Innovative social enterprise hailed as uplifting and inspiring by Government minister

An innovative social enterprise which is being rolled out across Shropshire has been hailed as “uplifting and inspiring” by a Government minister.

People2People is an independent, community-based, social work practice established two years ago, and – as of 1 April 2014 – now delivers all of Shropshire’s community social work and occupational therapy services for older people and those with disabilities.

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, visited the People2People head office in Shrewsbury on Wednesday 2 April 2014 to hear more about the project.

He met staff and volunteers from the social enterprise, along with senior officers and councillors from Shropshire Council, which helped to establish the scheme.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“We had a very interesting discussion with the minister about social enterprises, and how they can provide excellent services for people.

“He was particularly impressed with the level of commitment and passion being shown by volunteers and staff.”

Francis Maude said:

“People enjoy working for mutual enterprises like this because they can get on and do things.  People always say they end up working harder than they did before and they are more fulfilled.

“The psychological and emotional ownership from staff and volunteers can be very powerful.  I love visiting mutual enterprises like this because I always find them uplifting and inspiring, and that is certainly the case here.”

People2People is a social enterprise and a mutual which aims to make social work accountable to local people, some of whom take an active part in its day-to-day practice working as volunteers, as well as being represented on the board of directors.

It works in close partnership with Shropshire Council and the vast majority of its staff are seconded to the enterprise.

The service has made a number of positive achievements, including reducing bureaucracy, strengthening natural and community networks around a person, and maximizing the person’s independence and resilience.

Staff are more in control of how they work and have most recently delivered drop-in sessions in the local communities to provide information and advice.