By KLTV Newsdesk –

As the sun (hopefully) shines over the Easter bank holiday weekend, the Kirklees Ethnically Diverse Communities Network (KEDCN) is sharing a wave of updates celebrating community resilience, support services, and new funding opportunities to kickstart the season.

Community Highlights and Upcoming Events

KEDCN members are set to launch several exciting initiatives this month.

Among them is Strength of Sisterhood, a timely session on emotional resilience taking place at Madina Masjid in Batley on Tuesday 15th April at 5pm.

The event promises a safe space for shared experiences and community empowerment.

Sporting organisations across Kirklees can take advantage of a series of free workshops, focusing on volunteer recruitment, governance, funding strategies, and inclusion.

Places can be booked via Sport For Good West Yorkshire on Eventbrite.

Meanwhile, families and fitness enthusiasts are invited to RunForJo 2025, a race and family fun day taking place on Sunday 22nd June at Oakwell Country Park.

Waythrough Kirklees Employment Service continues to support local job seekers with workshops running through to June.

A full list is available by contacting Karl Jackson-Lander at Karl.Jackson-Lander@waythrough.org.uk.

Kirklees Libraries are calling on businesses to shape their future services by completing their Makerspace Survey.

Surveys, Wellness and Community Support

Fresh Futures is leading a survey to discover what fun and affordable activities local families want to see more of. Residents can take part via this link.

The latest Yorkshire Cancer Community newsletter is now available, while local carers can access wellness sessions scheduled for April and June – details are available on request.

Rounding off the events, Third Sector Leaders Kirklees is hosting an online Safeguarding Spotlight session on raising awareness of domestic abuse. It will take place on Wednesday 23rd April from 1–2:30pm. Register here.

Funding and Job Opportunities

There are numerous employment and funding opportunities available this spring:

• Centre Manager at Huddersfield Mission, £38,872/year. Apply by 28 April: Job details.

• Volunteer and Engagement Officer (Maternity Cover) at TSL Kirklees. Deadline: 25 April, 12 pm: Apply here.

• WomenCentre is recruiting a Family Court IDVA, closing 24 April.

• The Brunswick Centre is hiring two Sessional Outreach Workers.

Several funding streams are also open:

• The7Stars Foundation – Up to £2.5K for projects supporting children facing abuse, addiction, or homelessness (Deadline: 30 April).

• The Baring Foundation – Up to £90K over 3 years for work tackling racial injustice (Initial contact by 30 May).

• Lloyds Bank Foundation – £75K over 3 years for racial equity projects (Deadline: 30 April).

• Kirklees Growing Great Places – Match funding for community initiatives.

• WOVEN in Kirklees – Up to £500 for textile projects.

• Batley Events Community Fund – Up to £3.5K for cultural/heritage events.

• George Moore Foundation – Up to £2.5K for charitable work.

• Northern Powergrid Foundation – Community grants (Deadline: 11 May).

• Weaver’s Company Benevolent Fund – Projects with offenders/ex-offenders (Deadline: 3 July).

• NatWest Accelerator Pitch – Competition for entrepreneurs (Deadline: 25 May).

• Community Shares Booster Fund – Support for community business ventures.

• ASDA Local Community Spaces Fund – Grants for improving shared community spaces.

For more information on these opportunities, visit the relevant links or contact organisers directly.

Stay Connected

With so many ways to get involved, access support, and shape the future of Kirklees communities, KEDCN continues to offer a vital hub for collaboration and progress.

Whether it’s through sport, health, employment, or creative initiatives, there’s something for everyone this spring.