Kathy Hopkin Joins Co-operative Futures and the USE-IT! Programme

Co-operative Futures are pleased to welcome Kathy Hopkin to the organisation, and to the USE IT! Programme. USE IT! is an exciting and innovative programme to create a new ‘place-based’ community of social entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals who want effect positive change in their local neighbourhoods. Kathy is joining the programme as Social Enterprise Advisor, and will be responsible for providing support to existing and start-up community businesses in the area, as well as enabling local residents to access work experience placements within existing social enterprises.

Kathy brings with her a wealth of experience in community development and social enterprise support, having previously worked in a similar support role, and also for a multi-million pound funding scheme in Scotland. She has experience of establishing a worker’s co-operative herself, and is currently a director for Community Energy Birmingham, a community renewables co-operative.

“I am excited to start working for Co-operative Futures on the USE IT! Programme, as this part of Birmingham and Smethwick has great potential in terms of upcoming developments in the area. I hope to empower and enable the local community to take advantage of these opportunities, and strengthen local economies within the patch.”

If you have an idea for a community business and would like some advice and guidance, please get in touch with Kathy for a chat on 07419 213 457 or via kathy.hopkin@futures.coop