The Leonard Cheshire charity works to change attitudes to disability and serves disabled people around the world. In Oxfordshire, the charity runs homes and services and is about to launch an exciting new project.

The Oxfordshire Cheshire Home, situated in Adderbury, is a residential home with nursing care. This September it will relocate to new premises in Banbury.

The new home will include accommodation for 20 permanent residents, a three-bedroomed respite unit and several supported living units.

Regional fundraising manager Francois Gallais said: "This move will improve the quality of life, privacy and dignity of the service users.

"The fundraising appeal has already secured over £700,000, but we need to raise a further £50,000."

Fundraising is also taking place for a project near Abingdon at the John Masefield Cheshire Home. Based in Burcot, this home has provided care to 22 local people with severe physical disabilities since 1973.

A day centre provides learning opportunities, social and recreational activities to more than 20 disabled people living in the community.

The home is appealling for money to replace one of its minibuses, which is used every day. Over £30,000 has already been collected towards a target of £36,000 for the vehicle.

Francois said: "We very much hope people will support us in our work.

"They can do one of two things - volunteer for the charity or attend an event organised by Leonard Cheshire."

There are forthcoming events where people can show their support.

Between July 13-16 there is the Leonard Cheshire Ridgeway Walk - 87 miles along Britain's oldest road from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire.

On July 21, a concert at Broughton Castle will feature the tribute bands UK Beach Boys and The Kings of Queen.

Tickets cost £19.50 from www.ticketweb.co.uk or telephone 0870 060 0100.

On September 1, a fundraising skydive takes place at Weston-on-the-Green.

Last year, 34 adventurous daredevils jumped and raised £7,860. Anyone raising £320 sponsorship can jump for free.

Volunteers can helpi residents at one of the homes in Banbury or Burcot. Placements can be as little as one hour a month or as regularly as a few hours a week and cover a wide range of help, for example, driving, gardening, or fundraising.

Francois said: "Leonard Cheshire will be celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2008 and we look forward to people joining us at this important time."

If people would like to volunteer or would like more details of events, contact Francois Gallais at francois.gallais@lc-uk.org or call 01295 816600. For more information about Leonard Cheshire, visit www.leonard-cheshire.org To contribute to this column, contact Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action by email at voluntaryvoice@ocva.org.uk