Tales from Dreaming Spires is a non-profit roleplaying and gaming event in Oxford. It had its inaugural event in January 2020 at East Oxford Community Centre, but due to the pandemic this year it will all be taking place online for free with the chance to donate to Homelessness Oxfordshire.
Coronavirus has not stopped Oxford’s geeks from gaming and event organiser Stephen Dowling, wants to continue to make an event by gamers for gamers and lift people’s spirits. Mr Dowling launched the annual event in 2020 because there was not anything like it in Oxford despite it being home to plenty of geeks.
GROUPS working to tackle homelessness are trying to make sure winter support and Christmas dinners are still available despite the pandemic. During the winter, Oxford City Council usually activates its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to get rough sleepers into temporary shelter. And at the same time, charities usually offer extra food for rough sleepers or company for the lonely. But the pandemic has made this more difficult in 2020. The Oxfordshire Homeless Movement is co-ordinating efforts between these groups to tackle rough sleeping while navigating the difficulties of the coronavirus. The movement is also appealing for public help to continue its work.