Sarah Ashfield
Project Lead
sarah.ashfield@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Project Leads manage the project, staff and build relationships with partners
I have personal and professional experience of the care system. Since 2002 I have worked on a number of projects that involve young people in care developing their arts/music and performance skills through group work. I have written/designed and delivered a number of OCN accredited programmes for rural/disengaged young people. However the majority of my job roles have revolved around social care which clearly appears to be where my heart lies.
I have undertaken a number of consultation and participation jobs in the community on a range of topics from affordable housing to play provision for parish councils. I have worked for two homeless charities encouraging the recovery of 60+ residents through education training and activity provision. After which I then worked as a ‘Head of Centres’ for 6 Children’s Centres whereby I worked with schools/ pre schools and a number of families and their children.
I set up the House Project in Oxfordshire in mid-July 2018. As the project lead in Oxfordshire our project means young people will move in to shared accommodation, unlike the other projects. This is the norm in Oxfordshire because housing is so expensive.
I believe in this project as the best way of giving 16-17 year olds in care the opportunity to learn to take ownership of their life - it not the easiest option, but certainly the best!Latest News
Newsletter July 2025
As we reach the halfway point of 2025, it’s a great moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together. From welcoming new partnerships and celebrating over 500 young people moving into their homes, to welcoming new Local House Projects and expanding the NHP team, we’ve seen real momentum in our mission to support care leavers.
Read moreA message from our CEO
Young people tell us that the House Project approach helps significantly, but we should never underestimate the enormous challenges they face at such a critical time in their lives. This reality was brought home to us recently with Sue’s decision to swap her working life at NHP for retirement caring for her new granddaughter two days a week. Even though Sue is fully in control of this decision-making process - something our young people often are not - the transition has still been discombobulating; letting go of something she enjoys and that has defined her, and moving on to something that will be incredibly rewarding and joyous.
Read more2024-25 Annual Reports are here!
This past year has been one of growth and recognition. We moved into a vibrant new office space, welcomed new talent to our team, formed exciting new partnerships, and continued to evolve as a learning organisation. National awards acknowledged our work, but our proudest achievements remain the deep, authentic relationships we’ve built and the sense of belonging that defines everything we do.
Read more