Page 8 - Annual Report 2021-2022

LEISURE AND LIBRARY TRUSTS MATTER...
Charitable Trusts come in all shapes and sizes but they all have two things in common; to do good and make things better, and liveArgyll is no different as a local charity operating
within Argyll and Bute.
Every penny made is reinvested back into local facilities and programmes. This cross- subsidy approach distinguishes the model from other public leisure services because profit
generating activities subsidise non-profit generating activities such as health and wellbeing, libraries and outreach programmes. With a combined turnover of £2 billion a year, that’s a lot of money
going back into the local economy. It also enables income from users who can afford to pay to be ring- fenced to subsidise access to activities.
Importantly, Trusts don’t have shareholders and they are not private businesses. liveArgyll is run by
board members from the local community. liveArgyll work in partnership with the Council, we listen to communities and are fully transparent. Each trust delivers slightly different programmes which reflect the need within the community. It’s not just councils our members partner with however. Partnership working is part of our DNA and we work with health and social care partners and other third sector organisations and charities both at local and national level.
Why do Trusts do what they do? Because all 113 Trusts across the UK share a passion to improve social, mental and physical wellbeing and the difference they make together
is remarkable. Improving people’s health and wellbeing means reducing the cost of treatment and care later in life. It can help reduce crime and improve educational outcomes as well as increasing personal happiness. That carries a social value of £1.5 billion.
This figure is from the Social Value calculator developed by Sheffield Hallam University
in partnership with 4global and Experian. The social value calculator measures 15 outcomes grouped under 4 categories:
• Physical and mental health
• Mental wellbeing
• Individual development
• Social and Community development
This is an impressive figure but it is hard to convey or even imagine the thousands of individual lives changed for the better each year. From people now living healthier lives after embarking on their fitness journey to those living happier lives being part of a creative programme.
liveArgyll.co.uk 8
Why Charitable Trusts are great!
How do Charitable Trusts make a difference?