Give your idea a chance with Downpatrick Soup

Give your idea a chance with Downpatrick Soup

7 October 2015

THERE will be a unique networking event in Downpatrick next Friday for those engaged in social enterprise.

The Social Enteprise Hub is set to host Downpatrick Soup, which is open to everyone involved in social enterprise.

Taken from an American networking model, Downpatrick Soup is designed to encourage conversations about new projects and ideas among people interested in working towards the common good.

A supper of soup will be served at the event, which will encourage new social enterprise.

Several organisations will take part, including an arts service for those at risk of suicide or involved in the criminal justice system, a music cooperative working with young people interested in starting their own businesses and a health and well-being company that provides alternative therapies to deal with mental health issues and stress. They will each be given the opportunity to present their work in return for the opportunity to win the money raised through the £5 entrance fee. 

A representative from each social enterprise organisation will have four minutes to present their work, followed by questions, discussion and debate for a chance to win the money raised.  The winner will be voted for by the attendees.

This is one of a series of events that will be held at the hub, which is a meeting place for people with ideas and solutions to help tackle local need.

Part social enterprise space, part community centre, the hub provides a collaborative working space and a platform to launch new social enterprise businesses, create employment, volunteering opportunities and practical based work experience, generating income to reinvest into meeting local needs. 

Since it was launched over a year ago it has supported more than 60 groups and social entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and plans for future growth.  

The hub offers a meeting room, workshop, hot-desk facilities, therapy space, performance space and test-trading space free to individuals and groups exploring social enterprise.

Downpatrick Soup will take place on Friday, October 9, from 7pm-10pm at the Social Enterprise Hub at Market Street, Downpatrick.