Last week we kicked off the 2026 Together for Wellbeing programme which brings together seven new social enterprises who are tackling some of the biggest issues faced by people today.
The competition was strong, with many applications of social entrepreneurs doing brilliant things within their communities and beyond. But these seven entrepreneurs really stood out to the judges when assessing, showing a real passion for the changes and impact they want to make with their respective organisations.
So without further ado, please meet the seven entrepreneurs joining us for the next 6-months!
Waltham Forest Adult Skills Centre CIC
Founded by Swaleh Abubakar
WFASC CIC provides adult learning, digital inclusion and wellbeing‑focused skills programmes for underserved adults in Waltham Forest.
They provide their community with:
- Free and low‑cost community learning workshops (digital skills, employability, ESOL support, confidence‑building)
- Partnership‑funded programmes with local organisations, charities and community hubs
- Commissioned training for local authorities and community partners
- Wellbeing‑focused learning pathways that support mental health prevention through confidence, connection and skills development
Their approach blends education, empowerment and early‑intervention wellbeing support for those who need it, covering a range of different areas.
Learn more about WFASC CIC here.
Mile Rainbow CIC
Founded by Hong Zhou
Hong Zhou MBBS MSc MPH MHFA is a Preventive Medicine Specialist with NHS experience and Founder of Multi-Award-Winning Mile Rainbow CIC (MR.CIC). She created the Emotional Vaccine, a prevention-focused wellbeing model that helps individuals and organisations build emotional resilience and emotional intelligence before stress escalates into burnout, sickness absence and avoidable organisational costs.
Drawing on over 20 years of professional experience in healthcare, public health and wellbeing, Hong is passionate about prevention, workforce wellbeing, health equity and inclusion. Under her leadership, MR.CIC’s programmes have reached more than 4,400 participants across NHS organisations, local authorities, universities, workplaces and community settings.
MR.CIC has received the Health & Wellness Enterprise Award from the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, won the Pride of Waltham Forest Enterprise for All Award, and was a finalist at the National BAME Health & Care Awards and NatWest SE100 Impact Pioneer Awards.
Hong is committed to helping organisations move from reactive support towards proactive prevention, creating healthier, more resilient and sustainable workplaces and communities.
Learn more about Mile Rainbow CIC here.
"We are grateful to Impact Hub London and People's Postcode Lottery - Evaluate Your Impact for this opportunity to learn, connect and grow alongside an inspiring cohort. We look forward to the journey ahead."
Urban Trailblazers CIC
Founded by Hildreth Alexander
Urban Trailblazer CIC is a West London social enterprise using gardening, creativity, and practical learning to reduce loneliness, build confidence, and support emotional health. We work with young people, carers, and underrepresented communities through nature-based activities, AQA-accredited programmes, and welcoming social spaces that encourage connection, personal growth, and resilience.
Learn more about Urban Trailblazers CIC here.
Divergent Thinking
Founded by Nathaniel Hawley
Divergent Thinking is a neurodivergent-led social enterprise helping organisations build more neuroinclusive workplaces and learning environments. We deliver practical training, consultancy and resources on neurodiversity, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism, translating neuroscience and lived experience into clear, usable strategies. Our work supports teams to improve communication, confidence and inclusion so neurodivergent people can participate, contribute and thrive.
Learn more about Divergent Thinking here.
"For me, neuroinclusion has always been inseparable from wellbeing. When systems are not designed with neurodivergent people in mind, the cost is too often carried by individuals through masking, stress, exclusion and burnout. That is why this programme feels so aligned with the work we are building at Divergent Thinking. Looking forward to learning, connecting and strengthening our impact through the Together for Wellbeing programme."
Balance Together
Founded by Shakana Acheampong
Balance Together CIC aims to support individuals facing homelessness and hardship by helping them reintegrate into society through access to basic needs, employment skills, and mental health support. The focus is on empowering people to rebuild their independence through long-term solutions. This would include providing free shower facilities and enabling those in need to access safe shelter at no cost with an employment programme.
Learn more about Balance Together here.
"When I first started Balance Together , I was simply trying to take my experiences and turn them into something substantial that could help others facing homelessness and hardship. I never imagined some of the opportunities that would come from taking that first step. Over the next six months, I’ll be learning alongside an amazing cohort of other organisations, working to learn how to create positive change while continuing to develop the vision behind Balance Together in the best way possible."
Health in the Margins
Founded by Julianna Smith
Health in the Margins is a London-based Community Interest Company (CIC) and social enterprise working to advance health equity by centring community wisdom, lived experience, and leadership in the systems that shape health policy, evidence, and care.
They envision a world where epistemic justice is restored where frontline communities lead the way in healing, health knowledge, and care practices. To achieve this, we practice epistemic disobedience challenging systems that silence, erase, and marginalise us, while reclaiming our rightful place as leaders, knowledge-holders, and healers.
Learn more about Health in the Margins here.
Urban Rise
Founded by Abdirahman Ahmad
At Urban Rise, they empower communities with the tools and knowledge to achieve financial independence and thrive in today’s economy.
Urban Rise is a dynamic financial literacy organisation that has emerged in response to the urgent need for financial education amongst young people in the UK. Our mission is to empower individuals in inner-city communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the complexities of personal finance.
With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by urban populations, Urban Rise strives to bridge the gap between financial literacy and real-life application. We believe that everyone deserves access to the tools necessary for long-term financial success, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Learn more about Urban Rise here.
Seven brilliant, innovative and impactful social enterprises who we hope you will get to know over the next few months alongside us!
