Community & Charity
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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.
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Aureus student honours Armed Forces in ‘Poppies to Paddington’ tribute
Aureus student Roy Hehea laid a wreath at Didcot Parkway for the ‘Poppies to Paddington’ remembrance tribute, honouring Armed Forces personnel.
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Aureus School unites for moving Remembrance Service
Aureus School held a moving Remembrance Service featuring speeches, a formal drill and a two-minute silence to honour Armed Forces personnel and their families.
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New player shelters by Externiture give Chipping Norton Swifts FC a boost
Chipping Norton Swifts FC has unveiled two new Externiture-donated player shelters at Greystones. Complete with club colours and practical features, they debuted during the U13 girls’ 10–0 season-opening win and have been warmly welcomed by players and coaches.
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BBOWT honours lifetime of service from wildlife volunteers
BBOWT has recognised Tony Chandler and Rodney Sims for six decades of volunteer service at its 2025 Awards, alongside young and community groups contributing to wildlife conservation across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.