As temporary accommodation at Canterbury House had to be handed back, five people with no recourse to public funds were at risk of returning to rough sleeping. Thanks to a rapid response from University College and other partners in Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, these people are now safely housed.
The Bishop takes up the honorary role in support of OCF’s work to improve lives by addressing social and economic disadvantage in Oxfordshire, and is committed to building stronger relationships between the Anglican Diocese and local communities.
Ian will bring extensive business and consultancy experience to OCF, alongside his passion for local communities, which was cemented in his roles on the boards of the local Clinical Commissioning Group and a school academy trust.
We are pleased to welcome Mundher to OCF, who has just completed his first year at Oxford University. He will work primarily on our Getting Oxfordshire Online initiative during his five-week placement.
The pandemic has highlighted that lack of online access is a serious issue that limits people’s life chances and wellbeing. Getting Oxfordshire Online will refurbish devices donated by the public and local businesses for school children, isolated older people and others in need.
Oxford had the chance to showcase the innovative support provided for people experiencing homelessness in the city with a visit from HRH The Earl of Wessex. Partners from Oxfordshire Homeless Movement greeted The Earl and shared how local organisations had adapted their work in response to the pandemic.
Local charity support network Oxfordshire All (OAI) In has consulted widely on the new Equality Framework, which aims to help the sector to make progress in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) faster by sharing ideas and knowledge. CEOs from across the county’s charities, including OCF, have made personal pledges to increase diversity and representation in their organisations.
The theme of Monawar’s Shrieval Year will be thanking and celebrating Oxfordshire’s COVID-19 heroes – people who have made exceptional contributions to their communities during the pandemic.
As she reaches the end of her year as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Amanda has been touring the county presenting awards to the many grassroots community groups and charities she has met since April 2020. Despite the pandemic, Amanda has succeeded in raising awareness and funds for a huge number of causes, and used her awards as a chance to recognise the hard work and dedication of the voluntary sector.
Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is seeking a Chair with the enthusiasm and ability to enable the foundation to succeed in reaching the next stage of its development.