We are encouraging Banbury businesses, groups and organisations to become age friendly and adopt the Age Friendly Banbury Pledge to unite the town in being mindful of its older residents and how they access services local to them.
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.
Kate Fyson has stepped down from the OCF trustee board, as she reached the end of her three year term of office. We wish to thank her for all her support.
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.
After over five years at OCF, Katy Smith is stepping down as Finance Manager. We welcome Helen Saunders, who recently joined the team.
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.
We are delighted to welcome Sara Fernandez and Estella Wild to our Board of Trustees, who both bring their knowledge and experience in the voluntary sector, across mental health and social action. Their enthusiasm and ability will enable OCF to succeed in reaching the next stage of its development.
Made By Sport officially launches its ‘Clubs In Crisis’ fund to coincide with the date that sports clubs can begin to meet outdoors again. UK Community Foundations have teamed up with Made By Sport to offer local sports clubs and organisations the opportunity to apply for a grant which can help support young people as they start to recover from the effects of the latest lockdown.