EMPLOYMENT charity Aspire Oxford has won lottery funding with Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action to boost volunteering across the city.

The two organisations secured the funding on behalf of the Team Oxford partnership, which also includes Oxford City Council, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford Computer Consultants, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and OxFed, the Oxford Federation of GP Surgeries.

Aspire Oxford staff and the OCVA want to make it easier for people, communities and organisations to mobilise and work together to make a difference for the city, particularly in East Oxford.

READ AGAIN: Baby changing signs at Westgate branded discriminatory

This will be achieved by tackling key priority issues: improving physical and mental health, reducing loneliness and connecting communities, and addressing homelessness.

The funding will help to pay for full-time project coordinator, Hannah Mackie, who started her new role in December.

She will deliver free workshops to charities and public sector organisations in the city who want to access more or new volunteers.

READ AGAIN: Laurence Fox lashes out at film director Sir Sam Mendes

Ms Mackie said: “I’m thrilled to lead such a meaningful community project, it’s a great opportunity to boost volunteering in the city by bringing together people, communities and organisations for the collective goal of a happier and healthier city.

"Oxford is a vibrant place with a huge amount of energy and drive to do more good.

“I can’t wait to see Team Oxford channelling this towards addressing issues such as homelessness, mental and physical health and loneliness.”