The legacy of the late founder of a local charity was honoured as the organisation which he established was awarded the freedom of the city.
David Shone, who passed away in 2009, launched Local Solutions in 1974 and in its 40th year Lord Mayor Gary Millar has admitted the charity to the Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions of the City of Liverpool.
Local Solutions, which provides training and community projects, received the honour in recognition of their services to improving the quality of life in Liverpool and across the North West.
Karen Paton from Local Solutions told JMU Journalism: “The family of our founder came to the event, which was really special.
“The ceremony was fantastic with over 200 people in attendance, we really enjoyed it.”
The charity provides many services to assist vulnerable and excluded people, including bully busters, homelessness provision, shop-mobility and domestic abuse support. The Lord Mayor has described their work as invaluable and said he was delighted to be granting them the award.
The Lord Mayor, Gary Millar, describes their work as invaluable and said on the night: “Admission to the Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions is the highest honour the city can bestow and is richly deserved. The charity’s contribution to this city should never be underestimated.
“Those working tirelessly to support the well being of vulnerable and excluded people making a huge difference to the lives of so many people.”
This ceremony was Mr Millar’s fifth and final Freedom Ceremony as Lord Mayor, with others that he has added to the roll including Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton and Liverpool Welsh Choral.
Local Solutions Chief Executive Steve Hawkin, said: “This is a fitting tribute to the hard efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers who strive to provide the best service to people in our communities. It will encourage us in our mission to ‘Build Resilience, Raise Aspiration and Improve Lives’.”