OCM’s charitable giving and the impact of supporting Home Start
November 18, 2025
OCM is proud to continue supporting charitable initiatives that make a real difference across local communities. One of the most meaningful recent contributions has been through Sanctuary’s MatchMyProject initiative. OCM was matched with Home Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton to provide essential digital equipment for frontline support work. This project focused on supplying a new laptop for the charity’s Senior Family Support Worker. This meant that they could continue delivering vital early intervention and practical support for families with young children.
MatchMyProject
The MatchMyProject is a platform that helps businesses like OCM (via Sanctuary) connect directly with community organisations that need resources. It also ensures donations are meaningful, aligned and genuinely useful. The Home Start team had no available funds to replace a failing laptop that could no longer be used outside the office. With much of their support taking place in the homes of families in crisis, a portable and reliable device was essential. Once matched, OCM worked closely with Sanctuary’s Partnerships Team to understand the charity’s needs and deliver the right solution in the right timeframe.
Home Start’s request was clear. They needed a digital device that their Senior Family Support Worker could use confidently within the community. Home visits require note taking and access to case information. In addition, they require safeguarding documentation and the ability to communicate securely with statutory services. The lack of suitable technology placed limitations on their ability to offer the level of support many families urgently needed. The charity’s Fundraising and Communications Officer, Emma Ford, emphasised that securing the income for core work is already challenging for a small organisation. So funding basic but essential equipment is often out of reach. Being able to access the MatchMyProject initiative offered a straightforward and efficient route to gain the tools they needed.
The project timeline shows how quickly community support can be mobilised when partnerships work effectively. It was matched one month before completion and reached full delivery shortly after the organisation’s new Senior Family Support Worker began their role. The laptop was delivered to the charity at the Britannia Road Children’s Centre in Banbury. It is now used daily to support vulnerable families. The team were grateful for how smoothly the process was managed and for how quickly the device arrived.
Outcomes
The outcomes of this project directly contribute to Home Start’s mission of building resilience as well as strengthening family connections and helping parents create healthier and more stable futures for their children. By addressing both health and wellbeing priorities, the laptop ensures that Home Start can continue delivering intensive early intervention to families at risk of crisis. With the right equipment, the Senior Family Support Worker is able to provide high quality, non judgemental support within family homes. This is where many children and parents feel most comfortable opening up about their challenges. Early intervention work of this kind can prevent future crises. In addition, it can reduce reliance on statutory services and produce long term positive change.
The project also supports communities experiencing the highest levels of need. Many families who turn to Home Start are referred by statutory agencies that are already stretched. The organisation’s ability to act quickly as well as offer personal support and provide practical help is critical. A single resource such as a laptop may seem simple, but its impact is significant. It enables the charity to manage referrals more efficiently. In addition, it enables them to record safeguarding information securely and ensure families receive the continuity of care they deserve.
Feedback from Home Start following the completion of the project was extremely positive. They described the laptop as wonderful and noted how valuable it was to have an efficient device that allowed their new Senior Support Worker to start their role fully equipped. They highlighted that the equipment was exactly what they needed and expressed their appreciation for how efficient and straightforward the whole process had been.
OCM support
From OCM’s perspective, communication with the charity was smooth and clear as well as responsive. The team spent three hours on the project overall and found the experience rewarding and impactful. There were no additional resources or cash donations required. What mattered was providing the right equipment at the right time. OCM added a public review to the charity’s profile. This reflects how pleased they were to support local families and help Home Start continue their essential work.
Supporting community led projects is an important part of OCM’s values. As specialists in secure IT disposal, data destruction and equipment collection, the team also knows the value of high quality refurbished technology. This project complements OCM’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Where possible, OCM aims to extend the life of IT equipment and make technology accessible to organisations that need it most. You can learn more about how OCM supports businesses and communities on our blog.
For charities and organisations working with vulnerable families, digital tools are not a luxury. They are a necessity. This project demonstrates how businesses can contribute in practical ways that make a measurable difference. By working with Sanctuary and Home Start, OCM helped sustain vital support services that strengthen families and build resilience in the heart of the community.
Can you help?
If your organisation is considering donating equipment or partnering with initiatives that support local groups, MatchMyProject provides a reliable structure to ensure your help reaches those who need it most. You can read more about OCM’s approach to community support and sustainability on our services page. In addition, you can explore how your business could get involved in similar programmes. For those interested in learning more about Home Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton and their incredible work with families, visit their website at home-startbanbury.org.uk.
OCM was very happy to help with Home Start’s tech requirements. The project delivered long term benefits for the charity and the communities they serve. It also strengthened connections between organisations that share a commitment to improving lives and supporting families facing hardship. Small contributions can make a big difference and this laptop will be used to support many families for years to come.
Contact our Social Values Lead, Gemma Bott, directly for more information.
