Witney News - Third house on the way as 'life-changing' community housing project expands

Third house on the way as 'life-changing' community housing project expands

Four more under-35s will be given a potentially 'life-changing' opportunity in the New Year as another home becomes available as part of a community housing project in West Oxfordshire.

The four-bedroom house in Witney will be the third property to become part of the ‘Our House’ project as it continues to go from strength-to-strength.

Run by Cottsway Housing in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council, the project supports single under-35s who are in housing and employment need. They join Our House as 'trainees', living in the house together and being provided with support to get back into employment, education or training.

The project started in 2018 and already has two successful shared houses in Witney supporting seven trainees. It has been funded with support from the government's Community Housing Fund.

Sam Stronach, Cottsway's Our House project co-ordinator, said: “If it wasn't for this project, the trainees wouldn't be able to afford to live in the local area.

“But this is about much more than just putting a roof over their heads, it's about giving them support and offering them the potential to change their lives.

“It's very exciting that we are able to offer this chance to new trainees and I'd like to encourage anyone that's interested in finding out more to get in touch.”

Ross Huxford, one of the current trainees, said: “Since I have started with the Our House project I have grown up a lot and taken responsibility for managing my money more sensibly. I have enjoyed living independently and look forward to the future with support in finding a career.”

Khloe Bennett, who has been with the project for 18 months, added: “The project has given me a roof over my head and employment in the local area. I look forward to working towards coming off benefits and finding a place of my own.”

Cllr Steve Good, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “I have been involved in this innovative scheme for some time and it has been a great success. It helps those in need live independently and have a meaningful future. It really does change lives.”

To find out more and to download an application form, see www.cottsway.co.uk/our-house/ Alternatively, email [email protected] or call Sam Stronach via 01993 890000.