Letchworth charity’s appeal for free office space

Leisure Direct supports adults with learning difficulties to go out on day trips (Image: Archant)

Leisure Direct supports 135 adults with learning difficulties in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, organising weekly activities and day trips.

Leisure Direct organised a day trip out for the people they support to Winter Wonderland in London last year (Image: Archant)

It has operated from its current location at North Hertfordshire District Council’s (NHDC) offices in Letchworth GC for 18 years but the office space is now needed by NHDC’s own staff.

Leisure Direct manager Claire Smith said: “Our current location is owned by NHDC and they need to space back for their own staff. We are ready to move and become more independent.

“Ideally we would be able to get a hall or a village with some free office space. We are appealing to anyone who knows anywhere to please get in contact and let us know.”

Councillor Tony Hunter, portfolio holder for community engagement at NHDC, said: “North Herts District council have been in discussion with Leisure Direct for over a year about the need for them to find alternative space locally due to the council’s need to rationalise it’s own office space.

“Officers have given Leisure Direct a considerable degree of support toward their move, helping them to resolve IT and payroll issues as well as helping them to find alternative accommodation in other council run buildings, or buildings operated on our behalf, alongside similar community groups – none of which the group have found acceptable to date. However, we are hopeful that by continuing to work with us, they will find a suitable home very shortly.”

The organisation is looking to rent out enough office space for three desks. If you can help call 01462 474592 or email leisure.direct@north-herts.gov.uk