In 2025, we launched our mental health innovation incubator to support early-stage social enterprises.
The Mental Health Incubator was a six-month programme delivered by Impact Hub London and supported by People’s Postcode Lottery.
The programme brought together eight early-stage social enterprises working on preventative approaches to mental health – addressing the wider social and systemic factors that shape wellbeing.
Through workshops, mentoring and peer learning, the incubator supported founders to develop sustainable business models, strengthen their impact, and grow solutions that support healthier communities.
Mental health challenges are shaped by a wide range of social determinants – including poverty, access to nutritious food, housing stability, education and community connection.
The Together for Wellbeing incubator focused on preventative and community-led approaches, supporting social entrepreneurs already working within their communities to tackle these underlying causes. By supporting early-stage organisations, the programme aimed to:
Over six months, participating enterprises received a structured programme of learning, mentorship, and ecosystem support designed to help them grow their impact.
Participants took part in expert-led sessions in topics such as building a sustainable business model and how to get funding ready.
Each entrepreneur was matched with experienced mentors who provided tailored guidance and support throughout the programme.
Regular clinics with the Impact Hub London team provided hands-on support for operational challenges, strategy development, and growth planning.
Cohort sessions created space for collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support between founders tackling similar challenges.
She Believes She Can CIC focuses on providing coaching, mentoring, and support to women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Their goal is to empower women to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. They offer services like workshops and one-on-one sessions that help with confidence-building and practical skills for living independently.
UFFO Athletic and Leisure Group is a social enterprise that aims to reduce physical inactivity, social isolation, and improve mental well-being for Somali and Muslim communities in London. They provide culturally appropriate sports and physical activities, including walking sessions, athletics, and football, as well as traditional board games. They have successfully delivered school holiday sports camps in Wandsworth and wish to expand the program.
Quest Soul Theatre CIC uses theatre as a tool for personal development and social change. They offer workshops, performances, and other creative projects that help people explore their emotions, build self-confidence, and connect with their community. Their work is designed to promote well-being and a sense of belonging through artistic expression.
Atypify addresses the social inequality and underrepresentation of neurodivergent girls, women, and non-binary individuals in the tech industry.
They offer training and opportunities to to create inclusive, accessible pathways into technology-based careers by equipping young people with the confidence, skills, and exposure needed to thrive. The organization aims to bridge the digital divide and provide pathways to careers in the tech industry, particularly for those who are neurodivergent.
Unity Matters CIC supports families by providing stay-and-play sessions with a focus on learning, as well as parenting courses, coaching, and one-to-one sessions. They apply for funding to deliver free activities that support families’ emotional well-being, promote attachment, and encourage father-inclusive practices. They have successfully brought up to 50 male carers together for a weekly stay-and-play session in Lambeth.
Asian Community Concern exists to promote social wellbeing and community cohesion. They do this through a holistic programme of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, digital skills training, employment-focused workshops, wellbeing activities, and food and essentials distribution. By providing safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive spaces, ACC help people build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive.
The Healthy Key Ltd provides programs and resources to help people, particularly those in underserved communities, make positive lifestyle changes. Their focus is on promoting physical fitness, healthy eating, and emotional well-being to combat isolation and improve overall health. They have supported women who were isolated to become actively engaged in group activities and community life.
CoCreate Hackney operates the CoHub, a resident-led well-being and innovation space in Hackney. Their model provides free well-being support for residents, including crisis bundles, trauma-informed recovery groups, and redistribution of clothing and household items ,while also generating income through training, consultancy, and space hire. They reuse and redistribute clothing and household items.
Practical tools to navigate the challenges of launching and growing an early-stage social enterprise.
Training and technical knowledge needed to deliver impactful mental health solutions.
Connections to peers, mentors, and sector experts across London’s social innovation ecosystem.
Support to become more funding-ready and better positioned for investment and grant opportunities.
"It was very engaging and empowering programme. Peer support group session was good to interact with other participants. Mouli had been very supportive all through our journey and guided us more to achieve our best."
Philomina Noel, Participant
"This programme has shifted me from thinking like a founder driven by heart alone to thinking like a leader building something that will last." Cynthia Kesington, Participant
"The Together for Wellbeing Programme, in collaboration with People's Postcode Lottery, is a brilliant example of what happens when a hub truly shows up for its community. Six months of dedicated support, mentorship, and connection for social entrepreneurs working at the intersection of health and inclusion. This is Impact Hub at its best! " Alfredo Villalonga, Co-Managing Director at Impact Hub Network
