Impact

“The [ABCD training] session was truly outstanding. It provided practical insights and inspiring strategies that empowered participants to recognise and leverage community strengths rather than focusing on deficits. The facilitators were engaging, knowledgeable, and created a collaborative environment that encouraged active participation. This session has equipped me with valuable tools to foster sustainable community growth and make a meaningful impact.”

~Training participant

“Halls are run by volunteers who give their time willingly, however it is not a job. That’s why Community First Oxfordshire is so important – we know that there is someone who can help us to answer queries and act as a guide.”

Rosie – our community development worker – supports various projects and initiatives in Heyford Park. The Community Hub which Rosie started as a coffee and craft group, has become resident-run with a dynamic, forward-thinking committee, while the Tai Chi class has moved due to popular demand. Elsewhere, the Heyford Maker’s Shed was delighted to be handed a builder’s compound of three Portakabins, toilets, a kitchen, and massive exterior space thanks to Rosie’s negotiations with the developers. They can now meet several times a week and respond to requests from the community. This has included working closely with a Public Art project to complete swift boxes designed by local school children, which will be installed on local residents’ homes. In addition, Rosie successful progressed a new Wayfinding Route, negotiating with Cherwell District Council to secure Public Art funding alongside S106 developer contribution monies.

“People are often so concerned with where roads and houses will go, but forget about the social fabric of a community. Community First Oxfordshire are doing really important work. Seeing them stitch together a new community in Upper Heyford was a revelation to me.”

“The [Connected Communities] fund itself has been incredibly helpful; it’s made a real difference to this place. We can run activities that, without it, we simply wouldn’t be able to. It’s really brought this community together.”

In 2023, Community First and OCVA developed an Oxfordshire Vision for Volunteering – this was based on conversations with over 350 people volunteering with more than 470 diverse groups across the county. The Vision included an in-depth report highlighting the top-ten principles needed to nurture volunteering in our communities and neighbourhoods. This year, we have presented the Vision at national and regional events to provide the Oxfordshire experience. we can best put the vision into action. Watch out for up-andcoming Oxfordshire Volunteer Vision events.

“Community First Oxfordshire helped clearly and informatively outline the benefits and scope of local stewardship options. Their team was both knowledgeable and approachable, listened to our concerns, and provided a comprehensive report. This has led to the creation of a resident’s group from which is emerging a Community Land Trust to provide better stewardship options for future green spaces.”

~ Chipping Norton Council

“The partnership between Milton-under-Wychwood Parish Council and CFO endured for over six years and covered a community-wide in-depth survey in 2018, various public consultations, the negotiation of all the key stages of Neighbourhood Plan development and work connected with policy development and proposals for local green spaces. MuWPC is very grateful to the CFO team for the support provided throughout the partnership that has enabled the creation of a made Neighbourhood Plan”

~Milton-under-Wychwood Parish Council

Even small-scale housing projects take a long time to complete and we are delighted that in 2024 – after 6 years of hard work – Hook Norton Community Land Trust completed their project of 12 low carbon homes for local people, plus a communal growing space and a community building. The scheme demonstrates that when the community is in charge it can deliver much more than houses.

Hook Norton Community Land Trust have won multiple awards in recognition of this development. In 2024, they won ‘Innovation in Climate Action Award’ at the Oxford Climate Awards as their project ‘is an inspirational example of a community-led, climate-focused housing project that benefits both its residents and the environment.’ ‘It combines sustainable and affordable housing, powered by locally generated renewable energy, biodiversity friendly landscaping and a community hub and growing space!’

Hook Norton also won ‘Best affordable housing development – less than £5m’ at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2024.

“Community First were appointed to assist with a survey to determine the likely need for affordable housing. The report was thorough, easily understood, logical and delivered ahead of the agreed schedule.”

~ Wokingham Area Housing Society