SODES is a registered charity and has been in existence since 2003. It is a community business that brings together like-minded individuals and organisations to develop and influence the role of Somali people in the Birmingham social and economic environment and achieve a positive lifestyle objective in health, education, inclusion, regeneration and dealing with crime. 

The organisation seeks to support the weak and vulnerable from the Somali community through improvements in a number of key lifestyle areas including:

·        Self esteem.

·        Health & healthy living

·        Education & Training

·        Employment

·        Citizenship

·        Cultural & Racial harmony

·        Community identity

·        Crime reduction

·        Youth club

·        Day centre activities for the elderly

·        Mental health services

·        Women development programmes

SODES facilitates the development, promotion, research, education, operation, management and delivery of these benefits. This is underpinned by the need to develop a culture that encourages a sense of identity, belonging, self-respect, responsibility and enthusiasm that is often missing from many communities. The organisation operates in East Birmingham and is located in the Enterprising Communities area.