Northorpe News

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming MP Kim Leadbeater to Northorpe Hall to spend the morning with local families and young people who are part of our Me + My Normal  community. All of the families attending had previously taken part in Me + My Normal , a pilot programme designed for 11–17-year-old neurodivergent young people. The programme focused on celebrating individuality, building confidence, forming peer connections and exploring what “normal” means in a safe, sup

As the new year begins, many of us think about resolutions – but what if you could turn your good intentions into something truly life-changing? We're encouraging local people to do just that by volunteering and supporting young people across Kirklees. Volunteers are at the heart of organisations like Northorpe, yet in the UK only one in three adults volunteer regularly. With demand for support higher than ever, we're hoping to help more people take the first step towards mak

For many of us, Christmas brings warmth, comfort, and the sense of belonging that comes from being surrounded by people who care. But for young people leaving the care system, Christmas can be one of the hardest times of the year. Across the UK, over 50,000 care leavers step into adulthood without the safety net most young people rely on. For them, turning 16 can feel like falling off a cliff — the support they once depended on suddenly disappears. Housing is often unstable,

For most of us, Christmas is a time of warmth, connection, and belonging — a chance to come home, to be surrounded by family, laughter, and love. But for too many young people leaving the care system, Christmas looks and feels very different. Dipika Kaushal, Chief Executive Officer, explains what we're doing to support them this year. Each year, across Kirklees and beyond, there is a group of young people who step into adulthood without the safety net that many of us take for

The festive season is all about coming together, sharing smiles, and making memories—but for some young people, it can feel a bit lonely. That’s why, here at Northorpe, we’re launching our Christmas 2025 campaign to bring a little extra magic to the holidays. This year, our campaign has two main elements: the Festive Fayre and the Holiday Hampers appeal—each designed to celebrate, support, and most importantly, let young people feel in Kirklees and West Yorkshire know they're

As Northorpe Hall launches its new Me + My Normal  report, Rosa Forrest, Parent Support and Neurodevelopmental Lead, shares the story behind the project — how it was created with parents and young people, what it’s achieved so far, and why embracing our own version of “normal” matters more than ever. Rosa Forrest (pictured centre), with Dipika Kaushal (Chief Executive Officer - Left) and Grainne McMahon (Research and Evaluation Consultant - Right) When I look back at Me + My

Some places you join just for the job. At Northorpe Hall, you join for something bigger — a chance to belong, grow, and contribute to something deep and lasting. Every day, behind the scenes and in conversations with staff, a theme comes up over and over: people talk about “seeing the difference,” “being part of something that matters,” and “working with others who believe.” The culture here is more than perks or benefits — it’s rooted in a shared passion to transform young l

As the festive season approaches, we’re inviting you to spread some cheer with your loved ones while supporting a cause that truly makes a difference. Here at Northorpe Hall Child + Family Trust , we’re passionate about improving the lives of children, young people, and families across Kirklees. From providing mental health and wellbeing support, to creating safe spaces where families can connect and grow, every penny raised helps us continue to be there for those who need us

This World Mental Health Day, we're dedicated to highlighting the urgent need for better support for neurodivergent young people — by sharing how our pioneering new programme, Me + My Normal , is already changing lives. Celebrating Uniqueness Through ‘Me and My Normal’ At Northorpe Hall, we’ve been supporting children, young people, and families for more than 60 years. Over that time, we’ve seen how difficult it can be for families to find the right help after a neurodevelopm