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Voluntary and Community Sector

What is the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector?

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

Take action this Mental Health Awareness Week: five steps to wellbeing

Monday 11 May marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week this year, and the theme is ‘Action.’ While raising awareness remains essential, ‘taking action’ is vital to lasting change and better health all year round.

12 May 2026
Breaking the link between poor health and economic inactivity in Southwark

The 2025 Southwark Annual Public Health Report, published in December 2025, explores how to tackle barriers to employment faced by residents with long term health conditions and disabilities. It highlights the scale of health-related unemployment and economic inactivity in the borough, and draws on evidence from academic research, local case studies, and stakeholders.  As part […]

08 Dec 2025
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

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