Portsmouth, UK – Stripy Lightbulb CIC, a social enterprise dedicated to improving the lives of those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.), has recently been re-verified by Good Market as a People and Planet First social enterprise. This announcement comes at a crucial time, as Social Enterprise Day 2025 and the increasing number of individuals affected by M.E./C.F.S. coincide.
In the UK, M.E./C.F.S. still lacks NHS provision, with limited understanding among healthcare professionals and inadequate research funding compared to other conditions of similar prevalence and impact. This leads to stigma, neglect, and inadequate support for those living with the condition. However, Stripy Lightbulb CIC has been tirelessly working since 2018 to break down barriers and bring about lasting change.
The mission of Stripy Lightbulb CIC is to benefit the M.E./C.F.S. community in three ways: reducing stigma, improving support, and funding research. The organization achieves this by offering training to dismantle harmful misconceptions, equipping professionals and organizations with accurate knowledge, and donating 50% of their surplus to biomedical research into M.E./C.F.S. By supporting Stripy Lightbulb CIC, partners and communities are actively contributing to addressing one of the most pressing health equity challenges of our time.
Founder and Managing Director of Stripy Lightbulb CIC, Sally Callow, stated, “The M.E./C.F.S. community is facing a crisis of neglect, with no NHS provision, minimal professional knowledge, and inequitable research funding. It’s a huge mountain to climb, but Stripy Lightbulb CIC has been working tirelessly since 2018 to dismantle stigma, improve support, and fund the research that is so desperately needed. Being re-verified as a People and Planet First social enterprise is not just recognition of our work, it’s a call to action: together, we can build an economy that puts compassion, justice, and sustainability at its core.”
Good Market’s verification process for People and Planet First is based on five core criteria, all of which Stripy Lightbulb CIC proudly demonstrates alignment with. These include prioritizing purpose over profit, being socially and environmentally responsible, practicing transparency and accountability, promoting fair trade practices, and contributing to sustainability.
As a growing movement, Stripy Lightbulb CIC is honored to stand alongside thousands of enterprises worldwide that are working towards reshaping the economy and prioritizing people and planet. Together, they are proving that even in the face of immense challenges, lasting change is achievable.
ENDS
