Prime Minister invites resident to Downing Street

Resident Wale Yusuff outside ten Downing Street on Social Enterprise Day

4 December 2009

Southern Housing Group resident, Wale Yusuff, who lives at Parkside Place (formerly Market Estate) in Islington, was invited to Downing Street to mark Social Enterprise Day on 19 November 2009.

Social Enterprise Day aims to inspire the next generation of social entrepreneurs, celebrating and recognising the work of current social entrepreneurs in the UK. With the support of Southern Housing Group, Wale set up his own business, Drivers Edge UK, earlier this year.

Wale was awarded funding by the Group’s social and economic regeneration arm, the Foundation, to undertake a course with the School for Social Entrepreneurs. The year-long course gave Wale the know-how and confidence to make his business a success.

Drivers Edge aims to educate young people about driving safety, and provides a training package, including workshops, seminars and the Driver’s Edge Motoring School.

To mark the success of his community-focused enterprise, Wale took part in a reception at Downing Street, and met Gordon Brown, Tessa Jowell and other prominent industry figures.

Wale said:

“Visiting ten Downing Street for Social Enterprise Day was the experience of a lifetime. In his address, the Prime Minister said to us, ‘you should be proud of what you're doing; you're changing lives, which means you're changing the world’. It was an honour to be involved, and I’ll remember that message for a long time to come.

“I’m really grateful to Southern Housing Group for recognising my business potential. I know first-hand the suffering caused by reckless driving, and I’m committed to providing young adults, teenagers and next generation drivers with the mentoring they need to stay safe.”

Community Regeneration Manager, Palma Black, said:

“Wale’s achievements and ambitions are inspirational. His business model will benefit both himself and the community. We were pleased to sponsor Wale and wish him the best of luck.

“Southern Housing Group continually strives to improve the lives of residents in the communities and neighbourhoods where we build and manage homes. Through funding and project work, we support and nurture our residents.”

Wale found out about the Foundation funding through a member of staff at his estate, who recommended the course to him.

For further information about Southern Housing Group and the Foundation, go to www.shgroup.org.uk

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Caledonian Park, Holloway, Islington

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