You're presenting a solution to an important social or environmental problem. What makes your solution more effective than past or existing ones? What is the key innovation behind it? Consider how you'll use new methods, ideas, or processes to tackle the issue.


Exercise:

Complete the below exercises to help you identify your Social Innovation.


1.
Compare with Existing Solutions

Research and list existing solutions or approaches to the problem you are addressing. Identify strengths and weaknesses in those solutions.

Example:
• Employee assistance programmes and Mental health charities already offer support focused on improving mental health.

Weaknesses: Many of these programmes often offer a broad range of services, which may not be tailored specifically to target men aged 30 - 50. Men in the UK are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women, with suicide rates for men aged 40 - 50 being over 3x higher than for women.


2.
Highlight Unique Features

List key features of your project and identify what makes your solution unique or better.

Example:
Unique Feature:
Specifically targets men in the 30 - 50 age group.

Comparison: Many mental health programmes offer generalised support without focusing on the specific needs of this demographic, which can result in less effective interventions.

Example Project Mission: We improve mental well-being for men aged 30-50 by providing free, community-focused mental health support, funded through revenue generated from offering paid wellness programmes to businesses.

Social Innovation Example…

“A business model that uses revenue from corporate wellness programmes to fund free mental health support for men aged 30-50.”


Write your Social Innovation statement on your Canvas sheet and then click to continue below…