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Beneficiaries Marriam and Lynda
completing their work experience placements with The Midcounties Co-operative
Supporting our local communities
Oxford City Council funded Aspire to engage and support residents in Barton, Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill experiencing unemployment during the pandemic, including brokering access to education, training and work experience guidance and opportunities. This work is taking place under our ‘Community Employment Support Project’ (CESP), providing individuals facing barriers to education and employment with opportunities to improve their employability and to become ‘work-ready’.
We also joined the government’s new Kickstart Scheme as an official Gateway provider to create accessible, high-quality 6-month work experience placements for young people aged 16-24, unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit. This scheme provides people in this age group with valuable experience and, in some cases, their first step on the career ladder of their choice.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
MIDCOUNTIES CO-OPERATIVE
In spring 2021 we introduced our new recruitment pathway project in East Oxford in partnership
with The Midcounties Co- operative - delivering two-week work experience placements at their Cowley Centre food store for beneficiaries on our ‘Community Employment Support Project’ (CESP) and Refugee Pathway, with a view to offering more long-term paid employment opportunities. Through these placements, our beneficiaries can use and build on their existing skills and knowledge, gaining crucial on-the-job customer service experience and increasing their employability.
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COO Ian and Senior Team Leader Bob at Sandford Lock Hydro
The maintenance
services under our social enterprise
model prevailed through COVID-19, sustaining
grounds and property care to housing associations, local authorities, leisure providers and private clients across the Thames Valley, and generating revenue to extend our charity’s social impact.
Pam, Community Transport Bus client
Our Community
Transport Bus is returning to
service as restrictions come to an end, as a
crucial lifeline for people who may be unable to use public transport or find it difficult to leave their homes to meet new people, enjoy social activities
and visit shops independently.