The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Mary Rasmussen, has recognised the life-changing work of Local Solutions and the impact the charity has on people’s lives.
Local Solutions, a charity launched in 1974, delivers services to support individuals, families and communities across the Liverpool City Region and North Wales.
The charity, that will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024, was selected by the Lord Mayor in recognition of its breadth of work, with a primary focus on those experiencing disadvantage, exclusion and vulnerability.
Last year, over 36,000 people across Liverpool and North Wales were supported by Local Solutions. Their Social Care, Support and Accommodation and Communities departments deliver a diverse range of services which are underpinned by their key purposes: to Care Unconditionally, Understand the Challenge and Empower Change.
During 2022/23, over 600 young people between 16-25 were provided with temporary accommodation, support, advice and guidance.
Tanya, a service user at Local Solutions commented: “Without the help of Local Solutions, I would not be alive today or have such a positive future ahead of me.”
Nearly 1,400 men and women were also supported by Local Solutions Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA), having been identified as being at high risk of ongoing domestic abuse over the last year.
In addition, the charity’s pioneering Mytime service connected more than 1,300 unpaid carers from Liverpool and Wigan with respite breaks and activities, including overnight stays in hotels, theatre tickets, restaurant dining and access to cultural events across the city region.
More than 1,800 unpaid carers were further supported by Local Solutions to improve their quality of life with a range of services including the undertaking of carer’s assessments and provision of flexible support with impartial advice and information at any time of need.
Tom Harrison said: “We are thrilled to be named as Lord Mayor’s Charity 2023/24 and working collaboratively with Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Rasmussen to have a positive impact across our city.
“With the support of the Lord Mayor, we will be able to extend our offer to support more people and communities across the city. This support is vital particularly after the long-term impacts of covid and the current cost of living crisis.
“We want to be transformative. We want to be creative, innovative and flexible and be there to empower people to achieve their own goals and tot ake control of their own lives. That is our ambition for Local Solutions, that’s what drives our work.”
“Local Solutions will soon celebrate its 50th year of providing support to the most disadvantaged in our community. With the support of the Lord Mayor we will continue to ensure we deliver services in line with our vision and our mission to empower people and support communities.”
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool is the first citizen and chosen representative of the city, acting as a focal point for the community as well as promoting the city, forging national and international links.
Each year, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool raises money to be distributed to local charities or charities with a Liverpool connection.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Mary Rasmussen, said: “I am delighted to be announce Local Solutions as my chosen charity for my year as Lord Mayor. Their work with individuals, families and communities provides much-needed support and transform lives.”
If you think you can help raise money for The Lord Mayor’s Charity, please contact Liverpool Town Hall on 0151 351 2200 or email lord.mayor@liverpool.gov.uk
You can make a donation to the Lord Mayor’s Charity (charity No. 229539) by visiting https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/lord-mayor-of-liverpool
