Funded by the Vivensa Foundation, the Capability Development Programme provides expert learning, peer support, and practical grants to community-led organisations — giving leaders the confidence and tools they need to move forward.
As the UK’s only charitable funder focused entirely on supporting the research and social innovation needed for ageing well, the International Day of Older People is something we at the Vivensa Foundation can get behind – today and every day.
How can science and lived experience work hand-in-hand to create better outcomes for older adults? We spoke to three Vivensa-funded researchers about the power of patient, carer and public involvement and engagement (PPIE). We talk about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the lessons they’ve learned from working alongside the people their research is designed to help.
We talk to Professor Tom Kirkwood CBE FMedSci about being funded by us in 1991 and how this propelled his career. We ask him what he’s enjoyed about serving first on our Grants and Research Committee and later on the Board of Trustees.
As the UK’s only charitable funder focused entirely on supporting the research and social innovation needed for ageing well, we want to see the ageing research sector filled with talented and committed people.
Ageing is a deeply personal journey, shaped by individual experiences, needs, and challenges. At the heart of the Vivensa Foundation’s mission lies a commitment to involvement and engagement, ensuring that those most affected by ageing-related challenges play a meaningful role in shaping solutions.
Hear from Professor Vicki Goodwin, our 2025 Senior Leader Award-holder, on her approach to leadership in clinical research.
Hear from Dr Toby Ellmers, our 2025 Rising Star Award holder, on his work to champion the importance of psychological factors in fall management and recovery.
We are supporting community-level change by funding projects that build age-friendly communities. Here we see members of the Bangla Housing Association’s community of researchers at a meeting of the Amar bari, amar jibon project.
By funding projects that bring together academic researchers and community organisations, we aim to foster collaborations that result in real-world impact for communities of older people.
We are delighted to share that one of our funded nurses won two prestigious awards at the Royal College of Nursing awards on 12 June 2025. Kirsty Cartin was named RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2025 and also took home a Clinical Leadership Award.
By funding projects that bring together academic researchers and community organisations, we aim to foster collaborations that result in real-world impact for communities of older people.