Local group supporting people with disabilities create festive decorations for Tamworth Castle

Liberty on Board creating decorations for Tamworth Castle Helping the group develop important life skills Contributes to the town’s festive celebrations

Tamworth Borough Council are pleased to unveil the beautiful willow weaving Christmas creations created by Liberty on Board; an inclusive youth service for eight to 35-year-olds which offers a wide range of provisions for young people with SEND/SEMH and neurodiverse barriers.

Since September, Tamworth Borough Council’s heritage engagement co-ordinator has been working with Liberty on Board and Our World and Willow on a project to create beautiful willow stars and wreaths to decorate the steps leading up to Tamworth Castle.

The group focuses on building life skills, independent living, employability skills, and training, providing young people with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and develop through community projects.

The group have also been volunteering weekly at Tamworth Castle to learn about cleaning museum collections. They have provided a valuable service to the museum which relies on some volunteer support.

Liberty on Board’s involvement in this project has given group members a chance to take part in an inclusive, hands-on artistic experience, while also contributing to the town’s festive celebrations.

This project is funded from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to bring the community together to celebrate the skills and creativity of local people and show how you can be creative using eco-friendly materials. This latest activity is part of an ongoing relationship between Liberty on Board and Tamworth Castle.

The handmade willow decorations have been placed along the steps leading to the iconic Tamworth Castle, adding to the Christmas decorations around town and transforming the historic landmark into a festive visual celebration that everyone can enjoy.

Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement and leisure said: “We’ve very much enjoyed working with Liberty on Board, Our World and Willow on this wonderful project. It’s a fantastic example of how the community can come together to create something truly special.

“Not only will these beautiful willow stars and wreaths bring some extra festive cheer to Tamworth Castle, but they also showcase the amazing creativity and dedication of our local groups.

“By working together on a shared creative goal, the young people involved have been learning the craft of willow weaving from Ellen, founder of Our World and Willow, and also develop a sense of pride and belonging as group members see their work displayed in a public space for everyone to admire.”

This activity is part of a wider heritage crafts project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will run until March 2025. The heritage engagement coordinator is working with this group and several others to provide creative and wellbeing activities using heritage crafts.

Come and visit Tamworth Castle this festive season. Have a look at this beautiful display of willow decorations and see the castle dressed for Christmas. See what else is on during the Christmas period: Award-Winning Heritage in a Stunning Castle | Award-Winning Heritage in a Stunning Castle