07-07-2025
Two charities in Cotswolds receive whopping £25,000 donation
Two Cotswolds charities have received a £25,000 donation following a recent house draw in the area.
The beneficiaries are Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP), which supports vulnerable 16-to-25-year-olds facing homelessness, and Cotswold Friends, a longstanding charity providing essential services for older and vulnerable members of the community.
Omaze was introduced to both charities by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Member of Parliament for the North Cotswolds.
The donation follows Omaze's recent house draw in the Cotswolds, which saw 25-year-old Clarkson's Farm fan, Anthony Martin, win a five-bedroom property worth £5 million along with £250,000 in cash.
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Anthony Martin at his Omaze £5m Cotswolds home. (Image: MARK FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY)
This draw also raised £4.2 million for Guide Dogs.
Omaze has a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where its Grand Prize houses are located, in addition to the main donation for its House Draw charity partners, and is 'delighted' to be supporting these two very worthy local causes.
CHYP has been operating for nearly 40 years and provides round-the-clock support along with an individual plan for each young resident to make sure their needs are met, and that they are moving towards living independently.
Most of CHYP's vulnerable young residents are homeless as a result of family break-up, abuse or leaving care.
Many have additional problems such as special educational needs or mental health issues.
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Maggie Edney, Andy Johnson, Sherry Newton, Rebecca Cotton, Millie Curtis, Kim Lear, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Luanne Bond and Jane Gunner. Sherry Newton from Omaze presents members from Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) with a cheque. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
In recent years, CHYP has seen a significant rise in the number of young people presenting with complex mental health challenges, now affecting 80 to 90 per cent of its residents.
In response, the charity has reviewed its accommodation and services and is developing a new unit.
The current house will be dedicated to the youngest and most vulnerable residents, while the new space, supported in part by the £12,500 Omaze donation, will provide a home for more independent 20–25-year-olds who require less intensive support.
Planning discussions with senior council officials are already underway.
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Cotswold Friends has been working to alleviate loneliness and isolation, improve health and wellbeing and support independent living for more than 45 years.
Over 2,300 people benefit from the services, delivered by over 340 volunteers and a staff team.
The charity will use the £12,500 donation to support its Community Activities Programme (CAP).
It costs Cotswold Friends around £300 per person to support lonely, isolated older people, meaning the much-needed new funds will support more than 40 people attending Community Activities for a year.
CAP offers many activities including Friendship Cafés, Lunch Clubs, Day Clubs, Knit and Natter sessions, Community Singing, Walking Football, a Community Garden, and Men in Sheds – all designed to bring people together and support well-being across the Cotswolds.
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John Lucas, Sherry Newton, Sharon Perrins, Diane Bell, Jo Hammond, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP and Ed Meed. Sherry Newton from Omaze presents members from Cotswolds Friends with a cheque. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for North Cotswolds, said: 'Across the Cotswolds, charities and volunteers contribute so much to our community, providing support and services to those who need it most.
'It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with Omaze and introduce them to these two amazing organisations.
'The combined £25,000 donation they're receiving will have a huge impact - keeping important services running and delivering new activities for both young and old people across the region.'
Millie Curtis, CHYP General Manager, said "We are incredibly thankful to Omaze for this generous donation and Sir Geoffrey for putting us forward.
"This £12,500 will help us make improvements so that we are able to support even more young, vulnerable homeless people in the future."
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Joanna Hammond, CEO, Cotswold Friends, said: 'Cotswold Friends are very grateful for this fantastic donation from Omaze.
"The £12,500 will help fund our Community Activities Programme this year, supporting the continued delivery of local activities that help older and vulnerable people stay connected to the community.'
Sherry Newton, Omaze, said: 'Everyone at Omaze is absolutely delighted we have been able to make a contribution to these two influential charities.
'I was honoured to meet representatives from both charities and hear about the incredible people they are supporting - and the teams who provide these vital community services.
"Omaze will continue to help more local causes in the areas where we host our house draws, wherever possible."
