Shaftesbury Millie College: new name announcement

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Disability charity Livability has unveiled a new name - Shaftesbury. Millie College is part of the family of services run by charity Shaftesbury. This means a new name for Millie College, now known as Shaftesbury Millie College.

The organisation has made this move to capitalise on the presence and public awareness of the name Shaftesbury, to grow brand awareness, engagement and the number of people the charity serves. The rename retains the charity’s former branding - merely the name changes. The work, mission and services run by the charity proudly remain the same.

The 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (1801-1885) remains one of history’s most significant agents for social change. He pushed through nineteenth-century legislation to make life fairer and safer for tens of thousands of vulnerable children and adults. He campaigned tirelessly to further the cause of miners, chimney sweeps and those with mental ill health. In 1844, he became President of the Ragged School Union, a body which offered free education and support to poor and disabled children across Britain.

The name change recognises how deeply his work is embedded in the corporate DNA of Shaftesbury today and provides a bedrock for this exciting new chapter.

The charity launched its new name across its Adult Care services and national website in August, delaying the rename for Education Centres until September to ensure students were able to return seamlessly return after the summer break and new students’ enrolment went without a hitch.

Shaftesbury runs three education centres, including Shaftesbury Nash College and Shaftesbury Victoria School. This new name has a particular relevance for the education arm of the charity, as Lord Shaftesbury campaigned to improve education outcomes for children.

"As students and staff prepare for the Autumn term, we are delighted to announce the renaming of our Education Centres to Shaftesbury sites. This next chapter in our history, which resonates deeply with our educational aims, will enhance our ability to serve students and families across our communities." Adele Audin, Director for Education.

The charity created an animated video showing the impact of Lord Shaftesbury’s legacy from the 1800s to modern day. The film is brought to life using still photos from our extensive archive.

This year, Shaftesbury celebrates 180 years since Anthony Ashley-Cooper – affectionately named ‘the poor man’s Earl’ - became president of the Ragged School Union, later known as the Shaftesbury Society.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury says:

‘As Vice-Patron, I am proud of what the charity continues to achieve for people with disabilities. The ethos of ensuring that lives are flourishing and pushing for the very best in care and education for the people we support continues to forge the path and principles of my great- (times many!) grandfather.

‘I am grateful to remain very connected to the work that Shaftesbury delivers around the clock. As Shaftesbury turns to this exciting new chapter with a new name, I look forward to what’s to come, connecting to our heritage in a new way and ultimately increasing support for the scholars, students and adults who need it the most.’

A new tagline, ‘All together better for disability’; encapsulates how the charity works with people with disabilities, promoting inclusion, independence and opportunity. Shaftesbury does this through a wide range of disability care, special education and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The words “All Together” also allude to Shaftesbury’s composite charities - The Shaftesbury Society, John Grooms, Prospects for People with Disabilities and At Home in the Community – are all part of this rich heritage.

Charity CEO Sally Chivers says:

‘I’m delighted to share our new name of Shaftesbury with you today. I hope you will be excited by the potential this has for our work and for reaching new audiences.

‘Why is this name change important? I think we can agree that there is a huge unmet need for quality, affordable social care in the UK. Expanding the reach of our brand means we can provide a greater number of children, young people and adults with the kind of support that adds up to a flourishing life.

‘As always, this change is motivated by our desire to do better for the people we support. They contributed to the consultation process, and they remain at the heart of our decision-making. We believe the change promotes a sustainable future for our charity. We intend to be here for another 180 years.’

Renaming to Shaftesbury is part of the charity’s far-reaching transformation plan. Working on growth drew attention more closely to the valuable heritage that drives the work today. As Shaftesbury, telling the stories over the centuries, in relation to disability and disadvantage, will power the charity’s future.

Further information is available www.shaftesburygroup.org/rename.