Why we exist

Our community is facing a wide range of complex social issues.

• There is a growing homeless crisis: rough sleeping is rising by 50% year on year.
• 10 of Oxford's 83 neighbourhood areas are among the 20% most deprived areas in England.
• 26% of children in Oxford live below the poverty line.
• There are high rates of re-offending - 61% of offenders in HMP Bullingdon will re-offend within one year.

Aspire is here to help our community's most marginalised people to overcome these issues, building their skills, qualifications, work experience and resilience to achieve their full potential. We don't offer short-term fixes: we work with people in need to help them not only find employment and secure housing, but to prevent them from ever becoming at risk of poverty or disadvantage again.

Our mission and values

Mission: To empower people to rebuild their lives and futures and realise their potential, by
providing person-centred employment, enterprise development, housing and support opportunities.

Vision: To empower people to rebuild their lives and futures and realise their potential.

Values: Ambitious, Supportive, Person-centred, Inspiring, Reliable, Enterprising.

Our approach

Shared purpose and responsibility. We are a collaborative organisation; we believe we can only help to solve complex social problems through building trusted alliances and partnerships, by being embedded in our communities, and by being person-centred.

Harnessing innovation through enterprise. We practise an enterprising cultural approach, embracing digital, financial, community and social innovation to realise our vision and mission. This innovative approach is evidence-based, sustainable and preventative.

Inclusive and progressive. We are committed to becoming an inclusive and equitable charity, benefiting from a diverse group of talented people collectively working to achieve Aspire’s shared vision.

What makes us different? 

• Over 30% of Aspire's team have lived experience of challenges that shape the psychological and trauma-informed guidance we provide to the individuals we support
• Our support workers have 145 collective years of experience supporting disadvantaged people with complex needs
• Partnership working is at the heart of everything we do

You can help us to support a growing number of local people in urgent need by getting involved with Aspire's life-changing work.

Sources: Oxfordshire Uncovered Report; open.justice.gov.uk