News

16 June 2026

Liberty Jamboree is proud to share that our Reach Your Goal football programme has been showcased as a featured case study in the HS2 Annual Report 2025–26, recognising the impact of our inclusive sports work across Lichfield and the wider community.

The report highlights how HS2’s Community & Environment Fund (CEF) has supported our mission to create meaningful, accessible football opportunities for young people aged 8–25 with special educational needs, neurodivergence and social, emotional and mental health challenges. Through our funding of £79,697 funding, we have been able to expand:

• Inclusive football training sessions
• Pan‑disability league participation
• Holiday activity camps
• Our annual summer football festival, which continues to grow year on year.

The case study also shares the voices behind the project, including reflections from our Charity Officer, Laura Varma, who spoke about the transformative effect of inclusive sport on confidence, wellbeing and community connection.

Being featured in the HS2 Annual Report is a wonderful acknowledgement of the hard work of our staff, volunteers, families and, most importantly, our young people, who show every week what is possible when they are given the right environment to thrive.

We are incredibly grateful for the support that has helped us widen participation, break down barriers and ensure that every young person, regardless of need, has the chance to play, belong and shine.

See the full case study here.

11 June 2026

Join us for a summer of FUN!!!

Come along to Liberty Jamboree for a summer of FUN at our HAF & Space Programme. Bookings will go live 19th June at 4pm. Don’t miss out! 

11 June 2026

04 June 2026

04 June 2026

 

“Here We Go Again” with Jamboree Socials who had the best time this afternoon at Mamma Mia!

 

A huge thank you to Carlton who arranged for the guys to meet some of the cast after the show! Such a very Special moment, where Milly got the cast to sing along with her and Lucy taught them Makaton

A very special afternoon full of singing, happy smiles, and amazing memories captured.

04 June 2026

This exciting new opportunity means our members, young people and adults alike, will be able to work towards a nationally recognised performing arts qualification in an environment designed around inclusion, creativity and individual strengths.

 

Every Voice Matters

Whether members communicate through speech, movement, dance, expression or performance, every person has an active and valued role in bringing the story to life.

 

Accessible for All Abilities

The focus is on teamwork, creativity, confidence-building, and shared storytelling in a supportive environment where everyone can shine.

21 May 2026

A huge thank you to JETTs this week after they opened their doors to support local Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) participants in building their fitness and confidence.

The Liberty Jamboree Duke of Edinburgh group completed their first official training session today at JETTS and spirits were high from start to finish. Staff at JETTs guided the young people through a range of exercises designed to help them prepare for the physical demands of their upcoming expeditions.

Organisers said the visit was a major success, with participants describing the session as motivating, enjoyable and a great start to their fitness journey. With their programmes now underway, the group is feeling energised and ready for the challenges ahead.

Well done to everyone involved — a brilliant first step toward DofE success. 💪

12 May 2026

There are days at Liberty Jamboree that feel truly special and today was one of them. Throughout May, BBC Children in Need is running a brand‑new initiative to raise awareness of children’s mental health, and Liberty was honoured to be invited to take part.

As part of the project, our team helped showcase different ways young people communicate, the methods they use to express their worries, and how sensory and safe spaces can help children feel more relaxed and secure at home. It was a powerful reminder of how creativity, understanding and the right environment can transform the way young people share their voices.

A huge well done to Emily, who took part in an interview and will feature in the final film. We are incredibly proud of her confidence and insight. A special thank you also goes to Morna, whose hard work behind the scenes helped shape the project and contributed to the BBC Children in Need webpage offering guidance on communicating with children.

But the biggest celebration today belongs to our four remarkable young people, Olivia, Ella, Ben and William. With courage and enthusiasm, they shared their signs with Pudsey, demonstrated different ways of communicating, and proudly showed him around the sensory room. They were excited, a little nervous, and absolutely extraordinary. They showed the world exactly how amazing they are, and we could not be prouder.

We would also like to thank Queen’s Croft High School and Two Rivers High School for supporting our members and allowing them to finish their school day early to take part in this inspiring opportunity.

What a wonderful day for everyone involved. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to Pudsey and BBC Children in Need for inviting Liberty to be part of such an important and uplifting project. 💜

6 May 2026

Our May Day Weekender was packed with unforgettable moments as our young adults enjoyed two brilliant days in London.

Our Over‑18s Jamboree Socials group enjoyed a brilliant trip to London for the May Day Holiday this year, which was filled with theatre, food, music, sightseeing, and plenty of opportunities to build independence, confidence, and friendships.

We began the weekend with a West End trip to see Oliver!, a real highlight for the group. The performance was full of energy, iconic songs, and moments that had everyone joining in from their seats. After the show, we headed out for pizza before making our way to Covent Garden, where the group soaked up the atmosphere and enjoyed the buzz of the evening. A standout moment was listening to Luca Music, a well‑known Covent Garden performer who brought a fantastic end to the night. There was singing, dancing, and lots of laughter as our young adults embraced the moment and made memories together.

The second day began with a relaxed wander around Covent Garden, a chance for a bit of shopping, people‑watching, and enjoying the sunshine. The group then headed to the Guinness Storehouse London to explore the history of Guinness and learn how to pull the perfect pint. For us, it was mostly 0.0 Guinness, but it still sparked plenty of conversation and fun. 

Across the two days, our Over‑18s group packed in theatre, meals out, live music, sightseeing, and new experiences – all while supporting one another and making the most of every moment. It was a fantastic reminder of how important these opportunities are for our young adults, giving them space to grow, explore, and enjoy time away with friends.

A huge thank you to Morna, Ben, James, and Laura, with special thanks to Laura for planning the weekend, and to our coach driver Andy for getting us there safely.

1 April 2026

We are delighted to share that more than £1,000 was raised for Liberty Jamboree at a special fundraising concert hosted by Cllr Keith Vernon, Chair of Lichfield District Council.

Held at the Lichfield Garrick, the concert brought together an uplifting mix of performances, including:

• Cllr Keith Vernon and Lizzie Mason
• Our very own Liberty Jamboree Shine and Sign Choir
• Guest performers Mike Franklin and Peter Livesey

The afternoon was filled with energy, talent and community spirit, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and supported the event.

Cllr Vernon shared his appreciation, saying how proud he was to raise funds for a charity that supports young people across the district. His year of fundraising for Liberty Jamboree has now surpassed an amazing £10,000.

Our CEO, Maggi Huckfield, expressed heartfelt thanks

“Being chosen as Keith’s charity has been a true honour. From our very first meeting through to the wonderful concert featuring our Shine and Sign Choir, it has been an incredible experience. Keith has gone above and beyond in his support, not only through this concert but also by helping us secure £9,000 to install shutters. A huge thank you from myself, the team and all our members.”

We are deeply grateful to Cllr Vernon, the performers, the Garrick team and everyone who continues to champion Liberty Jamboree. Your support helps us create inclusive, joyful opportunities for young people across our community.

24 February 2026

Liberty Jamboree proudly celebrated the official opening of its brand‑new youth centre last night, the Mitchell Ellis Building, marking the culmination of a four‑year journey made possible through £1.8 million of investment from the Youth Investment Fund (YIF).

The launch was an overwhelming success, drawing a remarkable turnout from across the community and featuring a live broadcast on BBC Midlands Today. The ribbon was officially cut by Ryan Allsop of Birmingham City FC, whose presence added a memorable highlight to an already extraordinary evening.

Named in honour of Mitchell Ellis, nephew of Liberty Jamboree founder Maggi Huckfield, the building stands as a deeply personal tribute. Mitchell, along with Jessica Allsop and Jack Bedward, continues to inspire Maggi’s unwavering commitment to creating inclusive, life‑changing opportunities for young people.

A community effort years in the making

The development of the new centre has been shaped by the dedication and collaboration of many partners, including:

• Lichfield Sports Club, whose support and shared vision were instrumental in bringing the project to life
• St John’s, the landowners whose belief in Liberty Jamboree enabled the development to go ahead. Their trust and support have been fundamental in turning this vision into reality.
• Youth Investment Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, whose belief and investment in young people made this dream possible

Speaking at the event, Maggi Huckfield expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the project over the past four years. She paid tribute to so many people, businesses and grant making trusts who have been so generous throughout the journey.

 A centre built with and for young people

The opening evening was filled with joy, pride and a powerful sense of community as the building came alive with laughter and excitement. The new youth centre has been shaped by the voices, ideas and experiences of the young people it exists to serve.

“This is your journey. This is your centre,” Maggi shared. “We hope the Mitchell Ellis Building becomes a place where young people feel included, discover their strengths and create lifelong memories.”

A new chapter begins

The opening marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Liberty Jamboree. The organisation will now expand its work, develop new opportunities and strengthen partnerships to deliver meaningful, impactful youth work across the Lichfield district and beyond.

Last night’s celebration was more than an opening; it was a testament to what can be achieved when a community believes in its young people.

9 December 2025

Liberty Jamboree is delighted to share that our CEO, Maggi Huckfield, was recognised with the Community Hero Award at this year’s prestigious Beacon Awards. 

We extend a huge thank you to everyone who nominated Maggi and Liberty Jamboree for this honour. While Maggi was humbled to receive the award, she emphasised that the real heroes are our members – past and present – who inspire everything we do.

To mark this special moment, Maggi invited Charlotte Asply to join her in sharing the award. Maggi has known Charlotte since she was 11, from her early youth work days, and standing beside her on stage made the occasion even more meaningful.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of all that is great about Lichfield. Sharing the stage with so many fantastic charities and local businesses was both inspiring and humbling.

This award is dedicated to the past ten years of Liberty Jamboree – to every member, every volunteer, and to our incredible team and trustees. Together, we have built a community that continues to thrive, support, and empower.

November 2025

This National Youth Work Week, the Liberty Team were proud to shine a spotlight on a group of exceptional young men whose journeys remind us that with belief, support, resilience, and hard work, anything is possible.
Their incredible successes speak volumes:

• Mitch has passed all his Navy entrance requirements and begins basic training on 17th November.
• Jacob has secured a new role at Queen’s Croft School, starting in the coming weeks.
• Jack has started work as a Logistics Multi-Operative at Collins Aerospace, Birmingham.
• Morgan has begun his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Youth Work right here at Liberty.
• Noah has successfully passed his Navy application and is now awaiting his start date.
• Troi has applied to college to study Catering, while continuing his brilliant work at Liberty as a Youth Worker.

Each of these young men has proudly represented Liberty on the football pitch, forming one of the most successful Liberty Football Teams over the past eight years. Watching them grow into the confident, capable, and compassionate individuals they are today has been nothing short of inspiring.

From all of us at Liberty, we send our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as they step into the next chapter of their lives. Keep showing the world what you’re made of and never forget, dreams really can become reality.

On Monday 27th October, Liberty Jamboree had the extraordinary honour of being invited guests of His Majesty King Charles III at Lichfield Cathedral.

We would like to begin by expressing our deepest thanks to His Majesty for his warmth and generosity towards our members. It was a moment of immense pride as our young people had the opportunity to shake the King’s hand and personally deliver handwritten messages, a gesture that meant the world to them and to us.

Liberty Jamboree was proud to stand alongside His Majesty, sharing the voices and stories of the young people we support. This recognition is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, something we’ve always championed. Just as His Majesty’s vision brings people together across the nation, Liberty continues to connect our members with their communities, celebrating inclusion, resilience, and joy.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Staffordshire Lieutenancy and the Royal Household for including us in this unforgettable celebration.

It was a truly special day for Liberty Jamboree, and while we await the arrival of the professional photographs, here are a few snapshots from the day to give you a glimpse of the joy.

23 September 2025

What a week it’s been at Jamboree On Board! From hands-on projects to powerful conversations, our young people have shown just how much heart, talent, and insight they bring to the table.

We wrapped up the week with a special visit from Dave Robertson MP, who spent the afternoon chatting with both Jamboree members and our younger youth club attendees. The discussions were nothing short of inspiring—covering disability, global issues, politics, and everyday life. It was a joy to see our young people lead with curiosity and confidence. A special shout out to Tilly and Callum, whose thoughtful contributions reminded us all how powerful young voices can be.

Throughout the week, our members embraced a packed schedule of creativity, learning, and community impact:

• Monday: Woodwork and planter-building for our new space, plus independent living skills
• Tuesday: Creative textiles, drama, and teaching Makaton at The Croft School Armitage
• Wednesday: Volunteering at Beacon Park, building their social enterprise, and supporting at Barchester
• Thursday: Ceramics and more life skills development
• Friday: Litter picking with The Litter Legends, caring for our Tiny Forest, and memory-sharing with MHA & Shine and Sign

Members also gained valuable work experience at the Lichfield Family Hub, while Lauren and Riley continued to shine in their Supported Internships with Liberty and Rocklands School.

This week was a powerful reminder: our young adults have a place, a purpose, and voices that deserve to be heard.

Well done, everyone — we couldn’t be prouder!

With thanks to our partners and supporters:

• The National Lottery Community Fund
• Lichfield Family Hub
• BBC Children in Need
• Queen’s Croft High School – Headteacher Blog
• Lichfield District Council
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Omega Outdoor Adventure
• Beacon Park Lichfield
• The Spires Care Home – Barchester Healthcare
• Dave Robertson MP for Lichfield, Burntwood and the Villages

23 September 2025

What a fantastic evening we had at LiberTeens last Thursday! The room was buzzing with laughter, learning, and genuine connection as our young people came together to build friendships and explore new ideas.

Our young ladies began a thoughtful journey into the topic of puberty, supported by a safe and nurturing space where questions were welcomed and confidence grew.

Meanwhile, the boys opened up about their hopes and dreams—through a brilliant twist on Jenga that sparked meaningful conversations and plenty of smiles!

We’re incredibly proud of every single young person who joined us. Your energy, openness, and kindness make these sessions truly special

A huge thank you to our brilliant team and trainee youth workers, with a special shout-out to Noah for bringing extra sparkle to the evening!

We can’t wait to welcome you all back next week for more fun, learning, and laughter.

With heartfelt thanks to our partners and supporters:

• The National Lottery Community Fund
• BBC Children in Need
• Queen’s Croft High School – Headteacher Blog
• Sherbrook Primary School
• Lichfield Family Hub
• Two Rivers High School
• Saxon Hill Academy
• Rocklands School ASPF

19 September 2025

We’re delighted to announce that we have been awarded a generous £82,880 grant from HS2, to be delivered over the next three years.

This funding marks a significant step forward in our mission to make sports accessible, empowering, and inclusive for all.

The grant will support our exciting new initiative, ‘Reach Your Goal’, a project designed to strengthen and expand our Inclusive Sports Programme – with a special focus on our ever-growing and hugely successful football offer. From grassroots sessions to competitive opportunities, our football programme continues to break barriers and build confidence for our members of all abilities.

This funding comes through the HS2 Community and Business Funds managed by Groundwork UK, which aim to offset the disruption caused by HS2 construction by investing in local communities and economies. We’re proud to be part of this effort and grateful for the opportunity to grow our impact.

Stay tuned for updates on ‘Reach Your Goal’ as we kick off new sessions, celebrate achievements, and continue to champion inclusive sport across our region.

For more information about the HS2 grants and how they support local projects, visit Groundwork’s HS2 Funds page.

16 September 2025

At the start of the new term, we were thrilled to unveil the breathtaking mural created by the incredibly talented Rebecca Hernshaw, who generously gifted the masterpiece.

Over several weeks, Rebecca poured her creativity into transforming space at our new Liberty building – bringing to life a vibrant centrepiece that reflects everything we cherish at Liberty. From our beloved Tinker, our founder’s beloved former dog, to the inspiring individuals who’ve shaped our journey, her work captures the heart of our community.

We’re deeply grateful for Rebecca’s artistry and kindness. Her mural is more than just a visual highlight – it’s a celebration of connection, care, and creativity.

You can explore more of Rebecca’s work: @ARTBECO2024

Thank you Rebecca!

We are also grateful to the following for helping fund the project:

• The National Lottery Community Fund
• Lichfield Family Hub
• Lichfield District Council

#artistsoninstagram #communityart #LibertyYouthClub

29 July 2025

Earlier this month, we were honoured to be invited to Beau Desert Golf Club to host a friendly competition as part of the Captain’s Golf Day.

On Saturday 12 July, Captain Geoff Dyas selected Liberty Jamboree as one of his two chosen charities, bringing together golf enthusiasts for a fantastic day of sport and generosity with competitions on the 2^nd and 12^th holes. 

Geoff was also joined by his family, providing wonderful support on this special occasion.

For a small donation, golfers could take part in the ‘Beat the Pro Challenge’ on the 2nd hole, while Liberty hosted the popular ‘Hole-in-One Challenge’ at the 12^th where three skilled players earned a spot in the prize draw to win a 3-ball round at the prestigious Little Aston Golf Club.

In addition, the players were welcomed with refreshments, generously donated by kindly donated by Pete Saunders at Caterforce Ltd, which provided a much-needed pit stop on a very hot day as well as the opportunity to talk to some of our members.

Liberty Jamboree was delighted to be part of the day and deeply grateful to Geoff for selecting us as one of his charities.

The event was supported by some of our young adults and staff with Georgina Stevenson, Emily Wiels, Jack Parnham, Richie Shenton, Hannah Davies, her sister Beth Redfern, Liberty Trustee Kat Steventon, and our Liberty Striders Leader and fitness guru, Sally Huckfield. Thank you to everyone for making the day so memorable, serving refreshments, collecting wayward balls, and engaging with the players.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of all those who took part, both competitions raised an incredible £2,000.

22 July 2025

We’re excited to share that we’ve received a generous grant of £258.96 from the Andy Biddle Youth Sports Foundation to help us buy some much-needed new inclusive sports equipment.

Trustee Suzanne Walker and her son Harry had a brilliant afternoon up at the Cricket Club in Sutton Coldfield, where they accepted the cheque on Liberty’s behalf. It was a great chance to meet the team behind the Foundation and hear more about the amazing work they’re doing to support young people in local sport.

The money will go towards brand new inclusive sports equipment, which is perfect timing as we prepare to move into our new building.

A huge thank you to everyone at the Andy Biddle Youth Sports Foundation for their support. It really does make a difference!

You can find out more about the Foundation and how they fund youth sport at: www.abysf.org

16 July 2025

It was all smiles and strikes as Liberty Youth Clubs’ Nex Gen and Jump groups came together last night for another fantastic evening out, this time for a lively night of bowling, food, and friendship.

A total of 28 young people took part in the trip, enjoying a brilliant evening filled with laughter, team spirit, and unforgettable moments. Whether it was their first time bowling or they’re seasoned pros, everyone joined in the fun and made the most of the experience.

A huge thank you to Emily for planning and organising such a successful outing, and a big thank you to everyone supporting the trip and making the evening run smoothly. These special experiences simply wouldn’t happen without you.

It was a fantastic night spent with even greater young people, and we can’t wait for the next adventure!

With thanks to:
The National Lottery Community Fund
BBC Children in Need
Lichfield Family Hub

#LibertyYouthClubs #YouthTrip #BowlingFun #Teamwork #InclusionMatters #YouthWorkWorks

15 July 2025

Congratulations to Shine & Sign for a fantastic year of impact at The Croft Primary School in Armitage, where today’s celebration marked a joyful milestone in inclusive education.

Over the past year, our Shine & Sign choir has brought Makaton to life in the classroom, teaching not just signs, but doing so through fun, engaging weekly themes like colours, numbers, animals, and even space. Their creative approach has made learning accessible and exciting for every child involved.

Today, pupils and the choir proudly showcased everything they’ve learned in a heartwarming event filled with song, sign, and smiles. It was a true celebration of communication, creativity, and inclusion.

This incredible initiative was supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, BBC Children in Need, Lichfield Family Hub, and The Makaton Charity – thank you to all who made it possible.

Well done to everyone involved—what a brilliant achievement!

#InclusionMatters #YouthEmpowerment #YouthWorkMatters