Website: www.livity.co.uk
Started: 2001
Based: London
Since its launch in 2001, Livity has created internationally-syndicated interactive TV shows, sustainable online communities, local peer-to-peer print campaigns and competitions and social media campaigns, all in conjunction with young people. The organisation shares its offices in Brixton with 12-21 year olds from a broad range of backgrounds who work with the company on their campaigns.
In return, the young people benefit from access to professional mentors, accredited training and equipment, as well as financial support for employment apprenticeships or to return to education. Key projects have included Google Enterprise Apprenticeships, which worked with young offenders to develop their entrepreneurial talents; Dubplate Drama, the world's first interactive drama targeted specifically at young people; and Final Verse for ChildLine, a social media led lyric writing competition aimed at hard to reach teens.
Alicia Navarro says:
"I love Livity because it is a completely sustainable business that doesn't rely on charity or goodwill. It creates work in a novel way. It engages with local youth by offering them experience, internships, apprenticeships, and then uses the insights gained by working with these young people to create really innovative marketing campaigns for big brands."