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Communities 

Cost of Living 

We know that more people are struggling to make their budget cover basic costs like rent and food, even before the utility price rise coming in on October 1. 

Help is available in Oxford, and we are working hard with our partners to provide support and information for anyone worried about increased cost of living.

If you are really worried about the cost of living, we have staff trained to help you. Support includes helping people to check and apply for the benefits and other support they may be entitled to, energy advice and support, managing debt and payment plans, cost-saving food services, housing support for council and private tenants. Mental health support and community connections are also really important, and we can help you to find local groups and services.

We are also working to create warm spaces and will map places and events that can provide warm and welcoming spaces through the colder months. Last week the County Council approved a plan for libraries to be used for this, we are looking at opportunities for community and leisure centres to do the same.

We'll let you know when the resources are available. 

We can be contacted on 01865 249 811 or you can view the Cost of Living directory  online. Printed copies of the directory are available at local advice centres, libraries and community centres.

Black History Month 

October is Black History Month (BHM), and we will be marking the month by sharing stories and information on our social media pages, as well as promoting the Oxford Anti-Racism Charter.

The theme for this year’s BHM is Time for change: actions not words. We are working with local businesses and organisations to encourage more to sign up to Oxford’s Anti-Racism Charter.

We launched this in 2020, on behalf of the city, as part of action to make Oxford an anti-racist city. So far 14 organisations have signed up, each making a commitment on how they will tackle racism.

Housing

Canon Court welcomes new homeowners and tenants 

We're really pleased that people are already settling into their new homes at Canon Court.

The 26 affordable, low carbon homes in Cutteslowe were recently completed by OX Place and include 11 council homes let at social rent and three homes let at affordable rent. Oxford City Council is in the process of allocating these to people on its housing register.

The remaining 12 homes have all been sold for shared ownership and eight homeowners have already moved in.

All 26 flats have a balcony or outside terrace and access to secure cycle storage. The development also features a shared courtyard area and solar PV panels on the roof.

Climate Emergency

Transforming energy in Rose Hill

Fuel bills are a worry for many of us this winter. Join us for Transforming Energy in Rose Hill on Wednesday 5 October, 5.30 - 9 pm at Rose Hill Community Centre, OX4 4HF for a chance to hear about ways to save energy at home and how to access funding.

The event will have several drop-in sessions, including: 

• 5.30 pm - Refreshments and information stalls on energy saving measures
• 6.20 pm - Talks on the Project LEO ‘Smart and Fair Neighbourhood Trial’ in Rose
  Hill, the battery in Rose Hill School and the results of our survey into Rose Hill's
  energy use
• 6.50 pm - Be inspired by the screening of Energy Saving Homes, 'bite-size' films
  by Rose Hill film-maker, Benedict Robbins

It is co-hosted by LCH, Oxford City Council and Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon, and will cover work which has been happening within the Rose Hill SFN as well as local energy saving. 

This is a free event, please just turn up on the day. There will be free refreshments and giveaways. 

Economy

One year on and over 20 venues back in use

September marks the end of the first stage of the economic regeneration scheme we have been working on with social enterprise, Makespace Oxford.

The programme, called ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’, launched in early 2020 with the goal of reanimating the vast number of empty and underused units in Oxfordshire’s urban centres in the wake of the pandemic, and supporting the burgeoning local community of social enterprises and organisations in need of affordable space.

Since the launch of the programme, Makespace Oxford has successfully reopened 24 units, connecting 37 purpose-led organisations with affordable space and supporting over 100 jobs.

We're really proud that the programme has enabled many different independent businesses and purpose-led organisations to occupy spaces they would otherwise not have access to.

Useful information for Oxford 

Hinksey Park Ward by-elections 

Oxfordshire County Council 

Oxfordshire County Council has responsibility for transport, education, adult and children’s social care and public health.

They regularly run consultations on these topics, to find out what’s coming up and to have your say please visit their consultation page.

Get involved with Oxford’s twin cities around the world

Full of Life - celebrating UN Older People's Day

We've partnered with Oxford 50+ Network to celebrate UN International Day of Older Persons with a day of workshops, activities and information.

The free event will take place on Wednesday 5 October at Oxford Town Hall.

It is the chance to take part in activities and find out about community groups, activities and services for residents age 50+.

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