Community & Charity
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Oxfordshire Cricket pursues charitable status to boost community programmes
Oxfordshire Cricket is applying for charitable status to expand its youth, school, and community programmes. The move will unlock funding, strengthen volunteer support, and build on record junior participation across the county.
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Christmas Light Bus routes revealed after more than 1,600 votes
After more than 1,600 votes, the routes for Oxfordshire’s Christmas Light Bus have been confirmed. The illuminated open-top bus will tour the county over four December dates, with festive music, treats at stops and plenty of photo opportunities.
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Oxford Food Hub launches Corporate Partnership Scheme with PQShield as first partner
Oxford Food Hub has introduced a Corporate Partnership Scheme to support its food redistribution work, with PQShield joining as the first partner. The initiative invites Oxfordshire businesses to help reduce waste, strengthen community networks, and sustain vital services for local charities.
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Oxfordshire rugby coach Darren Rea wins a prestigious UK Coaching award
Oxfordshire rugby coach Darren Rea has been named UK Coaching Inclusive Coach of the Year after creating life-changing SEND rugby opportunities, transforming access to the sport for more than 100 children each week across the county.
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World’s first children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House unveils branded bus after competition win
Helen & Douglas House has launched a newly branded Oxford Bus Company electric bus after securing the runner-up spot in the 2025 Brand the Bus competition, winning a £20,000 advertising package to support its work and Christmas fundraising appeal.
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Children’s health charity and toy company bring the healing power of play to young patients in Oxford
Starlight and Ravensburger have delivered over 7,000 therapeutic toys to John Radcliffe Hospital and paediatric teams nationwide. The toys support children’s emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety during treatment, and fill critical gaps where hospitals lack budgets for play resources.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh celebrates RAW and GAIL’s social enterprise partnership
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited RAW’s Oxfordshire base to celebrate its social mission and four-year partnership with GAIL’s. The visit showcased RAW’s employment impact, youth charity, and circular-economy work through the innovative GAIL’s Hub initiative.
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Charity quiz night aims to raise £100,000 for Oxfordshire causes
A charity quiz night at Tap Social in Botley will support Raise25’s goal of raising £100,000 for twelve Oxfordshire charities. Match-funded tickets, prizes and the chance to meet local charities promise an evening of meaningful community fundraising.
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Staff at Oxford United’s official charity benefit from workplace wellbeing workshop
Oxford United in the Community staff received a tailored wellbeing workshop from psychotherapist Rebecca Lisi, equipping them with practical tools to manage stress and support the charity’s Match Fit campaign. The training forms part of a growing partnership under the Friends of the Community scheme.
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Local Businesses unite to celebrate World Kindness Day with gifts for new parents
Local businesses celebrated World Kindness Day by donating artisan gift bags to new parents at Chipping Norton’s maternity unit. Led by Tall Trees Care Home, the gesture brought joy, comfort, and a sense of community to families welcoming newborns.
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Mental health charity One-Eighty wins Brand the Bus 2025 competition
One-Eighty has won the 2025 Brand the Bus competition, securing a year-long bus wrap and £100K advertising package. The charity supports young people with mental health and SEND challenges, delivering over 2,000 interventions annually across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
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The Bicester Collection announces South Asia winners of Unlock Her Future Prize 2025
Six women innovators from across South Asia have been named winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025, receiving funding and global support to develop ventures that advance key UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Local wildlife photographer to bring nature to cancer patients at Churchill Hospital
Robert Edwards’ wildlife photography exhibition at Churchill Hospital will offer cancer patients moments of calm and beauty while fundraising for Oxford Hospitals Charity through print sales and community support.
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Voting begins to select neighbourhoods for Oxford’s Christmas Light bus
Oxford’s Christmas Light Bus returns this December, and residents can vote to choose its 2025 route. The illuminated bus will tour the city across four evenings, spreading festive cheer with music, treats and community celebrations.
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Audley Shiplake Meadows to host annual Christmas fair
Audley Shiplake Meadows will welcome residents and visitors to its free annual Christmas Fair on 23 November, offering festive treats, carols and stalls featuring local produce and handmade gifts. The event aims to bring the community together in a joyful seasonal celebration.
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The M&M Group backs Oxford United’s ‘Friends of the Community’ campaign
Environmental services firm The M&M Group has joined Oxford United in the Community’s ‘Friends of the Community’ campaign, helping raise funds to support programmes that use football to inspire healthier, happier, and more connected lives across Oxfordshire.