A Caritas Westminster initiative to promote social enterprises and to help disadvantaged people start their own businesses has launched in London.
Caritas Westminster launched its SEID (social, enterprise, idea, design) strategy at its purpose-built business hub in Wembley, north London, last week. The initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in a diocese, aims to support businesses that trade for a social purpose by providing a training and working space at the Wembley hub, and by creating new social enterprises to employ and train people at a disadvantage in the traditional job market, such as former prisoners.
At the launch Cardinal Vincent Nichols, whose Cardinal’s Appeal helped fund the SEIDs, said that it was a project in keeping with Pope Francis’ own commitment to social justice, and to interpreting life from the point of view of people on society’s peripheries.
Referring to the hub’s location in the shadow of Wembley Stadium, the cardinal said: “I’m confident in saying if Pope Francis came to Wembley he would much rather be here than over there. This is so in keeping with the refreshing vision he has for the world.”
A number of small businesses have already joined the hub, including a social networking start-up that connects young entrepreneurs with mentors and work experience, and a training programme for aspiring bloggers and writers. Membership fees start at £12 a day and go up to £350 for a month, giving access to meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, training and business support. Sheila King Lassman, who coaches people, including prisoners, in communication skills with charity Person to Person, and who will provide training at the hub, said the Wembley site provided more than just a training space. “It helps people connect with new friends, to find support,” she said.
The hub is situated inside a building belonging to St Joseph’s parish on Wembley High Road. The cardinal praised St Joseph’s for releasing the building and told The Tablet: “The last time I was in this building it was a social club. I think this use of precious property is nearer to the mission of the Church.”
07 February 2019, The Tablet
Caritas business hub for start-ups and entrepreneurs
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