Wakefield Council

01/06/2026

Enjoy a unique occasion of military tradition this Thursday evening at Pontefract Castle.

Join us to experience The Band and Bugles of The Rifles performing a stirring Sounding Retreat.

All in honour of The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) being awarded the Freedom of the City of Wakefield 80 years ago.

This special commemorative event is free but tickets must be booked in advance. 🎟️

Thursday 4 June 📅
6.30pm – 8.30pm (arrival by 6.15pm) 🕰️
Pontefract Castle📍

To find out more and book your place, click on the link in the comments below.

Pontefract Castle (official)

01/06/2026

Meet Lukasz - Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport.

Lukasz brings a proud military background and more than 25 years of experience in the sport, fitness, and health industry.

A successful business owner, he runs a gym in Normanton where he supports people to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.

Beyond his professional achievements, Cllr Borcz has a strong track record of working with communities and with local charities.

Lukasz career has given him first-hand insight into the powerful impact that active lifestyles can have on physical and mental wellbeing.

Find out more about Cabinet roles and responsibilities ➡️ https://orlo.uk/PK4Ef

29/05/2026

Can Sandal Castle’s entire history be told in just 60 seconds? ⏱

Our Operations and Events Officer, Ian, is giving it a go!

From its Norman start to battles, kings, and the Civil War, Sandal Castle has almost 1,000 years of history. 🏰

Watch to the end to see if he manages it! 👀

Know someone who loves history? Share this with them.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, why not visit Sandal Castle (official)?



Experience Wakefield Wakefield Museum

29/05/2026

Meet Julian - Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services.

As an experienced civil engineer, Julian has worked at senior levels across major national and international infrastructure projects. He has extensive experience as a specialist inspector in the nuclear regulation industry and provided independent consultancy services for nearly ten years.

Cllr Carter has a proven track record in leading successful projects. Setting out a clear vision, robustly managing project finances, and making the decisions needed to deliver objectives.

Julian was previously a co-opted member of one of Wakefield Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees for over five years.

Find out more about Cabinet roles and responsibilities ➡️ https://orlo.uk/GQnos

29/05/2026

Crew Commander Alex Morris and Firefighter Gavin Smith share some of the dangers of open water. And what to do if you see someone struggling.

Don’t jump in to try and save them. This puts both of your lives at risk.

PHONE 999 immediately. Tell them to FLOAT on their back. THROW rescue equipment

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service , Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and West Yorkshire Police will be at Angler’s Country park today until 2pm as part of Water Safety Week. Join us for life saving demos and information.

For more information, visit the link in the comments.

28/05/2026

In Wakefield, Lynn supports two young men through the Shared Lives scheme who she previously fostered until they turned 18. She said:

'Recently, one of our young men was able to return to horse-riding lessons – something he’s wanted to do for several years. Having now found an excellent instructor, he’s making great progress, and we both benefit from the calming environment at the stables. I have no experience of being around horses, so we’re both learning from these sessions. A life experience truly shared.'

Shared Lives is a bit like fostering, but for adults — carers open their home to adults who need a bit of extra support. Sharing hobbies, everyday moments, and life as part of a family, while earning from home and making a difference.

To find out more about Shared Lives, click the link in the comments.

28/05/2026

Meet Matthew - Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. 🧒

Matthew has served in the RAF & Reserves. He also brings experience, knowledge, and skills from working in the transport and logistics sector.

Cllr Caton is an accredited transport manager with experience across a range of industries, delivering complex planning, logistics, driving and maintenance operations.

Matthew has a practical understanding of the education, early years and SEND sectors. This has been built through his family upbringing and almost a decade of volunteering in primary education.

Find out more about Cabinet roles and responsibilities ➡️ https://orlo.uk/oCqBx

28/05/2026

Need help with childcare costs? You might be able to get help through Universal Credit.

Universal Credit may help with childcare costs for working families on a low income.

The amount you can get depends on your circumstances, but it can cover up to 85% of registered childcare costs. It’s available for many working families, and includes holiday clubs, after-school clubs, and breakfast clubs.

To find out what you're eligible for, contact our Early Years Team on 0800 587 8042. Email [email protected] or visit the link in the comments.

28/05/2026

Start your 'stopping'journey today. Visit Yorkshire Smokefree to find out what route is best for you.

Want to quit smoking but do it "your way". No problem. We realise everyone's quit is different so our service is flexible and designed to fit around your life.

You can pick what's right for you, so if you want face-to-face appointments that's fine. Or you might opt to use our telephone support service and that's fine too!

Either way we are here for you so what are you waiting for? Let's start your quit TODAY!

https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/pages/callback-request

27/05/2026

Targeted support for school uniform costs in Wakefield

Wakefield Council’s new Cabinet has confirmed a more targeted approach to supporting families with the cost of school uniform this year.

The revised scheme will focus support where it will make the biggest difference:
- for children eligible for free school meals
- for families experiencing financial hardship
- £30 per child contribution towards uniform costs.

This targeted approach is expected to cost around £700,000. This shift will ensures support reaches those who need it most, while allowing the Council to continue investing in other vital local services.

We know many families are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living. This scheme is designed as a practical contribution to help at an important time of year.

Visit the link in our comments to find out more...