Aspire Summer Newsletter 2022

Welcome to Aspire’s summer newsletter!

It’s been an exciting start to the summer months, with Aspire selected by new Lord Mayor for Oxford, Councillor James Fry, as a chosen charity for 2022-23, and our CEO Paul attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with his wife, Tori, in recognition of his positive contribution to the community in Oxfordshire, including for his work with Aspire!

We also led the ‘The Inclusive Economy in Action’ event, where organisations from across Oxfordshire explored how to take practical steps to realise a more inclusive local economy in Oxfordshire.

                              

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An update on Going Forward Together

Going Forward Together has already raised over £40,000 since we launched our appeal in April, enabling us to support more local people into independence, financial and housing security.

Here’s a reminder of our action plan:

This support has never been more important, as the rising cost of living forces more local people closer towards - and deeper into - disadvantage and poverty. In order to step up and be there for those facing disproportionate impact, we need resources!

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Our work in action...

Sam joined Aspire as a resident of our supported housing project in central Oxford, after becoming homeless in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.

Once in secure accommodation, Sam received further support from our inclusive recruitment service, Hire2Inspire, to access a technician work placement with Green Templeton College's maintenance team. This placement boosted Sam's skills, experience and gave him the confidence to apply for a subsequent role as a carpenter with St Hugh's College whilst pursuing a Level 3 qualification.

Find out more about Hire2Inspire and the inclusive recruitment support we provide to work-ready candidates and employers here.

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Our new partnership with hampers.com!

We're thrilled to share that we are the chosen charity partner for luxury gift company hampers.com this year! In addition to fundraising for Aspire through team activities and sales, Hampers are also engaging with Hire2Inspire to support their recruitment needs.

“Aspire was the perfect fit for hampers.com in terms of Oxfordshire locality and alignment of values. We want to create a true, long-term partnership that makes a tangible difference - our office and warehouse staff have joined together to create a charity committee to build meaningful ways to raise funds for Aspire.

This includes the creation of a brand-new gift hamper inspired by Aspire, with profits supporting Aspire’s projects. We're excited to bring our new plans to life throughout 2022 and beyond!”

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How YOU could support us to Go Forward Together

Let's Go Forward Together

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Team Aspire tackle Pen y Fan!

                                

Earlier this month, Team Aspire tackled Pen y Fan - the highest peak in South Wales! The trip took place in partnership with our Social Prescribing and Get Connected programmes, offering opportunities for the people we support to socialise, get active and explore their interests, alleviating physical inactivity and social isolation.

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Supporting Ukrainian refugees to stay connected 

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.