Aspire Autumn Newsletter 2022

Welcome to Aspire’s autumn newsletter, where we’ll be sharing how we’re continuing to intensify our delivery of housing, employment and connectivity support in response to the cost of living crisis faced by many as we approach winter.

Firstly, we'd love to wish a massive CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Ross - pictured above - who won a Thames Valley Partnership award earlier this month, in recognition of his work supporting and empowering others in the community with their rehabilitation journeys, across social prescribing and the Reconnect project with the NHS Liaison & Diversion Service!

Last month saw the conclusion of the Kickstart Scheme, with Hire2Inspire supporting an incredible 63 young people to access paid placements - and many now progressing into full-time employment offers as a result of their experience!

With three new properties, our Social Lettings Project is now home to 22 residents, all of whom are encouraged to live independently and work on managing their own tenancies and financial responsibilities, with light support as needed.

                          

We’re also working with SOFEA Didcot to launch ‘No Limits’, a new project supporting the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) ambitious Social Contract programme, providing access to digital devices, skills development, intensive employment support, travel bursaries and food larder provision to ensure that those affected by the coronavirus pandemic are not further hindered by the detrimental effects of the crisis.

---

An update on Going Forward Together

To date, Going Forward Together has raised over £150,000 to enable Aspire to support more local people into independence, financial and housing security.

These funds - combined with those raised until the end of December - will be doubled, with thanks to match-funding from a local benefactor.

Wondering how you could get involved to help us reach more people in need...?

Help us Go Forward Together for double the impact

---

Recruit your school or business to tackle the Aspire Fourfold Challenge!

Now the new school year has begun and we're in the lead up to Christmas, there's no better time to tackle the challenge of turning £50 into £200 for Aspire in 3 months - a fantastic opportunity for team-building, networking and business development!

If you’d like to find out how your business or school could get involved in The Fourfold Challenge this year, visit the challenge website.

---

Give a gift with a difference!

Our friends at Hampers.com have launched a charity hamper inspired by us! For every hamper purchased, £5 will be donated to Aspire - and doubled with the match-funding offer we have in place until the end of December.

Find out more about this wonderful hamper, featuring Oxfordshire-made products from quality local businesses, here.

Do you have an old laptop or tablet you no longer use? Consider donating it to Getting Oxfordshire Online to help an arriving Ukrainian refugee stay connected - find out more here.