Winsent

WINSENT SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NETWORKING EVENT

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP POLICY & RESEARCH WORKSHOP

You are invited to attend the above workshop which will take place
at the Bolbrook Enterprise Centre, Avonmore Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24
on Thursday 30th September from 10:30am till 12:30pm.

Scones and light refreshments will be available from 10:00am to 10:30am

OUTLINE OF WORKSHOP

How would you recognise the “Entrepreneur” in a Social Entrepreneur? What interests, traits, behaviours, values and beliefs that would make him or her different from a non-Entrepreneur? Is a Social Entrepreneur different from a Private Sector Entrepreneur?

Most significantly, what can be done to help Social Entrepreneurs by support agencies, policy developers, consultants and mentors, and how can the Social Entrepreneur learn to help himself?

These topics have consumed many hours of reflection and debate during the first year of the project WINSENT – Wales Ireland Network for Social Entrepreneurship. This ground-breaking project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Programme (Interreg 4A), see www.winsent.eu for further information. In addition to a mission to create new employment in targeted areas of disadvantage in Ireland and North Wales, the project aims to promote the concept of social entrepreneurship and influence network and policy development both in Ireland and Wales.

David Brady, WINSENT Policy & Research Officer, shall lead the session with a 45 minute presentation on the issues, evidence and conclusions at the end of WINSENT’s first year and the new questions beginning to emerge. This will be followed by an opportunity for 30 minutes of sub-group discussion, followed by a further 45 minutes of feedback, debate and discussion.

Should you wish to book a place please email Sheila Denby at sheila@winsent.eu by the 24th September 2010. Please state if you have any access or dietary requirements on your email.

Yours sincerely

David Brady
WINSENT Policy & Research Officer
david@winsent.eu

WINSENT Event 23rd September 2010

Newsletter Trivia Winner

CONGRATULATIONS to Karen Leigh, www.sensationalkids.ie, on answering the WINSENT Newsletter Trivia Question correctly. A €20 Book Token is on its way to her.

In the News

Economic Renewal: a new direction

Economic Renewal: a new direction sets out the role devolved government can play in providing the best conditions and framework to enable the private sector to grow and flourish.

A new policy has been developed which outlines a vision of making Wales “one of the best places in the world to live and to work”.

This new approach sets out a clear defined role for devolved government. It recognises that a whole government approach is required where we are very clear about our reasons for intervening and where we focus on policies and actions that have the widest impact.

This approach will create the right environment to encourage entrepreneurship allowing the private sector to flourish rather than directly deliver support to individual businesses.

Our fresh approach is organised by five priorities:
• Investing in high-quality and sustainable infrastructure
• Making Wales a more attractive place to do business
• Broadening and deepening the skills base
• Encouraging innovation
• Targeting the business support we offer

Read More

New report launched from the Social Enterprise Task Force which is an initiative of Clan Credo and the Dublin Employment Pact

Adding Value Delivering Change Report - Click to download

The Social Enterprise Task Force Report “Adding Value Delivering Change” – The Role of Social Enterprise in National Recovery,” was presented to Minister Batt O’Keeffe yesterday. (24 June 2010)

The press statement said:

“Social Enterprise has the potential to provide 65,000 jobs and contribute to the objective of economic recovery, a new Report, “Adding Value Delivering Change – The Role of Social Enterprise in National Recovery,” states.

“In Europe the social enterprise sector accounts for between 4% and 7% of GDP, but in Ireland it represents just 3%, the Report, published by the Social Enterprise Task Force, an initiative of Clann Credo – the Social Investment Fund and the Dublin Employment Pact, says.

“Setting a European average target of 5% of GDP would provide at least 65,000 jobs and contribute to the job creation goals set out by the Innovation Taskforce.

In addition, it is estimated that, for every one person employed through social enterprise, at least one other person contributes work on a voluntary basis.

“The Report proposes that:
• social enterprise policy should be driven by the government department with responsibility for enterprise;
• social enterprise should be incorporated into the economic, planning and development strategies of local authorities;
• a social enterprise remit be established within existing enterprise funding mechanisms;
• the current support structures for the business sector to be enhanced, so that they are accessible and capable of providing support to social enterprise
• County & City Enterprise Boards should be the key agency providing support to social enterprise at local level
• introduce social clauses in public and local authority procurement policy and supporting social enterprises to build consortia and to tender for public contracts;
• a range of flexible finance options including equity-type instruments be set up.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, who attended the launch of the report, said he would carefully study its recommendations.

“I welcome the report and particularly its focus on job creation through local businesses working in partnership with community groups and organisations,” said Minister O’Keeffe.

Commenting on the Report, Maurice Healy, Chairperson of the Social Enterprise Task Force and former President of IBEC, said: “In 2006, the then Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, established the Social Finance Foundation (SFF) with funding from the Irish banks, which now provides accessible and affordable loan finance for social enterprises. Access to appropriate support from the state agencies that support SME’s now needs to be addressed if Social Enterprise is to play a full-role in job creation and national recovery.

“For its part, Social Enterprise needs to grow and put down deeper roots. The sector needs to act as one and state its case publicly, to create a more favourable public and policy environment that will ensure that it realises its true potential,” he added.

Paul O’Sullivan, CEO of Clann Credo, the Social Investment Fund said that social enterprise can assist local communities in a sustainable manner by providing a range of needed services “including transport for people with disabilities, community recycling, green agenda initiatives and development of community facilities.”

Anne-Marie Farrelly, Chairperson of Dublin Employment Pact, said in a situation where unemployment was again on the increase, “implementing the recommendations of the Report would help create meaningful jobs and restore a spirit of hope to local communities.”

The full report is available for download at www.socialenterprise.ie.

The WINSENT Team

Vona Law- Wales

Vona Law

Vona’s role in coordinating networking events for the private sector within Denbighshire and managing communications and business directory for the business support team has provided her with the key skills and experience to support Social Entrepreneurs and Enterprises.

Vona is married with three children and lives in a very rural community in North Wales. She chaired her Community Council for seven years and is currently the Chair of the local Playfield and Sports Association. Vona has a great empathy for those who are trying to create change in their local communities and encourage social change and understands the difficulties they face while embarking on such projects.

Vona manages the WINSENT project on behalf of the Wales Partners which are Denbighshire County Council and Anglesey County Council. Vona has the enthusiasm and drive that the WINSENT post demands and looks forward to embarking on new and exciting projects.

Vona can be contacted on 01824 708047 or via email vona.winsent@denbighshire.gov.uk

Liane Scott – Ireland

Liane Scott

In 2006 Liane joined Partas where she took up the role of Training and Development Officer on the Emerge Programme, which was an EU funded Enterprise Programme for Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurs. Following on from the completion of Emerge, Liane commenced working within the Social Economy Unit of Partas where she worked closely with a number of local social enterprises.

From here Liane joined the WINSENT project as Development Officer for the Dublin and Kildare areas. Her role in this project involves working with a number of new and existing social entrepreneurs from both Dublin and Kildare. Liane works closely with these entrepreneurs offering advice and guidance around issues such as business plan development, funding applications, the legalities of setting up a not for profit business etc.

Liane can be contacted on 00353 1 414 5729 or via email liane@winsent.eu

Recent Events

WINSENT Networking Event at The Oriel Hotel, St Asaph took place on the 28th June 2010. The evening featured Caroline Casey of Kanchi (www.kanchi.org) who gave an inspirational talk about her journey to date as a social entrepreneur. It was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. There was a mix of social entrepreneurs, social enterprises and support agencies (Pics available). Some of the feedback comments received were:

“Amazing Inspirational Evening – Thank you” – The Jambus Organisation
“The evening was excellent and inspirational” – The Scala Cinema
“An excellent evening with great networking opportunities” – WCVA
“We need more Casey’s! thank you for making me feel so welcome especially at such short notice! Thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and the ambience of everyone who attended (sic) . . . more please!! – Ffrith Beach Festival Gardens.

Picture supplied by Jo Quinney from Q Marketing and PR (www.qmpr.co.uk)

Upcoming Events

WINSENT Networking Event is taking place during Anglesey Business Week 20- 24th September 2010 (for further information about Anglesey Business Week please visit http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=5047).

The WINSENT Networking event will take place at the Treaddur Bay Hotel, Anglesey (visit www.trearddurbayhotel.co.uk/). Speaker is to be confirmed but will be a personality from the world of social entrepreneurship field and again inspirational.

“Sustainability, Succession, Strategy” Workshop – Dublin
Tuesday 28th September 2010 from 10am to 1pm. Venue to be decided.

“Sustainability, Succession, Strategy” – Development Workshop for Social Entrepreneurs & Support Advisors: Managing the dilemmas of Sustainability, Organisational Development and Achieving your Social Purpose for New and Progressing Social Entrepreneurs and Support Organisations.
Key Objectives of the Session:

• To discuss the various “Sustainability Gaps” that many Social Entrepreneurs face during the start-up and expansion phases of their business
• To outline a systematic process for helping Social Entrepreneurs create appropriate succession structures and processes at management and board level
• To explain a strategy formulation and implementation process which will ensure corporate governance and commercial/social return on investment
• To illustrate the above with relevant Irish and International Social Entrepreneurship examples
• To network with other social entrepreneurs, share personal examples and approaches in small group sessions.

There is no charge for attending but booking is essential.

Please send an e-mail to info@winsent.eu to confirm your place or call Sheila on 01 4145703. RSVP by the 17th September 2010.

Company Profiles

Sensational Kids Therapy Centre For Children Of All Abilities

Sensational Kids

Sensational Kids is a registered charity that provides family centered therapy and educational services for children of all abilities in our state of the art occupational therapy centre in Kildare. Sensational Kids is proud to provide the highest quality subsidised occupational therapy, and speech & language therapy. Other services at Sensational Kids, such as educational psychological assessments, reading tuition, craniosacral therapy, play therapy and orthoscopics, are provided at as low a price as possible because Sensational Kids is a not for profit organisation. The Sensational Kids Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy services are subsidised with funds donated to Sensational Kids so that families have to pay less than private service providers for occupational therapy and speech and language therapy for their children.

Sensational kids provides subsidised therapy services for many children each week with Autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Dyspraxia, Global Developmental Delays, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorders, ADD, ADHD and many other developmental conditions and delays.

http://www.sensationalkids.ie

Rhyl Create

Rhyl Create

Rhyl Create - The jeweller who designed Catherine Zeta Jones’s wedding ring is hoping to strike artistic gold in Rhyl.

Charles Day and his fellow artists in the seaside resort are aiming to open a new arts centre with the help of a pioneering Anglo-Irish scheme. Now retired, Charles, 72, is one of Rhyl Create’s leading lights and a talented jeweller who spent 12 years working for Clogau Gold. The Royal Family have been wearing wedding rings crafted from a single nugget of Clogau gold extracted from the Clogau St. David’s Gold Mine since the late Queen Mother’s marriage to King George in 1923.Among Charles’s claims to fame is that he designed a wedding ring for Hollywood royalty, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas.The Welsh film star’s ring includes a Celtic motif and was bought in Aberystwyth in November 2000 just before the couple’s glittering, celebrity laden wedding at the New York Plaza Hotel.

Even though he didn’t realise it at the time, Charles also had a brush with a musical legend while studying at the Liverpool College of Art in the early 1960s. His fellow students included a certain John Lennon and one-time Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe. These days Charles devotes his time to Rhyl Create which has around 27 members and runs Gallery 36 in Kinmel Street, providing a shop window for their talents. Charles explained: “Our aim is to promote the regeneration of Rhyl through arts and crafts. “What we want is an arts centre in Rhyl – not just for the visual arts but also theatre, music and dance. “All these things happen in Rhyl and they could come together in one centre – you hardly hear about most of them but they are there.” We want to explode the myth that Rhyl is a cultural desert as it is perceived to be.” I have been very pleasantly surprised at the response we have had to the gallery and the people who have come in and wanted to be members.” Artistic endeavour needs a focal point and were hoping the WINSENT project could be a way of kick-starting the next phase of our development.” Even as a social enterprise, you have got to pay your way and that means you have to develop. This is an exciting new chapter in the development of Rhyl Create.” There are very talented people in and around Rhyl. Everything we produce is a one-off so when you buy something it is a unique item which is half the pleasure.

Fellow artist Linda Waggett, a painter and ceramicist, is equally excited by the prospect of working with WINSENT. She said: “We are just making a start with arts and crafts but eventually we would like to be able to have everybody under one roof and ultimately have an annual arts festival.” At the moment people don’t know that we have got all this talent so this would be fantastic for Rhyl. It’s an enterprise that benefits the community.”

The group is working with Vona Law, the Project Development Officer for Denbighshire and Anglesey, who believes their plans have great potential. Mrs. Law said: “Here in Rhyl they are very passionate about raising the profile of Rhyl and counteract the negative image that the town has had. “Rhyl Create is a hub of art and creativity and we are hoping to help them realise their dreams. “If we can do that, it will be great news for the whole town – the aim is to re-brand Rhyl through social enterprise.”

http://www.rhylcreate.info/rc.php

London Road Community Centre, Holyhead, Anglesey

Susan Condra, London Road Community Centre, Holyhead, Anglesey

Susan is a real-life community heroine. Susan Condra, 47, has lived in the London Road area of the town all her life.

As the years rolled by, the area became increasingly run down and deprived. Susan was part of the team who started the project while working as a co-ordinator for Morawelon & London Rd Communities First supporting the management team for the centre. But now Susan and a small but dedicated band are helping to turn the tide in this part of the port town. With the help of a number of agencies, including housing association Cymdeithas Tai Eryri and Communities First, they bought and converted a former chapel into a thriving community centre. Now, they are working with a £1.3 million project that’s been designed to breathe new life into communities across Anglesey, Denbighshire and three counties in Ireland. The London Road Community centre is among the first Welsh groups to tap into the free help and support provided by WINSENT. The centre, which opened four years ago, is now home to a wide array of activities and groups.

At its heart is the popular community café which champions’ home-cooked food at bargain prices – where else could you get a full breakfast with tea and toast for £2.99 before 10am? The café is also the hub of a meals and wheels service that delivers to 30 elderly and vulnerable people in the area 365 days a year. In addition, there are various meeting rooms used by organisations as diverse as the probation service, a sexual health group for young people and a cancer support group. Then, there is a fitness room and a music room. WINSENT’s Project Development Officer, Vona Law, said: “Susan is what I would class as a social entrepreneur. She is a real life community heroine. “She has seen a social need within her community and she is coming up with entrepreneurial skills and sustainable ways of running the enterprise.

“One of the problems these days is that many communities have lost their focal point – with the closure of shops, pubs and community centres. “Susan and the rest of the group are very passionate people and they have acted as a catalyst for a community revival in London Road. “This is an ideal project for WINSENT because, as well as being energetic and enthusiastic, they understand the importance of sustainability, of being able to stand on their own two feet as it were. “They have been through the funding loop and they are now looking at other ways of developing and generating revenue to pay the bills. “Even though the venture is a great success, there are still a number of local people who are unaware of the extent of the facilities on offer here. “While WINSENT can’t provide any money, we can give lots of advice and support. “In the case of the London Road Community Centre, we are going to be helping to raise awareness by developing a marketing and communications strategy and to see if some initial capital is available to kick-start the next stage of the business.”

For Susan, the centre is more than a job – it’s a labour of love. Always modest, she is keen to emphasise the immense contribution of staff, volunteers and the “highly motivated” management committee. She: “I have always lived in the London Road area of Holyhead and I am the town councillor for this area. “When I was growing up everybody knew each other and it was friendly place but we were the only area of Holyhead where there was nowhere for the residents.

“There was nowhere to meet, nowhere to have a birthday party or do anything together as a community. There was no focal point for the community.” “The good thing is that when people walk in that door the barriers have gone because nobody knows why they are coming in – nobody can label them in any way at all.

“I think the centre is making a big difference to community life in London Road – it’s definitely brought people together. “It’s not just a draughty community hall, it’s a living, breathing and vibrant place.

“Funding is difficult but we have had the money to buy the premises and refurbish it and our aim now is to ensure that it is sustainable. “We have three full time members of staff and two part time members of staff and all the rest of the work is done by volunteers. We all muck in together.

“Our aim is to expand the project further so we can offer more facilities and services, including a community launderette and an indoor children’s play centre.” What is currently on offer is certainly appreciated by the people who use the centre. One of them is 66-year-old David James who attends weekly meetings of the Holyhead Cancer Support Group. He said: “This centre is great. For somebody who has cancer, it helps being among other people who have cancer as well – especially if you are living at home alone.” Local road sweeper Eddie Lamb is another regular at the community centre. He said: “It is a beautiful place and it’s very popular. The food is great and a lot of it is homemade – and it’s really good value.” Patricia Tommis, 41, was in the café tucking into a salad after a session in the gym.

She said: “It’s lovely here and it’s nice that different people mix together – there’s a really happy atmosphere here and everybody is friendly. “My husband loves coming here for a nice meal because the cooking is better than mine!

“Susan does an awful lot of good work – she is a marvel really.”

Interviews with Social Entrepreneurs

Chris Gordon, Dublin

www.222ireland.com – Ireland’s 24-hour non-emergency services number

When did you first identify yourself as a Social Entrepreneur?

I’m still not sure if I identify with that term. I enjoy helping others. I like to think that I go through most days thinking how I could assist others. I get something out of it. I know the benefit of being assisted myself. Sometimes it’s a simple phone call. Some times it’s pulling in a favour. Sometimes it is just spending time with someone. Or sometimes it is envisioning things on a larger scale. If a social entrepreneur means just that, then perhaps I should start using the term.

What change would you most like to see in Irish society?

We need to inspire, give hope and opportunity, backed up with action and the will to make it continue and last. We all have the ability to contribute to positive change. I’d like to see people dream – to strive, create and build and not feel in fear of being shouted down or laughed at. I am a firm believer in the ability for everyone to make a positive change with real impact on themselves and others.

How can WINSENT help you in your endeavours?

By being actively supportive. By filling in the areas that I am not as strong at, to help me move forward on these ideas. By providing me with the resources necessary to make change and to allow me to make things happen. There are enough people in the world that say no. I am struggling to figure out where I would turn to if Winsent did not exist!

Shane Owen, Rhyl Youth Action Group, Rhyl, Denbighshire

When did you first identify yourself as a Social Entrepreneur?

I don’t really class myself as a social entrepreneur. It was only about 18 months ago when I, as the Project Manager, pulled together our group and we made the decision that the group would not be grant dependent as we wanted to be self sustaining.

What change would you most like to see in Welsh society?

I would like to see a closer link between the 3 sectors and money kept within the local communities.

How can WINSENT help you in your endeavours?

WINSENT has created lines of communication with a group similar to ours in Clane in Ireland and we hope to have a meeting in August. This, hopefully, will allow to create some little enterprises within the next 3 years.

Date for your Diary ~ “Sustainability, Succession, Strategy” Development Workshop

A Development Workshop for Social Entrepreneurs & Support Advisors for Managing the Dilemmas of Sustainability, Organisational Development and Achieving Your Social Purpose for new and progressing Social Entrepreneurs and Support Organisations will be held in Dublin on Tuesday 28th September. Further details will be posted soon.

Social Entrepreneurship defines Caroline Casey

Kanchi ~ Yes she can!!!!

Date: Monday 28th June 2010
Venue: The Oriel House, St Asaph, Denbighshire
Start time: 6.00pm for welcome reception
Dress: Smart casual

Kanchi is an award winning social enterprise which exists to enhance the relationship between disability and society.

The organisation was established in June 2000 by Caroline Casey, a visually impaired social entrepreneur, as part of a major fundraising initiative involving Caroline embarking on a 1000km trek across India on an elephant named Kanchi.

Kanchi is a dynamic social enterprise, committed to enhancing the relationship between people with disabilities and society. Working with business and media leadership, Kanchi has been pioneering in engaging decision makers and influencers.

The event funded by WINSENT – Wales Ireland Network for Social Entrepreneurship which provides networking opportunities, free assistance, guidance and a range of supports to any social entrepreneur or social enterprise based in Dublin, Meath and Kildare in Ireland or based in North Wales in the counties of Denbighshire and the Isle of Anglesey.

RSVP Date: Friday 18th June 2010

For further information please contact
Vona Law WINSENT Project manager (Wales)
on 01824 706911 or email vona@winsent.eu