Livv, formerly as First Ark Group, has released its latest social accounts which show at 37% rise in social value from its activities in Knowsley to more than £46m. Tony McDonough reports
Affordable housing provider Livv Housing Group says it as generated more than £46m worth of social value in just one Merseyside borough in a single 12-month period.
Livv, formerly as First Ark Group, has released its latest social accounts for the 2019/2020 financial year which shows at 37% rise in social value generated in communities in Knowsley, up from £34m in 2018/2019.
Through supporting projects with £1.5m worth of social investment, Livv has calculated a social return of 73p for every £1 invested during the period. It says it has saved the NHS, DWP and local government more than £11.3m over the 12-month period.
It has employed 20 apprentices directly, helped 392 Knowsley residents into employment, enabled 244 residents to access education, helped 1,782 residents into training and has supported 107 businesses to start up and/or grow. It has also seen 269 homeless families and individuals rehoused in Livv Housing Group properties.
Amanda Newton, executive director of customer insight at Livv Housing Group, said: “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.
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.
Livv provides more than 14,000 homes across Liverpool city region and the North West, plus apprenticeships, training, health and local projects. It offers homes to rent or buy and extra support for those who need it.