Local news: Oxford
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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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Oxfam launches Christmas personal shopper service for conscious Oxford shoppers
Oxfam is launching a Christmas Personal Shopper Gifting Service in Oxford to help residents find meaningful, affordable and sustainable presents. With many shoppers feeling financial pressure, the initiative supports second-hand gifting and offers tailored advice for thoughtful festive shopping.
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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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Oxford Innovation Space’s Jo Stevens honoured as Institute of Economic Development Leader of the Year 2025
Jo Stevens of Oxford Innovation Space has been named Leader of the Year at the 2025 iED Awards, recognised for her people-first leadership and national impact on innovation-led economic growth across the UK and Ireland.
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Oxford University part of NatWest’s new partnership drive to boost UK innovation
NatWest has partnered with four UK universities, expanding its Accelerator network with new hubs and strengthened support for innovation-led businesses. The bank has exceeded its 2025 growth target as new data shows exceptional turnover and survival rates among participating companies.
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Waterperry Opera announces 2026 mainstage productions and creative teams
Waterperry Opera Festival’s 2026 season will feature new English-language productions of Puccini’s La Bohème and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, led by acclaimed creative teams and rising opera stars. Full programme details will be announced in January.
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Bampton Classical Opera reveals winners of 2025 Young Singers’ Competition
Soprano Seohyun Go has won Bampton Classical Opera’s 2025 Young Singers’ Competition, with Emma Roberts and Erin Rossington sharing Second Prize and Daniel Peter Silcock securing the Accompanists’ Prize after an exceptional final at Wolfson College, Oxford.
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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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Waterperry Opera Festival unveils La Bohème and The Elixir of Love for 2026
Waterperry Opera Festival will headline La Bohème and The Elixir of Love at its 2026 festival. Performed in English and led by acclaimed creative teams, the productions continue the festival’s mission to deliver imaginative, accessible opera in Waterperry’s iconic gardens.
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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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Pakistan gifts landmark Islamic artwork to Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies has added its first Pakistani artwork to its permanent collection – a striking Amin Gulgee sculpture gifted by the Government of Pakistan, symbolising deepening academic and cultural ties.
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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.