B4’s Richard Rosser was talking to Peter Christmas of Connection Support

When people think about homelessness, they often picture someone sleeping rough on a city street. It’s the visible end of a much bigger story.

Behind every person who loses their home is usually a series of events that could have unfolded very differently with the right support at the right time.

That is the philosophy behind Connection Support, the Oxfordshire-based charity helping around 5,000 people each year avoid homelessness, mental health crises and social isolation through early intervention and practical support.

Speaking to B4, Peter Christmas, Head of Fundraising at Connection Support, explained why prevention sits at the heart of everything the charity does.

“We want to prevent homelessness and other crises wherever possible,” he says. “If we can support someone before they reach breaking point, the outcome is better for them, their family and ultimately for the wider community.”

It’s a simple idea, but one that requires flexible funding.

Unlike many charitable services funded through specific contracts, some of Connection Support’s most preventative work relies on unrestricted fundraising income. That allows the charity to invest where the need is greatest, creating services that may not otherwise exist.

“We’re fortunate to receive income through contracts to deliver certain services,” Peter explains. “But unrestricted income allows us to do the things contracts don’t necessarily cover – particularly preventative work that stops people reaching crisis in the first place.”

One recent fundraising success secured enough grant funding to employ a dedicated member of staff focused on preventing homelessness in a new area. It is exactly the kind of impact Peter hopes to replicate through increased community fundraising.

The need is certainly there.

Last year alone, Connection Support worked alongside 747 Oxfordshire households at risk of homelessness, successfully helping 92% to avoid homelessness. Those situations arise for many reasons – relationship breakdown, illness, financial pressures, mental health challenges or unexpected changes in employment.

As Peter points out, anyone can experience a series of life events that quickly spiral beyond their control.

Connection Support’s work goes far beyond housing advice. Across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties, staff and volunteers provide practical guidance, emotional support and help people rebuild confidence and independence.

Their volunteer programme is a particularly important part of that work.

With around 90 active volunteers, many offering befriending services, Connection Support helps people reconnect with their communities, register with GPs, access local services and rebuild everyday routines that many of us take for granted.

Some volunteers have lived experience themselves, bringing empathy and understanding that can make an enormous difference to someone navigating difficult circumstances.

“Our volunteers are a huge part of what Connection Support can offer,” Peter says. “They add tremendous value to the work we do, and we’re incredibly proud of the contribution they make.”

The charity regularly shares powerful case studies demonstrating how relatively small interventions can transform lives. One recent example involved someone experiencing serious health problems while living on a boat. Following support from Connection Support’s Banbury Beacon drop-in service, they accessed healthcare, stabilised their situation and eventually returned to work.

Stories like these illustrate that homelessness prevention isn’t simply about housing. It’s about restoring confidence, dignity and hope.

Walking Together for Change

To help fund more of this vital work, Connection Support is launching its own community fundraising event – a Sponsored Walk on Saturday 19th September.

Starting and finishing at the charity’s Wolvercote headquarters, participants can choose from three routes:

• 10 miles
• 5 miles
• 3 miles, which is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The walk follows local public rights of way and stretches of the Oxford Canal Path, giving participants the chance to enjoy some of Oxfordshire’s beautiful countryside while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Adults are encouraged to raise around £100 in sponsorship, or £200 per family, although these are purely aspirational targets.

More importantly, Peter hopes the event will introduce more local people, businesses and families to Connection Support.

“We wanted to do something that helps us to engage with our local community,” he says. “Of course we’d like to raise funds, but we also want people to understand what we do, meet the team and perhaps be inspired to support us in the future.”

Participants will receive route guidance beforehand, support setting up fundraising pages, marshalled routes on the day and a warm welcome back at Connection Support’s Wolvercote office after completing the walk. Families are also encouraged to take part, with children receiving an activity sheet to complete along the route.

A Chance for Businesses to Make a Difference

For B4 members, the Sponsored Walk offers more than just an enjoyable day outdoors.

It provides an opportunity for businesses to bring colleagues together, strengthen team relationships and support an Oxfordshire charity making a measurable difference to people’s lives every single day.

In a county often associated with prosperity and success, it’s easy to overlook the challenges many individuals and families continue to face.

Connection Support is working quietly behind the scenes to ensure those challenges don’t become life-changing crises.

By taking part in September’s Sponsored Walk, businesses and individuals alike can help ensure that vital preventative work continues.

To find out more about Connection Support and register for the Sponsored Walk, visit:

https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/event/connection-support-s-sponsored-walk

You can also learn more about the charity’s work, impact and inspiring case studies at:

www.connectionsupport.org.uk/personal-stories/

Catch up with all of the stories from B4 at b4-business.com/news/.