We have also been helping SeeSaw over many years in numerous ways – with advice, connections and raising profile. We have taken a table at one of their fundraising Picnic Balls. We have supported events by collecting money, selling raffle tickets, and packing shopping. MCT / Jennings have agreed to host a summer fundraising event in 2015 which will help raise money and profile with the business community, whilst introducing them to 2 local businesses for school work placements needed. SeeSaw have also been introduced to two local caterers, one for a fundraising street party, and the other for future events.

We initially came across Yellow Submarine when they won a Charity Award category we sponsored.
Since then we helped make an introduction to Oxford United for them, culminating in visits and tours of the stadium. We have also funded a place on a holiday trip, enabling an additional child to go with them. We have helped fund a ‘cargo bike’ for them to extend a sandwich delivery; raised their profile through the Jennings newsletter and Leys news (a local community newspaper); and made them aware of a couple of funding opportunities.

SpecialEffect, a unique charity doing whatever it takes to help everyone with disabilities to have a better quality of life. For some, this means access to fun and leisure activities like computer games. For others, it’s giving them a voice at a time when they can’t even speak.

How does SpecialEffect help?

Take a look at Chloe and Ella using a Microsoft Kinect together for the first time. Giving these two young friends the ability to enjoy games alongside everyone else has had a major impact on their quality of life. That’s why we’re not doing this purely for fun – it’s much more important than that.

For people with disabilities, the majority of computer games are simply too quick or too difficult to play. We can help them to find out which games they CAN play, and how to adapt those games they can’t.

Please click here to contact SpecialEffect directly

SeeSaw was first set up in 2000 after the need for support for bereaved children in Oxfordshire was identified by professionals working in Oxfordshire and was shaped by research carried out with bereaved.

SeeSaw supports children in Oxfordshire when a parent or sibling has died or is dying. Children can be referred to SeeSaw by a parent, legal guardian or carer (unless a child is over 16 year old, in which case they may refer themselves).

SeeSaw’s key aims and objectives

To provide a rapid and flexible support service to children and their families in order to help them achieve a normal grieving process and to face the future with hope
To provide a programme of education and training about childhood bereavement for professionals working with children, especially teachers (SeeSaw employs a specialist Schools and Families Support Worker)
To create literature and resources to help children, their carers and professionals to understand grief

When a child is referred to SeeSaw an initial home visit is made to establish whether and how SeeSaw might best be able to help. As everyone’s experience of bereavement is different, SeeSaw’s support is always tailor-made for that individual child. SeeSaw’s highly skilled support workers will work with the child to find the most appropriate way for that child. The number of sessions needed will vary and will be determined by the support worker and the child together.

To contact SeeSaw please click here

What is Aspire?

Aspire Oxford tackles homelessness and disadvantage through excellence in enterprise and employment. We manage 5 Social Enterprises, offering a range of products and services to businesses and private individuals across the County. These include gardening and grounds maintenance, recycling, delivery and recruitment services. We also have our own business growing flowers, fruit and vegetables for local retailers and homes.

Recycling

It’s good for the environment and it’s good for us all! Aspire’s recycling business is thriving, taking your unwanted clothes, books, bric-à-brac… everything really. We resell items on our Market Stall and ship other collections to Third World Countries. All the revenue we make goes right back into helping people overcome disadvantage and get into work.
Where to buy

Aspire Oxford sells goods every week at Gloucester Green Market, in the centre of Oxford. The Stall is open from 8am on every other Wednesday. For opening times and dates please call 01865 204450.
Where to donate

We have main drop-off points at The Burford Garden Centre (directions here) or at our Head Office at St Thomas’ School, Osney Lane, Oxford. OX1 1NP.

If you have a larger items or quite a lot of goods, please do call us and we’ll arrange to to come to you. Our telephone number is 01865 204450.

To go to the Aspire website please click here