Care scheme supporting people in their homes expands

Community Catalysts, which has been operating in Oxfordshire since 2020, helps people establish small-scale care and support enterprises—known as community micro enterprises (CMEs)—that deliver personalised care in people’s homes and communities.

Following a successful pilot in Cherwell and a contract with the county council’s adult social care service, the scheme will now be delivered in West Oxfordshire for the next two years.

Anita Wingad, Community Catalysts’ project coordinator, said: "I’m really excited to begin this next chapter in West Oxfordshire.

"Every community has people with the passion and skills to make a difference locally, and my role is simply to help them turn their ideas into safe and sustainable micro enterprises that support others.

"We’ve already seen how powerful this model can be in Cherwell and the Vale of White Horse, and I’m looking forward to working with residents and local organisations to build community-based support for people across West Oxfordshire."

CMEs are small businesses run by individuals or groups who deliver care and support to adults in their communities.

The scheme has already seen strong results elsewhere in the county.

In Cherwell, 89 CMEs completed the programme, delivering more than 4,000 hours of support and 118 activity sessions each week to 2,028 people, and creating 150 jobs and 142 volunteering roles.

A further 37 CMEs have been supported in Vale of White Horse since 2023.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: "Community micro enterprises are a vital part of our vision for a more personalised and sustainable care system in Oxfordshire.

"They give people genuine choice about who supports them and how, while creating new local jobs and strengthening communities.

"We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Community Catalysts and bring this approach to West Oxfordshire, where it will help ensure that more residents are able to live well, independently, and close to the people and places they know best."

One person who has already benefited from the scheme is Fabia Cerra, who set up her own CME with support from Community Catalysts.

Ms Cerra said: "Community Catalysts gave me the confidence and support to turn my experience into something that helps others.

"My mentor was always there when I needed guidance, and being part of a network of other micro enterprises has been really encouraging."

To mark the launch, Community Catalysts will hold public drop-in sessions at Witney Library on April 15, 22, and 29, and May 6, from 12.30pm to 2pm.