NI Social Economy 'Looks Healthy'

Health and the 'social economy' will be in focus this week as the second in a series of social economy masterclasses takes place.

The event, on Wednesday, is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Invest Northern Ireland, and is to highlight activity in the health sector.

It is to be chaired by Professor Patrick Johnston, Dean, Head of School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University and will feature two case study presentations, given by Margaret Elliott, the Founder of Sunderland Home Care Associates and Ciaran Sheehan of Care Circle Group Ltd.

Ciaran Sheehan, shown here with Ken O'Neill and Professor Paddy Johnston of Queen's University, said: "There is an opportunity to promote and explore the potential synergy between the Health and Social Economy sectors and to develop thinking on how the two can work in partnership to deliver real benefits for all.

"The social economy sector is well-positioned to help the Executive meet many of its social and economic goals and has a unique contribution to make to the broad health service in Northern Ireland."

The series of masterclasses is aimed at promoting best practice to social entrepreneurs, policy-makers, business leaders and public sector managers.

It is the brainchild of the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland - a joint venture of the Flax Trust and the University of Ulster.

The SSEI has organised the events with the support of partner organisations UCIT, the Social Economy Network, Enterprise NI and Charity Bank.

Ken O'Neill, Chairman of SSEI explained: "It is hoped that this masterclass series will act as a catalyst to create greater awareness of the opportunities available in Northern Ireland for social enterprises, the public sector and the private sector to benefit from each other.

"Each masterclass will feature an international case study and a local one with a view to sharing best practice, building relationships and highlighting the opportunities that exist in the social economy.

"For the health event we are delighted to welcome Margaret Elliott, who has been a leading light in the Social Economy movement for many years.

"Some 15 years ago she founded the employee-owned Sunderland Home Care Associates, which is now one of the largest employee-owned home care companies in the UK.

"It has gained national and international recognition for its employee ownership and participation model and we are thrilled that she has agreed to come to Belfast to share her story with us," he said.

The event is hosted by Queen's University on Wednesday 27th October from 6.15pm-8.15pm.

Attendance at the masterclass is free, although pre-registration is essential.

For more information on the event, email:

socialeconomy@podiem.com to reserve a place.

(BMcC/GK)