HRH The Princess Royal and Livability Patron made a special visit to Livability’s national office on the Greenwich Peninsula this week for The Princess Royal Livability Awards. 

HRH The Princess Royal and Livability Patron made a special visit to Livability’s national office on the Greenwich Peninsula this week for The Princess Royal Livability Awards. Held on 7th March 2017, Livability hosted the event to celebrate staff, supporters and volunteers from around the charity.

Livability is a disability and community engagement charity, for which HRH is Patron. Also in attendance were Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Mary Carew Pole, the Mayor and Mayoress of Royal Greenwich, Councillor Olu and Mrs Omowale Babatola and the Deputy Lieutenant of Greenwich, Dr Pieter Van Der Merwe.

Livability holds the ceremony every year to mark and celebrate the special achievements of staff, supporters and volunteers. Nominated by their peers, the winners are recognised as being people that go the extra mile in their work and service.

HRH presented six awards on the evening in the categories of Outstanding Staff Achievement, Outstanding Staff Team Achievement, Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Supporter and Volunteer.

HRH addressed the guests at the Awards, noting how the experiences of Livability’s founding charities – John Grooms and The Shaftesbury Society – gives ‘a firm base’ for our work.’

She complemented the work of Livability and how through the services our staff run, the people we support have ‘a chance to make real choices’ for their lives. She also commented on Livability welcoming the charity Prospects in to the Livability group, and the opportunity it has created for the essential work to continue and grow. HRH congratulated Livability on being granted use of Frogmore Gardens in June for a special event for supporters that the charity is organising. She concluded by commending the Livability Awards, saying that she hoped it ‘reflects the strength of our staff’ to others, and that it would continue to inspire others ‘to fulfil their ambitions in making a difference’.

One of the highlights of the evening – a special signing version of The Lord’s Prayer – was performed by the Friends of Victoria Education Signing Choir. This amazing group of volunteers are supporters of Livability Victoria Education Centre, Livability’s school for children and young people based in Poole, Dorset.

The Friends of Victoria Education Centre Signing Choir – a group of volunteers who support Livability Victoria Education Centre, Livability’s school in Poole – gave a special performance on the evening, a signing version of the Lord’s Prayer.

The Princess Royal Livability Awards was also an opportunity to mark the achievements of other members of the Livability community. Over 100 people were nominated to win Trustee Awards for their work, and certificates from the charity’s board of trustees will be awarded in the weeks to come. Each winner was celebrated on a special ‘heroes’ board that was displayed during the evening.

Dave Webber – CEO for Livability – said:

Livability are proud to celebrate the amazing dedication and loyalty of our incredible staff, supporters and volunteers. This award ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the contribution of everyone who goes above and beyond for the people we support, every day. We are indeed fortunate to have HRH The Princess Royal to help make this such a special occasion.

Livability extend their thanks to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for her continued support and for presenting these Awards.