Thames Valley
Thames Valley Citizens
Who are we?
We are Thames Valley Citizens, a Citizens UK Chapter. Hundreds of people form our alliance from schools, faith institutions, universities, trade unions, and community groups. We are a diverse and inclusive people-powered alliance. We are committed to working together to overcome injustice and bring about change in our local communities.
We are growing across Thames Valley, with an established alliance in Milton Keynes and others forming in Oxford and Reading. We are also developing campaigns around welcoming new communities, climate change, and the real Living Wage.
Since our founding in 2010, we have successfully campaigned to get:
- 48 employers to pay the real Living Wage.
- 8 accredited Refugees Welcome schools.
- 253 Redway improvements (pedestrian/cycle ways) and a new Bus Passengers Charter agreed by Arriva Buses.
What are we fighting for?
The priority issues voted on by members in our community include:
Milton Keynes (14)
- Church of Christ the Cornerstone
- MK Academy
- MK Council of Faiths
- MK Deanery
- MK Green Alliance
- MK Quaker Meeting
- Open University
- Southwood Primary School
- Q:alliance
- St. Frideswide’s Church
- Stantonbury Ecumenical Partnership
- YMCA MK
Please email Nudrat Hopper if your institution is interested in joining this alliance - Nudrat.hopper@citizensuk.org
Our work in Fishermead has been generously supported by the Milton Keynes Community Foundation
our work with the Cycling Alliance is supported by MK City Council and business partners
Oxford (7)
Leaders in Oxford have come together as a Temporary Sponsoring Committee to build a new alliance for this city. Get in touch to be part of this newly developing alliance.
- The Oxford Academy
- Oxford Hub
- Oxford Community Action
- Oxford Welcomes Refugees
- EMBS Community College
- St Mary and St John's Church, Cowley
- Thames Valley Immigration Alliance
Please email Keith Hebden if your institution is interested in joining this alliance - Keith.Hebden@citizensuk.org
Reading (6)
Leaders in Reading have come together as a Temporary Sponsoring Committee to build a new alliance for this city. Get in touch to be part of this newly developing alliance.
- University of Reading
- Reading University Student Union
- Thames Valley Immigration Alliance
- ACRE (Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality)
- Refugee Support Group
- Reading Deanery
- Utulivu
Please email Jessica Maddocks if your institution is interested in joining this alliance - Jessica.Maddocks@citizensuk.org
Campaign Teams
- Living Wage in Social Care
- Action on Climate and the Environment
- Misogyny Hate Crime
- Together We Can
Please email Keith Hebden if you're interested in getting involved in these local campaigns - Keith.Hebden@citizensuk.org
Strategic Partners and Funding Partners
A strategic partner is a member of Thames Valley Citizens contributing significantly above their membership dues to support the wider alliance.
- The Diocese of Oxford
- University of Reading
- Open University
- St Frideswides Church, Water Eaton
- Milton Keynes City Council
- Milton Keynes Community Foundation
- Trek Bikes
- The Living Wage Foundation
- Communities for Ukraine
- Diocese of St Albans
Please email Keith Hebden if you're interested in becoming a Strategic Partner - Keith.Hebden@citizensuk.org
Towns & Villages
With our Strategic Partner, the Diocese of Oxford, we are exploring developing Community Organising in rural areas and are also open to developing alliances in towns and other areas of the Thames Valley.
Please email Keith Hebden if you're interested in exploring developing Community Organising in rural areas in Thames Valley - Keith.Hebden@citizensuk.org
Want to join our Chapter?
We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them and we're always looking for new members to join us! Get in touch with our local Community Organisers using the form below.
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Citizens UK member.
Keep in touch
News, stories and updates
-
Mayor Candidates Welcomed by "Citizens of Bedford"After two years of building relationships, listening to the local community, and identifying key priorities, a local community organising group held a ‘Citizens Assembly’ for the candidates for Mayor of Bedford.
Read more -
-
