Funding award for ‘open access’ children’s services in Thame

Sharing Life Trust, Thame will receive funding worth £30,000 to run ‘open access’ children services that will complement a comprehensive new service across Oxfordshire which ensures children at risk of abuse and neglect are protected. The grant, from a scheme set up by the county council, aims to allow Sharing Life Trust to develop and deliver the services that are most important to the community, responding to specific local needs.

Five other community groups planning to run ‘open access’ children’s services in Oxford, Carterton, Bloxham and Marston will receive funding worth £163,000 from a grant scheme set up by the council.

Community-led schemes will complement a comprehensive new service for 0-19-year-olds across Oxfordshire which ensures children at risk of abuse and neglect are protected and that families who need extra help are identified at an early stage.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services Melinda Tilley said: “There has been a great response from local communities to identify positive solutions for providing open access services, and a huge appetite to make this a success. I’m delighted we’re now at the stage where community groups can begin putting those plans into action, with the help of start-up funding.”

Read more on Oxfordshire County Council’s website by clicking here.