A Greenwich entrepreneur who swapped a career in law for healthcare is encouraging other local people to consider starting their own community care businesses with support from the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Banke Agbaje, founder of Sacred Heart Healthcare, has shared her journey as part of the council's Community Micro-Enterprise Programme, which provides free support to residents looking to turn ideas for care and community services into sustainable businesses.
Originally trained as a lawyer, Banke later worked on NHS projects before deciding she wanted a career where she could make a more direct difference to people's lives.
She retrained as a mental health nurse before taking the next step and establishing her own business, providing personalised care and support to people in their own homes.
Giving back to Greenwich
Banke's decision to move into care was influenced by her own experiences.
Having previously spent time in care herself, she wanted to give something back to Greenwich and the community which had supported her when she needed help.
Sacred Heart Healthcare now supports residents across Greenwich and Kent, employing a team of five people and helping people to continue living independently in their own homes.
Banke said her aim was to provide an alternative to a more traditional approach to care.
“I wanted to create something that moved away from traditional task-driven care towards care that is more personal, flexible, compassionate and truly centred around each individual and the relationships that matter most to them.”
She added:
“Starting my own business wasn’t always easy, but the support I received gave me the confidence to grow. If you have a passion for helping people, don’t underestimate what you can achieve.”
Free support for Greenwich entrepreneurs
Banke is one of a number of entrepreneurs to receive help through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Community Micro-Enterprise Programme, delivered in partnership with Community Catalysts.
The free programme is designed to help residents develop small businesses providing care and support within their communities.
Participants can receive advice, mentoring and practical guidance covering areas including regulations, training, insurance and business development.
Support can continue after a business has been established, helping local entrepreneurs develop and explore new ways of working.
Sacred Heart Healthcare has most recently received funding to investigate becoming a co-operative, where those involved in an organisation can share responsibility and have a greater say in how it operates.
Banke hopes the model could help create a stronger and more sustainable organisation while keeping people, community and personalised care at the centre of the business.
Council wants more residents to get involved
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Greenwich Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities, said Banke's experience demonstrated what could be achieved when residents receive support to develop their ideas.
“Banke’s story shows what’s possible when local people are supported to turn their passion and experience into something that benefits their community.
“Community micro-enterprises provide personalised, flexible support that helps people live independently while creating local jobs and stronger neighbourhoods.”
Councillor Lolavar said the scheme also supports the ambitions contained within the borough's new Health and Adult Services Vision 2026–2031, which aims to help residents remain well and independent for longer while giving people greater choice over the support they receive.
She added that the council wanted to hear from more people and organisations interested in developing community-led services.
Could you start a community micro-enterprise?
The programme isn't limited to people who already work within the care sector.
Greenwich Council says residents who are already supporting people, considering a career change or have an idea which could improve life within their community are encouraged to find out more.
Banke is also taking over the council's social media channels from Monday to Thursday this week, sharing more about her experience of establishing Sacred Heart Healthcare, lessons she has learnt and the support she received through the programme.
Anyone interested in the Community Micro-Enterprise Programme can contact Greenwich Council at community.micro.enterprise@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or find further information through the Royal Borough of Greenwich website.
Residents looking for existing small community care and support services in the borough can also browse the Small Good Stuff directory.
Charing Cross and Waterloo East reopen after £20m railway upgrade
Firefighters tackle large grass fire in Woolwich
Free summer holiday clubs for kids!
