About Us

Our story

Liberty Jamboree was founded in 2015 with a passion for ensuring that young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, have the same opportunities to thrive, grow, and enjoy life as any other young person.

Since then, Liberty has grown into a vibrant, youth-led charity offering tailored support, real-life experiences, and paid roles that build independence and confidence.

Our success is driven by the resilience, determination, and drive of our young people and adults, who teach us every day that anything is possible.

We have an established working relationship with University of Derby, Staffordshire Uni and Newman offering work placements and paid employment to students on their community and youth work programmes. This has helped us build a professional team of skilled youth workers, SEND teachers and inclusive sports coaches.

We don’t just support our members – we empower them. We offer paid employment, mentoring and volunteering opportunities, including roles in youth work, admin, cleaning, and marketing.

This approach builds confidence, strengthens skills, and provides a sense of purpose. By involving members at every level, we create a cycle of inclusion, leadership, and real-life experience that’s unique to Liberty Jamboree.

Maggi Huckfield – Our Founder & CEO

Liberty Jamboree is led by Maggi Huckfield, who co-founded the organisation in 2015 and became its CEO when it transitioned to charity status in 2019. With decades of experience in youth work, community development, and inclusion, Maggi is the driving force behind Liberty’s values and vision.

Maggi is supported by a wider management team, SEND professionals, and community partners to ensure Liberty remains inclusive, forward-thinking, and firmly centred on the voices of our young people. You can meet our team members below.

Evidence-Based Practice

To ensure we capture the outputs and outcomes of our programmes, we adhere to the National Occupational Standards for Youth and Community Work. This allows us to offer evidence-based practice and work from a young person-centred approach. We document all evidence on UPSHOT, a reporting database, and use various personal development monitoring methods such as Outcome Star.

Our work is guided by the National Youth Agency (NYA) framework, as pictured below, which provides nationally recognised standards for youth and community work.

Meet our Liberty Jamboree Team!

Management, Fundraising, Finance and Admin Team

Jamboree on Board

Meet the folk who make it all happen. We see big potential in every moment and care deeply about what we do every day.

Lead youth workers

Youth Workers

Trainee Youth Workers

Trainee Mentors

Sports Coach

Lead Worker for Over 18s social outings

Meet the trustees

I joined the board at Liberty as I am committed to be a voice and representative of anyone who identifies as part of a community that is under-represented due to disability.

I believe in demonstrating an accepting and positive regard for others and want to help grow Liberty Staffordshire into a hub of lifestyle choices for our young people. I am a mother of a 16 year old boy with learning difficulties and empathize with the struggles that parents go through every day when we are trying to carve out the best possible outcomes for our children. I have vast experience of bid writing and fundraising and hope to make a positive impact on Liberty Staffordshire.
– Ash

Vanessa Kerman

I’m Vanessa, one of the Trustees at Liberty Jamboree. Liberty has provided a lifeline to both my daughter and my family since Lauren joined back in 2019. Lauren’s confidence and skill set have grown over the years, so much so that she is now a confident young Lady ready to take on new challenges. Because of the help that Liberty provides, I decided to provide my skills and assist with the strategic management of Liberty and help with their future ventures.

For over ten years I have held the position of Trustee for another charity, working closely with children and young adults with SEND. I would like to bring some of the knowledge and experiences gained from working with them to Liberty Jamboree.

I have previously held the position of Vice Chair of Governors for a Special school. In this role I chaired the Health and Safety group along with taking the Safeguarding Lead Governor role.

In my day job I am a director of two companies providing Fire Protection. I regularly hold meetings with the board of directors and our general manager to assist with managing the teams and the businesses.

I oversee the management of quality, Health and Safety and Environmental practices and procedures within the business. I regularly meet with both internal and external auditors to maintain compliance set out by our certification bodies, and to ensure we conform to current legislation within the business.

– Vanessa Kerman

My name is Amy Barnett, and I’m thrilled to serve as the treasurer on the board of trustees for Liberty Jamboree. My motivation to join the board stems from witnessing the remarkable efforts they put into assisting young people and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities, making a significant positive impact on their lives and those of their parents and caregivers. Since becoming a part of the board, I’ve actively volunteered for various Liberty projects and even participated in the Great North Run to support their cause.

In the realm of the finance sector, I bring a wealth of experience spanning 15 years, complemented by my attainment of certificate in accountancy along with computerised accounts qualification. My objective is to contribute my financial expertise to Liberty, making myself available to aid their growth.

I wholeheartedly embrace Liberty’s vision to facilitate the seamless integration of its members into society, and I take immense pride in being a part of their dedicated board.
– Amy Barnett

I’m Kat Steventon and I am thrilled to join the board of Trustees for Liberty Jamboree as Secretary. I chose to join the board after seeing the positive impact that the charity has had for both service users and their loved ones over the years. I am passionate about promoting the wellbeing of children and young people. Liberty Jamboree has gone from strength to strength and I am committed to ensuring the sustained success of the charity.
I have a broad background in working with children and young people, inclusive of those who are neurodiverse or living with disabilities or mental ill health, which I hope to use to benefit Liberty Jamboree in my role. I currently work as a researcher focusing on a broad range of topics including children, adolescents, families, community, as well as psychological aspects of health and wellbeing. I hold a PhD in Global Health and have contributed to projects commissioned by international agencies including UNICEF and Save the Children. Prior to my current role, I worked as a youth worker and assistant psychologist. I am excited to be a part of Liberty Jamboree’s next steps.
– Kat Steventon
Keegan
My name is Keegan. My daughter has attended Liberty for the past 5 years, and I am a trustee of Liberty Jamboree because I wanted to give something back and make sure Jamboree is around for a long time yet! I have over 20 years of business experience through which I have developed excellent communication skills, team working, knowledge of business and project management. I am very honest, and extremely determined.
– Keegan

I am a Director in a global aerospace company with a Master’s Degree (MBA) and studying towards my Doctorate in business administration. I coach future business leaders while leading my own business unit. I enjoy long walks with my family, skiing, jogging, and fitness in general. I am also a self-confessed bookworm with far too many books.
– Mark Clayton

I am the Business Manager in a primary school, with a well of knowledge in school operations, health & safety, and finance, I have a passion for education and being a role model for the children I interact with at my school. I am structured and thoughtful in everything I do. I enjoy skiing and stand-up paddleboarding with my family, as well as long walks especially on cold and crisp days with our dog.
– Emma Clayton
My name is Beth, I have several years experience as a trustee for another youth organisation, and by day I manage construction projects for a utility company. Having seen how much both my brother and our family as a whole gain from the amazing work that Liberty do, I felt it was only right to help out however I can.
– Beth F
Hello, I am Sue Barnes, and I am proud to serve as a newly appointed trustee at Liberty Jamboree. I have a long history with Liberty as my son Jack has attended since he was about 11 years old. Our families journey with Jack has been an absolute rollercoaster ride, thwart with huge highs and scary lows but this would not have been possible to overcome without the unwavering support from Liberty. The changes to Liberty over the years have been truly remarkable – always striving in growth so that they can provide the very best opportunities for our young people.I have over 20 years’ experience in Education and leadership, collaborating with all stakeholders for the best outcomes for children. I’m excited to support Liberty with my knowledge, expertise, and passion during their next developmental stage.
– Susan Barnes
My name is Suzanne Walker, My son is 18 and has Down’s syndrome, he first started Liberty when he was about 11/12. Through the years he has attended he has gained many friends, he has become more independent and gained lots of experiences, he also took up a musical instrument (drumming)!!! he loves performing.
I am an Assistant Manager/SENCO at a Pre-school in Cannock, in my spare time when not running Harry around to his various social activities I enjoy X-stitch, I also enjoyed scuba diving. I am also a qualified swimming teacher.
– Suzanne Walker

Meet the patrons

Lumley OBE and Mina Anwar

Introducing Liberty Jamboree’s Two New Art Patrons

Liberty Jamboree are delighted and extremely excited to announce Joanna Lumley OBE and Mina Anwar as our Patrons!

Joanna Lumley offered her support by saying….
“Liberty Jamboree and the Liberty Choir have stolen my heart. Getting people to understand what we say and think is one of the fundamental requirements of a human being; Liberty grabs that idea and makes it fly ahead of us. I am so very proud to be a patron of such an extraordinary and vital organisation. “
Mina Anwar added ..”I hope I can do my utmost to help raise awareness and promote the beneficial work this amazing charity provides in the community. Liberty Arts provides a platform for young people with disabilities to be heard.
I’m delighted and honoured to be a Patron for Liberty Jamboree Arts “
 
We can not say how wonderful this support is for raising the awareness of Inclusive Arts & Equality for our members and for all people living with SEND!
 
Thank you both.
@JoannaLumleyUK
@minaanwar2814