Oxford Brookes University supports Oxford Hub with winter volunteering effort

Oxford Brookes University has pledged a £5,000 donation for Oxford Hub to help the charity in its efforts to continue supporting the local community through the Oxford Together volunteer programme.

Oxford Together was set up in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and comprises two Oxford Hub programmes: Together Neighbours, which offers help with practical tasks such as grocery shopping, gardening and picking up prescriptions; and Phone Links, which supports isolated people by linking them up to someone who can offer companionship and friendship through regular phone calls.

To date, Oxford Together has responded to over 8,600 requests for support from people across Oxford.

Oxford Brookes’ donation will pay for a part-time administrator for six months who will help match volunteers with members of the community who need support.

We believe in supporting students who are able to contribute to their community, to society and to make a real difference in the wider world.

Sue Holton, Head of Student Development Services, Oxford Brookes University

In addition, the University will be advertising a number of volunteering opportunities to its students and staff.

Miriam Chappell, Community Programmes Manager at Oxford Hub says that with ongoing uncertainty around employment brought about by the pandemic, it is crucial that Oxford Hub recruits enough volunteers to ensure their support programmes continue.

“As the weather gets colder, there’s no better time to come together as a community and support our neighbours through this uncertain winter,” says Miriam.

“Together, we can make Oxford a more connected city. Students are such a key part of Oxford’s community, and so we are so pleased that Oxford Brookes has chosen to support these programmes.”

Sue Holton, Head of Student Development Services at Oxford Brookes University said: “We believe in supporting students who are able to contribute to their community, to society and to make a real difference in the wider world.

“I’m delighted that Oxford Brookes is able to support the good work Oxford Hub is doing with our local community, and that together we can provide valuable opportunities for our students to get involved.”

Oxford Hub is a local charity offering practical volunteering, skilled placements, projects and events to help shape a better world and community in Oxford. More information about Oxford Hub can be found at oxfordhub.org.