The Social Entrepreneur: Making Communities Work

When Andrew Mawson arrived in Bromley-by-Bow in the east end of London, in the 1980s, it was in a state of social, economic and material disrepair. Living there, getting to know the residents and institutions, he soon realized that by unlocking its untapped potential, the community could begin to turn itself around. The result: the Bromley-by-Bow Centre has encouraged literacy, housing, business, health, welfare and enterprise in the area to flourish. Time and again using the same approach, Mawson has succeeded where the government and others have failed. His inspiring and timely book will demonstrate, through his own experience how, by seeking creative, dynamic, entrepreneurial ways of tackling seemingly intractable social problems, we can all make real changes in our communities.

Andrew Mawson's career in the social sector has spanned over 20 years. He developed the renowned Bromley-By-Bow Centre in East London and co-founded the Community Action Network in 1998. He is currently involved in developing London's Water City. He was awarded a Life Peerage in 2007 and sits on the cross-benches in the House of Lords.