Social Enterprise in Gloucestershire
The Most Active Social Enterprises in Gloucestershire
Social enterprises are a driving force for positive change, blending entrepreneurial innovation with social and environmental missions. Gloucestershire, in particular, is home to several thriving social enterprises that are making significant impacts across the region. From fostering community connections to supporting vulnerable populations and promoting sustainability, these organizations are redefining how business can benefit society. Here’s a look at some of the most active social enterprises in Gloucestershire.
1. The Grace Network
The Grace Network is a central player in Gloucestershire’s social enterprise scene, operating a diverse array of projects that address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Based in Brimscombe Mill, the Grace Network serves as an incubator for multiple initiatives that are making a tangible difference in local communities.
One of its standout projects is The Long Table, a community dining initiative that brings people together around shared meals. The Long Table isn't just about food; it’s about creating connections, combating social isolation, and promoting sustainability through the use of locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste. By offering a pay-what-you-can model, The Long Table ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can participate and enjoy a meal in a warm, welcoming environment.
Another key project under The Grace Network’s umbrella is the Home Remedy. This initiative collects, refurbishes, and redistributes donated furniture to individuals and families in need. By extending the life of these items, the Furniture Bank not only helps to reduce waste but also provides essential furnishings to those who might otherwise go without. This project is a lifeline for many, offering them the dignity of a well-furnished home without the financial burden.
And of course there is The Kitchen Companions. We are very proud to be part of the family of enterprises that makes up The Grace Network. Being a part of a strong community of leaders with experience has enabled us to create a truly unique Meals-on-Wheels service that delivers food & friendship, helping to tackle loneliness and provide nutritious meals as well as social connection. Being a social enterprise enables us to repurpose profit back into our service through more employment opportunities and a better service.
The Nelson Trust is another highly impactful social enterprise in Gloucestershire, focusing on addiction recovery and social inclusion. Founded in 1985, the organization has grown to become a leader in holistic recovery services, offering residential treatment, community outreach, and employment training programs.
What sets The Nelson Trust apart is its comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Beyond addressing addiction, the organization provides support in areas such as housing, education, and employment, helping individuals to rebuild their lives in a sustainable and meaningful way. By reinvesting its resources into these programs, The Nelson Trust not only supports individual recovery but also strengthens the wider community by reducing the social and economic costs of addiction.
Gloucester Services might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of social enterprises, but this motorway service station is far from ordinary. Unlike traditional service stations, Gloucester Services is owned by a charitable trust, with all profits being reinvested into local community projects.
The service station places a strong emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing, offering food and products from local farmers and producers. This approach not only supports the local economy but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. The profits generated are used to fund a variety of community initiatives, from supporting young people and families to environmental conservation projects.
4. Fair Share
Fair Shares is a social enterprise that operates on the principle of time banking—a system where people exchange their time and skills instead of money. In Gloucestershire, Fair Shares has been instrumental in building stronger, more connected communities by enabling people to contribute to their community and receive help in return.
Through Fair Shares, individuals can offer their skills, whether it’s gardening, DIY, or companionship, and in return, they can receive assistance with tasks they might struggle with. This model promotes social inclusion by valuing everyone’s time equally, regardless of their financial circumstances. It also fosters a sense of community and mutual support, helping to reduce social isolation and build resilient, interconnected communities.
The Broader Impact of Social Enterprises in Gloucestershire
These social enterprises, among others in Gloucestershire, exemplify the power of combining business principles with a commitment to social and environmental goals. They demonstrate that it is possible to run successful, sustainable businesses while making a significant positive impact on society. By addressing issues like social isolation, unemployment, and environmental sustainability, these enterprises are not only improving individual lives but also contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Moreover, social enterprises like those in Gloucestershire are paving the way for a new kind of economy—one that values people and the planet alongside profit. They show that when businesses put purpose at the heart of what they do, the results can be transformative, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
As Gloucestershire continues to nurture and support social enterprises, the region stands as a model for how communities can harness the power of business to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. Whether through providing jobs, reducing waste, or simply bringing people together, these enterprises are proving that change is not only possible but happening right now, one project at a time.
People often ask:
Does Gloucestershire County Council provide meals on wheels?
what support does AgeUK offer?
Do councils still provide meals on wheels?
Have you read our blog Meals-on-Wheels, A lifeline of Food and Friendship or The History of Meals on Wheels
Want to learn more about Social enterprise? have a read of our blog Social enterprise; a preferable alternative to the private sector for solving societies challenges