Nuggets of news from Thame

EXCITING next step for a Thame community-led housing! – THAME Town Council is to go ahead with the launch of a Community Land Trust, to provide social and/or affordable homes for local people. A potential site will now be sought and an analysis of housing needs carried out.

“We now need to get some momentum to achieve this!” said Cllr Bob Austin, speaking at a meeting of Thame Town Council last week, January 16, 2018.

Childrens’ Assessment Centre

EVER wondered what goes on in that new, large building on Chinnor Road, on your left, as you come into Thame is? Well, so did some of Thame’s town councillors. So, they invited Mr James Collins, the Children In Care Engagement Officer in charge there, to go along to a council meeting and explain.

An artist’s impression of the Children’s Assessment centre in Chinnor Road, Thame

It’s not a Childrens’ Home, explained Mr Collins, but a Childrens Assessment Centre, mainly offering support to families with young people aged 12-17 years, who are at risk, with preventative strategies, working with psychologists, family support workers, and other professionals. Most of the young people only stay for a few nights in one of six rooms with en suit facilities, as most of the work is done within the childrens’ own homes. Mr Collins explained how the young people are involved in the running of the Centre, cooking meals to share with families etc.

The young people catered for at the Centre are also encouraged to take part in outdoor activities and are given educational support. So now you know.

Searching for high risk, vulnerable people who go missing

OXFORDSHIRE Lowland Search and Rescue, known as OxSAR for short, is the group of volunteers that are called out to help the other emergency services when people who may be suicidal or have dimentia, go missing.  As a charity, OxSAR depends on raising the £15-16K it costs them the operate each year, from Corporate fund-raising, Community fund-raising and some money from Thames Valley Police.

Image courtesy of OxSAR Archives

Volunteers also raise funds by marshalling at public events such as triathlons and sponsored bike rides. But their current HQ at Thame fire station is now becoming cramped, and with no space to park their special vehicles, but on members’ own driveways, the group is in dire need of a new Headquarters, and are looking to set up a drone team with Thames Valley Police to help in searches.

To find out more about OxSAR, visit their website HERE  and follow then on twitter: @oxsar