We have, with Lichfield City Council, jointly funded a lift to improve accessibility at the new headquarters of Liberty Jamboree, a community organisation supporting young people with learning and/or physical disabilities, neurodiversity, and/or Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH).
The project is being hailed as an excellent example of collaborative working between the councils to improve facilities and opportunities for local residents with additional needs.
The lift has cost approximately £32,000 with Lichfield City Council’s contribution coming from its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund and Lichfield District Council providing matched support.
Guests from both authorities inspected the lift recently and were given a tour of the new building, which is set to open next month in the grounds of Lichfield Sports Club off Eastern Avenue.
They included Chair of Lichfield District Council Councillor Keith Vernon; his consort Gill Stockdale; The Deputy Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Rosie Harvey-Coggins; Chair of Lichfield City Council Grants Committee Councillor Colin Ball; Leader of Lichfield City Council Councillor Jacob Marshall and the Sheriff of Lichfield Rev Ian Hayter.
They were joined by Peter Howell, Managing Director of Marshdale Construction Ltd which has built the Liberty Jamboree HQ.
Maggi Huckfield, CEO of Liberty Jamboree, said:
“We cannot thank Lichfield District Council and Lichfield City Council enough for supporting Liberty Jamboree by funding a lift to ensure that the building is fully accessible for all our members.
“Liberty started just over 10 years ago and we are so excited to finally be in a purpose-built youth centre providing such vital provisions for our 500 plus members. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us to make this happen.”
Lichfield District Council Chair, Councillor Keith Vernon, said:
“It is an honour and a privilege to be associated with Liberty Jamboree which is my chosen charity for the year. It does fantastic work across the region.
“Lichfield District Council is delighted to be able to join Lichfield City Council in contributing to funding the lift which will be of great benefit to the young people who attend.”
The Deputy Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Rosie Harvey-Coggins, said on behalf of Lichfield City Council: “It’s wonderful to see the lift in action. I’m so pleased that we have been able to work in partnership with Lichfield District Council to provide this essential element to make Liberty Jamboree’s new premises accessible to all. It’s great to be able to support Liberty Jamboree, such a great charity, that does so much to help young people in Lichfield and beyond.”
Find out more about Liberty Jamboree via its website.