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.

Each year there are hundreds of nominations for the High Sheriff Award. Last night only 16 recipients were chosen.

Cynthia and Martin Bulpitt received the award for their voluntary work. Support from the couple has included many efforts, such as processing of donations of items for delivery to The Porch and The Gatehouse, delivery of furniture and white goods so that those recently housed have a proper home, specific fundraising to meet requests from struggling families, ready-filled backpacks for people sleeping outside, and more.

In addition, their help for the people of Ukraine has included the filling of no fewer than 4 articulated lorries—and many mini-buses—with donations destined for the war-torn country.

Thrilled to receive the award, Cynthia stated on social media “we accept this award on behalf of our kind and wonderful community without who[m] we could not have done this , so be proud of yourselves as well. And thank you for all your support over the last several years that we have been helping and supporting people near and far.”

Cynthia and Martin also work alongside Abingdon and Didcot Area Helping Oxfordshire Homeless Collaboration—HOHC—and in partnership with Changing Lives in Wantage and Didcot. OHM nominated the couple, seconded by Connection Support.

The 2nd award for the homeless sector was given to Paul Roberts who has been recognised for his achievements as CEO of Aspire since 2015. He has been at the forefront of organisational growth to step up to help hundreds of people a year to rebuild their lives. His contribution to local communities, and his work leading Aspire through the navigation of significant challenges such as the coronavirus and cost of living crises are also noted.

Paul is also co-chair of Oxfordshire’s multi-agency Housing and Homelessness Group, Director of Makespace Oxford, Director of OSEP and one of the founding members of OHM. Today, Paul is leading an innovative new project to turn vacant land into modular build housing offering high quality temporary housing for individuals in extreme need.