Kirklees Together

We’re teaming up with the Huddersfield Town Foundation to kick off a new project supporting children and young people who are in care.

The aim is to help people leaving care so that they are ready to live more independently, develop life skills, be ready to work and stay physically fit.

In partnership with the Town Foundation, we will offer a range of activities at our care leavers’ centres in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. These will include regular 12-week courses in employability and life skills, such as money management, healthy eating and CV writing.

We will join up with businesses to offer work placements – also working with those businesses beforehand to understand the young people’s needs – and Kirklees Active Leisure will offer access to classes and exercise options.

Children in care and care leavers will also be encouraged to join volunteering schemes across the Foundation and take other opportunities which equip them for later life.

The £205,000 programme is funded by Kirklees Council, the Premier League Charitable Fund and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said:

“Supporting children and young people is hugely important for the council. We’re working incredibly hard to give children in care and care leavers the best possible start in life, as well as the skills to fulfil their potential.

“Our partnership with the Huddersfield Town Foundation is another exciting step forward. The opportunities we provide will help young people to thrive and to move successfully on to the next stage of their lives.

“Living more independently can be daunting for some care leavers, so we want them to have the skills, experience and confidence which really do make a difference. I would like to thank all the organisations, including local businesses, who have made this project happen – it will be vital in changing and improving young lives.”

Maureen Quinn, Head of Children in Care Project at the Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:

“I am proud to have this opportunity to work alongside Kirklees Council to support these young care leavers as they make the transition to independent living and enter the next important phase on their journey. The Town Foundation is committed to ensuring that these young people have the opportunity to develop their skills further and receive a positive and rewarding experience.”

Nick Perchard, Head of Community at the Premier League, said:

“We know the challenges facing young people leaving care and, with difficult times ahead for everyone, this project has never been more important. By working together, Huddersfield Town Foundation and Kirklees Council are leading the way and we hope that Premier League funding will enable businesses from across the area to join together and create opportunities for these young people to realise their potential.”

John Hudson, PFA Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, said:

“On behalf of the PFA, I am proud of the outstanding contributions made by the Huddersfield Town Foundation in partnership with Kirklees Council and the business community to effect positive change to the lives of young people by helping them to transition through the challenges that they will face in the future. I’m sure the dedication of all involved will ensure the initiative will be a great success.”