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!