Fusion21 Foundation-backed Citizen First LCR programme delivers £5.2m social value

Community-led innovation helps Liverpool City Region entrepreneurs turn lived experience into businesses that create lasting social impact

A pioneering programme co-funded by the Fusion21 Foundation is helping entrepreneurs across the Liverpool City Region turn lived experience of health and care challenges into successful businesses that create lasting social impact.

Citizen First LCR provides a Real Living Wage, seed funding and specialist support to help participants transform their ideas into sustainable ventures. Backed through the Liverpool City Region's Life Sciences Innovation Zone and delivered by Public Life, with technology expertise from the University of Liverpool, the programme is helping entrepreneurs develop, test and scale innovative solutions that improve health and care outcomes.

An independent evaluation by Brunel University of London and Northumbria University found that Citizen First LCR generated more than £5.2 million in social value from a £500,000 first-year investment, delivering a return of more than £10 in social value for every £1 invested.

From lived experience to social impact

Key outcomes from the first year include:

• £5.2 million in social value generated
• £500,000 first-year investment
• More than £10 in social value delivered for every £1 invested
• Nine entrepreneurs supported to develop businesses addressing health, wellbeing and inclusion challenges
• More than £376,000 secured in additional investment, grant funding and commercial partnerships
• More than 50 organisations across the Liverpool City Region contributing expertise, mentorship and support

The programme has enabled nine entrepreneurs to create businesses tackling a range of health, wellbeing and inclusion challenges, securing further investment, funding and commercial partnerships to support future growth.

More than 50 organisations across the Liverpool City Region contributed expertise, mentorship and support, helping participants test, develop and grow their ventures.

Examples of Citizen First LCR businesses

Among the ventures supported through the programme is MySleepHealth, an AI-guided sleep support platform developed by entrepreneur Sean Bailey following a life-changing spinal injury. Designed to support people living with autism, ADHD, insomnia and shift work disorder, the platform is preparing to begin NHS trials after securing investment and joining Alder Hey Children's Hospital's innovation programme.

Another venture making an impact is Sensified Spaces, founded by travel agent Faye Boswell. The sensory reviews platform helps neurodivergent people navigate public spaces with greater confidence and has already secured investment and partnerships with major destinations including Liverpool ONE and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Creating a model for wider change

Citizen First LCR demonstrates how investment in people and lived experience can create innovative solutions to health, wellbeing and inclusion challenges, helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that improve lives and strengthen communities across the Liverpool City Region.

Jo Hannan, Head of the Fusion21 Foundation said:  “Citizen First shows the difference funding can make when it is rooted in people's lived experience and focused on lasting impact. The programme reflects the Fusion21 Foundation's priorities across health and wellbeing, employment and skills, and financial inclusion and resilience.

“We're delighted to see these results, demonstrating what is possible when people are given the support to develop ideas that improve lives, create opportunities and deliver impactful outcomes."

Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Innovation Cllr Liam Robinson added: "These results show the enormous value that can be unlocked when we invest in the talent that already exists within our communities.

“Citizen First is helping people with lived experience of health and care challenges develop solutions that can improve lives, create businesses and support economic growth.

“The remarkable return on our investment demonstrates that backing local people isn't just the right thing to do, it's a smart investment that delivers real returns for communities, public services and our economy."

Find out more about the impact of Citizen First LCR and read the independent evaluation report: Click here