The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in south east London is wonderfully diverse and vast. We estimate there are well over 6,000 VCSE organisations in south east London alone. Charities, community groups, social enterprises, faith groups are all considered to be part of the VCSE sector.

Some of these organisations provide vital health and care services, whereas others are focused on addressing the wider determinants of a person’s health such as employment and homelessness. Some organisations also provide advocacy services for local people and communities. As a result, the VCSE sector is key to ensuring we prevent people needing to access hospital services and prevent people becoming unwell. It is also a vital partner in our work to address health inequalities.

What role does the VCSE sector have in the South East London Integrated Care System?

The VCSE sector is a key strategic partner within our South East London Integrated Care System, particularly in:

  • Working with ICS partners to set strategy and improve and deliver integrated services.
  • Developing and delivering new models of care, focusing on prevention and tackling the wider determinants of health and wellbeing.
  • Sharing insights and information about the needs of local people and communities, and partnering with us to engage local people and communities in all we do.
  • Leadership and advocacy, changing the way we work and bringing a fresh perspective.

How do we collaborate and work with the sector?

VCSE organisations are involved in key ICS governance and decision making. Currently VCSE sector organisations are members of each of our Local Care Partnerships. There is also a VCSE member on our Integrated Care Partnership.

We have also established an interim strategic network of VCSE representatives which will provide strategic input into ICS work with the VCSE sector. For more information and to participate in this group please contact icsoffice@selondonics.nhs.uk or Jessica.levoir@nhs.net.

Voluntary & Community News, Stories & Events

Creative health in neighbourhoods: a celebration of innovation and collaboration in Lambeth

On 22 October, Lambeth Council, NHS South East London, and The Bridge at Waterloo hosted a borough-wide event bringing together creative practitioners, health professionals, and community organisations. Attendees had the opportunity to share ideas, build connections, and celebrate the role of creativity in supporting health and wellbeing. They also had the chance to learn about […]

28 Oct 2025
Health starts in the neighbourhood

A new collaboration between Operose Health’s four Southwark practices, Falmouth Road, Silverlock Medical Centre, the Lister Practice and Queens Road Surgery, is taking health to the heart of the community, providing information, testing and signposting to further support in a bid to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in health At the launch of their […]

14 Oct 2025
Bromley Integrated Therapies team nominated for national Greener NHS Award

Bromley Healthcare’s Bromley Integrated Therapies team has been nominated for the Greener NHS Award categories at the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer’s (CAHPO) Awards 2025. The nomination celebrates Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who are improving patient outcomes while reducing the environmental impacts of healthcare making it more sustainable. The Bromley Healthcare’s Integrated Therapies team, which […]

05 Sep 2025