The free morning of presentations and discussion will take place at Guildhall, UCS’s learning and research base in Frankwell Quay, from 9am to 1pm, on Tuesday 19 June 2018.

The event will showcase the Senior Social Entrepreneuring (SSE) project, a European Union initiative UCS is taking part in alongside organisations across five other European countries. The project establishes a network of ‘Senior Social Change Brokers’ to exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences, to support them to be active in their communities, and to create activities and projects which make a difference.

Sabadell, 2018: Meeting of Senior Social Entrepreneurs and facilitators from France, Spain/Catalunya, Denmark, Bulgaria and Shropshire.’

The morning will provide an overview and explore how UCS can add to this work to be more responsive to local communities.

The event includes the chance to hear from Social Change Brokers supporting Shrewsbury Food Hub, which collects surplus food from supermarkets and redistributes it to local community groups, and Market Drayton Community Enterprise, which promotes social inclusion to improve health and wellbeing. Presentations will also be given by UCS staff and Chris Baker, Director of the Work and Learning Opportunities Community Interest Company, who has extensive experience in universities and community development, including establishing the Centre for Widening Participation at the Open University.

David Clarke, SSE Project Lead at UCS, said:

“This event will explore using the skills and experience of older people to bring change and enterprising actions to our communities.

“During the morning we will share the ideas behind SSE and provide an opportunity to engage in an open forum around the role that UCS could and should play in helping to support and enable capacity building in our communities in the coming years.

“We want to be responsive to the needs of the county – acting as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity, and seeking to maximise the potential of Shropshire, its citizens, communities and businesses.”

The event is free but booking is essential. To reserve your place please go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/senior-social-entrepreneuring-event-tickets-46653527958 or www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/public-events.

For any questions, please contact David Clarke at clarke.d@chester.ac.uk.

The event is part of a series at UCS covering a range of subjects. Many of the events are free, and they are open to everyone. For further details, please go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/public-events.