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.