By KLTV Newsdesk –

A round-up of opportunities, events and essential services for residents across the district

Kirklees residents have a wealth of activities, support services and opportunities available this winter, ranging from new job vacancies and festive family events to wellbeing workshops, police drop-ins and local fundraising drives.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to what’s happening across the district.

Job Opportunities in Local Libraries

Kirklees Council has two Customer Services Manager vacancies within its library service, offering salaries of £34,430–£37,280 for 37 hours per week.

Roles are available across Cleckheaton & Heckmondwike and Dewsbury & Kirkheaton libraries.

Residents can find more details and apply via the Customer Services Manager – Libraries – Kirklees Council job listing.

Courses: Build New Skills This December

The Textile Centre of Excellence is offering:

• First Aid Refresher (2 days): 8–9 December 2025
• Emergency First Aid: 10 December 2025

For bookings, contact Paul Britton on 01484 346500, 07973 887206, or paulbritton@tcoe.co.uk.

Meet Your Local Police Teams

Upcoming Police Contact Points give residents the chance to raise local concerns:

• Birstall Library – 4 Dec (10–11.30 am)
• Dewsbury Minster – 5 Dec (4.30–5.30 pm)
• Cleckheaton Library – 8 Dec (5–6 pm)
• Thornhill Lees Community Centre – 11 Dec (11.30–12.30 pm)
• Parochial Hall, Marsden – 11 Dec (11 am–12 pm)
• Birkby & Fartown Library – 24 Jan 2026 (11 am–1 pm)

Neighbourhood Forum: Ask Questions, Get Advice

A Neighbourhood Forum will be held at Dewsbury Town Hall on 9 December (10 am–12 pm).

Residents can speak to teams about repairs, damp and mould, employment support, money advice and more.

Wellbeing Workshops and Health Checks

• Mindful Zentangle Drawing Workshop
  3 Strand Café, Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury – 14 Jan 2026 (10.30 am–12.30 pm)
  Booking is essential via contact@s2r.org.uk.
• Drop-in Health Checks (free)
  Mirfield Salvation Army – 30 Jan 2026 (9 am–12 pm)
  Mirfield Library – 30 Jan 2026 (1 pm–4 pm)
  Health & Wellbeing Academy students from the University of Huddersfield will be on hand for blood pressure and heart-rate checks.
  Info: cathy@s2r.org.uk | 07729 262741

Support, Donations and Appeals

Residents can pledge to community fundraising projects via Growing Great Places, including:

• Huddersfield St Patrick’s Day Parade
• HUDAWI Centre development
• Quilt Huddersfield project
• Lascelles Hall renovation
• Mirfield Piano Walk

Toy Appeal

Families needing help this Christmas can request gifts by contacting: fundraising@freshfutures.org.uk or texting 07761 339284 with children’s ages and genders.

Warm Coats for Children

Uniform Exchange offers children’s winter coats via referral. Forms can be sent to: info@uniform-exchange.org

Food and Energy Support

Huddersfield Community First now provides a food hub and household energy support for all HD postcodes.

Festive Events Across Kirklees

Christmas Day Meal

A free festive celebration for anyone spending Christmas alone: The Branch, Jubilee Centre – HD1 4SH

Booking/volunteering: 01484 551551

Christingle & Christmas Services

• Christingle Service – 14 Dec (4–5 pm)
• Christmas Celebration – 21 Dec (10.30 am)
  Both at the Jubilee Centre.

Family Events and Activities

For ages 11+

Dewsbury Library – Royal Institution Christmas Lectures livestream

11 & 16 Dec (doors 5.15pm, event 6–8pm) (Book Here)

For children up to 8

Kiddies Christmas Party – Newsome Scout Hall

13 Dec (2.30–5pm) – £4 per child

Tickets available 4–5 Dec from Newsome Centre (cash only).

Walks and Physical Wellbeing

• Festive Walk – Greenhead Park
  20 Dec (10.15am) hosted by Men Walking & Talking.
• Wellbeing Walk – Ravensthorpe Community Centre
  Every Monday at 9.15am

Holiday Clubs & Camps

• HAF – St Thomas Out of School Club, 29–31 December
• Empower Winter Camp (8–12 yrs)
  22 & 23 Dec (1–5pm) – £10 per day
• Empower Teens Winter Strength Camp (11+ yrs)
  23 & 30 Dec (2–6pm) – £10 per day
  Register via www.empowermaw.co.uk

Festive Fun at Greenhead Park

• Breakfast with Santa – 20 Dec (10.30 am–1.30 pm) – £12.50 per child
• Christmas Sharing Platters – 8–19 Dec (Mon–Fri, 12–2 pm)
• Orienteering/Urban MapRun – 6 Dec (start 11.15 am–12.15 pm)
• Poetry in the Park – 6 Dec (1–3 pm)
• Christmas Concert – 7 Dec at 2.30 pm
• Pyjama Drama (preschool) every Friday, with half-price session on 19 Dec. Booking essential so email aileen@pyjamadrama.com

Community Meals & Family Support

At St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Somerset Road, HD5 9AU:

• Free cooked meal every Monday at 6.30pm
• The Nurtury – term-time Mondays (10–11.30am), £5 per family.
  Contact Rosaleen: 07738 174102 | hello@rosaleenhirdwellbeing.uk

Share Your Local Events

The Work Rest or Play platform helps residents discover and promote activities across Kirklees, offering:

• Free local events calendar
• Community advertising packages
• Positive community news features

Submit events at workrestorplay.co.uk/add-your-event or share stories via press@workrestorplay.co.uk.