Enterprise and community intervention at a micro level Helen Allen

Community Catalysts  A social enterprise and CIC established in 2010  Works across the UK in partnership with local councils, health trusts, community groups and provider organisations  Believe passionately in social innovation  Nurtures what works; challenges what doesn’t and finds real, workable alternatives  Harnesses the talents and imaginations of people and communities  Aims to make sure that people wherever they live have a real choice of great services and supports

The vision Real choice Real control Real contribution for people who need care and support to enable them to live real lives

The reality?

Control doesn’t automatically result in choice If:  There are no services to choose from  There is nothing new to choose from (only what was always available)  Control and choice is made so complex, confusing, unattractive or scary that people would rather ‘get what they’re given’  There is no information about the choices available  Information isn’t accessible or relevant

Community micro-enterprise  Local people providing support and opportunities to other local people  Very small scale (5 or fewer workers paid or unpaid)  Are independent of any larger organisation  Can be run by anyone including people who use services, their families or other community members,  May be established enterprises, businesses or groups with a care or support focus  May be established enterprises looking to diversify their offer to people with care and support needs  May simply be people with a good idea for something new

What do micro providers offer people who need support and services?  Personal and tailored  Co-produced  Flexible and responsive to change  Choice of services that help people to live their lives  Meet health and social care needs and support the well being and prevention agenda  Help people to link to their community and build social capital  Help people to make their money go further  Local people helping other local people.....locally

Community Catalysts and micro providers  We have developed a way to work with local partners to:  Find  Engage  Support  Connect  Local people already running something in their area or those with a great new idea  We have worked with 40 councils and communities across the UK

Local Community Catalyst Access to guidance and policies Advice on premises Brokering interface with the Council Signposting to experts Shaping of enterprise idea Marketing Dealing with complaints Help with tenders and contracts Information on personalisation Feedback on written work Peer connections and networks Help with finance and funding issues

Worcestershire Micro-enterprise Development Project  Partnership - Worcestershire County Council and Community Catalysts  Aim to create choice for people with a personal budget or own funds  70 community micro- providers now offering services and supports to the people of Worcestershire. Used by over 900 people  100 job and 175 volunteer opportunities  Positive outcomes and feedback

Well being and prevention Stories

Green Shoes Arts

Girl Friday

Shed Therpay

The Jam Club

Why do community micro- providers need support? The way in which services are supported, regulated and commissioned has forced many good community micro - services to close or for new and emerging providers to enter the market Families and frontline staff don’t know the new options exist or are risk adverse and stick with the traditional services Existing organisations rarely work together, understand the world of care, or have the specialised knowledge to provide the necessary tailored support

University of Birmingham research Community micro- enterprises:  Offer more personalised services  Help people to do the things they value and enjoy with their time  Are more innovative: more flexible and offer support to potentially marginalised communities  Offer better value for money  “the ability to offer more personalised and valued care without a high price tag”

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