Blackbird Leys Neighbourhood Support Scheme (BLNSS), a charity that provides free advice and support on issues such as debt, benefits and employment to local people in the Blackbird Leys area of Oxford, is celebrating having received a grant worth £30,000. The three-year funding has been given by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its community programme and will support the salary of core staff members as the organisation works to meet increased demand created by the recession. Since 2008 the Lloyds TSB Foundation has made grants worth £310,000 to charities tackling disadvantage in Oxford.
Based in the Agnes Smith Advice Centre on Blackbird Leys Road, the Neighbourhood Support Scheme provides free and impartial advice to any local residents that need assistance. Following the loss of hundreds of jobs at the nearby Cowley BMW plant earlier this year, a growing number of people in this area of Oxford are experiencing unemployment, poverty and debt problems. Five days a week, BLNSS operates drop-in sessions and an appointments system to help local people with advice on accessing benefits, tackling their debt problems and other issues.
Funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation will allow staff at the Centre to maintain their services and respond to the growing demand for free advice and information. BLNSS expects to deal with over 30 enquiries per day in the months ahead.
Fran Bennett, Treasurer of the Blackbird Leys Neighbourhood Support Scheme, commented on the importance of the grant: “This funding provides us with vital security and stability for the years ahead, which are likely to be challenging ones for us and the people we support. It is easy to presume that there are no disadvantaged communities in Oxford, but that is simply not the case, and we are grateful that the Lloyds TSB Foundation recognises that.”
Lloyds TSB Foundation grant manager for South West Central, Lorraine Dabner, added, “It was obvious from my visit that this charity is achieving a great deal for people in the Blackbird Leys area of Oxford. The Lloyds TSB Foundation is delighted to support their work as demand for their services grows and becomes increasingly important to the local community.”
Blackbird Leys Neighbourhood Support Scheme is keen to recruit more volunteers and can provide a comprehensive training programme for those keen to help and learn new skills. If you would like to find out more about this, or the support and advice the Centre offers, please contact them on 01865 770206.
