Brighter Futures Annual Report 2024-25

Opportunities and training

Improving people’s economic circumstances makes a huge difference to their lives. Having better and more secure employment means people are more able to afford healthy food, gives people a relief from the stress of unemployment and can even contribute to better physical health. 

The Brighter Futures partners contribute at all stages in a person’s journey towards employment, from helping improve people’s mental health and confidence to providing directly related skills improvement sessions on topics like CV writing and interview skills. Other projects may have an effect on people’s ability to afford to run their homes, for example providing food at discount prices, or the Rightsize project which enabled older people to downsize to more appropriately sized accommodation with the double benefit of freeing up larger homes for families and reducing older people’s outgoings on heating their homes.

The partnership also offers training and support to its member organisations, including the twice-yearly events which are offered to all partnership members.

Banbury Larder Cost of Living Support Event

A larder is different from a food bank which exists to help people in food crisis. Instead, a community larder provides access to surplus food at reduced prices but also offers additional services and a chance to engage with community members. The Banbury Community Larder is one of a network of larders led by SOFEA (SOFEA: Enabling people to transform their lives)

Critically, people’s ability to afford healthy food is a major determinant in the nutritional quality of their diets and a key reason for the large differences in dietary health between the most well off in the population and the least.

Among the poorest fifth of the population, the households with children would need to spend 70% of their disposable income on food to meet the cost of the Government-recommended healthy diet.

Food Foundation Report 2024 the impossible challenge: The impossible challenge: Affording healthy food for low income families with children | Food Foundation

SOFEA has been leading the delivery of the ‘No Limits’ programme, designed to support economically inactive residents across Oxfordshire, Funded by OxLEP Skills through the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) to deliver tailored support across the county, in partnership with Aspire Oxford, helping young people and adults overcome barriers to employment, education, and training. 

 This was the third phase of an existing project and focused on intensive, person-centered support for individuals aged 16+ who are economically inactive—not currently seeking work—due to challenges such as mental or physical health issues, social exclusion, low skills, or complex life circumstances.

The Cherwell No Limits programme has seen fantastic engagement and, as the data shows, is making a meaningful difference in the lives of economically inactive individuals across the district. In Cherwell, the No Limits programme has delivered meaningful, person-centered support—empowering participants to overcome barriers and take steps toward education, training, and sustainable employment.

Triage workers have not only helped individuals grow in confidence and skills, but also opened doors to Aspire’s broader services, from wellbeing activities and budgeting workshops to digital skills courses and inclusive recruitment opportunities.

A key strength of the programme has been its community-rooted approach. The Banbury Larder is another great example of a Brighter Futures partner organisation acting as a welcoming and trusted space where individuals felt safe to engage, build relationships, and take their first steps toward change.

John (name changed for privacy) was a young person at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). He was neither in school nor employed and was struggling to find direction in his life. Without clear guidance or support, he felt stuck and unsure about his future. John was introduced to the No Limits programme, where he met a Triage worker at The Banbury Larder. Through her support, he was guided step by step toward opportunities that aligned with his interests and goals. Initially, the triage worker helped John craft a CV, providing him with the foundational tools needed to start exploring educational opportunities. Together, they reviewed potential courses, and John enrolled in a motor vehicle programme at a local college. With additional support from the programme, he received a laptop, enabling him to complete his coursework effectively.

John also began attending the No Limits job club, where he received tailored career support. This included mock interviews and advice on presenting himself confidently. The team encouraged him to explore his surroundings and actively engage during job interviews rather than standing in one place nervously. These practical tips, combined with the encouragement he received, paid off. John successfully secured part-time work shortly after. Three months into his new job, John’s commitment and effort were recognised when he received an award for Best Customer Service Assistant. This achievement highlighted his ability to excel in a professional setting and reinforced the impact of the No Limits programme in transforming his life. Reflecting on his journey, John shared:

"I did not have a job or school. Then I met Taraji, at the Banbury Larder, and she helped me with my CV, and we looked at courses I could do. I started college on a motor vehicle course and got help with a laptop. Then I started attending the job club. Without this support, it may have been difficult for me

Poverty is a complex problem that will affect different groups in different ways. For example, child poverty is rising particularly sharply, negatively impacting children’s health now and throughout their lives.." Source: Kings Fund Report

Cherwell Job and Support Fair

Cherwell District Council led the way by providing Job Clubs and these evolved into Job fairs to meet both the needs of job seekers and recruiting employers. By supplementing the regular job fair held by Banbury Job Centre for its claimant clients, the Council has been able to extend the services to people already in work and seeking alternative jobs, as well as inviting a range of organisations to offer additional support with volunteering, skills development, CV writing, as well as to provide local information about services to support residents.  

Source: census profile

 

In March 2025, a ‘Jobs and Support Fair’ held in Banbury attracted around 300 attendees and 25 employers and support bodies, showing that by providing such a service in an accessible location is worthwhile and appreciated by residents and businesses alike.

The event was organized by the Council’s Economic Growth and Resettlement Teams collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions (Job Centre Plus). The Council’s Wellbeing Team supported the event and represented the Brighter Futures Partnership there, and the Recycling team were also present. In addition, due to the sharing of information via the Brighter Futures partnership, the Library Service also participated. Many other services got involved, including NHS Talking Therapies, Police, Oxfordshire County Council, the college, and Sofea providing the ‘No Limits’ support.

A wide range of jobs were on offer for residents to consider. Several employers said how well the event worked for them, and that the demand was greater than they anticipated. Others commented that some of the attendees were very well prepared and motivated – demonstrated by the number of people who brought along CVs and covering letters and the way in which some people searched for specific vacancies suggested that they had done research into local businesses.

 “It was extremely worthwhile being at the event and although we were originally just supposed to be promoting recycling practices in general, we ended up having many conversations with people regarding employment and also promoted the waste loaders/LGV driver jobs at CDC (albeit no current jobs are being advertised at the moment) and directed people to the website and advised that they keep a regular check of the site to see when jobs come up.  We also mentioned to keep a look out on the job page for any jobs that may come up within the council.”  CDC Environmental Services

The event was also an excellent way to link a multitude of people together for them to find out what is happening within the local community and to participate further; it was attended by representatives of the local Mosque, churches and various groups – they were able to share their challenges with us, and they will share the information from the event with their congregations, meetings and families.

 “I enjoyed taking part in the event, it was well arranged and well attended. I have 18 people to contact from the event, though more than came to the stand and took away either a job pack or information about our services. Others just came over for a chat or were inquisitive about the organisation. Of the people who I have to contact 10 would like a job pack for the post of caretaker which we are currently trying to fill. 2 left their telephone number and took a paper job pack, 2 wanted to offer their services as a volunteer and 4 wanted to add their numbers to our list for future opportunities in either childcare or admin. Most of the participants were enthusiastic about the event and were enjoying visiting the stands and ticking them off the list they were given on entry to the event.”  Children Centre Manager

For job seekers to gain employment, it is usually necessary to demonstrate experience. Many people enquired about voluntary positions and whilst there were positions available on the day, assistance with volunteering is clearly needed along the ‘stepping stone’ path for people entering or re-entering work. Whilst the Jobs and Support Fair was a great success, it will continue to evolve alongside other initiatives and day-to-day services to meet the needs and demands of job seekers and employers.

Housing opportunities

In addition to the inability to afford healthy food or to heat one’s home, housing costs have an enormous impact on household’s ability to provide all that the household needs.

The Brighter Futures area holds the most dense concentration of socially rented homes in the Cherwell District. However, in common with many other Local Councils, demand for social housing massively outstrips supply, and many low-income households are living in the private rented sector.

People living in private rented properties who are entitled to Housing Benefit receive an amount known as Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This is intended to cover rental payments on a property deemed to be the appropriate size for the household’s needs. If someone However, the table below is a snapshot of the properties available in the Brighter Futures wards on a sample day in August 2025, showing the rent being asked and the amount of LHA which would be paid to the tenant.

The only accommodation where the cost could fully be covered by Local Housing Allowance was a room in a shared house. This means that residents are forced to use money which is intended to cover household expenses such as utilities and food to make up their rent payments, leaving them short of money for necessities.

In addition to the lack of affordability, there is a scarcity of homes to rent. On the sample day, only one 4 bedroom home was available.