Film star Michael Sheen will speak about his community activism at a major social enterprise event in Edinburgh later this year

Actor Michael Sheen will speak at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh in September about campaigning for community rights and social and economic welfare.

The Welsh actor, who as starred in Hollywood films such as Twilight, Tron and Frost/Nixon, is President of the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action and Social Enterprise UK.

Sheen has been spotted in Scotland several times recently visiting local credit unions, which he is promoting as part of his End High Cost Credit campaign.

The campaign may be one of the issues he will discuss at the Social Enterprise World Forum on 12 September.

Commenting on the event Sheen said: “I am delighted to participate in this event with people who are passionate about tackling poverty, addressing inequality, and seeking social justice. Social enterprises are fundamental to this and I look forward to engaging with local and international social enterprises and their inspirational leaders.”

Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS) is hosting the Social Enterprise World Forum in 2018, a decade after hosting the first world forum in 2008.

It runs from 12 to 14 September and also includes a week-long programme of activities and study tours where international delegates can visit local social enterprises throughout Scotland, including the Highland and Islands, as well as transit programmes in London and Dublin.

Gerry Higgins, chief executive for CEIS, commented: “We are thrilled to confirm Michael as a keynote speaker at the event. As a social enterprise ambassador Michael can bring social enterprise awareness to a broad audience, including people who will become social enterprise customers, employees and volunteers. One of the aims of this forum is to get the general public involved in social enterprise and Michael's support is critical to achieving this.”

Tickets for the Social Enterprise World Forum are on sale now.