Kirklees Council

Follow Our Cultural Heart for the latest news and project updates 💛

Kirklees Libraries has today launched an exciting reading programme to encourage more children to read for pleasure and improve their long-term literacy skills. The Library Adventures programme is aimed at children 4 – 11 years old who can pick up an Adventure Pack from their local library at any time during the year and start their journey through a series of exciting themes – Animal Planet, Magical Lands, Oceans, Rainforests, Space Explorer and Spooky. The themes will be on rotation at each Kirklees Library for two months so children can have a taste of every theme. The children’s quest is to complete the fun activities by attending free events at their local library, reading fun books and collecting stickers, bookmarks, certificates and more along the way. Library Adventures will provide a fantastic opportunity for children, taking an interest in reading from an early age enabling early language development and attainment for all ages that will improve their literacy skills. It will also help parents give their children the start they need to aspire and achieve academic ambitions now and in the future. For more information about Library Adventures visit: https://orlo.uk/XoIid

We are full speed ahead at Knowl Park House as contractors have been busy with more works inside and out of our upcoming dementia day care facilities in Mirfield. Our new facilities will encompass an open plan area for dining, a wellbeing zone, an arts and crafts room and a large outdoor area where service users can enjoy some fresh air. We’ll also have the latest assistive technology that will support people to be as independent as they can. Read more below 👇

Well done to all involved in this project! We’re thrilled to see the Our Cultural Heart development scheme recognised for this highly-competitive award 👏

As part of our ongoing accessibility review of places and spaces in Kirklees we are pleased to announce the opening of new modular Changing Places Toilets in Greenhead Park and Oakwell Hall. These are important facilities for people who cannot use a toilet on their own enabling them to live confident and independent lives. This work also aims to tackle inequalities and create more inclusive spaces and communities whilst enabling people with disabilities to be more independent in their everyday life. These facilities are in addition to the Changing Places Toilets in Slaithwaite Civic Hall and Civic Centre 1 in Huddersfield.

Delivering for SEND children through Innovations in Assistive Technology! We’re thrilled to share the success of our groundbreaking Assistive Technology (AT) project, which is revolutionising the lives of children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our AT project was nominated at the national Municipal Journal awards and was highly commended by the panel of judges. The project uses cutting-edge technology (following a referral) to empower individuals with SEND. From immersive readers to voice control devices, epilepsy sensors, and Virtual Reality headsets, our solutions are tailored to enhance independence, remove barriers, and ease daily challenges. Despite being in trial phase, the AT project has already made a significant impact. Families report increased confidence and improved ability to manage their child’s care needs. For instance, a lone parent and carer can now “sleep without fear” thanks to an epilepsy sensor blanket. This life-changing technology alerts the mother’s phone if her daughter experiences a seizure during sleep, allowing her to rest while ensuring her daughter’s safety. Children and young people have been enabled to help shape and develop the new SEND School Provision through the use of Virtual Reality and AT approaches. During the trial phase, over 100 children have benefited from AT, preventing costs of up to £300,000 for the council. Our Kirklees Futures: The AT project aligns perfectly with the inclusion aim outlined in Our Kirklees Futures. Our vision is to equip learners of all ages with vital life skills, fostering a more accessible and inclusive community. #AssistiveTechnology #Innovation #Inclusion #SEND #Empowerment

Celebrating Women in Engineering. This International Women in Engineering Day (23/06), we are proud to support and celebrate the incredible women in our organisation, and the work they do in engineering and technology. As an organisation, we are proud of our women working in engineering and IT. But at only one quarter of that workforce, it’s still very male dominated. We know we need to do more to encourage women into the industries and change preconceptions. Meet some of the women the in our organisation who contribute unique perspectives which elevate our engineering teams, making us stronger and more inspired. Liz, Operational Manager, Highways Route into engineering: Left school and became a Trainee Civil Engineer Advice for women thinking about a career in engineering: “Follow your dreams – regardless of the field of engineering you choose. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, just make sure you surround yourself with positive influences, seek out and grasp opportunities that are offered to you, and if they are not offered, reach out and grab them for yourself!” Louise, Group Engineer UTMC (Urban Traffic Management and Control) Route into engineering: University degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering (MEng) Advice for a woman thinking about a career in engineering: “Whilst I specialised in civil engineering and then in traffic signal engineering, there are lots of disciplines, so if you’re unsure, explore the different areas and see what interests you the most. At Kirklees Council we have a growing number of female engineers and I am proud one of very few female UTMC team leaders in the country, and I hope that will change!” Francis, Principal Engineer Route into engineering: Worked at the council in a business admin role and progressed to a technical admin support officer before following a career and became a trainee engineer. “It is not all hard graft, manual labour and getting dirty!.......However you can do that too if you so wish! “Engineering has historically been a predominantly male orientated profession There are more women choosing Engineering as a career path and they’re extremely knowledgeable, well educated and are excelling in the field. Seek out role models and mentors to help you learn and progress, it’s a great starting point to grow your career.” Claire, Principal Engineer Route into engineering: Studies Civil Engineering at Liverpool University. Advice for a woman thinking about a career in engineering: “The sky is the limit! Go for it! There are so many disciplines and routes to get into engineering, and it’s moving away from the once male dominated industry of the past and your achievements are based on merit and not gender.” Whatever stage of your engineering career, whether you’re at the very start or looking for that next step, we have vacancies in highways and engineering: https://orlo.uk/hRcla

We’re delighted to announce that two of our social workers, Bethany and Emma, have been awarded the respected Teaching Partnership Practice Educator of the Year Award. The award is recognition of their commitment to supporting students during their social work placements. Sophie Ellis who nominated Emma and Bethany said: “Prior to my placement, I was extremely shy and struggled a lot with my confidence. Both Emma and Bethany were extremely supportive of this, and appropriately challenged me by pushing me out of my comfort zone whilst being nurturing towards my needs as a student. They ensured to prioritise my supervision and held development sessions for myself to further support me with my reflective and analytical skills. They provided me with a safe space and as a result I significantly developed not only as a person, but as a future social worker. Have you considered a career in Social Work? At Kirklees Council, we offer a well-structured training programme and prioritise student well-being and growth. Our social work practitioners create a nurturing environment, to support the next generation of social workers to learn, acquire the skillset and thrive in their future careers. #SocialWorkTraining #Inspiration #KirkleesCouncilCareers

Everyone has an opinion on the state of the UK highways, but not everyone is up to the job. Are you? If you’re reading this, you’re on the right road to an exciting and fulfilling career with Kirklees Highways. We’re recruiting aspirational professionals seeking opportunities that will challenge you to deliver more for our residents and businesses, as we support you to achieve your personal ambition, development and growth. We cover everything from, major highway design planning and project management, pothole repairs, resurfacing, street lighting and bridge maintenance, to road safety, Public Rights of Way (PROW) and traffic signal installations, cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings. The service we provide has a direct impact on our residents and local businesses, as well as those that work and visit Kirklees, providing access to work, health, education, and leisure services. Our service is an integral part of delivering the Council’s 10-year vision with the innovative Huddersfield Blueprint and Dewsbury Blueprint plans, helping to create better access to our town centres. Apply today over on our jobs website here: https://orlo.uk/6kMWt We have vacancies live right now, and we’ll be posting more over the next few weeks. Sign up for job alerts and never miss an opportunity to develop your career and support the delivery of influential highways projects. #Highways #HighwaysJobs #HighwaysEngineer #PrincipleEngineer #HighwaysDesign #TransportPlanning #TransportDesign #ConnectingKirklees

We’re absolutely thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! The Speech Stars initiative, which has been making a positive impact on children’s lives, is expanding.👏 Becoming a Speech Stars volunteer is not only a wonderful way to give back to your community but also offers several personal benefits. • Making a difference: As a Speech Stars volunteer, you’ll directly impact the lives of young children. Your support can help them develop essential communication skills, boosting their confidence and setting them up for success. • Personal growth: Volunteering provides an opportunity for personal growth. You’ll learn new skills, gain insights into child development, and enhance your own communication abilities. Plus, witnessing the progress of the children you work with is incredibly rewarding. • Building connections: Volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals who share your passion for helping others. You’ll become part of a supportive community, and the friendships you form can last a lifetime. • Flexible commitment: The Speech Stars programme offers flexibility. You commit three hours weekly for four weeks during the training sessions, making it manageable alongside other responsibilities. • Joy of giving back: There’s something truly special about knowing you’ve made a difference in someone else’s life. The joy of giving back is immeasurable. • As a parent: Support your children at home to improve your child’s vocabulary, confidence with language and expression. We have a new round of training sessions which can be accessed for free for volunteers. So, if you’re passionate about helping children thrive and want to be part of a transformative programme contact us at [email protected] or call 01484 234153 for more information. Feel free to share with your friends and family! 😃 To find out more information visit: https://orlo.uk/bez7A