The Big Society Network

exists to support and develop talent, innovation and enterprise to deliver social impact.

By working with business, philanthropists, charities and social ventures we believe we can unleash the social energy that exists in the UK to help build a better, healthier society.

Big Society Blog

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Flavorbox

Food Revolution Day – 19th May: Food for thought

Written by Ruben Kostucki, Flavrbox, one of our Nexters What if we lived in a world with no TESCO, no McDonalds and no chains whatsoever? What if the 21st Century still had only places where the food your grabbed was produced in a 100 mile radius (except that which cannot be produced in the country and needs to be imported) and...

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Special Effect

Technology and disability: making it work

Written by Mark Saville, Special Effect The headline’s straight out of Star Trek. ‘Paralysed patients use thoughts to control robotic arm'.  That’s the BBC news item this week about Cathy Hutchinson who, paralysed by a stroke 15 years ago, used a chip implanted in her brain to control a robotic arm to take a sip of coffee. It’s just one of the...

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Deloitte

Social enterprises can join the mainstream but need more support from Government and business to get there

News from Deloitte (Partner organisation of our Nexters programme) Social enterprises are already evidencing their potential to compete alongside conventional businesses and deliver high impact economic and social benefit, according to Deloitte, the business advisory firm.  However, the sector needs significant support from British business and Government to fulfil their growth potential, including preparing for, and securing, external investment. The findings are...

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Martyn Sibley

Personal and professional progress through technology

My name is Martyn Sibley, I have been disabled since birth with a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and I run my own social enterprise for disabled people. My condition means I require an electric wheelchair for all mobility, full-time care support for all everyday tasks, an adapted Motability car, and have a range of other equipment to assist me....

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You Can Hub

Technology levels the playing field

Written by Mel Findlater, Geek for Social Good at The You Can Hub Touchscreen technology enables people to better live to their full potential, no matter their age, experience, or ability. Assistive technology is by no means new. There are electric wheelchairs for mobility, emergency buttons and mobiles for the older community, and even specialised mice and keyboards for computers. So...

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