A SOCIAL enterprise group is celebrating two years of work in Bath and North East Somerset.

Coming to the region in 2023, Community Catalysts has supported the launch of 37 new community micro-enterprises, created 43 local jobs, and connected 178 residents with personalised support.

Other services include personal care, home help, light domestic duties, shopping, prescription pick-up, taking clients to doctors appointments or out on social trips to keep connected to friends and family.

It is a social enterprise group that looks to create partnerships to try and make people feel like they are part of a community with opportunities to run their enterprises.

These enterprises can range from small businesses to running activities for those in the local community, from doing a painting class to inclusive yoga to language classes.

Community Catalyst helps support enterprises to follow regulations, market what they offer, teach them marketing opportunities and help them feel like part of the community.

These 37 enterprises have completed the social enterprise group’s development programme, working alongside them to make sure the enterprise’s business is legal, safe and sustainable.

The micro-enterprises Community Catalysts support provides a wide range of services, from personal care and companionship to life coaching, Nordic walking, gardening and online support — these micro-enterprises are reimagining care in Bath and North East Somerset by delivering 540 hours of support every week.

An enterprise owner in the Somer Valley said: “Joining the programme changed my life. I’ve built a business supporting six clients in my community.”

Community Catalysts collaborates with a wide range of local partners, including the Community Wellbeing Hub, Village Agents, Curo Choice and 3SG, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most, from urban centres to rural villages.

Michael Auton, who works in Bath and North East Somerset for Community Catalysts, said: “This isn’t just about starting businesses. It’s about unlocking potential, creating choice in homecare, and building a network of trusted support that’s rooted in the local community.”

Community Catalysts have 12 new enterprises looking to complete its development program, as well as plans to expand across the county.

All help provided by the social enterprise group is free and it is supported by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Community Catalysts aims to support people in using their talents to deliver care or support in their communities.

In April, Community Catalyst Bath and North East Somerset celebrated two years of supporting new community enterprises providing home care and support for vulnerable adults across the county.

They also support community initiatives offering dance lessons to help improve balance and falls prevention, Nordic walking classes, life coaching to advice on pain management, photography activities supporting people with mental health challenges, and group and one to one counselling for cancer patients.

Community Catalysts work across the whole Bath and North East Somerset, with new enterprises in Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Westfield, Keynsham, Bath and the Chew Valley.

Those looking to find out more can contact Michael Auton via the email [email protected] or call 07443 191851.