklees are helping to distribute the governments Household Support Fund to those in need, applying to TSL Kirklees and the One Community Foundation for the funds.

The One Community Foundation grant panels are expecting to see higher core running costs in grant applications in future and will be sympathetic to these applications. Some funds are focused on energy efficiency capital works and demand is expected to be high.

The Bread & Butter Thing is working with local organisations in areas with higher levels of poverty, to distribute quality food at affordable cost.

Food banks, advice services, financial education, energy efficiency advice and works, support to refugees and asylum seekers, awareness raising on climate change, protection of green spaces, volunteer run community buildings, clothing and furniture recycling – third sector organisations across Kirklees are making a difference.

Community buildings investment

Many community organisations are already struggling with higher energy bills, materials and staffing costs. This winter will be a huge challenge for many.

TSL Kirklees would like to hear about your organisations situation. Please complete this 7 minute survey: https://forms.office.com/r/39WnBwFH4x.

Higher utility bills mean more money flowing out of our communities and into international energy companies’ shareholders. If we can reduce energy use, then it means more funds for our charitable purpose, more money circulating in the local economy and less fossil fuels used. Energy efficiency works on community buildings and local homes is a positive impact on the ‘triple bottom line’ – it has good social, economic and environmental outcomes.

The Community Buildings survey suggests that there are around 150 community buildings across Kirklees which are important to the third sector. Many of these are not energy efficient and could benefit from insulation, draught proofing, zoning – to heat only the spaces that need heating, energy efficient lighting and appliances, and solar panels.

Some energy efficiency works will have a short payback period. For example, if £500 on energy efficient lighting reduces electricity bills by £250 a year, then the ‘payback period’ is 2 years – that is when your investment is returned. An energy audit can identify these no-brainer investments. Loft and cavity wall insulation often have very short payback periods.

However, financial return is just one factor. It is important to reduce the energy use of community buildings for social and environmental reasons too. Even if the payback period is 10 or 15 years, investment is still required to keep our community buildings running and reduce carbon emissions.

There is an urgent need for a programme of energy audits of community buildings and investment in energy efficiency measures. An average of £20,000 per building spent on 75 buildings is a total of £1.5m. This would have a huge impact: sustaining community activities and services, boosting the local economy, reducing carbon emissions, reducing funds leaking out of Kirklees and demonstrating confidence in our communities.

Yes, it’s complex. Community building ownership varies and many buildings are in poor repair generally. We need a skilled local workforce to do energy audits and retrofit works. Materials costs are high and we will need reliable suppliers. It will all take a lot of managing and coordinating, to ensure good value and speedy implementation.

The learning and systems developing through a community buildings energy efficiency programme will support a programme of homes and businesses energy efficiency works.

Ideally, this programme would be led by third sector organisations – community businesses or non-profits based in Kirklees, providing green jobs and ensuring any surplus is reinvested for local benefit.

Strategic plans and tools

All public buildings and most homes are intended to be insulated by 2030 in the West Yorkshire Plan – see: Tackling the Climate and Environment Emergency Together | Your Voice (westyorks-ca.gov.uk). The cost of living crisis means we need to move faster.

Practical advice on climate action for charities working in sports and leisure, is offered by the umbrella body for that sector: Climate Change – Community Leisure UK.

The Centre for Local Economic Strategics and the Carbon Co-op are offering to help communities plan the transition to sustainable energy use. The Energy Futures Toolkit Energy Futures Toolkit – Community Led Action Planning (carbon.coop) takes a thorough approach to looking at holistic energy planning for an area.

You can tell TSL Kirklees what your organisations concerns and ideas are, in relation to climate change and cost of living, through this 7 minute survey: https://forms.office.com/r/39WnBwFH4x.

Kirklees Climate Commission

The Kirklees Climate Commission is one year old. The commission model is based on the Place-based Climate Action Network model developed in Leeds. For more information, including notes of meetings see: Kirklees Climate Commission |

In recent months, the commission has secured the support of Huddersfield University, which is providing meeting rooms and facilities free of charge and is committed to further supporting the commission. Kirklees Council continue to provide staff time to support the commission.

Some commissioners have been keen to see the Commission develop into an independent organisation. A management group has been formed to work on this and we are exploring the options. It is likely that the commission will at some point become a charity.

Consultations and community involvement

Kirklees Council is developing a Sustainability Strategy alongside its Wellbeing and Economic strategies. Robert.green@kirklees.gov.uk is leading some initial sessions to develop this, working with consultants www.wsp.com. In September, the Council will present a first draft for consultation with wider stakeholders including the third sector then to Council for approval.

The 2022 Youth Climate Festival, organised by Kirklees Council and local schools, will take place on Tuesday 11th October at Kirklees College in Huddersfield and Thursday 13th October at the Al-Hikmah centre in Batley.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is consulting on Dewsbury Town Centre walking and cycling improvements until 22 August. See: Dewsbury Town Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements | Your Voice (westyorks-ca.gov.uk) and on West Yorkshire bus services till 11 September see: The Mayor’s Big Bus Chat | Your Voice (westyorks-ca.gov.uk)

Kirklees Young People's Survey (closes 26 July!)

22nd July 2022

Last chance for young people to complete this survey of their views on health, wellbeing , education etc Involve: Kirklees Young People’s Survey 2022

New Community Partnership Offers Free Video Production Support for Local Charities

23rd June 2022

We’re pleased to announce a new charity partnership with Huddersfield-based video production company, Paradigm Creative to offer their video, design and communications services to small charities and community groups in Kirklees for free.

The company, voted by it’s clients as one of the top 10 small production companies in the UK and the best for digital animation and corporate communications, usually works worldwide with big corporate clients such as Hermes (Evri), O2 and BAE Systems.  However, they’ve now launched Paradigm Community Partnership in order to give something back to their local community.

Ian Medley, one of Paradigm’s founders and directors said, ‘We’re an established local company, and are proud of our Yorkshire roots, but we hardly ever get to work on our home patch.  After 11 years, we’re now in a position to donate some of our time, skills and resources for free, to groups that need to get their message out, campaign, raise money or find volunteers. We’re looking for good causes with a good story, and ideally, we want to work with small, grassroots organisations where a little bit of our expertise can make a big difference.’

Lisa Holmes, Communications Lead for TSL Kirklees said, ‘This is a great opportunity for organisations in Kirklees, and something that we get asked about a lot.  So, when Ian approached us with the initial idea, we were more than happy to offer our advice and support.  It will allow groups that don’t have a marketing budget or in-house expertise to work with experienced professionals and create something that they wouldn’t normally be able to do.  And then, we’ll be more than happy to share it on our TSL Kirklees YouTube channel, website and social media to help you reach a wider audience.’

The offer is available to voluntary and community groups or charities in Kirklees.  To request help, go to the Paradigm’s website and fill in a quick online form telling the team a bit more about your organisation, what you do and what help you’d like.

Apply now

Two weeks left to get your nominations in for the Kirklees Diversity, Equality, and Innovation Awards Ceremony

10th June 2022

Excellent diversity, equality, and innovation work in Kirklees to be showcased by event at Kirklees College in Huddersfield.

Businesses, organisations, and community groups are urged to enter this year’s awards which will be presented at the conference, to not only achieve recognition for great work, but also act as an example to others of what can be achieved.

There are seven categories open for nominations including, ‘Inclusive Third Sector Organisation of the Year’.  This award recognises the exceptional work of Third Sector organisations including charities, voluntary and community organisations in the fields of equality, diversity, and inclusion across Kirklees.

To enter, visit the event website www.kirkleesdiversityandinnovation.com and complete an online entry form.  The deadline for entries is Friday 1st July at 5pm.

Reasons to get involved:

• Benchmarking: The application process can often force you to look at your business or organisation from a different perspective. This will help you identify areas for further development.
• Promotion: Being shortlisted can promote your business or organisation. Awards celebrate hard work and achievements. It’s fantastic to be recognised so it’s important to make sure that people know what you have achieved.
• Be an inspiration to others: Some businesses and organisations may not know where to start when it comes to implementing an EDI strategy. By highlighting your successes you can be an inspiration to others.
• We must embrace and celebrate diversity: In a business, organisation or a community setting we must embrace diversity. Celebrate your staff, colleagues or service users and share with others how they can follow your lead.
• Colleague motivation: Awards recognise the hard work and achievements of your colleagues. Being shortlisted can be a great boost to morale and motivation. Colleagues are focused on what’s great about the business or organisation they work for and can feel proud to be a part of it.

The event is organised by the Kirklees Diversity = Innovation Network, a diverse group of organisations who are committed to creating a culture of belonging in their workplaces. Network members include Cummins Turbo Technologies, Sygenta along with Kirklees College, KAL, Kirklees Council and Haddletons.

The aim of the showcase is to give people fresh inspiration, energy, and ideas on how to create a culture in their workplace where everyone belongs. Topics for the conference will include effective leadership, attracting the best talent and how equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging improves productivity, whilst the awards will celebrate businesses and organisations who see equality as more than just policies, practices, and a sense of social responsibility. It is something that runs through the very heart of what they do.

Winners of the awards will be announced at the Kirklees Diversity, Equality, and Innovation event on 21st September 2022.

For information contact Katie Isaacson info@kirkleesdiversityandinnovation.com.

Announcing the kirklees social enterprise start-up competition

4th May 2022

Got a business idea that will change, help or give back to your community?

get a Kickstart with a package of free support & the chance to win £5000!

A partnership of local organisations that want to encourage and support more social enterprise in Kirklees has come together to launch a new package of free support, plus the chance to win £5000 to kickstart your business idea.

Organisations including, local social enterprises, Locala Health and Wellbeing and Local Services 2 You (LS2Y), local third sector infrastructure support charity, TSL Kirklees, Kirklees Council and social enterprise support organisation, Key Fund have created the programme and package in consultation with other local social enterprises, local business, co-operative and social enterprise experts, and other specialist support organisations.

Anyone in Kirklees, with a great idea can enter the competition from Tuesday 3rd May until Sunday 12th June. Up to 15 ideas will be chosen, and participants will get:

• a series of 5 free business development webinars covering topics like Why Social Enterprise?, Developing a Financially Sustainable Business, Sources of Funding and Finance, Marketing and Promoting Yourself, Good Governance.
• an in-person networking session
• the opportunity to pitch your idea to a panel of experts
• shortlisted ideas will then go on to do a longer pitch and one business will be chosen to receive £5000 seed funding

(All participants will need to be available on Wednesday afternoons in June and July, and for pitching sessions at the end of July/beginning of August, and early September – dates to be confirmed.)

For further details or to discuss your idea or eligibility, please contact helen@tslkirklees.org.uk.

TSL Kirklees: Community Champions evaluation

29th March 2022

In 2021, trusted local community groups and individuals from variety of communities across Kirklees were recruited to help increase vaccine uptake and promote Covid safety. Their approach was to be flexible and adaptable and made use of existing trusted relationships to empower communities to find the best ways to address barriers, start conversations, and reach local people. Their work was particularly focused on deprived areas, and community grants were given out to support new ideas and initiatives. The model had great impact and achieved more that it originally set out to. It was recommended that it be kept going for other health-related issues and projects.

https://tslkirklees.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Community-Champions-Evaluation-Presentation-Feb-2022.pptx

See a video made by Kirklees Council at the beginning of the Community Champions work:

TSL Kirklees: Eat well move more

29th March 2022

Summary of this project in North Kirklees designed in partnership with health colleagues, TSL Kirklees Community Anchors, local community groups and community spaces to address GPs concerns about rates of diabetes and obesity. People who aren’t responding to traditional treatments and methods can be referred to Eat Well Move More and take part in a 12 week programme in a relaxed, informal, local setting, supported by Social Prescribing Link Workers.

TSL Kirklees Volunteering - A Year Like no other: pandemic volunteering stories in Kirklees

28th March 2022

See a snapshot of the exhibition at Huddersfield Art Gallery, timed to coincide with Covid Memorial Day 2022. Meet some of the amazing people and groups who supported other local people during the pandemic, as they’re thanked for volunteering.

TSL Kirklees Members' Meetings 2022

2nd March 2022

The first meeting of 2022 took place online on 27th January and focused on changes and developments in health, including:

• Details of the national and local restructuring of the NHS (including the transition to a West Yorkshire Integrated Care System and new Kirklees Place-based Partnership) and what that means for the third sector – see slides
• The new TSL Kirklees Community Anchor Network and work on social prescribing – see slides & download an information postcard
• Details of a new Kirklees Climate Commission & Climate Voices
• Details of the new TSL Kirklees website
• Read the full notes

Opportunity for paid community engagement (for community voices in kirklees)

11th February 2022

Respond with expression of interest by midday on Monday 14th Feb

NHS Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is responsible for making sure people get the healthcare they need. The contract for the Interpreting Service used by GP services is due to come to an end in October 2022. The CCG want to work with patients and local people to understand what they value about the service provided by the Interpreting Service so that we can improve and develop the service. The views gathered will be used to help us decide what interpreting services are needed for the population of Kirklees. This will inform the decisions made when re-commissioning the service.

Engagement opportunity:

The CCGs are keen to hear the views of people living in the Kirklees area, and – whilst they have developed a survey – they would encourage and welcome you to use the most appropriate engagement mechanism for the communities that you work with. This could include running a focus group.

Timeframe:

The engagement is anticipated to commence on February 14^th and will run for 4 weeks until 14^th March 2022.

To submit an expression of interest:

Please reply to this email by noon on Monday 14^th February ’22 with the following information…..

If you have more than one engagement proposal, please add a separate line for each proposal and give an estimate of the number of people that could be reached for each.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us.

Tejinder Birk (he/him)

Kirklees Quality & Engagement Officer  

Phone 01422 348777

Mobile 07495 049 432

Website www.quality4healthwellbeing.org.uk  

Email Tejinder.Birk@cvac.org.uk

VAC, Resource Centre, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY

Kirklees #ThreadsOfSurvival Quilts Go on Display

24th January 2022

the lockdown project, supported by tsl kirklees, involved 36 local craftspeople.

Kirklees Libraries are displaying the Kirklees part of this national project in local libraries, before the quilts go on tour. Groups from Lindley and Denby Dale contributed to the Kirklees quilts.

TSL provided funding for materials for the Kirklees quilts and the funding enabled the activity to be as inclusive as possible.

One of the local makers, Chrissie Parker from Lindley said, ‘I can’t wait to see them. When you see the amount of work in them it’s quite breathtaking.’

Kate Tunstall from Denby Dale Craft Group said, ‘When I heard about Threads of Survival I thought it would be something our craft group could get behind. Our quilt was an important way of giving people a sense of belonging and means of expression, during the awful lockdown period. We will soon see our work added to that of others around the country in the Textile Biennial exhibition in Lancashire and I’m pleased local people can see it first. It’s a lovely project to support and be part of.’

National campaign group, 999 Call for the NHS, asked people to tell their stories and experiences of the pandemic and the importance of the NHS in their lives via embroidered squares that could then be joined up to make local, regional and national quilts commemorating the people’s experiences. The call was open to anyone, and the finished quilts includes work from both textile artists and first-time stitchers. In total, 22 quilts have been made from groups in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Manchester, East Anglia, Somerset, County Durham, Surrey, London and Birmingham, and people can still get involved and contribute to the project in a variety of different ways.

Steven Carne, Chair of 999 Call for the NHS is pleased that Kirklees residents will have a chance to see the quilts made locally for the Threads of Survival collection. He says;

“We were delighted when Kirklees Libraries contacted us about hosting the Kirklees element of Threads of Survival. This is very much a project about people, which is what the spirit of a true public service NHS is all about, looking after people regardless of background or status. We want that to remain and not disappear with the current changes taking place. So we were thrilled and excited to have the Kirklees quits included in our exhibition”.

The local quilts have been to the Greenwood Centre in Ravensthorpe, and Cleckheaton and Lindley Libraries. They are currently on display in Holmfirth Library until mid-February. The plan is for all of the quilts to tour in Yorkshire for a full exhibition. Details to follow…

Email info@threadsofsurvival.org for more details.

Latest Covid19 Info from the Government and Kirklees Council

20th December 2021

New restrictions to combat the spread of omicron

You will already be aware that new Covid19 restrictions have come into place to help combat the spread of the new Omicron variant of Coronavirus.

The main changes are:

• Face coverings are required by law in most indoor settings (including in community centres and community venues, but not restaurants, cafes and canteens)
• From 13 December office workers who can work from home should do so.
• From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.

Read the latest advice from Kirklees Council

Read the latest advice from the Government

booster jabs available to anyone over 18

You will also be aware that the Government has speeded up the programme for getting booster jabs, and anyone over 18 is now eligible to get one. Plus, people are still able to get their 1st or 2nd jab is they still haven’t had them. Local vaccination centres are putting on more sessions, and people are allowed to just turn up as well as book at most centre. Pop-up clinics have also been appearing at places like bus stations where lots of people will be passing.

Find out more about the new Booster Jab campaign.

Covid19 Vaccinations Update & Resources (16/12/21)

20th December 2021

All adults can now book their COVID-19 booster. If you’re 18 or over and had your second dose over 2 months ago, book now at http://nhs.uk/covid-booster.

• In response to the Omicron variant a new Get Boosted Now campaign has launched promoting take up of the COVID-19 booster vaccine making all adults eligible and receive the best possible protection. Resources are now available to download.
• Kirklees CCG has issued a new press release to support the programme: https://www.kirkleesccg.nhs.uk/news/get-boosted-now-mission-for-kirklees/
• The 15 minute wait after a covid-19 vaccination has been temporarily removed.  A public-facing leaflet which explains this is attached.

Resources:

• Image to use on social media
• Image to use on Instagram
• Image to use on an Instagram Story
• Booster Roll-out Info
• Leaflet about changes to the 15-minute wait after your Covid jab

Celebrating Social Enterprise in Kirklees: Locala Health & Wellbeing

8th November 2021

For Global Entrepreneurship Week & Social Enterprise Day 2021

‘Caring for you locally’

Locala Community Partnership CIC (trading as Locala Health and Wellbeing) is a social enterprise that is proud to provide a variety of NHS community healthcare services to people in Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford. As a social enterprise their ethos is supporting people to have better lives by investing all resources into local communities. As Locala is a membership organisation colleagues, in partnership with community representatives, make key decisions about the services provided, and how communities are supported. Their head office is in Batley.

Healthcare services care for, and support people, from before birth to end of life, ranging from health visitors to physiotherapy, and sexual health to district nursing, as well as dental care, school nurses, and foot care. Locala works closely with GPs, Social Services, other local NHS organisations and Local Authorities to deliver a co-ordinated approach to care and support, and aim to provide high quality, value for money care and support people closer to home.

As a social enterprise Locala is able to tailor services to meet the needs of local communities – and financial surplus is re-invested straight back into supporting patient care and community projects.

Covid Response

Locala was well placed to develop and support initiatives to enhance support for communities through the Covid pandemic.

This was done in a number of ways that included additional funding to support partners in the voluntary sector struggling as a result of Covid. £75,000 was given to The Kirkwood Hospice at a time of great need for them and an additional £23,144 was given in small grants to voluntary sector organisations across Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford. This was on top of the £28,157 given through the Community Fund early in the year.

A network of relationships was strengthened with the voluntary sector in Kirklees, through work with Third Sector Leaders, and the Community Anchor organisations. This was done to better understand local need, and to enable conversations with Primary Care Networks to develop community projects with their support and engagement.

At the start of the pandemic Locala’s Engagement Team turned their work to ensuring services could access additional support for vulnerable patients. Where required the team themselves took food parcels or made befriending calls to ensure isolated patients were supported. A colleague befriending scheme was established where isolated colleagues were supported by Locala’s Volunteering Team to give their time to phoning isolated patients. This initiative has now been running successfully for more than 12 months.

In partnership with local authorities more than 700 laptops were purchased for pupils working at home in Kirklees and Calderdale, and a digital inclusion project was launched in partnership with TSL Kirklees, to give access to technology for those who might be isolated. This project is run in partnership with  the TSL Kirklees Community Anchor Network who each have a provision of tablets that they are able to give on long-term loan to those that will benefit from them, along with training to sue them. This could be for reasons of loneliness, trying to get into work, or getting access to support services.

Graduate Internship Programme

As part of Locala’s commitment to social value, and in response to the challenges Covid created for young people setting out in their careers, a Graduate Internship Programme was developed and launched.

This provides local graduates with the opportunity to take the first steps on their employment journey, develop their skills and talents, and gain real-life work experience. The Programme aims to support the aspirations of young people and establish Locala as an employer of the future, and since May 2021 nine Graduate Interns have been welcomed into the organisation.

Graduate Interns support a variety of corporate teams from Business Development to Colleague Engagement, Communications to Estates, Executive Management to Medicines Optimisation and Organisational Development to Transformation. Most have been recruited from local universities, including The University of Bradford, The University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and The University of Huddersfield, which has further developed our partnership working with educational institutions.

The internships enable graduates to develop their skills and talents in a professional and challenging yet supportive environment, and provide Interns with access to a range of opportunities designed to support their personal and professional development, including Coaching, Leadership Development and Quality Improvement. Interns are part of a Graduate Network which enables them to share experiences and support their peers.

Find out more

Locala 

enquiry@locala.org.uk

0303 003 4529

To get help with your social enterprise idea, contact: comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Celebrating Social Enterprise in Kirklees: Local Services 2 You Group

8th November 2021

For Global Entrepreneurship Week & Social Enterprise Day 2021

‘A group of community businesses creating success, delivering excellent services and generating opportunities for local people in Deighton, Ashbrow and Huddersfield’

The Local Services 2 You Group is a group of social enterprises which consists of three companies all working together to create success and generate opportunities for local people and a sustainable future.

Each company contributes to the success in a different way, collectively creating fantastic conditions for generating social impact and making a difference to the lives of the people who live and work in the communities we serve across the Ashbrow ward.

​They are:

• Local Services 2 You Ltd (LS2Y) – created in 2011, LS2Y is the parent company which sets and oversees the vision and direction, providing a range of corporate services to the three subsidiaries which make up the Group of Companies.
• ​LS2Y Nurseries – providing quality childcare services for pre-school & after school.
• LS2Y Community Services – managing a range of local community buildings, operating the Chestnut library & many local events including the annual Carnival.
• LS2Y Top Club – A licensed social club offering a wide range of entertainment & activities.

Find out more

Local Services 2 You

info@ls2y.co.uk

01484 516444

To get help with your social enterprise idea, contact: comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Celebrating Social Enterprise in Kirklees: The Crescent & Co CIC

8th November 2021

For Global Entrepreneurship Week & Social Enterprise Day 2021

‘Carefully crafted care’

‘Events and conference space’

‘Wellbeing Services’

Paula Chamberlain is the Founder and CEO of The Crescent & Co CIC & The Crescent Care. She is a passionate social entrepreneur who is determined to change the world of care and raise the standards across the industry, by working in partnerships and collaboration and bringing people together.

The Crescent family aims to bring people together from all parts of the community, to help combat social isolation and loneliness and create opportunity and purpose.

They provide a safe warm, welcoming unique space where people can have a cuppa and chat and meet people and feel inspired.

They provide carefully crafted care & well-being services to clients in West Yorkshire from birth to end of life, and everything in between.

The care service has been rated ‘outstanding’ for their responsive service by the Care Quality Commission.

The Crescent are in a beautiful building, which is a unique and creative space offering conference /meeting space, training programmes, social events & Community events, from a one-to-one meetings to large gatherings.

Via their CIC, they work with local charities, community groups & start-up businesses to give back to the local Kirklees community, providing space, resource and signposting

The Crescent also have their own volunteer scheme with lots of opportunities for getting involved

Find out more

The Crescent

paula@the-crescent.co.uk

01924 444929 or 07966659607

To get help with your social enterprise idea, contact: comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Celebrating Social Enterprise in Kirklees: Our Creative Connection

8th November 2021

For Global Entrepreneurship Week & Social Enterprise Day 2021

‘Photography for social change’

Our Creative Connection is a Company Ltd by guarantee that was founded in March 2021. We are based and operate in Huddersfield but also work across the North of England with projects taking place in Greater Manchester, North Yorkshire and the North East.

The organisation is led by Chris Chinnock who as well as being a Director is also an employee of the organisation where he is responsible for Business Development as well as managing and delivering projects. Dr Will Baldry supports the strategic development of the business in his role as Director while Sophie Michelena and Ruth Ellen Brown are members of the Advisory group that support the Directors bringing their specialist skills and experience to the table.

Our Creative Connection uses Photography for social change. A picture is worth a thousand words. We instantly connect with pictures, from cave paintings to social media, images are a primary means of communication. Seeing what someone else sees is more powerful than being told about it and as a non-verbal form of communication, photography allows people to express what is difficult to put into words.

Photography is a powerful tool that allows people to tell their own story in a way where we can see the world through their eyes. As a visual art form, photography is a highly flexible and accessible tool that crosses cultural and linguistic barriers – providing a powerful way of enhancing any project, evaluation or event.

Our income comes through direct commissions from organisations who are seeking to bring a creative perspective to the work that they do with communities.

Occasionally our work is funded via grants which we apply for in partnership with a host organisation.

As a Social Enterprise, sustainability is important on a Social as well as a Financial level. Social sustainability is about creating value and equality for people. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a globally accepted framework to live sustainably which we have used to frame our own goals.

Good Health and Well Being: As a nonverbal form of communication photography allows people to express what is difficult to put into words and the process of taking photographs can encourage the photographer to be reflective and mindful. Photography doesn’t just ‘tell’ about its subject but also ‘shows’ it, only crossing language / cultural barriers and making it easier to talk about things that we may struggle to find words for. Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes gives the photographer an opportunity to share with the viewer the positive and the negative aspects of their life.

Reduce Inequalities: Enabling people through creative participation to develop confidence, personal and social skills that lead to meaningful, independent and happy lives. By involving people as active participants in creating the change that they wish to see in the world we can support equal access to opportunities in personal and community life as well as in the world of education and work.

Find out more

Our Creative Connection

hello@ourcreativeconnection.org

To get help with your social enterprise idea, contact: comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Celebrating Social Enterprise in Kirklees: Clem's Garden CIC

8th November 2021

For Global Entrepreneurship Week & Social Enterprise Day 2021

“Strengthening our community.
Nurturing experience, talents, friendships…and flowers.”

Clem’s Garden CIC is a social enterprise based in Huddersfield. It is run entirely by local adult volunteers who range in age and family circumstances.  However, it was established with a particular focus on offering people who are 50+ and who don’t have children or grandchildren, an alternative opportunity for their care, skills and experience to be valued.

The team works together to grow and sell environmentally sustainable cut flowers; supporting local charities and community projects with their profits; and using the flowers as a vehicle for inspiring kindness, neighbourliness and community spirit.

In 2019 Clem’s Garden donated their profits of £3000 to One Community, who matched it to generate £6000 of grant funding for local community causes.

In 2020 Clem’s Garden donated more than 550 jars of flowers (over 6500 flower stems) to neighbourhood volunteers to deliver to isolated neighbours along with essential food and medicine supplies. And then in spite of further periods of lockdown and working within restrictions, they’ve been able to make a further donation of £2000 to the One Community Foundation in 2021.

Find out more

Clem’s Garden

hello@clemsgarden.co.uk

07542 613941

To get help with your social enterprise idea, contact: comms@tslkirklees.org.uk