eScalate Hubs
As an integral part of the eScalate programme to support Oxfordshire’s growing community of social impact organisations and businesses, a network of six Hubs were established as focal points for much of the eScalate support, which is being delivered through a Leadership Development programme, workshops, events and peer support groups.
The hubs were:
Bicester: Town Square @ Eco Business Centre
Our Hub in Bicester, towards the north of the county, is run by Town Square, a certified B Corporation, committed to helping people to start and run their own businesses. In September 2019 they launched a co-working community at the Eco Business Centre, based in the eco village of Elmsbrook.
Oxford City (west): Tap Social Movement
Tap Social Movement is an award-winning craft brewery, events and hospitality business, which grew out of a passion for great beer and social justice. It provides training and employment to people serving and recently released from prison sentences to assist in effective rehabilitation and seeks to champion the cause of inclusive employment in the hospitality industry.
Oxford City (centre): Aspire Oxfordshire
Aspire is a multi-award-winning employment charity, Established in 2001 to tackle some of the most complex social issues in Oxfordshire. It supports vulnerable local people into and towards employment and housing, as the most powerful way to break the complex cycles of homelessness, re-offending and poverty.
Oxford City (east): Flo’s, The Place in the Park
Flo’s is a community-owned café and centre based in Florence Park in the east of the city where people can meet to work, play, create, and learn.
Oxford City (north): CAG Oxfordshire at Makespace
CAG is based at Makespace, a community-led workspace, which launched in September 2018 in north Oxford. CAG consists of over 70 groups across Oxfordshire who are at the forefront of community led climate change action tackling issues including waste, transport, food, energy, biodiversity and social justice. Started in 2001, the network is the largest of its kind in the UK, running over 2,000 events per year, attended by around 80,000 local residents and contributing over 20,000 volunteer hours to the county.
Oxford City (centre): Oxford Hub
Oxford Hub has a vision of a cohesive community in which everyone is empowered to give and receive support from the people around them. With Oxford Hub people can create a positive impact through practical volunteering, placements with local charities and by incubating new social action projects and social enterprises.
