Livv Housing Group has generated over £46 million-worth of social value for Knowsley communities in the past year.
Through job creation, helping homeless people, investing in independent living and funding social enterprises, Livv Housing Group, formerly First Ark Group, has made a positive impact in local communities and businesses and changed individuals’ lives.
The details have been released in Livv’s annual Social Accounts which outline how the organisation has recorded a 37 percent rise in social value generated in the communities in the past year, up from £34m in 2018/2019.
Through supporting projects with £1.5m worth of social investment, Livv has generated an incredible 73p in social return for every £1 invested in the last year.
Social impact investments have become ever more crucial this year as the impacts of Covid-19 and lockdown have been felt across the region, with organisations supported by Livv, such as The Sewing Rooms and One Knowsley, working hard to support their local communities.
Key stats for 2019/2020
- £46,792,475 has been generated in social value
- £11,352,338 worth of cost savings to the NHS, DWP and local government
- £1,517,974-worth of social investment spent supporting projects through Livv Investment
- For every £1 invested Livv Housing Group has generated 73p in social return
Employment & training:
- 20 apprentices employed by Livv Housing Group
- 392 residents supported into employment
- 244 residents supported to access education
- 1,782 residents supported into training
- 107 businesses supported to start up and/or grow
Homelessness:
- 269 homeless families/ individuals rehoused in Livv Housing Group properties
Amanda Newton, Executive Director of Customer Insight at Livv Housing Group, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Livv Housing Group has a strong social purpose and invests in communities to help enrich people’s lives and help the communities that we support to overcome adversity and thrive. We do this by investing in projects, providing training opportunities and offering support programmes, as well as giving financial and employment advice and instilling individuals with the confidence to take up training and apprenticeships. We work very closely with a brilliant group of partners to deliver the things that matter to people.
“In the past year, we’ve made real strides in developing our partnership network to support more local social enterprises and charities, encouraging them to grow and become more sustainable.
“The Social Accounts that we are publishing relate to our achievements in 2019/20 however, our investments have played an even bigger role in the community in the last six months during the pandemic. The Livv team has shown great commitment to support individuals and businesses, as well as voluntary and community organisations, through some incredibly challenging times.”
One project which has benefited from funding is AIMS, a physical hub of support for young, often homeless people which provides a safe space for them to engage with AIMS services and receive help with accommodation, as well as supporting them into education and employment.
Summer Sinclair, who has benefitted from the services offered by AIMS, is now studying a foundation degree in Law and says the project has helped her on her path to success.
Summer commented: “AIMS has definitely helped me build my confidence. I never used to engage in group activities and I always used to hide and dress in baggy clothes because I was always self-conscious. The confidence and self esteem boost that AIMS provides can dramatically change lives. It changed mine. I wouldn’t be at university now if it wasn’t for the support of AIMS.”
With the support of Livv, AIMS has engaged 53 young people, supported 25 young people with their mental health, and helped 24 young people into employment, apprenticeships and higher education.