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.
The VCSE sector is a key strategic partner within our South East London Integrated Care System, particularly in:
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.
Lewisham Health and Care Partnership (LHCP) hosted an Integrated Neighbourhood Programme Market Engagement Event on Thursday 5 September. The event, held at the Civic Centre, was attended by key stakeholders from Lewisham Council, ICB, Lewisham and Greenwich Trust, South London and Maudsley, Healthwatch and Voluntary Community Sector leaders. It was an opportunity for all partners […]
There are over 6,000 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across south east London. They are dedicated to delivering essential services, supporting underserved communities, and fostering a more inclusive, connected, and happy society. But despite their critical role, the VCSE sector has historically been underrepresented in strategic healthcare planning and supported to respond to […]
This International Women’s Day, the UN Women theme “Invest in women: accelerate progress”, is particularly important in south east London. Here, the Women’s Health Initiative – a joint effort between Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Partnership Southwark, and various community organisations – is making significant progress. The goal of the Initiative is to […]