Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly ezine where you’ll find information on some of our FREE offers, our new look customer portal, cost of living support, volunteering and work experience opportunities and more!
New look ‘My Cottsway’ customer portal We’ve recently made some improvements so our customer portal has a new look. As a Cottsway customer, you can use our ‘My Cottsway’ to pay and check your rent online, update your details, and manage your tenancy conveniently at a time that suits you.
We’ve emailed all our portal users, but as a quick reminder, if you registered for our customer portal before 10 May 2023 and you have not already done so, please re-register to access the new My Cottsway. Law firm work experience opportunity We’re working with Blake Morgan, a leading law firm, to offer four young people living in our homes a week-long work experience opportunity at their office in Botley, Oxford, this July.
Blake Morgan’s ‘Growing Ambitions’ work placement scheme offers 16-18-year-olds the chance to learn more about the world of business and is ideal for those considering a career in law or simply wondering what it’d be like to work for a law firm.
The work placement will take place across a variety of departments at Blake Morgan and will also include meeting some of the company’s trainees and a barrister, learning about the various routes into law and the range of careers at the firm. Attendees will also get to meet the HR team for advice on CVs, interview techniques and completing application forms. Interested in volunteering for Citizen’s Advice West Oxfordshire? Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire currently need volunteers now more than ever to help make a difference to local people during the cost of living crisis. They are looking for volunteers from all backgrounds and of all ages across Oxfordshire who can give their time to help people struggling with energy prices, rising household bills, debt and housing issues.
No experience is necessary, as full training will be provided and you’ll receive lots of support from their supervisors and fellow volunteers too - you simply need to have a desire to help, an ability to engage with people and use a computer.
For more information about volunteering for the charity: Nationwide survey on energy saving technology In partnership with a number of social housing providers, law firm Shakespeare Martineau would like your thoughts about energy saving technology in the home. The survey, which is open until 31 May, should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and you can enter an optional prize draw to win an Amazon voucher. Shipton-under-Wychwood cost of living event If you live in or near Shipton-under-Wychwood and are feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis, then come along to the New Beaconsfield Hall between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday 31 May. We’ll be there with several other organisations to help put you in touch with those who can provide support. Please drop in if you’re local: - New Beaconsfield Hall, Church Path, Station Rd, Shipton-under-Wychwood OX7 6BQ
Community events We have a busy summer ahead and already have dates in the diary for community clear-up days in Chipping Norton and Eynsham. If you’d like us to hold a similar event in your area, or can think of somewhere that would benefit from one, then please visit our website for more information: We’ll also be supporting the Oxfordshire Play Association (OPA) with their play and activity days which offer free, fun activities for all the family. Events are due to take place in Carterton, Chipping Norton, Eynsham and Witney so come along if you’re in the area. Coaching and mentoring support programme Anyone aged 18+ and living in Cottsway home can apply for coaching and mentoring support.
We work with Neil Holman, an independent consultant who specialises in employment support and mental health issues, to help you make the most of your employment, training and educational opportunities. Children’s magazine giveaway We still have a few subscriptions to the fun-packed, advert free Storytime magazine to give away. Aimed at 3 to 9-year-olds Storytime is full of stories, poems and activities aimed at improving children’s literacy and support their health and wellbeing.
Interested? Apply below, providing your name, address and contact details. We’ll only use your personal details for the purpose of this offer but will need to share your details to arrange delivery. By requesting a subscription, you agree to us sharing your name and address with Storytime Magazine.
Community Fund The Cottsway Community Fund has £30,000 to award each year. Are you part of a community group or project that could use some additional funding? We have a replenished pot of funding now in place for the new financial year. This is available for both individual grants for training or education, and community grants, as well as money available for environmental projects in your area. | 
