Micro businesses do their bit for the community

Entrepreneurs bring vision and expertise to the table.

Big corporations make much of their good works and charitable activities, but a Bournemouth business woman says even the smallest companies have much to offer the local community.

Samantha Acton, who owns local home help service Domestic Angels, is the first corporate supporter of community arts venue, the Southbourne Creative Hub.

The Hub was set up by Cathy Jones to provide creative and social opportunities including for those in need of support to participate.

www.southbourne.net/hub

“Samantha’s expertise in social policy and adult social care, together with her sharp business skills, are a perfect match for my experience in the fields of community participation in the arts and the role played by the arts in our health and well-being,” says Cathy.

Her involvement also allows Samantha to engage her business in activities that relate to its corporate social responsibility.

“Samantha’s contribution in this instance is not money, but her vision, knowledge and clarity of purpose to help shape The Hub’s development plans. “We are now confident of providing meaningful and effective opportunities for particular groups at The Hub, including those recovering from mental ill health, facing isolation or adults with learning disabilities,” adds Cathy.

“I’m incredibly proud that Domestic Angels has been associated with The Hub since its establishment 2 years ago,” says Samantha.

“It is a privilege to work on a project that has seen several people who originally came to The Hub for supported activities now attending some of the other classes and workshops, marking a real landmark in their journey to integrate with the wider community.”

Samantha and Cathy work with other professionals from the voluntary, public and private sectors in devising and delivering supported activities.

The Hub belongs to the Dorset Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership, the Dorset Arts and Older People Network and the European Network for Intergenerational Learning. It recently carried out research on behalf of Creative Care Dorset into the availability of the arts for health
and well being in the county.

Corporate Support Membership of The Hub costs just £30 for 2013 and a monthly newsletter reports on developments. Members are able to hire the venue for training, meetings, AGMs, recruitment drives, talks and showcases, for just £15 per hour instead of £25 per hour.