Please see below information provided by Kirklees Council Place Based Working, relating to communities across Dewsbury & Mirfield that may be of interest.
National Year of Reading
2026 is the National Year of Reading and Kirklees is getting ready to turn the page!
Here in Kirklees, we’re proud to be part of this national celebration and we’re planning a year packed with exciting opportunities across the borough.
Mental Health for You and Others
Mental Health for You and Others is a FREE 3-hour course is dedicated to helping people to support their own mental health and the mental health of others. It helps raise awareness of mental health issues and offers insight into ways of coping with challenges.
The course covers:
What is mental health?
- Perceptions associated with mental health
- What does good mental health look like?
- Influences on mental health
- Coping mechanisms and practical breathing techniques
- Mental Health in others
- Spotting signs
- How to support someone in crisis
- Starting difficult conversations
- Signposting Resources
However, the course can also be made bespoke on request. Find out more on www.kirkleeswellnessservice.co.uk
Online Radicalisation & Prevent Workshops available for Parents & Carers
The Kirklees Prevent team have received Home Office funding for 4 free parent and carer workshops on the theme of online radicalisation awareness and prevention, which will be delivered by Empowering Minds.
This session is designed to help parents, carers, and community members better understand how harmful and extremist right-wing ideas can impact children and young people, particularly online.
The programme will explore how these narratives are shared, why some young people may be drawn to them, and what trusted adults can do to spot early warning signs and respond confidently and safely.
When:
Tuesday 10th February 2026 10.00-12.00 – book through this Eventbrite link: Online Radicalisation Awareness and Prevention for Parents and Carers Tickets, Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Tuesday 10th February 18.00-20.00 – book through this Eventbrite link: Online Radicalisation Awareness and Prevention for Parents and Carers Tickets, Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
What the session will cover:
• An introduction to extreme right-wing (XRW) ideologies and why they are harmful to individuals and communities
• How children and young people may encounter or be influenced by XRW content online and offline
• Common conspiracy theories, grievances, and narratives used to attract and radicalise young people, and how to gently challenge them
• Awareness of symbols, language, memes, and emojis that may signal extremist beliefs or grooming
• Practical guidance on having safe, supportive conversations with children and young people
• Understanding safeguarding, referral, and reporting pathways, and when to seek further support
Join the new Strategic Voice for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector in West Yorkshire
The new West Yorkshire VCSE Advisory Group will serve as the sector’s primary strategic link with Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
In partnership with the Combined Authority, local councils, and the region’s Local Infrastructure Organisations (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield), the group aims to shape and influence policy, champion community priorities, and strengthen the sector’s voice at the regional level.
There is now an Open Call for applications from leaders within the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector to join the group as:
Provider Representatives (5 places):
One leader from each West Yorkshire district (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield).
Thematic Representatives (3 places):
Sector experts from anywhere in West Yorkshire in the fields of Funding, Equalities, or Community Wellbeing.
The roles create opportunities to influence policy and priorities for the VCSE sector in West Yorkshire, and access to high-level networking with other forward-thinking sector leaders and local infrastructure organisations.
Membership is voluntary, but support will be available, including mentoring and tailored training for early-stage leaders with outstanding potential.
Deadline: 5pm, Friday 13th February 2026
Interviews: 6th & 12th March 2026
Find out more through this link: https://bit.ly/4pRQaPJ
Any questions?
Email: VCSEAdvisory@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Preparing for Self-Employment
Are you thinking about becoming your own boss? Have a business idea but not sure where to start? Join Kirklees College’s free Level 1 Award in Preparing for Self-Employment and take your first steps with confidence. This practical course will help you:
✔ Understand what’s involved in starting and running a small business
✔ Explore business ideas and identify your strengths
✔ Learn about budgeting, planning and basic marketing
✔ Build confidence and develop essential enterprise skills
✔ Access support, guidance and local business networks
Whether you’re planning to start a small business, become a sole trader, or turn a hobby into income, this course will give you the knowledge and tools you need.
Classes start on Monday beginning 18 January 2026 to 29th June 2026 at 9:30- 13:00. To find out more contact ace@kirkleescollege.ac.uk
Mirfield Piano Walk
https://www.spacehive.com/mirfield-piano-walk
The Mirfield Piano Walk is a community-driven cultural event that will transform Mirfield into a vibrant musical trail. Over the course of a single day, audiences will stroll through Mirfield, encountering live piano performances in unexpected venues, and for free. The event blends professional and amateur talent, showcasing Grade 6–8 piano students alongside acclaimed pianists creating a rich tapestry of musical expression.
The group has until 15th February to reach its funding target to enable the event to happen. Could you help by donating a few pounds ? The group needs volunteers for the event. If you would like to volunteer – see the poster attached.
Kirklees Calico Dress
https://www.spacehive.com/kirklees-calico-dress
This creative initiative will unite communities in Kirklees as they collaboratively craft a stunning dress for the 2027 WOVEN festival. With an inspiring vision to celebrate resilience, heritage, and shared experiences, the project invites groups across the district to stitch their stories into unique patches that will form part of the dress. The group has 29 days left to raise all the funds they need to deliver this exciting project. If you would like to help – please click on the link and donate a few pounds. You can also get in touch and volunteer to take part.
Stop Loan Sharks – Free Training on Thursday 19th Feb in Dewsbury Town Hall
If Illegal Money Lending /Loan Sharks is an issue you come across in your community, then this free training form the English Illegal Money Lending Team could benefit you. You will find out:
- What is a loan shark?
- The impact of illegal money lending.
- Why people borrow from loan sharks.
- How to identify signs and what to do.
- The work of the IMLT and how we can work together to tackle it locally.
This training has been organised to take place on: Thursday 19 th February from 10:30am – 12 midday, in the Reception Room, Dewsbury Town Hall.
There will be a discussion on the level and nature of the issues across Dewsbury & Mirfield.
If you would like to book a place, on the training please follow this link : Eventbrite – Stop-loan-sharks-training-ticket
Funding Opportunities
For more information about the details listed above please contact –
Jackie Ingham | Active Citizens and Places Officer | Democracy and Place Based Working | Kirklees Council | PO Box 1720 | Huddersfield HD1 9EL | Tel: 01484 221000|