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

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
Supporting Maternal Mental Health in south east London

Becoming a new parent can be a challenging time. Bromley, Lewisham, and Greenwich Mind (BLG Mind) work closely with our partner Oxleas to support pregnant women, birthing people and new parents look after their mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and their baby’s first year. Working in partnership to support the mental health of residents […]

05 May 2023
Working with local organisations to improve antenatal health

South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) Perinatal Pelvic Health Service partnered with local organisation Fivexmore, who were part of the implementation group for pelvic health services before the launch, for their April Advocacy month to collaborate on a social media campaign to promote self-advocacy and systems advocacy in a number of different ways. The […]

14 Apr 2023