What is a Social Enterprise?

The Government defines social enterprises as “businesses with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.”

PRA Plastics and Developments

PRA Plastics and Developments is the social enterprise arm of The Centre for Better Health and is spread over three floors in an industrial warehouse in Hackney.

Largely run by volunteers, who are former service users, current business includes packing/light assembly, manufacturing Platilon products and exploring the possibilities of urban farming through the development of an indoor growing space.

The project offers placements, of up to one year, to those who may not have worked for some time due to mental ill-health, to support them in moving closer to the labour market; acquiring new skills and developing old ones in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Depending on abilities and interests volunteers and those on a placement take on roles in all areas of the business as well as reception and catering for peers.  As well as developing technical skills, the social support and taking on of responsibilities, builds confidence which is a foundation to support further learning and development.  Transferable and soft skills such as communication and teamwork are developed and complemented by a range of courses such as numeracy, literacy and ICT in which individuals develop their basic skills which can be applied in each business area.

Work placements for new members are funded by direct payments via personal budgets. For more information email Lotte or call 020 8985 3570