Social Futures’ Post

At the Bromley by Bow Centre, we address the social determinants of health through a place-based, person-centred, and integrated approach—building the ingredients of a good life. We are a safe place and a space for people to come, be, and connect – an open door to community and the reduction of social isolation. We support people to meet their basic needs, help them grow in confidence, and work with them to navigate complex personal situations. We provide our community with access to learning, skills-based training, and employment, ultimately fostering positive contributions to their community and society. This year’s highlights include: 💚4,958 unique individuals supported across all areas of their lives. 💚£3.4m in income accessed to ease financial stress, addressing challenges like housing, debt, and food insecurity. 💚507 people supported into employment, learning, or skills-based training, creating pathways to financial independence and long-term stability. 💚18 new local social businesses launched, fostering innovation and connection in the community. Those we worked with reported a 45% improvement in wellbeing, up from 39% last year—a testament to the transformative power of reducing barriers and fostering opportunities. As the focus in healthcare shifts to prevention within communities, we believe our model offers a practical and scalable solution to tackling the pressing challenges of community health and wellbeing. 📖 Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/J94H50UIwMC It is also now on our website: https://ow.ly/OEPC50UIwME #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #PlaceBasedSupport #EmploymentAndLearning #BromleyByBowCentre #CommunityImpact

Young people are at a crisis point in their health and wellbeing. Local parents tell us they are concerned about the lack of positive activities and young people themselves want more 1:1 support. They value the opportunity to identify what matters to them, what they need and want, and how they might start to move towards that change. Tower Hamlets has the highest youth population in England and Wales (Census 2021) and 28.1% of our youngest residents are experiencing poverty (ONS 2024). Over the past two years, we have worked with nearly 400 young people, though 1:1 and group sessions. Supporting just under 200 young people specifically through social prescribing to tackle the root causes of poor health and wellbeing. Our Summer Festival of Wellbeing alone attracted over 400 children and young people. Young people accessing our services report an overall improvement in their wellbeing - feeling more connected to what is on offer. We are ideally placed to offer more support to young people in our community – we have been here for over 40 years and offer a safe space where everybody is welcome. If you would like to support our work you can find more information here 👉 https://ow.ly/AYkI50TwlwH

Want to know more about our SHINE (Supporting Health Interventions, Neurodiversity & Employment) Partnership? 🌞 Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, SHINE is made up of 5 VCSE organisations across the #EastRidingofYorkshire. Each of our fantastic delivery partners have different specialisms allowing them to best support participant needs, all the way from wellbeing to employability: 🚴♀️ R-evolution – Founded in 2014 and now operating across Hull, East Riding, North and North East Lincolnshire, R-evolution began as a scheme for prison workers, offering them the opportunity to gain cycle mechanic training and refurbish bikes in their local community. In recent years they’ve expanded, now offering cycle and horticulture workshops to the public, alongside life-coaching. 🧠 Autism Plus – Founded in 1986 by a group of ‘passionate parents’, Autism Plus specialise in providing expert training, employment support, and residential care for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals across the North of England. 💡 Big Ambitions CIC – Established in 2010, Big Ambitions are a Community Interest Company (CIC) specialising in ‘vocational support and sustainable employment as a therapeutic tool to improve mental health conditions and overall wellbeing’. Alongside providing employability support, the Sheffield, Doncaster and Easting Riding wide CIC also provide wellbeing support for employees and offer wellbeing-based training for employees looking to support their workforce. 🧘 Working for Health CIC – CIC Working For Health, was set up in 2015, as a way to ‘bridge the gap between mental health services'. As with all of our partners, WFH have a holistic approach to employment support, and operate across Hull, Selby and East Riding. ⛅ Hull and East Yorkshire Mind – HEYMind are the Hull, East Yorkshire, and North East Lincolnshire based branch of Mind. Formed in 1976, they provide a host of mental health focused services, including one-to-one, group, and information-based support. ✉ For more information, contact our SHINE team on shine@betterconnect.org.uk #UKSPF #Partnership

In 2023, the World Health Organization founded a Commission on Social Connection, with the goal of raising awareness of loneliness as a global public health priority. Have you checked in with yourself lately to assess your level of social engagement and loneliness? Connection is vital to our mental AND physical health.

Social profit organizations across our region play a crucial role in addressing community needs including mental health, food insecurity, housing assistance, arts, recreation, childcare and many others. These organizations operate on the front lines providing essential community services, often filling gaps left by public and private sectors, yet face challenges like staff shortages and funding gaps. Looking ahead, sustainability remains a pressing issue with many organizations struggling to meet rising demands amidst economic uncertainties and burnout among staff. Collaborative efforts and strategic investments are critical for preserving these vital community supports and our conversations that need to be prioritized more than ever. 📘Read the full post here 👉 https://loom.ly/vm8IjXY #SocialProfitConversations #YMMSocialProfit #BoardLeadership #ExecutiveDirectorLeadership

Such a valuable and needed resource!

A flashback to early 2023 and a stop on TVO's The Agenda with Dr. Steve Joordens, speaking about the need for us all to rebuild the social skills, habits and routines that we lost during the two years of the global pandemic. So many of our normal pre-pandemic social routines are still disrupted on a daily basis. Fewer hours in the office, less time at the gym, less time at the grocery store, and much more — it all adds up to a society that is less connected than ever before. Unlike many of the preventative health issues of the past, social health cannot be improved alone. It takes family, friends, neighbours, classmates, colleagues and even strangers to all be part of building the more connected world where everyone can thrive due to an increased sense of connection, inclusion, mattering, belonging, community, support, and more. It takes a village to do far more than just raise our kids. Join the movement at www.GenWell.ca #HumanConnection #Socialhealth #SocialConnection #Happiness #Health #Inclusion #Belonging #Community #Connection #MentalHealth #PhysicalHealth #Wellness #Prevention #Proactive #Upstream #Inthistogether Jill Kehoe Javet Brad Offman Amy MacFarlane Stewart McDonough Mo Khan Steve Joordens Doug Darling Barb Collombin Sarah Glenn Tim Moseley Patrick Tobin Launi Skinner Calvin MacInnis 🧲 Sandy Gerber Paul Simard Pete Davis Marina Andrew Mark R. Thompson Crystal Laborero CIM, ICD.D Crystal Cowie Minnelle Williams 💫Kate McMaster, CHRP💫 Alison Gilbert Catherine L Curtis Kaye Phillips, PhD michael downey Scott Knox Bev Kirshenblatt Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) Public Health Agency of Canada | Agence de la santé publique du Canada Canadian Mental Health Association Health Canada | Santé Canada Mike Lake Scott Aitchison Nan Eskenazi Andrew Clendinneng Vani Jain https://lnkd.in/gpUzd9pp

🎥 Excited to share this glimpse into the incredible work being done through the Reconnect Service delivered by Sport for Confidence CIC This innovative service in Essex is setting a new standard in preventative and early help support. Empowering individuals to learn new skills, build their confidence and take care of their wellbeing. By focusing on early intervention, Reconnect not only addresses immediate needs but also helps build long-term resilience. The service is commissioned by Essex County Council Public Health and Adult Social Care teams and I’m pleased to have been involved in gaining at least a 3-year commitment for this service alongside colleagues. The video highlights how collaboration, empathy, and forward-thinking are making a real difference in people's lives. #EarlyIntervention #CommunitySupport #PreventativeCare #Reconnect #PhysicalActivity Active Essex Sport England Active Partnerships

🌍🏠 Addressing Hoarding: A Collaborative Approach with NEAT 🏠🌍 Hoarding is a complex issue that affects not just individuals but also the wider community. In response, our government is taking a commendable step forward by launching the New Environment Action Team (NEAT). This initiative aims to tackle hoarding behaviors in a more holistic and sustainable manner, bringing together the expertise from various sectors. Comprising 28 dedicated members—including social service agencies with hands-on experience, community groups, and private organizations—NEAT is poised to devise strategic approaches for identifying at-risk individuals and addressing the root causes of hoarding. 🤝💼 This collaboration signals a significant shift in how we approach social issues—moving away from isolated solutions to a coordinated effort that enables us to provide the necessary support while fostering community resilience. By leveraging diverse skills and resources, NEAT emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in helping those affected by hoarding. It’s about more than just decluttering spaces; it’s about restoring dignity and fostering healthier living environments for all. Let’s support initiatives like NEAT that promote cooperation across various sectors to create meaningful change in our communities! What are your thoughts on collaborative approaches to social issues? #Hoarding #CommunitySupport #NEAT #Collaboration #SocialInitiatives #BlossomWorld https://lnkd.in/g3HVWbCf I am #Stevenchinyl and I co-founded #AidavaxTech, #UCloudAsiaSG and founded #VentureDomainHosting. I am into #AIsolutions, #EnterpriseSecurity #EnterpriseEmailSecurity and #EnterpriseFileSecurity. We #makeITsimpleforYourBusiness Read about the latest SME IT News at www.smeitnews.com I am also a member of the #LBFalumni & #SkyHighTower

🎬🌟 Exciting News in the World of Social Care! 🌟🎬 I have recently come across a great article which shares a group of talented young people have come together to create a groundbreaking new film about their personal experience of social care! 🎥 This inspiring project, covered in detail by Social Care Today, highlights the unique perspectives and experiences of the younger generation within the social care system. The film aims to shine a light on the challenges and triumphs faced by those in care, as well as the dedicated professionals who support them What’s discussed in the video? Personal Stories: Young people share their heartfelt stories, offering a raw and honest look at their journeys through the social care system. Their narratives provide a powerful insight into the emotional and practical challenges they face. Systemic Challenges: The film delves into the systemic issues within social care, highlighting areas needing urgent reform. It addresses the gaps in support, the stigma associated with being in care, and the need for more tailored services. Support Networks: The importance of strong support networks is emphasized, showcasing how relationships with caregivers, social workers, and mentors can make a significant difference in the lives of young people. Hope and Resilience: Despite the challenges, the film is a testament to the resilience and hope of these young individuals. It celebrates their strength and determination to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future. In my opinion, this is so inspirational which allows young people empowerment to have a voice to influence change as well as raising awareness and a cause to action to urge policymakers to take concrete steps to improve the social care system. How do you think we can further support initiatives like this within our communities? #SocialCare #YouthEmpowerment #CommunitySupport #Inspiration