announcing a new friendship journey at livability ... · friendship journey at livability +...

Announcing a new journey at Livability Friendship

+ Connections+ Happiness− Isolation− Barriers+ Community

For over 170 years, Livability has been at the forefront of supporting people to live full and flourishing lives.

From disability care, to promoting social inclusion and working to enhance community life through church partnerships, Livability’s work is impactful and far reaching.

Now in our tenth year, Livability has entered a new chapter in our charity’s story and we’re launching a new brand to mark the change.

From our work at the front line, we know that too many people in our society are facing lonely and isolated lives that can restrict their health, life outcomes and opportunities.

Disabled people often face barriers that cause them to be excluded. Social isolation is also a massive problem for people in marginalised communities around the UK.

As we enter our next decade, Livability is committed to tackling the impact of isolation full on. We know that with better community connections – people’s lives are better.

This is a reality that’s fully in step with trends in the health and social care arenas. Increasingly, care and support is involving people’s personal and community networks.

Going forwards, Livability will focus far more on enabling community connections. Building on our rich heritage of disability services, church partnerships and community work we will mobilise people, talents and resources, to provide more joined-up care for the people we support.

Motivated by a dynamic and inclusive Christian Ethos, we will take ambitious steps to innovate, tackle barriers and work for inclusion.

It will require courageous and values-driven leadership, quality delivery and a real commitment to creating caring communities.

We invite you to join this new strategic direction for Livability. We call it ‘Livable Communities’.

From the people we support, to our staff; volunteers and donors; church friends and delivery partners; our future story is shaped by us all.

It all adds up.

Dear friend

Caroline Armitage Chair of Trustees

Dave Webber CEO

2 3Announcing a new journey at Livability

Fighting isolation and tackling barriers in the lives of disabled and vulnerable people is vital.

Pressures on public funding are seeing people’s benefits and care budgets squeezed and more and more people are being left vulnerable.

It’s essential that people don’t fall through the cracks.

By mobilizing communities to work together, we can do so much more to respond meaningfully.

Our new brand provides us with the opportunity to communicate that message loud and clear.

Our brand will also help us stand out more in the sector, communicate our cause and engage new support and donors.

Why change brand?+ Changing lives+ Growing support+ Sharing our cause

Livability’s brand is the vehicle for sharing our vision, communicating our services and driving our public engagement.

About Us Livability is the disability charity that connects people with their communities. We tackle social isolation and the barriers that can cause this in the lives of disabled and vulnerable people. Through a wide range of disability, education, training and community services, we promote inclusion and wellbeing for all. Together, we work to see people take part, contribute and be valued. We put the elements in place that all add up to connected lives and communities. It all adds up.


10th Anniversary YearOur new brand is launched in our 10th anniversary year.

Over the past decade, Livability has delivered quality disability care and community engagement work through churches across the UK.

We’re proud of and inspired by our 170 year heritage of social inclusion and disability care work, that began with our founding and merger charities John Grooms and The Shaftesbury Society.

Livability has worked with one in three local authorities, helping them meet the challenges of a changing care sector. We have been at the forefront of raising awareness for disability and mental health within the UK church and developed a rich portfolio of church and community training.

In every era, Livability has worked to respond to social needs and challenges, adapting our offering and innovating new responses to meet the needs of the day.

Heritage+ Inspiration+ Looking ahead

A journey that builds on our 170-year heritage.


Our brand has been commissioned by the charity’s Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team as a major part of Livability’s new ‘Livable Communities’ strategy.

Through our disability services, combined with our expertise in community engagement, we want to reduce isolation and enable livable lives and communities.

• A ‘livable community’ might be the experience that someone enjoys at one of our care homes, through the connections they have in a local church or other community groups.

• A ‘livable community’ might be the impact of staff, family, friends, volunteers and partners, who together with the people we support, combine strengths to create a network of care and inclusion.

• A ‘livable community’ might also be a variety of outcomes that are achieved within a local neighbourhood which help to address and overcome barriers in people’s lives.

Livable lives and livable communities. It looks different for everyone, but at Livability, we know that all sorts of things add up to make it possible. Connecting people with their community is central to it all.

A new journey+ Strategy+ Livable communities

A journey that supports our strategy to work for connected, livable lives and communities.


Ethos+ Values + Action

A journey that’s ethos and values driven. Open

We are open and real

We strive to be warm-hearted, straightforward and honest. We open doors and create opportunities. We take time to listen to each other and to the people we work with, because that is how we learn and grow.

Enabling We think people are amazing

Everyone has something to offer, if they are just given the chance. So, as well as helping with basic needs, we help people take part and be valued – because that is what makes life livable. We are ambitious to achieve real change.

Inclusive We demand fairness

Far too many people are excluded unnecessary in our society. We want to help create a fairer world where we are all valued equally, not just for what we have in common, but for what makes us different too. We all share a responsibility to make that a reality.

Courageous We are the best we can be

Each day we ask ourselves, what can we do better? In work as in life, we are motivated by our bold commitment to making life better for people and their communities, and we hold ourselves to account for the difference we make.

Our ethosLivability has a dynamic and inclusive Christian ethos, welcoming people from all faiths and none to work together towards the good of the whole community. We partner with local churches and faith groups as agents of community change.

Our Patron is HRH The Princess Royal.

Our charity president is The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Our Christian ethos is our DNA – it’s why we were founded 170 years ago and it’s why we still exist today.

We remain as inspired and challenged as our founders were by the radical message of Jesus Christ. We are committed to using all of our resources to create spaces of welcome and hospitality where everyone can find their place and take part.

We strive to connect people with their community and reduce social isolation for all.

Because of this ethos, we choose to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being open, enabling, inclusive and courageous.

Our values


Why Livability?−Isolation+ Community connections

Social isolation in the UK

Social isolation is a growing problem in the UK. Britain has been called the ‘loneliness capital of Europe’. Many people are socially isolated because they face disabling barriers in their lives. From lack of awareness for disability and mental health needs to homelessness, unemployment, or lack of education opportunities, the obstacles are obvious.

• One third of people living with dementia said they lost friends following a diagnosis. Almost 1 in 10 only leave the house once a month.

• 3.6 million people aged 65 and over agree that the television is their main form of company.

• 50% of disabled people will be lonely on any given day.

A journey that helps to tackle the impact of social isolation in the lives of disabled and vulnerable people.

Social isolation is bad for your health

When people are socially isolated, their life and wellbeing outcomes are lower. Disabled and vulnerable people are often hardest hit. Isolation and loneliness can also be a major factor in causing disability and mental illness.

• Social isolation puts older adults at greater risk of early mortality, dementia, suicide and cognitive decline.

• Lonely people are most at risk to the onset of disability and have a 64% increased chance of developing clinical dementia.

• Weak social connections carry a health risk that is more harmful than not exercising, twice as harmful as obesity, and is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

• Health inequality is significantly linked to wealth inequality. The poor can expect to die seven years sooner than the rich, and to become disabled 17 years earlier.

Through our work at Livability – we know that the causes and impact of isolation on people’s lives are complex. But we are determined to be a charity that works to build with positive responses and active change.


A shifting landscape of health and social care is one that supports and needs more collaborative and community-based approaches to care. Our brand helps us to publicly express that commitment.

Public services are stretched

With public services and funding increasingly stretched, the ‘top-down’ delivery of formal care services isn’t enough to respond to needs in our society in the long-term.

Many elderly, disabled and vulnerable people aren’t getting the support they need. The lack of public funding is seeing many challenges to people’s benefits, with budgets being squeezed, to the detriment of their support.

A journey that responds to a changing health and social care sector.

Health and social care−Funding squeezed+ A changing sector

Community approaches to care are vital

With such great health inequalities in our society, too many people are experiencing the effects of social exclusion and isolation.

There is an increasing drive within the NHS and local government to focus health, care and support far more within communities in order to reduce inequalities, tackle risks of social isolation and improve health outcomes.

Through The Care Act and the NHS Five Year Forward View (both 2014), there is more emphasis on localised, personalised and joined-up care.

The aim is to give people more choice to design their own support, building on both their needs and strengths, within their own community of relationships and services.

This won’t work for every care need – many people have acute and specialised care requirements – but increasingly, health provision in the UK will be far more localised and community driven.


Livability will work to reduce social isolation by helping people to connect with their community – because research shows that people’s health, life and wellbeing outcomes are stronger when they have supportive relationships and positive community experience.

Livability is a charity that brings a unique and dynamic offering to the health and social care arena. We have strong expertise in disability care and community engagement. We have a wide network of staff, volunteers and church partners in the UK.

Livability will focus on creating more connection between our disability services, church partnerships and community work, so that we can deliver joined up responses to local care needs.

Our new journey helps us to celebrate the unique offering of each of our services and the wide range of support that we offer.

Our 2000-strong, enabling team of staff deliver:

• Care and residential support with 32 care home centres.

• A school and a further education college for disabled students.

• A wellbeing discovery centre.• Independent and supported living

programmes.

• Rehabilitation centres for brain and spinal injury.

• Church training in community engagement and disability awareness.

• ‘Dementia Inclusive Church’ resourcing and coaching.

• Wellbeing and happiness coaching through the Livability Happiness Course.

• Social inclusion work through churches and community projects.

Livability’s services are available across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.

Our response+ Community connections+ Our services

A journey that works to create more community based approaches to care.


Churches+ Inclusion+ Action

A journey that builds together with churches and community partners.

Celebration+ Real lives+ Stories

A journey that celebrates the strengths and stories that everyone brings.

At Livability, everybody is valuable and their story matters.

Our journey is committed to celebrating the rich and wonderful stories from our charity community.

• Stories share experiences and values.• Stories build relationship and community.• Stories can help people overcome a sense of isolation.

Through our ‘Share Your Story’ programme, Livability run a number of workshops for the people we support. Using a range of accessible communication methods, the workshops enable people to share their viewpoints and needs with the charity.

The programme also invites people from across our charity community to send in their news, experiences and stories, for our charity’s blog.

As an organization inspired by an inclusive Christian ethos, we are committed to working with local churches and other agencies – as partners in community change.

Churches are often at the heart of their community, providing a space of hope, welcome and hospitality. Through a wide network of people – churches have the potential to deliver acts of service and support to their locality.

Many of the people that Livability exists to support are isolated and facing unnecessary barriers in their lives. By mobilizing churches and putting the active love of Christ in to daily action – we can make a real difference.

Livability does much to train and resource churches to reach out to their communities.

Whether it’s through our Dementia Inclusive Church training or our community engagement resources; our support of the Mental Health Partnership or our wellbeing- focused ‘The Happiness Course’ - Livability are passionate about inspiring and equipping churches.


Impact+ Real lives+ Change is possible

Stories are important in our new journey. They show what a difference good community connections can make to the people we support.

Kingsley Hall’s storyLivability’s Kingsley Hall is a church and community project in Dagenham that’s open to all ages. From a crèche, tea dances for the elderly, art and gardening classes and more – the project provides a space for people to enjoy a great cup of tea, connect and be included.

Rachel’s storyRachel was living with mental illness and was feeling isolated. She joined Livability’s horticultural therapy service – Flourish - which has helped her learn new skills and make great friends. The supportive network has had a really positive impact on her mental health.

Vincent’s storyVincent takes part in the ‘Art By The Sea’ class at Livability Ashley Place, a care home in Bognor Regis. The community-run class has helped him develop new skills, express his artistry and enjoy new friendships.

Daniel’s storyDaniel was faced with a wide range of barriers when seeking employment. But through career coaching with Livability’s learning and vocation support services, Daniel launched his own business and has a sustainable livelihood.


With huge pressures on public services and funding being squeezed, it is essential that Livability’s brand supports our work to recruit new donors, volunteers and community partners and reach out to isolated people across the UK.

To grow the charity’s impact, we’ve set ambitious targets to increase our fundraising income from £4 to £6 million in the next four years.

Developing our brand is part of a wider investment to improve our Public Engagement work, which has also included;

The creation of a new Public Engagement Directorate: Livability has brought our fundraising, communications and campaigns, church partnerships and community engagement teams under one roof. Together, the directorate is developing a more integrated approach to engaging our audiences.

Investment in to local community fundraising: We have recruited a number of community fundraisers in key locations around the country – to grow our profile, work alongside services and increase regional fundraising.

Recruitment of local community connectors and volunteers: Investing in the community work around each service is vital in our delivery. Livability is recruiting new Community Connectors to help extend opportunities for the people we support – but also reach out to disabled and vulnerable people in the broader community.

A commitment to the growth and development of our online channels: The charity is running a more content based approach to raising profile, sharing stories, demonstrating impact, delivering a wide range of training and resources and growing our social media following.

Public engagement+ Friends raising+ Fundraising

Growing our Public EngagementandProfile.


There are all sorts of ways to join in.

DonateMake a one-off or a regular donation. Whatever you can give will enable Livability to impact the lives of the people we serve.

Become a church partnerBecome a church partner and donate to the work of Livability as a church. Or get training in how to connect with your community, run Dementia Inclusive Church or The Happiness Course.

PrayJoin our network of people that pray for our work every month.

VolunteerVolunteer at one of our services, join a local Friends Group to help us raise funds, support one of our events.

Take the ‘It All Adds Up’ pledgePledge to grow community connections in your neighbourhood. Support Livability, hold a community meal, take part in a local club, join a local befriending scheme.

Share your story What’s adding up for you in your life and community? Share your story and we might feature it on our charity blog to inspire others to do the same.

Sign up for your way to support at: Livability.org.uk/JoinIn

Join In+ Donate+ Volunteer+ Tell others

Together with the people we support, we’re looking for donors, friends, volunteers and partners that can get involved. Every action taken, every hour volunteered, every pound given – it all adds up.


27Announcing a new journey at Livability

There are all sorts of ways to get involved in Livability.

One of the ways we’re inviting people to get involved with Livability - is through the ‘It All Adds Up’ pledge.

Livability believes that people’s lives are better when they have the chance to take part. By forming meaningful relationships personal and community wellbeing can thrive.

Inspired by the New Economics Foundation ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’, the pledge will challenge us all to take actions that reduce isolation and help make life more livable across our communities.

livability.org.uk/italladdsuppledge

Together – with friends, family, neighbours, and workmates – or with someone totally new in your community – why not pick one of these 5 things?

Connect: Hold a community lunch, or have a cup of tea with someone new.

Get active: Do some exercise, get moving and keep fit.

Be mindful: Savour the moment, make space to think, take in the outdoors.

Learn: Take up a hobby, learn a new skill, explore your vocation.

Give: Volunteer your time, share your talents, help others.

It all adds up.

Connect + Get active+ Be mindful+ Learn+ Give

A journey that helps everyone take part and connect with their community.

26

With thanks to Nancy Honey for some photos featured.

Email: [email protected] www.livability.org.uk LivabilityUK

Livability is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee in England and Wales. Charity No: 1116530 and Company No: 5967087. Registered office: 6 Mitre Passage, London, SE10 0ER.

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