Over 30 years ago, Banbury Young Homelessness Project emerged as a beacon of hope, providing crucial assistance to local young people facing homelessness. While its early days centred on sheltering those in need, homelessness legislation now places this responsibility on Cherwell District Council. Today, the charity—now known simply as BYHP—continues to adapt, reflecting its commitment to helping our young community in and around North Oxfordshire.

Focused on improving wellbeing and opportunities for 13- to 25-year-olds, BYHP offers a range of specialist services to tackle key causes of youth homelessness: mental health challenges, family breakdown, and disengagement from education. Their Counselling and Mental Wellbeing Support team provides therapy and wellbeing sessions, offering young people a safe space to navigate issues such as unhealthy relationships. This includes CAMHS Outreach Support for complex needs. The charity’s Family Services address conflicts within families, using flexible mediation to rebuild communication and strengthen relationships. For young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), BYHP’s services boost essential skills such as CV-building and self-esteem, paving pathways back to education, onwards to training, and supporting with job opportunities.

While BYHP no longer provides accommodation directly, it remains a vital resource for housing advice and foodbank services. The charity does not turn a young person in need away. Referrals come through a network of local partners—including schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, police, and other charities—or directly from young people and their families.

Recently, Banbury MP Sean Woodcock paid a visit to BYHP’s Grimsbury office to meet the committed BYHP team. CEO Linda Slide took the helm after the passing of Patrick Vercoe in 2023, extending her decade of BYHP experience to ensure the charity continues to grow and stay relevant. Alongside Linda, the charity’s trustees work to secure the future of BYHP’s services.

As BYHP looks ahead to the next 30 years, its Board of Trustees is keen to welcome new members, particularly those with experience or expertise in youth services or homelessness. It is a great time to step up, with a newly appointed chair supported by longstanding trustees. If you feel you could contribute to this vital cause, they invite you to get in touch.

Above all, if you or someone you know could benefit from BYHP’s support, don’t hesitate to reach out.  call 01295 259442, or email enquiries@byhp.org.uk for more information. Together, let’s ensure Banbury’s youth have the opportunities and support they deserve.

BYHP has announced that it has a new CEO following the death of Patrick Vercoe last year.

Linda Slide will be replacing Patrick, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 75.

Having worked at the charity for the past eight years, most recently as head of operations, Linda is bringing a wealth of knowledge and skills to the role.
She aims to use her experience to grow the charity by supporting more young people and families while ensuring strong governance is maintained.

Linda said: “It was a long and extensive process, but I am thrilled to be given such an incredible opportunity.

"We are well placed to continue to develop as a charity and support even more young people to achieve their potential, especially with such an impassioned and experienced team in place, completed by a committed and supportive board of trustees.”

The organisation - which was formed in 1995 and was given charity status in 2006 - provides support, advice, and guidance to young people aged between 13 and 25 who are facing homelessness, with particular emphasis on young people not in education or employment.

Kath Morris, chair of BYHP, said: “I have known Linda since she started in a volunteering role at BYHP and have absolutely no doubt that she has all the qualities of an excellent CEO.

"I have complete confidence in her ability to lead BYHP and all the team and to continue to provide excellent support for young people in the Banbury area, which we are well known for.“

Tributes have been paid to the CEO of the long-running Banbury Young Homelessness Project (BYHP) charity.

Patrick Vercoe passed away on Saturday October 21 aged 75.

He had been the CEO of BYHP since June 2018 and led the charity to prevent youth homelessness in the area for five years.

After a successful business career, Patrick joined the charity and built up a team that provided a range of services, both directly and in combination with other organisations, to young people aged 13 to 25.

Linda Slide, the acting interim chief executive, remembered Patrick by saying: “Patrick gave great strength and leadership to BYHP and will be greatly missed. He will be remembered with much fondness; he certainly left a legacy.”

The charity has been operating in Banbury for over 30 years and has helped hundreds of young people improve their wellbeing and opportunities to avoid the risk of homelessness.