European Social Fund in England

Cornwall launches School for Social Entrepreneurs

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has welcomed the launch of a School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in Cornwall on 10 October.

Cornwall’s SSE is only the seventh franchise in the UK. Initial investment has come from ESF Convergence funding matched with the activity of Jobcentre Plus through the Cornwall Works for Social Enterprise project.

Over the next three years the Cornwall SSE will help 120 potential entrepreneurs to realise their goals through an innovative ‘action learning’ based programme that includes expert witness sessions, coaching and mentoring, motivation and confidence building and a range of other support.

Ms Kelemen said: “Schools for Social Entrepreneurs have had significant impact in other parts of the UK and this national best practice model will provide proven support and benefits to people in Cornwall.”

The School for Social Entrepreneurs was launched in July 1997 and welcomed its first group of students in January 1998. The first programme was run from Bethnal Green in East London. A social entrepreneur is someone who works in an entrepreneurial manner, but for public or social benefit, rather than to make money.

The aim is to support disadvantaged people in a variety of ways. The SSE programme nationally is open to entrepreneurial individuals who are serving communities and addressing issues including: innovative projects for young people and children; people disadvantaged by social or economic circumstances; health and education projects; neighbourhood renewal projects; refugees and asylum seekers; minority ethnic groups; disabled people; environmental projects and crime and community safety projects.

Carolyn Webster, European Programmes Manager for Jobcentre Plus said:

“Supporting the participants is just the first step, the wider benefits for both local communities and the economy of Cornwall means the Cornwall School has huge potential to make a real difference to people lives and I am so pleased that we have been able to support the development of such an innovative and prestigious programme through our Convergence ESF activity.”

For further information please contact:

Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager for the Convergence Partnership Office. Tel: 01872 223439 /07973 813647.

Email: cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

Pam Sekula, Programme Manager, Cornwall SSE. Tel: 07527470488.

Email: pamela.sekula@cornwallenterprise.co.uk