Natalie Carr 
Hi, I’m Darren – but most people call me Daz. I’ve been volunteering for nearly eight years, and honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. My role as a volunteer with Connection Support is incredibly varied. No two days are ever the same – and that’s exactly what I love about … Read more
Looking back, I was very sporty as a child. I ran track and field for Milton Keynes Athletics club and represented my school teams. I also used to love playing for various football clubs in Wolverton, Stoney Stratford, and Newport Pagnell. But everything changed in 2020. I became homeless, and that was just the beginning … Read more
Growing up, life was quite bad. My mum left when I was just four years old, and we barely saw her after that. My dad took custody of me and my brother and sister, but things didn’t stay stable for long. Eventually, he turned to drugs and alcohol. With no extended family around, we were … Read more
We’re delighted to announce the official opening of Fishermead, a new service in Milton Keynes designed to provide safe, supportive accommodation for people experiencing rough sleeping. The doors opened on Wednesday 14 May, welcoming the first residents that evening. Fishermead brings together elements of two previous services – Mullion Place, run by the Salvation Army, … Read more
Growing up, things were alright. My dad was quite strict, but it wasn’t a bad childhood. When he passed away when I was 18, it left a gap in my life, but I managed to carry on. I never imagined that, years later, everything could fall apart so quickly. It all started when I was … Read more
I started volunteering with Connection Support back in March 2019, and it’s been a truly eye-opening and rewarding experience. My journey began when I was matched with a Syrian family who had just arrived in the UK. I met them on their very first day here. I spent time helping them settle in – taking … Read more
Our Business Services Director, Dipen Parekh is taking on the ultimate challenge – running the London Marathon this April – all to raise vital funds for Connection Support! With determination, dedication, and a whole lot of training, he’s pushing his limits to make a real difference. As the big challenge approaches, we caught up with … Read more
We’re thrilled to announce some exciting news: we’ve been ranked as the 7th best charity to work for in the UK by Best Companies. This incredible recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where passion, purpose, and people come together. At Connection Support, our team is committed to supporting everyone in our society to become safely and sustainably housed … Read more
With central Government funding vital to providing homelessness support set to expire in March 2025, three Oxfordshire-based charities warn what that could mean for the people who depend on their services. Describing the situation as a ‘funding cliff-edge’, Aspire Oxfordshire, Connection Support and Homeless Oxfordshire have called on their local MPs ahead of the Autumn … Read more
This year, our Direct Payment and Employment Support Service manager, Christine, led a round of recruitment for a new team member. She invited client Saira to be part of the panel so that she could contribute her lived experience to the decision process. What Saira said: “Before the interviews took place, Christine arranged a Teams meeting. … Read more
“We live in a place called Bearbrook, It’s a place that’s heaven sent, but doesn’t get a double look, For many of us it’s taken us from the street, Out of the cold, rain, snow and sleet, It’s not society’s fault, we don’t get a second look, as we all get judged before you read … Read more
People are often reluctant to accept help because they don’t want to appear vulnerable, feeling that having help is a failure. Accepting help doesn’t mean you’re weak, it is usually the opposite, as we all need support in some way at some point in our lives, and asking for help is a difficult and brave … Read more