Empowering Communities: The Citizen First Model
27/01/2025
Discover how James Green, founder of Public Life, is reshaping social entrepreneurship with the Citizen First Incubator Model. This approach empowers residents to tackle challenges in their communities through innovation, collaboration, and grassroots engagement. Here are the key takeaways:
Citizen First Incubator Model:
Offers 12 months of support with a real living wage to budding social entrepreneurs.
Focuses on financial security, inclusive opportunities, and intensive mentorship.
Recruitment is based on lived experience and passion, not CVs.
Impact Highlights:
Karen and Jessica’s Trusted Money Confidence programme saved their community £150,000, using peer-to-peer financial coaching.
Invisible Creations, inspired by lived experience, redesigned assistive products, now stocked at B&Q and developed with the Royal College of Art.
Challenges and Innovations:
Breaking the cycle of social inequalities by giving power to those with lived experience.
Encouraging authentic engagement and trust-building to reshape governance and service delivery.
Bold Call to Action:
James proposes a nationwide Citizen Incubator led by a coalition of housing providers to drive scalable, community-led solutions.
Learn More:
Visit Public Life for resources.
Explore the University of Essex’s evaluation report highlighting a £6.26 social return for every £1 invested.
How can you empower your community today?
What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
Influence Policy and Advocacy:
Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
Gain access to Healthy Homes Hub’s regular newsletters, expert analysis, and resources. Stay informed about trends, regulations, and innovative practices that affect housing professionals.
Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
Only members can upgrade to Housing Sage, a cutting-edge AI assistant tailored to social housing professionals. Benefit from personalised insights, regulatory guidance, and innovative ideas to enhance your operations.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
