Formerly Becket Street

STRIDE is the new name for the service previously known as Becket Street. It continues the service’s established housing support, with a clearer focus on employability, independence and planned moves into long-term accommodation.

Stable accommodation. Practical support. More options for the future.

STRIDE is one of Aspire’s accommodation project that provides progression supported accommodation for adults who have experienced, or are at risk of, homelessness and rough sleeping.

Residents have a safe and stable place to live, alongside personalised housing-related support and opportunities to build wellbeing, confidence, skills and independence. We work with each person to develop a practical plan for using their time meaningfully, exploring education or employment, and moving on to suitable long-term accommodation.

What this project offers

Residents can access:

  • Safe, stable and affordable supported accommodation
  • Personalised support and move-on planning
  • Wellbeing, lifestyle and group activities
  • Training, courses and employability support
  • Volunteering and work experience opportunities
  • Support with job searching and moving into employment
  • Help to explore suitable long-term housing options

Who is STRIDE for?

STRIDE is for adults who need housing-related support and are ready to work towards greater independence.

To access the service, a person must:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Have a connection to Oxford City Council
  • Have experienced, or be at risk of, homelessness or rough sleeping
  • Need housing-related support to sustain independent accommodation, without requiring 24-hour supervision
  • Be willing to take part in activities linked to wellbeing, education, training, volunteering or work
  • Have recourse to public funds

How our support works

Support is shaped around each resident’s goals, circumstances and pace.

We encourage residents to take an active role in their plans, make informed choices and build the routines and confidence needed for greater independence.

This may include improving wellbeing, developing daily routines, building employability skills, taking part in training or volunteering, and preparing for a move into a home of their own.

STIDE Benefit: Affordable accommodation while moving into work

Starting work should not mean losing a stable place to live.

STRIDE enables residents who enter employment to continue accessing affordable accommodation and support while they establish themselves at work. This gives people time to strengthen their financial independence and prepare for a sustainable move into long-term housing.

Moving on from STRIDE

STRIDE supports residents to explore the long-term housing option that suits them best. This may include social housing, private renting or, where appropriate, part ownership opportunities.

Our Private Rented Sector Officer works with landlords and letting agents to identify affordable homes, address barriers to renting and create more opportunities for residents to move on.

How to access STRIDE

Referrals to STRIDE are currently made through the Oxford City Access Panel.

To discuss whether STRIDE may be suitable for you or someone you support, contact Oxford City Council’s housing services for advice about the referral process.