At this time of year, many people are reminded how vital it is that everyone has a safe, stable and decent home. Homelessness robs people of this basic need.
Today is Giving Tuesday – the antidote to Black Friday and a global day celebrating the power of giving. We are marking this day by recognising the potential of philanthropy in Oxfordshire, and understanding what we can do to help communities thrive post-pandemic.
Evidence shows that COVID-19 has a greater impact on black and brown people in terms of fatality, financial losses and other social impacts. A new collective of BAME-led charitable organisations in the county is arguing for more philanthropic investment in grassroots activity serving these communities.
The team set out their aspirations to address the needs of thousands of people in Oxfordshire who are not online. Their vision is that by 2025, the majority of those who are not currently online will have the digital access they need.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, on Sunday 10th October, was mental health in an unequal world. With World Homeless Day also falling on the same date, local charities have partnered to highlight how the two issues overlap, and signpost people to the support available.
Since the Government’s ‘everyone in’ initiative in response to COVID-19, partners in Oxfordshire Homeless Movement have worked tirelessly to keep people off the streets. Oxford City Council and partners have now helped more than 250 former rough sleepers into settled housing since the outbreak of the pandemic.
School children going back to school will need laptops to support them with their learning.
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.