International Christian charity Viva is launching work to tackle the needs of children, young people and families in Oxfordshire who are struggling with household poverty, unstable family life and employment difficulties.

The project is the result of a research report by the East Oxford-based charity which gathered data from more than 200 disadvantaged adults and young people and led to the launch of the “Doorsteps” programme to meet their needs through working with churches.

It comes in a climate of pressure, with reduced Government funding and Oxfordshire County Council children’s services reporting a surge of cases following recent child abuse scandals and in the wake of Operation Bullfinch.

Viva project leader Katharine Thompson said: “After the report’s public launch in May, a peer network of active churches was formed to work together to develop pilot project ideas and we are delighted to be launching the first of these, which will focus on raising aspiration and self-esteem in local young people.

“These, alongside unstable family life and struggling parents, household poverty and difficulty entering employment, were identified in our report as the five major issues creating disadvantage.”

The project, which is funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government, will be coordinated by Viva in partnership with Donnington Doorstep, St Luke’s Canning Crescent, Oxford Youth Works and Oxford City Council.

The initial phase will focus on getting the project up and running and engaging young people in events and activities.These will be designed to inspire the youngsters to develop their own ideas about ways to raise aspiration and confidence among their peers. In the longer term the project’s key aim is to reduce unplanned pregnancies.

Ms Thompson added: “The Christian Church has a long history of playing a positive, relevant and active role in the local community. Today, in light of the increasing need in this current age of austerity, the Church needs to step up and step out even more in action, justice and compassion.”

“ Viva has been drawing on two decades of overseas experience with children at risk to research the situation in Oxfordshire, including how churches are currently responding. The research highlighted a mismatch or gap between churches’ aspirations and what they have actually been doing.

“Considerable time has been spent on activities with young people who come to church, and are not generally as vulnerable as some others in the local community.”

To find out more about the Doorsteps Programme, call Viva on 01865 811660 or email comms@viva.org