Social Economy Forum Launched to Support Third Sector

25th September 2012

The Social Economy Forum (SEF) has been launched to advocate the importance of the voluntary, charity and social enterprise sectors within the Sheffield City Region.

Currently the social economy sectors contribute around £3.27billion to the regional economy, employing more than 65,000 people, supported by 400,000 volunteers and providing assistance to 20million service users each year. The Social Economy is populated by clusters of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), such as universities, charities, retailers, successful mutual's, co-operatives and employee-owned businesses. Service providers and support agencies for young people and at risk and vulnerable groups are also part of the sector. All the CSOs are tasked with intentionally carrying out economic activities combined with an ethical purpose and social benefit. Social entrepreneur David Child is chair of the new Social Economy Forum which has been supported by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. The SEF will assist the sector by providing a strong, articulate voice, creating a platform for attracting new services and activities to the Sheffield City Region and be a magnet for external and additional resources, such as funding. David, who is also chair of the Sheffield Chamber Council, said: -The passion and commitment of the range of CSOs makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for people. Many of the most vulnerable individuals and at risk groups are helped, enlivened, and have their lives enriched by the sector. -Our aspiration is to be recognised as one of the leading social economy players in the UK and Europe. This is coupled with an ambition to make a measurable difference to the well being of citizens and communities. -SEF core members have considerable know how and experience around the sector, and how to make things happen. The forum can benefit the Local Enterprise Partnership, Chambers of Commerce and organisations themselves. During the next decade the SEF aims to help the sector: Contribute £3.53 Billion to the Sheffield City Region economy Create 5,200 new jobs Provide 32,000 new volunteering opportunities Create more than 300 new Social Enterprises Key areas the SEF sees as growth sectors include the care economy and low carbon, with several secondary growth sectors identified in technology, housing, public services, ethical retailing, foods and micro-finance. The Social Economy Forum will be officially launched on October 11 at the 'Welfare Reform: Impacts and Way Forward' event, which looks at the impact of the changes on businesses, their workforce, families, communities and the wider economy. The event takes place between 9:30am to 12:30pm at the South Yorkshire Housing Association. For further information and to attend contact Jenna Selwood at Sheffield Chamber on jenna.selwood@scci.org.uk.

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