A charity hub dedicated to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness has received a funding boost.

Connection Support has received a £500 donation from housebuilder Barratt Homes.

The donation is to support the charity's warm hub in Banbury, called The Beacon.

Oxford Mail: Sarah Bennett, Barratt Homes’ sales adviser, at the Beacon CentreSarah Bennett, Barratt Homes’ sales adviser, at the Beacon Centre (Image: Barratt Homes)

The hub, located in St Mary’s Centre in Horsefair, has supported 103 individuals since reopening its doors in 2023.

It provides a safe, warm place for people to access food and warm drinks, interact with those in similar circumstances and find out about services available to them and how to access them.

Oxford Mail: Sarah Bennett (centre), Barratt Homes’ sales adviser, with some of the team at Connection Support in BanburySarah Bennett (centre), Barratt Homes’ sales adviser, with some of the team at Connection Support in Banbury (Image: Barratt Homes)

Catherine Whitmarsh, head of fundraising at Connection Support, said: "We are hugely grateful for this donation, which will contribute to the running costs of The Beacon, enabling us to provide a warm drink, a listening ear and vital support to people in Banbury who have nowhere else to turn."

After the donation, Barratt Homes' sales advisor, Sarah Bennett, met with the charity's representatives to find out how the donation will make a difference.

Oxford Mail: Sarah Bennett, Barratt Homes’ sales adviser, at the the Beacon CentreSarah Bennett, Barratt Homes’ sales adviser, at the the Beacon Centre (Image: Barratt Homes)

Adrian Evans, managing director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: "Connection Support provides a fantastic service and compassionate support for those affected by homelessness and isolation around Oxfordshire.

"It's a privilege for us to have the opportunity to support local causes and we hope our contribution will help with the growing demand for the charity’s services."