How we make a difference

Our work has a transformational impact on the lives of the local people that we work with.

In 2021/22 our projects and activities connected thousands of local people to opportunities for positive personal change.

During the year the Octavia Foundation supported:

406 people volunteered with us to support their local community
105 people were supported with employment and training advice
36 people were supported into paid work
874 older people benefited from outreach services, befriending and activities
52 older and/or disabled people received free gardener visits
896 young people attended activities provided through funding from Octavia's Better Lives Community Fund
242 young people attended regular weekday and school holiday events at Base, our creative youth provision
261 people received emergency food support
106 people living on low incomes received grants for essential household items

In continuing the legacy of our founder Octavia Hill, our community projects support sustainable, diverse communities, providing opportunity for people to develop, be confident in the future and fulfil their potential.

Our community work connects with diverse people across all age groups. We seek to optimise our impact and reach, helping to create and sustain vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods and better lives for all.

We reached 3,495 people.

Services were adapted using technology in order to focus on meeting new needs created by the pandemic, with colleagues prioritising regular contact with more vulnerable people to support well-being, prevent isolation or offer support to those facing financial hardship.