Do you have an idea that could help older people and people with disabilities at home?

Do you need help to get your idea started?

Are you already helping people in some way and would like to do more?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, running a community micro-enterprise might be for you. Community Catalysts can:

·   offer you a friendly and supportive point of contact to explore ideas

·   connect you with other like-minded people

·   give you practical information on regulation, training and opportunities in the health and social care sector

·   direct you to other organisations who can help

What is a community micro-enterprise?

·       A community micro-enterprise is a small local business (sole trader, limited company, social enterprise) offering flexible and genuinely caring services or support to older and disabled people

·       It is frequently one person working on their own who really enjoys supporting people in their own community and having the freedom to go the extra mile

Community micro-enterprises can offer a range of different services and support to people in their area. This can include:

·   help at home such as cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, dressing, bathing

·   day, evening or weekend social activities

·   help to stay connected to friends and leisure activities

·   help to undertake training and employment opportunities

·   gardening, light DIY, decluttering, therapies

“As I work more and more with older people, I love it. I definitely want to do more of this as part of my business…I’m glad I have Debra’s support to do this” Sue

What’s in it for the community micro enterprise?

·      You are self-employed so you can decide on your hours of work, rate of hourly pay and location

·      You will receive guidance on any regulations

·      You will receive information about free business start-up support

·      You will get help to market your business

·      You will receive help to obtain a DBS check

·      You can receive a free starter -pack of PPE (subject to availability)

·      You will receive information about available training

·      You can be part of an informal network of support from other self-employed people

·      You can receive guidance and information from Community Catalysts and be signposted to other relevant organisations

Norfolk County Council have commissioned Community Catalysts CIC to work in Norfolk.   The project runs until September 2021 and is being co-ordinated by local catalyst Debra Morris.

Work is happening in the Norwich and North Norfolk areas to increase the range and availability of help at home & community options. As well as helping people to set up new enterprises, we will also advise small groups and organisations already established in North Norfolk and Norwich and looking to diversify or extend what they offer.

How we operate

We work hard to recognise local strengths and actively build on things that work well and would like to connect with community, third and public-sector organisations, key stakeholders and supporting professionals who would like to know more about the project.

You can read an article on Claire, a case study, and how Community Catalyst helped her here

Get in touch, we would like to hear from you!

Contact Debra Morris, the local Community Catalyst, for more information about the project:

Telephone: 07384 835722                                                                                          

Email: debra.morris@communitycatalysts.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComCatNorfolk/