11/10/11…..Local charities win praise from the PM

A HOUSING charity with clients in the Thame area was praised by the Prime Minister last night, along with other charities and volunteers, at the Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards.

Soha Housing, which is the largest social housing provider in South Oxfordshire, managing 5,300 homes, won the award for Best initiative involving the statutory and voluntary and community sectors working together (sponsor Henmans).

The special event at Oxford Town Hall, hosted by Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA), saw over 40 of the county?s volunteers and ten local charities receive certificates to honour their contribution. The Awards were presented by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Mrs Penelope Glen and Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Tim Stevenson OBE.

Charity of the Year went to Restore, which supports people with mental health issues. Benedict Leigh, Chief Executive of Restore, was overwhelmed by the Award, commenting: ?We are stunned and gratified. We wouldn’t be Charity of the Year without our great volunteers.?

Mr Cameron?s message to the audience said: ?Volunteers are the core of Britain?s civil society, an indispensable resource for the voluntary sector and in many public services. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding work that Oxfordshire?s volunteers do. A strong voluntary and charitable sector is crucial to building a bigger and stronger society.

?My vision for the Big Society rests on the fact that in our communities there are individuals, like you, businesses and charities that are often better placed to confront the problems our country faces than the State. I want to take power out of the hands of bureaucrats and give it to the people working on the front line who know what is best for a service and who can help us provide better services more efficiently.

?I am sorry that I can?t be with you today at the Charity and Volunteer Awards but I do hope that you have an enjoyable day and thank you again for all your hard work.?

Soha proudly claims to offer: “A safer, cleaner, greener approach, increasing pride in neighbourhoods, reduces community conflict and demonstrates community cohesion.” Visit Soha’s website: www.soha.co.uk