Oxfordshire Homeless Movement
News
High Sheriff Award for Kay of the OHM Volunteer Hub
Kay O'Regan, accompanied by her husband Pat, attended the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Awards Ceremony on Monday 10th March. Kay was nominated for an award by Yvonne Pinner, OHM Project Director.
Besselsleigh Christmas Lights Raise Funds for OHM
The Besselsleigh village Christmas lights have attracted even international attention for many years—and again this year they are raising funds for OHM.
OHM Carol Service at University Church to Be Held
Find out how to attend this free event on 15th December,
with the collection going towards OHM's work.
Coats Campaign to See Homeless Warmer Again This Winter
Oxford, 27th November 2024
When cold weather hits, people experiencing homelessness need clean, warm coats to help protect them. Local workplace facilities, PPE and supplies provider Aston & James now want your coats for their #100Coats campaign.
The company deliver furniture, branded items and other workplace supplies. They have become experts in delivering the goods. For some years they’ve also turned their hand every winter to passing on the unwanted but highly useful clothing item to those in greater need. Again this year, in partnership with OHM, they’re on a mission to make sure all of our rough sleepers have a bit of warmth to get by.
#CEOSleepout 2024 Raises Over £93,000
Oxfordshire, 26th November 2024
This year’s #CEOSleepout was a huge success, raising an incredible £93,000.
Local business leaders, professionals, and community champions all helped. They gave inspiring commitment. These funds will now benefit OHM's frontline projects and the work of some partner organisations.
Browse the photo gallery and consider joining next year.
SWEP Set to Be Rough Sleepers’ Lifeline Again This Winter
Oxfordshire, 5th November 2024
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) offers life-saving shelter for Oxfordshire’s homeless during extreme cold. It is based on the MET Office weather forecast.
SWEP is activated when temperatures drop below freezing. Warm and safe shelter is then given for those in need. We publish the Oxfordshire advice.
Find out more about SWEP and see how you can help this Christmas and winter.
Census reveals women’s rough sleeping more than double official figure
Oxfordshire, 5th November 2024
36 women in Oxfordshire were found to have experienced rough sleeping in the three months to September, more than double the 14 reported in the most recent government Snapshot. A further 28 women were reported to be rough sleeping but were not captured in the census.
Find out more and read the full report.
#CEOSleepout 2024 Raises Over £80,000
Oxfordshire, 15th October 2024
The 2024 #CEOSleepout campaign is still taking donations, with fundraisers so far achieving over £80,000.
The event—held 10th October to mark World Homeless Day—was made even more memorable by a stunning display of the northern lights over Oxford city.
Organiser OHM say it's not too late to give your financial applause to a fundraiser of your choice. Just head to the national CEOSleepout website and browse the participants. There are approximately 60 to choose from representing 40 different organisations across the county.
#CEOSleepout 2024 – Help us reach our ambitious target!
Oxfordshire, 8th October 2024
The 2024 #CEOSleepout campaign is in its final stretch, with around 60 participants representing 41 incredible local organisations joining forces to tackle homelessness in Oxfordshire. We have an ambitious target this year—and we need your help!
Search participants and add your financial applause! Click 'who's taking part' at https://ceosleepout.co.uk/oxford/ and choose who to give to now.
..and if you’re unsure who to help, please support Tracy Joel.
#CEOSleepout Campaign 2024 - Last Chance to Join or Support Your Fundraisers!
Oxfordshire, 3rd October 2024
Time is running out to sign up for the 2024 #CEOSleepout, with at least £20,000 still needed to reach the £100,000 goal. An estimated 60 people from businesses across Oxfordshire will participate—with 100% of the funds raised going to help the homeless*. Don't miss out!
...and if you can't sign up now is time to browse the fundraisers and support the person of your choice at https://ceosleepout.co.uk/oxford/
Report for September 2024: LEAF
Oxford, 18th September 2024
The report for September 2024 is now published from LEAF. LEAF has had a busy few months. It started a consultancy service. This will help with its work and increase staff. After a summer break, LEAF is focusing on supporting its members and providing training... Read the full report.
World-leading B Corp Grace & Green To Help First Women’s Rough Sleeping Census
Oxfordshire, 12th September 2024
World-leading B Corp Grace & Green will distribute free hygiene products as part of the national Women’s Rough Sleeping Census in Oxfordshire this year.
It’s the first year Oxfordshire is taking part. OHM is helping the local homeless sector to spot the gaps in what is provided for women affected by the homelessness issue. The aim is to ensure future services are made so that vulnerable women are better protected and helped.
Local Companies Fight Homelessness. Time’s Running Out To Help At #CEOSleepout!
Oxfordshire, 5th September 2024
Time is running out to help other local companies fight homelessness at Oxfordshire’s 2024 #CEOSleepout campaign. There’s a whole month to sign up and get fundraising, but a £50,000 deficit against the target. Will these brave and kind brands make it over the line to £100,000 this year?
Oxfordshire Homeless Movement Signs Letter to Angela Rayner With Fresh Calls to Tackle the Inequalities Faced by Homeless Women
Oxfordshire, 3rd September 2024
Oxfordshire Homeless Movement (OHM) has signed a significant open letter addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The letter is signed by 47 organisations and calls for urgent action. Homeless women in the UK face unequal bias and OHM want it fixed.
Women's Homeless Services Go Under Spotlight
Oxford, 30th July 2024
Services for women in Oxfordshire have decreased due to funding cuts since ~2006, according to one source. Closures may have brought efficiencies, so putting ‘back what was lost’ may not be best. But many are known to miss out—too many fall through gaps, or are not known. Meanwhile, government statistics do not show the whole picture—making it hard to know what is the best way to help.
For this reason, a launch meeting was held in December 2024 to shine women's services under the spotlight. Following this up, OHM are now signposting what is available—and identifying what is not—so we can better protect and help Oxfordshire's vulnerable women.
Gatehouse Sets Summer Dates
Oxford, 19th July 2024
The Gatehouse, one of Oxford city's essential daily service centres, has set its summer closure dates. Make sure you know what they are, and download the poster for your noticeboards.
Report for April 2024: LEAF
Oxford, 11th July 2024
The report for April 2024 is now published from LEAF. Individual forum members have focused on many key areas including palliative care, project management, peer support and men’s health. In six months, 20 training sessions have been attended. In the same period there were 174 coproduction meetings. Read the full report.
Hot Weather Campaign Could Help Save Lives
Oxford, 18th June 2024
Our local councils have run severe weather emergency protocols (SWEP) for extreme cold for some time, but in 2023, Oxfordshire initiated a ‘hot weather SWEP’, recognising that hot weather can also be dangerous. OHM needs your help to support people experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire this summer.
Excellence Awards Shortlisting for Oxfordshire Homeless Movement a Boost
Oxford, 18th June 2024
OHM has been shortlisted for a prestigious Homeless Link award.
Being shortlisted underscores OHM’s dedication and effectiveness.
The winners will be announced in July 2024.
Mindfulness Group Goes From Strength to Strength
Oxford, 14th June 2024
Interest in the UK in how mindfulness may help the homeless population has already been sparked. Could it be of highest benefit to some of the most affected by trauma in our society? With the roots of mindfulness being in stress reduction, the logic would seem to suggest so.
One Oxford-based group thinks it's found a big missing key: mindfulness transforming lives for greater wellbeing in ways as-yet untapped in the homeless sector.
Oxfordshire's Homeless Sector Gets Big Online Win
Oxford, 11th June 2024
The homeless sector in Oxfordshire includes over 90 projects. These are mainly a mix of statutory providers, local charities, and community groups. Every year OHM asks all projects for an update. This year’s high response of 97 percent means OHM’s website offers the most detailed and current image of the sector yet—online, or elsewhere.
Festival of Feedback Now Feeds Back—With Input From CHI
Oxford, 19th March 2024
At an exciting festival event, held 11-12 July 2023, the workings of the local homelessness system as a whole were reviewed by 28 people experiencing homelessness and 16 frontline practitioners. With careful analysis given by the UK Centre for Homelessness Impact—CHI—the event outcomes are now published by the lived experience advisory forum for Oxfordshire—LEAF.
Two High Sheriff Awards for Homeless Sector
Oxford, 12th March 2024
Last night, volunteers and staff working in Oxfordshire’s homeless sector were awarded not one but two High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Awards in recognition of great and valuable services to the community.
The Criminal Justice Bill
From 23rd February, 2024
Jane Cranston has written to all OHM partners and supporters calling for support for the Crisis campaign opposing the new Criminal Justice Bill.
Homeless Oxfordshire to Hold Art Exhibition
From 22nd February, 2024
Everyone has potential and anyone can be creative.
That's the message Homeless Oxfordshire are giving as they launch Through Our Eyes —an art exhibition by people experiencing homelessness.
LEAF Quarterly Report for October to December 2023 now published
Oxford, 23rd January 2024
The October to December Quarterly LEAF report is available. It highlights how much has been going on in the forum in the last three months.
Sleepout for Oxford CEOs a Huge Success
Oxford, 22nd November 2023
The Oxford CEO Sleepout event raised a whopping £75,000 this year. The October fundraiser took place at University College sports ground. Close to 50 business, academic and community leaders took part. Together they raised £25k more than their group target—but in the run up to Christmas, it's not too late to give. All donations go directly to front-line projects.
Reserve your place for 2024. Add your bit to these funds this Christmas! #CEOSleepOut.
Coats Campaign to See Homeless Warmer This Winter
Oxford, 21st November 2023
When cold weather hits the homeless need clean, warm coats to help protect them. Local workplace facilities, PPE and supplies provider Aston & James now want your coats for their #100Coats campaign.
The company—who deliver furniture, branded items and other workplace supplies—have become experts in delivering the goods. For some years they’ve also turned their hand every winter to passing on the unwanted but highly useful clothing item to those in greater need. This year, in partnership with OHM, they’re on a mission to make sure all of our rough sleepers have a bit of warmth to get by.
Donate Team Hit Target in One Week. How HOHC Made Floyd's Row "Blown Away".
Oxford, 21st November 2023
Floyd's Row, the front line centre managed by St Mungo’s on behalf of Oxford City Council, were ‘blown away’ when a huge ask for people to donate items was met by volunteer hub Helping Oxfordshire Homeless Collaboration (HOHC) in just one week.
Items on the list included duvets, bed sheets, pots, mugs, lamps, TV sets, aerials, speakers and more. They will all go to clients moving out of St Mungo’s into longer-term properties.
“Housing Associations Can Help Individuals Have Safe Place to Live” Say CHI in Oxford Story
Oxford, 20th November 2023
“Housing associations can help to ensure that individuals have a safe and stable place to live.” So say CHI—the Centre for Homelessness Impact—in a write-up about OHM’s project to house adults with no recourse to public funds.
In the piece, OHM “pulled together partner organisations Aspire, Connection Support and Asylum Welcome” and worked with Soha Housing to make a successful project where barriers faced by housing providers was overcome.
Cost of Living Payments for Low-Income Residents Offered by County Council This November
Oxford, 26th October 2023
A £450 cost of living payment for some low-income residents is on offer by Oxfordshire County Council this November. About 4,100 Oxfordshire residents stand to benefit.
The Homelessness Monitor: England, by Crisis and Heriot-Watt, Now Published
Oxford, 23rd October 2023
The Homelessness Monitor: England is a key report. It’s published every year, and run by Crisis. The 2023 edition is out.
The study looks at changes in England’s economy or policies, and how these affect homelessness.
Recovery Festival will Celebrate the Achievements of People in Recovery November 4th
Oxford, 17th October 2023
The achievements of those in recovery this year will be celebrated as part of a festival. The Recovery Festival—run by Turning Point—is subtitled "looking up, looking forward, moving on". It takes place Saturday November 4th and is open to everyone.
The Porch To Start Its Weekend Winter Welfare Program
Oxford, 28th September 2023
From this Saturday through to Sunday 30th March, The Porch is to begin its Weekend Winter Welfare Program. Breakfast Provisions will be offered for individuals experiencing Homelessness through the cold, wet and windy months.
LEAF Quarterly Report for July to September 2023 now published
Oxford, 21st September 2023
The July to September Quarterly LEAF report is available. It highlights how energetic the feedback is from users of the busy LEAF consultancy service, and more.
CEO Sleepout Oxford: 30+ Businesses to Show They Care
Oxford, 5th September 2023
OHM raised £25,000 in its CEO Sleepout event last year and is hoping to double the amount. Currently there are over 30 businesses who will show how much they care about homelessness in Oxfordshire. With only 6 weeks left before the event, charity OHM says it needs your help.
“You can empathise, learn, network and show this city, your county and your stakeholders that your business cares about homelessness and that you want to help. Please get signed up today!”
Oxford’s Crisis Skylight Referrals Program Reopens
Oxford, 30th August 2023
Key homeless charity Crisis has opened its doors for referrals. The change—due to reaching capacity and hence forward planning—means some new people based in Oxford city can benefit from their services.
Lived Experience Forum Quarterly Report for April to June 2023 now published
Oxford, 21st July 2023
The April to June 2023 LEAF Quarterly Report is now available. It highlights that the forum has gone from strength to strength over the past year.
New guidance issued to homeless community for very hot weather
Oxford, 17th July 2023
New guidance has now been issued to Oxfordshire’s homeless community for dealing with very hot weather.
The guidance comes after UK temperatures reached 40+0C for the first recorded time in 2022.
The advice is from a number of sources, and OHM has pulled it together in one place online.
Residents of Oxfordshire may apply to new local hardship fund
Oxford, 14th July 2023
Residents of Oxfordshire may now apply to a new package of help—a local hardship fund. The Residents Support Scheme will help with short-term basic living costs such as food and credit for gas/electric prepayment metres.
Groundbreaking barriers report published by lived experience forum
Oxford, 4th May 2023
A study by Oxfordshire’s trailblazer forum for those with lived experience of homelessness is now published. The 16-page LEAF report explains key barriers for those who could benefit from soon moving out beyond the city.
Lived Experience forum publishes latest Quarterly Report
Oxford, 25th April 2023
The Lived Experience Advisory Forum—LEAF—has published its latest Quarterly Report. Highlights include a growth in participant numbers, a greater sense of wellbeing among attendees, a focus group with staff at Bullingdon Prison, networking and wellness events, research into healthcare inequalities and more.
OHM promotes call for more support of those furthest from the labour market
Oxford, 20th April 2023
OHM is promoting The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership—OIEP—in its call for greater fairness in Oxfordshire's labour market. Take part in the OIEP call
Dogs On The Streets (DOTS) to offer dog clinic at The Porch 28th April
Oxford, 14th April 2023
Charity Dogs On The Streets, DOTS for short, is to offer a much-needed dog clinic at The Porch Day Centre on Friday 28th April, 2023.
Resettlement Support Fund opening for applications
Oxford, 1st April 2023
A Resettlement Support Fund is now available from The National Lottery Community Fund via Emmaus.
CEOs will sleep on Oxford streets once more in bid to raise awareness of homelessness
Oxford, 14th March 2023
CEOs, business owners and senior executives from across Oxfordshire will be street sleeping again this year. By sleeping out in our internationally-renowned medieval city, these high-flying executives hope to raise awareness of homelessness locally and raise much needed funds. Find out more and take part in CEO Sleepout 2023
Breakfast Club @ Refresh Cafe to restart
Oxford, 14th March 2023
Turning Point are restarting their Homeless Breakfast Club at their Refresh Café premises. This is a wonderful opportunity to break the ice with the Turning Point team and access treatment.
OHM urges better use of 5,000 empty homes in Oxfordshire
Oxford, 27th February 2023
Almost 5,000 homes in Oxfordshire are presently empty. That’s according to data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities—DLUHC. OHM is urging action on empty homes.
Providing more affordable homes to people who need them
Oxford, 25th November 2022
Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) is Aspire's social lettings pilot for Oxford city. It matches individuals with private landlords’ accommodation to make safe and affordable housing available for those in need.