The 1997-98 annual report featured IVAC joint and rehearsal space for local musicians. IVAC work with local organisations. helped them to put together a successful bid for vital funding and develop into a nationally SHAD (Support and Housing Assistance for recognised training agency. people with Disabilities) provided a 24-hour service to enable people with disabilities to live Holloway Neighbourhood Group was independently in their own homes. IVAC helped established in 1974, with three sites – the Fire SHAD – with ongoing information, training and Station Youth and Community Centre, HNG advice – take on a new set of care packages Nursery and the Stress Project – pioneering the for service-users, appoint its first staff, treatment of mental illness with complementary establish itself as a not-for-profit company and therapies. The group began a new phase apply for charity status. with building work to improve access to the Fire Station and create a new space for a Islington African Project was founded in 1983 community digital arts project. IVAC offered to meet the needs of the large local African advice and support for staff training, contracts, community and to enhance race relations in the equal opportunities and a staff handbook. Borough. Since its inception IAP had been a member of IVAC and described the two bodies David Abse took as ‘best friends’. Rebecca Brown of IAP said: over as Director “IVAC’s role and contribution to my Project has under new Chair been immeasurable. We have sought advice David Vandivier and training from IVAC on a regular basis. from 1999 to 2006. We are also enthusiastic readers of IVAC’s Following the Newsletter.” death of a former IVAC trustee Cllr Islington Music Workshop was set up with Milton Babullal, a IVAC assistance in 1983 to provide recording by-election was Celebrating 50 Years of Service 27