THE Earl of Ronaldshay and leading civic figures and have backed a charity's drive to build a new base to enable more adults with disabilities achieve their potential by doing work in the community.

Richmond social enterprise Just the Job has received high-profile support as it revealed an ambition to raise £50,000 this winter through a public appeal, which it said would unlock a further £50,000 in match funding from the Lord Ronaldshay's Zetland Estates.

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The charity says the £100,000, which would swell to £120,000 with Gift Aid could help see groundwork started in the spring to build a new base after outgrowing its current building.

Steve Biggs, Just the Job general manager, said: “This is a great opportunity to boost our Big Green Build funds with every donation whatever the size being doubled."

“With lots of support, we can unlock the £50,000 generously offered by Zetland Estates and with Gift Aid we could raise an incredible £120,000."

The charity says many of its team find some situations stressful and need a quiet room to escape to that’s peaceful and calming.

Mr Biggs said: "They currently have nothing like this, but the new build has been designed taking all these areas in to consideration. There will be separate rooms for crafting and woodwork activities and lots of storage as currently there is clutter everywhere.

“We want the new facilities to help integrate other community projects requiring accessible space and there will be lots of opportunities for local people to be involved with the fundraising and the build itself."

The Earl of Ronaldshay has already agreed to provide the land for the new, state-of-the art eco-building near the charity’s existing base on the Gallowfields Trading Estate in Richmond.

The timber frame design incorporates modern green technology with more traditional methods, including straw bale insulation, and aims to be one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the region.

Lord Ronaldshay said he was delighted to be in a position to help the charity. He said: “Just the Job is such a wonderful charity and makes a huge difference to people’s lives.

Just the Job team members at work.

Just the Job team members at work.

“They had a horrible burglary a few years ago and the way the whole town rallied round to help afterwards shows just how much people value what they do — I’m thrilled I can help them build a new future.”

Just the Job has already received support from a variety of groups and organisations to help raise the £500,000 it needs to build the base, which it hopes will become a community hub for the whole of Richmond, as well as providing its users with the facilities they need.

Former Richmond mayor Lorraine Hodgson said: “This appeal will make a big difference to their aim of building a state-of-the-art base, which will become a community hub as well as being used by the charity.”

Chairman of Richmondshire District Council Clive World added: "I fully support Just the Job and the excellent work they do within the community throughout the year and help to encourage people who are working for them. I wish them all the best for their new venture and hope that they get their money very soon indeed."

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