Collaboration matters: UCLB celebrates the Launch of London Social Ventures

Last week UCLB attended and presented at the launch of London Social Ventures, a collaborative initiative that promises to invigorate social innovation in the capital. Ana Lemmo Charnalia, Senior Business Manager, Physical Sciences & Engineering, Social Ventures, says the initative has the potential to address some of the capital’s most pressing challenges, from sustainability and inclusivity to mental health. 

London Social Ventures sees some of London’s leading universities, businesses, and civic organisations coming together to support social ventures – enterprises that prioritise social impact over profit. By providing funding, mentorship, and networks, London Social Ventures aims to create a powerful ecosystem for social ventures. 

With support from Research England, and partnerships that include Barclays Eagle Labs, Sodexo, and the Mayor’s Office, London Social Ventures has launched its Advanced Support Programme to incubate and grow 14 university-led social ventures. Together with UCL and Queen Mary University of London, we’re proud to work alongside universities and organisations that are committed to social change and excited to highlight UCLB’s five ventures that are joining this initiative. 

TrimTots: Promoting healthy eating through play 

One of the most pressing health challenges is childhood obesity. TrimTots aims to combat this issue by engaging families with young children in immersive, healthy eating programmes. Using puppetry, interactive workshops, and play-based learning, TrimTots creates positive and lasting health impacts for young participants, helping to prevent obesity and its associated complications. 

EDRAF: Expanding access to credit through inclusive data 

EDRAF focuses on providing access to credit and financial inclusivity for under-represented communities. Utilising ethnographic knowledge and advanced technology, EDRAF offers reliable credit ratings and risk assessments, addressing the socio-economic impact of lending to these communities. This work showcases the impact of cross-disciplinary collaboration, with the potential to transform financial accessibility in underserved populations. 

Diversity Data Hub: Advancing workplace inclusivity 

As diversity and inclusivity in the workplace become increasingly critical, Diversity Data Hub is pioneering a data-led collaboration between UCL and major UK employers. Going beyond the high-level demographics often found in diversity reporting, this hub delves into why certain groups face barriers to entry-level roles across sectors. By shedding light on these insights, Diversity Data Hub empowers companies to create more inclusive hiring practices. 

START: Supporting carers of people with dementia 

Caring for someone with dementia can be isolating and challenging, often leading to carer burnout. START (STrAtegies for RelaTives) provides evidence-based therapeutic support to family carers, helping reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and enhancing their quality of life. Developed by UCL researchers, START has shown both clinical and cost-effectiveness, and now, through London Social Ventures, it has the potential to reach even more carers in need of support. 

Wellspring: Tackling consent 

The necessity for transparent, robust, comprehensive and individualised consent processes in the women’s health and maternity care sphere has been highlighted by the 2014 Montgomery Ruling, which stipulated that consent processes should include what a ‘reasonable patient’ would wish to know about a proposed treatment and intervention.   

Wellspring’s online platform allows women and their families with an immersive, interactive and scalable resource which provides accurate, up-to-date and evidence-based information about procedures and processes in women’s health. For doctors and healthcare professionals, Wellspring helps them improve and supplement their practice by ensuring that women are aware of the material risks involved in treatment and are aware of reasonable alternatives.    

 

This is of course, just the beginning for London Social Ventures, and we look forward to helping shape its long-term vision to foster a self-sustaining fund that will support social ventures across London and eventually, throughout the UK.  

By connecting world-leading research to the impact economy, London Social Ventures will address significant societal issues, creating innovative solutions for a healthier, more inclusive future. 

Further information:

London Social Ventures

Discover UCLB Social Ventures

Meet our Social Ventures Team

More about London Social Ventures

 

Image Credit: ASV Photography