Expansion of community micro-enterprise programme to West Oxfordshire to increase care options in rural areas

People are set to benefit from the expansion of the Community Catalysts’ Community Micro-enterprise Development Programme to West Oxfordshire. A two-year extension means that Anita Wingad, the Project Coordinator, will focus on the district where demand for community based support has been growing, particularly among older residents in rural areas.

Since 2020, the project has been helping people to set up their own community micro-enterprises that provide flexible, personalised care and support to others.

The programme has already delivered significant benefits in Oxfordshire.

In Cherwell, 89 community micro-enterprises (CMEs) completed the programme, collectively providing more than 4,000 hours of support and 118 activity sessions each week to 2,028 people. They also created 150 jobs and 142 volunteering roles.

In the Vale of White Horse, a further 37 CMEs have been supported since 2023, many offering activities for people with learning disabilities who previously had to travel much further afield.

Anita said:

“I’m really excited to begin this next chapter in West Oxfordshire. Every community has people with the passion and skills to make a difference locally, and my role is simply to help them turn their ideas into safe and sustainable micro-enterprises that support others.

We’ve already seen how powerful this model can be in Cherwell and the Vale of White Horse, and I’m looking forward to working with residents and local organisations to build community based support for people across West Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, welcomed the expansion. He commented:

“Community micro-enterprises are a vital part of our vision for a more personalised and sustainable care system in Oxfordshire. They give people genuine choice about who supports them and how, while creating new local jobs and strengthening communities.

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Community Catalysts and bring this approach to West Oxfordshire, where it will help ensure that more residents are able to live well, independently, and close to the people and places they know best.”

As well as providing more choice of care and support in West Oxfordshire, the project will bring employment opportunities and keep money in the local economy.

Search our Small Good Stuff directory of community micro-enterprises.

If you’re interested in Community Micro-enterprise Development, contact Helen Allen, Programme Director at Community Catalysts. Email: [email protected]