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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The project will help people experiencing homelessness who are not eligible for any public funds due to their immigration status – which effectively leaves them destitute. Oxfordshire Homeless Movement is raising funds to support these people to lead productive lives in Oxfordshire.
All of Oxfordshire’s councils have agreed to work towards a housing-led approach to preventing and ending homelessness, following the publication of a crucial feasibility study by Crisis. The study brought in significant contributions from partners in Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, of which OCF is a founding member.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, Oxfordshire Homeless Movement (OHM) was able to raise funds that will now be used to help those at the sharp end of homelessness. OCF hosts OHM’s project management and fundraising.