What is Social Enterprise?

Belfast 89FM is a local radio station providing music, quizzes, and craic plus all the information on traffic and travel news.

The combination of new volunteers and familiar voices of presenters ensures that Belfast 89FM has a truly genuine, engaging and distinctive sound.

www.belfast89.com

Sew Ready is an award winning social enterprise bridging the current skills gap in garment making by educating young children and adults in sewing skills.

They re-invest profits back into the local community.

www.sewready.org

The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) is a trade association for credit unions in Ireland. It operates in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Providing membership for over 258 credit unions across the island.
www.creditunion.ie

East Belfast Mission works across all communities offering a range of services to meet the needs of everyone. With over 100 staff currently employed and approximately 200 volunteers, the range of social projects include: 

·  A worshipping congregation at the church 

·  Church and Community outreach services 

·  Hosford homeless support service 

·  Stepping Stone- employability programme 

 www.ebm.org.uk

Share Discovery Village is Northern Ireland's Largest Residential Outdoor Activity Centre offering a wide range of arts, land and water activities based in Fermanagh.

Accessible to disabled and non-disabled people.

www.sharevillage.org

Naturally North Coast & Glens is a Social enterprise delivering Artisan Markets, trader support, urban revitalisation & making a difference across Northern Ireland.

They offer a supportive platform for artisan produce, arts, craft & new businesses.

www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk

Crowned as the winner of Social Enterprise of the Year 2023, Radius provides housing, care and support to over 33,000 homes in Northern Ireland.

  https://www.radiushousing.org/

Healthy Kidz began its journey in 2014 as a coaching organisation delivering fun and engaging physical activity sessions in primary schools throughout Northern Ireland. In 2023, we are the country’s leading outsourced coaching provider.

A holistic health and wellbeing programme such as ours couldn’t be any more pertinent for children and young people across Northern Ireland. Growing obesity rates, physical inactivity and increasing screen times has only been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this, they currently have 50 Physical Activity Leaders that deliver 400 sessions a week across NI to 20,000 children, all striving to meet their aim:

Thousands of children each day go through our PE programme based on the NI PE curriculum. PE sessions are non-sport specific, all-inclusive, and designed and delivered by highly qualified coaches and professionals.  

They also run an extensive afterschool programme including Gymnastics, Dance, Karate and Golf as well as all the mainstream sports. The most popular programmes, Sports Club and Fun, Fitness & Games, encapsulates all that they do well at Healthy Kidz; fun, engaging and educational sessions for all who take part.

To help every child achieve their best possible state of health and wellbeing. Paul is a keen sportsman who has played soccer to professional level in England, and represented his country at all youth levels. Also from a strong GAA background, playing for his club and county, both to senior level. Founder of Healthy Kidz CIC in 2014, has led the organisation from 1 school to 150, as well being the market leader in NI in terms of providers of School Holiday Camps. During this time Healthy Kidz have been awarded over £1 million of funding to deliver Health and Wellbeing services across a number of sectors, from a range of stakeholders. There are 60 staff currently working for the company.

Antrim Enterprise is a leading enterprise centre in the borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey established in 1991.  A company limited by guarantee with charitable status they are your go to business advice centre supporting businesses every step of the way.  They believe that every client that comes through their doors are helped, encouraged and supported on their entrepreneurial journey.

Fundamental to the success in achieving their vision and mission, is the fact that quality underpins everything they do, and it's done with pride which encompasses core values:

Passion: Their staff are emotionally committed employees, passionate about their work and the organization they work for

Respect: They are about treating all people [directors, staff, customers, clients, suppliers and stakeholders] with dignity and value the collective power of teamwork.

Integrity: Antrim Enterprise is about being honest and having strong moral principles in all our day-to-day dealings with customers, clients and suppliers

Dedication: Antrim Enterprise fosters strong teamwork and encourages personal initiative and growth within the workplace

Excellence: They strive to excel in every aspect of their business and deal with every task with a determination to succeed

Passionate about the health and well-being of entrepreneurs all their support encompasses advice, guidance and top tips for personal and business health including physical, mental, emotional, environmental and financial..  Antrim Enterprise has been at the forefront of providing co-working space for entrepreneurs along with innovative ways of connecting and encouraging collaboration including a range of networking groups such as NETWalking and OpenCoffee Club.  

In 2009 a number of experienced community workers, academic researchers, trade unionists and Irish language activists formed the CAIRDE social enterprise based in Armagh City, N.E. Ireland.

CAIRDE  is the Irish language translation of ‘friends’; it is also an acronym for ‘Communities in Armagh Investing in Regeneration, Diversity and Enterprise’. (Teo is Irish for ‘Ltd’).

This third sector company focuses on micro-business incubation; employment, training and learning opportunities and action research projects. CAIRDE Teo also works in partnership with a number of institutions and organisations in Armagh City and throughout the island to promote and develop the use of the Irish language both locally and nationally.

CAIRDE’s latest collaborative social enterprise – Aonach Mhacha – will build and manage a cultural centre in the historic heart of Armagh City.  The complex will sustain 15 jobs in the Irish language and cultural sector in Armagh and help generate a further 6 full-time posts. Facilities in the new ‘cultúrlann’ will include: social enterprise incubation hubs, office accommodation, classrooms, meeting rooms, a black box performance area, a media suite, a café, a dance studio, a gift shop, an art gallery and exhibition area.  Services will include minority language classes, social enterprise training, cultural tourism events, art & cultural heritage exhibitions, concerts, festivals, musical and dance performances, workshops, seminars and community development initiatives.

Centred Soul is the brain child of a Social Worker who wanted to marry conventional & alternative approaches to support women. Centred Soul started in 2011- back then it was just Rosemary, as a Complementary Therapist, taking on the feet of the world, one Reflexology treatment at a time! She was fed up with the role of Social Worker & wanted work to be something she really enjoyed. The support system in Northern Ireland, for women & families is minimal! In fact, NI only has one perinatal team in the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust & if you fall outside of that area, there is very little else. Thankfully new support networks, created by women who have experienced perinatal mental health are emerging, but there were no supports in the Newry & Mourne area, or Southern Health & Social Care Trust.

Centred Soul has changed this. Centred Soul started as an idea & it has developed into a beautiful community of women, who supported me through tough times & now this continues for others. This isn't a space where you'll find them holding hands & singing kum-by-ya, but you'll find down-to-earth people, plenty of laughs, tears, expletives & it's guaranteed that genuine friendships are made. So, whether you come along to a monthly BTAPS (Birth Trauma & Perinatal Support) Meetup or call in for a cup of coffee, this space is for you.

ArtsEkta is a multi-award winning cultural organisation that works to develop intercultural relationships at the heart of the community and is home to the Belfast Mela - the largest celebration of cultural diversity on the island of Ireland.

The brainchild of Indian-native Nisha Tandon, ArtsEkta was founded in 2006 on the principles of inclusivity, creativity and openness in all aspects of society – Ekta means ‘uniting’ in the Indian language.

Bringing together communities of Belfast and beyond, we create projects that inspire audiences to engage with the diversity, tastes, rhythms and sights that make up the multicultural life of Northern Ireland.

Over the last decade they have grown dramatically in size and scope and are now recognised as one of the region’s leading arts charities and a pioneer in the development of intercultural arts for Northern Ireland.

Providing innovative childcare solutions to organisations and families ensuring they have access to affordable options with a strong focus on positive mental health – enabling them to build stronger minds, for a healthier future.

Their vision is that every child should grow up active, healthier and happier.

Working in collaboration with other organisations, their mission is to break down the barriers of childcare. Empowering parents and children, providing high quality, affordable childcare services with a focus on positive mental health and support.

Thus enabling us to build strong minds, for a healthier future!

Fermanagh Fun Farm is a very busy social enterprise.  The farm is a leisure attraction open to the public, providing a fun, engaging, hands on experience.  They also cater for school visits, group visits and birthday parties.  The farm is home to over 150 animals (20+ species) including 2 meerkats!  All animals are treated as pets and the majority of animals are rescued / adopted.   There are a wide range of farm animals living onsite and pet animals too.  Check out their attractions page to see the range of animals on on offer.

Activities / Facilities
*Cuddle Time in Pets Corner,
* Donkey (or) Pony Walking & Grooming,
* Feeding Animals,
* Trailer and Quad Ride to Cow Patch,
* Indoor and Outdoor Playareas (New softplayframe for 2023)
* Picnic Area / Tearoom / Gift Shop
* Cups and Saucers Ride on
* Pedal Boats

Driven by the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity works beside families to build, renovate or repair their home in 70 countries. In a world where one in four people don’t have a safe place to live, vulnerable people face huge challenges, exacerbated by climate change, to escaping poverty and improving their health and living conditions Habitat has helped more than 46 million people build their lives on the solid foundation of decent, affordable homes.

In Ireland, Habitat for Humanity directly tackles poverty through its network of Habitat ReStores. As they build sustainable communities, ReStores provide access to low-cost home improvement materials, employability training for people of all abilities and divert tons of material from landfill which helps build sustainable communities. Habitat also raises funds to support long-term partner programmes in some of our world’s poorest communities.

Learn more: www.habitatni.co.uk/donate

Today it is the fastest growing social  finance provider across the island of Ireland  but there is always more to do. 

He and his team are driven by their overall  mission to ensure that Social Impact is Felt not just Dreamt.  He has over 23 years working with charities and social enterprises as well as with  stakeholder and government influencers across the island, helping find social  finance solutions that supports both ambition and sustainability. 

Dónal holds a degree in Economics & Geography from UCD, Grad. Dip. in  Business Studies from UL, an MBS in Co-operative and Social Enterprise from  UCC, and is QFA accredited from the Institute of Banking.

A charity, a social enterprise, an all-island of Ireland business – with a mission. To create a world-class community finance system that works tirelessly towards ensuring that positive social impact is felt – not just dreamt. And we’re getting there.

In Camphill Holywood, as in all Camphill communities, work in the community has purpose and meaning.  Each member of the community participates and contributes in whatever capacity they are able to.  Work can be in the houses and social spaces, helping to cook, homemaking, preparing for festivals or gardening and community members can also help in a variety of different roles in the workshops (the bakery, cafe and shop).   Contributing to the community gives each individual the opportunity to feel a sense of responsibility, belonging and value, which in turn promotes confidence and self-esteem.

Stendhal Festival was originally formed in 2008 by Ross Parkhill & John Cartwright, to showcase local music across 3 days in Limavady, Northern Ireland.

The festival reformed as Stendhal Festival of Art in 2011 by the founders Ross Parkhill, John Cartwright and Colm O'Donnell, as a platform for local artists to perform alongside acts such as Turin Brakes at Ballymully Cottage Farm in Limavady. The festival was named after Stendhal Syndrome.

Attendance numbers of the festival have increased year on year, with the festival winning Best Small Festival in 2013–2015, Best Family Friendly Festival 2014 in Ireland and nominated for the UK Festival Awards in 2016. The festival is built and run by volunteers from the local area.

David Boyd - Belfast Child CIC

Belfast Child C.I.C provides free mentored health & well-being sports related training as a means of an 'Off the Streets Programme' for young people in Belfast.

Through sports academies aiming to build, stronger, safer and healthier communities that offer our young people, regardless of background and ability the opportunity to participate in healthy activities.

Sports programmes will not only offer health and fitness benefits but also focus on raising aspirations, building self esteem and developing team working skills.

Belfast Child CIC funds its own charity  (Creating Help In Local Districts T/A C.H.I.L.D Trainiing Academy)  which has  a fully functional gym in Belfast City Centre.

Bremar’s is an education and training company who's vision is a society where the provision of education, training and support is accessible to all in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.

They offer a wide variety of training programmes, counselling and consultancy services 

www.bremartraining.com

ArtSpace is a community interest company offering multisensory environment hire to children/young adults/adults with additional support needs led by Nurse specialists. The organisation's day opportunities support people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities to develop their skills and independence in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Hear more from Founder & Managing Director, Martina Bell who gets us up to speed on this wonderful community led organsaiton.

The Bridge Vocational Training Unit has been operational in Antrim town since 1988 and moved into new, purpose built premises in 2004. The Unit is committed to providing high quality vocational training opportunities to adults with learning disabilities aged 18+ years and currently offers accredited courses which are tailored to suit the ability and needs of each individual trainee in 3 key areas encompassing Catering; Retail and Horticulture/Propagation. 

Jacqui joins Cate on the podcast to share more about the ongoing work they do to support adults with additional needs.

WOMEN'STEC are Northern Ireland's largest quality provider of training for women in non-traditional skills. Their mission is to allow women the time and space to develop their confidence, their self-efficacy and their wellbeing so that they can take on new challenges, in their personal lives, their education and their careers.

At Inspire we work together with people living with mental ill health, intellectual disability, autism and addictions to ensure they live with dignity and realise their full potential. To achieve this we want to develop a culture of compassion, creating a society free from stigma that focuses on people and their abilities.

We deliver mental health, learning/intellectual disability, autism, addiction, workplace and student wellbeing services across the island of Ireland.

We are Inclusive: we put the people who use our services first

We are Passionate:  we believe in what we do

We are Determined:  we find a way

We are Kind:  we care about each other

We are Honest: we act with integrity

We are Innovative: we nurture new ideas

To find out more - https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/

We are a charity and social enterprise that offers practical support for individuals and families, helping them to get through and get ahead.

Our Family Support Service provides practical and therapeutic support and a range of training programmes for parents and children. As coordinator of the Newry and Mourne Family Support Hub, we help find solutions for families facing physical and mental health problems, family breakdown, parenting difficulties, financial problems and social and rural isolation.

Our Ability services are dedicated to connecting children and young adults of mixed ability to reach for the stars. We are especially proud of our Social Enterprise and online gift shop, a safe place for our volunteers to feel connected, valued and purposeful. Our Social Enterprise products are lovingly handcrafted and all profits go back into supporting our vital work.

Signposting and practical support to older members of the community are delivered through our Seniors services. Comfort Zone is a social group bringing seniors together to make new friends and enjoy some company. Home2Hospital, a driver service for those over 60 that live in rural Mournes and Slieve Gullion, is a lifeline to many.

What We Did In 2020:

hours of support was provided for children and adults with disability

24,000

Engagements with participants

in Financial Support to benefit 366 families, older people and homeless

To find out more - https://bolstercommunity.org/

After four years of operating in the private tuition industry, we had grown increasingly uncomfortable with the disparity that exists between children of different socioeconomic backgrounds in their access to educational support.

One in five children in Northern Ireland lives in poverty, and less than 50% of children entitled to free school meals leave school with at least five good GCSE grades. We realised that operating as a private business did not align with our social values or research backgrounds and so, in 2017, we became a social enterprise. 

1. We've been around for a while
2. We're on a social mission
3. We work with inspiring people
4. We are a women-led company
5. We love research

To find out more - https://www.studyseed.co.uk/