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

South East London Integrated Care Board celebrates a year of integration and partn...

With our population living longer, many with complex health and care needs, a year ago, the NHS in south east London partnered with its six local authorities and hundreds of voluntary sector organisations to drive improvements in health and care services. The aim was to ensure our diverse communities can continue to live healthy and […]

11 Jul 2023
South East London Integrated Care System and local voluntary sector plan collabora...

Moves to further strengthen how the SEL ICS works in partnership with the Voluntary and Community sector took a step forward this week when members of the SEL ICB and VCSE sector leaders came together in a joint workshop. The session, which brought together the ICB and the South East London Voluntary, Community and Social […]

26 Jun 2023
Bexley Carers Partnership event

To thank the borough’s carers, the Bexley Carers Partnership, which consists of the NHS, the Council and voluntary organisations, is hosting a free event on Friday 9 June at the Holiday Inn, Bexley, DA5 1ND, from 10am–2pm. If you are looking after someone, then why not come along and talk to other carers?  There will […]

31 May 2023