 ‘Lewisham is home to a large number of social entrepreneurs who are passionate about ideas which are profitable and which make a positive difference both to our communities here in Lewisham and to the wider society. The development of social enterprises is an important aspect of our plans for Lewisham. Our aim is to build on the success of our thriving third sector and to enhance the role of social enterprises in making stronger communities and a prosperous and dynamic local economy here in Lewisham.’
– Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham and Chair of the Lewisham Strategic Partnership. |
What is a social enterprise?
Put simply, a social enterprise is a business model where a social, community or environmental purpose is the most important factor.
A social enterprises usually reinvests any surplus back into the organisation to pursue its purpose, or donates it to other social causes.
Although there are other possible ways of defining a social enterprise, we have chosen to use this definition.
Download a list of some of the many social organisations in Lewisham.
The Lewisham Social Enterprise Strategy
Lewisham Social Enterprise Working Group was developed to help inform strategic decisions, provide direction and guide activity to develop the sector.
The group consists of representatives from Lewisham Council, Voluntary Action Lewisham, Social Enterprise London, South East Enterprise and the local social enterprise sector.
Download the Lewisham Social Enterprise Strategy 2008-11.
Directory of Support for Organisations with a Social Aim
This directory contains information on a range of specialist support for individuals or organisations interested in social enterprise.
Download the Directory of Support for Organisations with a Social Aim.
Get involved
Are you a social enterprise or an organisation with a social aim? Do you want to get involved in supporting the social enterprise sector in Lewisham?
If so, you can join the Lewisham Social Enterprise Forum and help shape the future for social enterprise in Lewisham.
Contact us
Please contact us if you want to join Lewisham's Social Enterprise Forum, add your details to the Lewisham Social Enterprise Directory or simply find out more about social enterprise in Lewisham.
You can contact:
Sandra Jones, Head of Community Sector Unit, Lewisham Council
Tel: 020 8314 6579
Email: sandra.jones@lewisham.gov.uk
Brian Wagonbach, Change Up Coordinator, Voluntary Action Lewisham
Tel: 020 8698 6034
Email: brian@valewisham.org.uk
Paul Hadfield, Economic Development Manager, Lewisham Council
Tel: 020 83143708
Email: paul.hadfield@lewisham.gov.uk