Kirklees uses citizen engagement and citizen volunteerism to address a range of issues throughout the city. The city operates programs that address the needs of young people (Independent Visitors and Family Support Volunteers); of older people (Physical Activity Volunteers, Out and About, and Care Home Befrienders); that help the environment (Oakwell Country Park Volunteers and Countryside Volunteers); that help communities thrive (Reading Friends Volunteers, Museums & Galleries Volunteers, and Library Volunteers); and that support health (Auntie Pam’s and Walk Leaders).
In addition, the city’s unique Happy Hour volunteer program offers opportunities that range from ten minutes of time to several hours, helping busy citizens to still make a meaningful impact through service.
Kirklees has been a member of the Cities of Service coalition since 2014.
Councillor David Sheard
Councillor David Sheard has been instrumental in implementing citizen engagement initiatives in Kirklees. Councillor Sheard is focused on working with Cities of Service to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the city.
Chief Service Officer Rachael Loftus
Rachael Loftus is currently the chief service officer for Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council, leading the coordination with Cities of Service. Loftus previously worked for Leeds City Council where she led the city’s partnership work on good community relations and migration, as well as developing innovative ideas for working with communities, including Poverty Truth Leeds .
What's Happening in Kirklees
93%
of participants feel less lonely now that they participate in the Out and About program
30M
number of Kirklees citizens who give 30 million hours of volunteer time each year to good causes