Social Enterprise
Under the Social Value Act 2012 (SVA) we aim to deliver significant social value to the local community as a social enterprise.
‘Social value’refers to the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of a community and its citizens.
Social value considers far more than just financial benefits and includes outcomes such as happiness, wellbeing, health, inclusion, empowerment, poverty and the environment.
The legal framework for social enterprises requires us to consider a number of areas including: compliance with the SVA, returning value for money and return on investment, managing demand and mitigating budget changes, increased local employment and growth, public health and wellbeing benefits, community resilience, and joint working around commissioning and procurement.
Some of these issues are particularly relevant for Catalyst.
Our most recent annual social value report 2020/21 showed that:
Of our clients......
55% reported either a large or very large improvement in their understanding of themselves with 34% reporting a fair improvement
44% reported either a large or very large improvement in their ability to cope with their problem(s) with 34% reporting a fair improvement
Self-confidence and esteem showed either a fair, large or very large increase for 77% of individuals
50% saw either a large or very large improvement in their ability to manage their work/life balance and for 16.5% a fair improvement
50% felt that their family relationships had either significantly or very significantly improved as a result of their counselling with 30% stating there had been a fair improvement
Of the service/agency......
100% were very satisfied with first contact and ease of using the service
100% with the professionalism, understanding, impartiality and skill of the counsellors
100% with the overall quality of service provided
30% said they had used counselling as an alternative to medication
100% would either use the service again if needed or recommend to someone else
Other comments……
"counsellor has been kind, understanding and extremely supportive"
“have made positive improvements in all aspects of my life"
“couldn't have got where I am today without your help..... massive thank you"
“issues from over thirty years ago have been finally sorted to a position I am comfortable with”
“has seen me through a difficult period in my life and I feel more able to cope”
“has given me validity to my thoughts and feelings..... clear clarity and progress from the sessions”
“I am very much looking forward to moving on in life and seeing what the future holds..... has turned my perspective on myself totally around”
"steered us through some turbulence with flexibility and compassion"
In line with findings from similar organisations, academic research and our own data, overwhelming evidence shows that counselling can transform clients' lives.
And in so doing makes a significant impact for the better, not only for individuals, but also directly and indirectly to the wellbeing of the local community at all levels.
We are members of Social Enterprise UK.
