Connection Support began in 1995 with just five people who believed they could make a real difference by preventing homelessness in Oxfordshire – and they were right. Since then, we’ve grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of our communities, expanding across the Thames Valley and into surrounding areas.
We deliver over 30 support services across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and, more recently, Northamptonshire. While our roots are in homelessness and housing support, we recognise that many of the people we support are dealing with multiple, overlapping challenges such as mental ill-health, substance misuse and past trauma. Through compassionate, tailored, trauma-informed support, we help people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to move forward with their lives.
We work alongside a wide range of people, including individuals experiencing homelessness or housing issues, young people, families, prison leavers, people leaving hospital, asylum seekers and refugees. From early intervention to crisis response, including supported accommodation and preventing repeat homelessness, our services meet people where they are and focus on helping them stop crises before they arise or escalate. We also support those facing additional barriers, such as having ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ or managing care through Direct Payments. No one is excluded from our support; we believe in equality, dignity, and respect for all.
Each year, we help over 5,000 people across our communities secure safe housing and live independently. Our approach focuses on empowerment, not dependence, supporting individuals and families to live the lives they truly want. Because we know that people thrive when they feel confident, stable and connected.
Despite supporting thousands of people over the past 30 years, more individuals are facing crises linked to poor mental health, housing insecurity, and unmet support needs. We know it’s not enough to respond after problems escalate, which is why we’ve turned our focus to prevention. By supporting individuals and families early – strengthening relationships, promoting wellbeing, building resilience, and addressing housing issues – we reduce the risk of homelessness and mental ill-health. This joined-up approach not only transforms lives but also helps build stronger communities.