A Lichfield based charity that supports young adults with additional needs has received a £1,500 donation from business lender UKSE to continue its employability-focused social enterprise initiative.

Liberty Jamboree, a youth service organisation working across Lichfield and the surrounding areas, provides tailored support for children, young people and young adults with learning and/or physical disabilities, neurodiversity and/or social, emotional mental health (SEMH) barriers.

Amongst its many initiatives, the charity runs a social enterprise project where young adults design and produce handmade ceramic and textile items to sell within the local community.

The £1,500 donation from UKSE will be used to purchase essential materials for the ceramics and textiles group, enabling members to continue producing goods and re-investing in the enterprise, ensuring the programme’s sustainability.

The social enterprise project forms part of the charity’s Jamboree on Board programme, which offers structured day opportunities for 18-35 year-olds with additional needs. The programme supports individuals in developing practical skills, gaining work experience, volunteering, informal education, and participating in community-based activities, helping them to contribute meaningfully to society.

Currently, 65 young people are actively engaged in the social enterprise, either by creating ceramic and textile products to sell, or by managing stalls at Co-op Group stores, The Hub at St Mary’s in Lichfield and other community locations.

Providing strategic loan and equity packages of up to £1m to generate growth, create local job opportunities and bolster the economy, UKSE’s local team based in Cannock was recently set up to support SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford

Jamboree on Board Co-ordinator Jack Wort said: “The donation from UKSE is brilliant as it will help with the purchase of resources, equipment and promotion of the enterprise.

“The young adults taking part are learning valuable life skills such as resilience, interpersonal skills, motivation and confidence as well as building their employability skills ready for the world of work.

“A huge thank you to UKSE for supporting our social enterprise, without donations like this we would be unable to sustain the project for the benefit of our young adults.”

UKSE area manager Steve Grice: commented: “Liberty Jamboree is a great charity providing valuable employability opportunities for young adults in Lichfield and the surrounding areas.

“UKSE is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it operates in, and the donation will hopefully allow the charity to continue its incredible work for the benefit of its members.”

Providing strategic loan and equity packages of up to £1m to generate growth, create jobs and bolster the economy, UKSE’s team based in Keys Business Village, Cannock, supports SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford.

Celebrating 50 years of building relationships and supporting communities, UKSE makes equity investments, ensuring management stays in control and offering a flexible exit policy. Unsecured loans up to £200,000 are also available, often without the need for personal guarantees.