Health & Wellbeing
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Combating loneliness at Christmas with carols for the older generation at The Rivus in Wantage
The Rivus in Wantage is offering over 55s a supportive community during Christmas, with social clubs, festive events, and a carols evening this December to connect residents and locals in celebration.
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Free after-dark walking club launches at Leys Pools to support women this winter
Leys Pools and Leisure Centre has introduced a free after-dark walking club to support This Girl Can’s Let’s Lift the Curfew campaign, encouraging women to stay active during winter. Weekly guided sessions with high-vis clothing are open to everyone.
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Chancellors offers free health checks for landlords as the Renters’ Rights Act approaches
Chancellors is providing free Landlord Health Checks to help property owners prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act, which brings major changes including the end of Section 21 evictions, periodic tenancies and stricter rent rules from May 2026.
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Ask Me: Education launches to improve grief support for young people in UK schools
Oxford’s Nell Davies-Small is helping launch Ask Me: Education, a new campaign urging schools to improve support for bereaved students. With most young people feeling unsupported, the initiative calls for greater empathy, personalised care, and student-led bereavement plans.
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Oxford Bus Group expands free flu jab programme to protect workers amid early flu season
Oxford Bus Group is offering hundreds of employees free flu vaccinations this winter, expanding last year’s successful programme. Staff across all companies can now book complimentary jabs at Boots to help reduce illness and protect colleagues, families and customers.
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Oxford ITAA celebrates five years and invites residents struggling with tech addiction
Oxford ITAA marks five years of supporting people struggling with compulsive internet and technology use. The free, anonymous 12-step group meets weekly and welcomes anyone seeking help to restore healthier digital habits and find long-term recovery.
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Nai’s House launches the 1% Club to protect the mental wellbeing of future generations
Nai’s House has launched the 1% Club, inviting businesses to pledge 1% of turnover to support youth mental health and suicide prevention. The initiative strengthens early intervention and offers members training discounts, impact reports, and recognition for their support.
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Mental health charity Response celebrates 60 years of vital care and community impact
Response celebrates its 60-year anniversary, marking six decades of mental health and housing support across three counties. The charity highlights rising demand and invites supporters to take part in its Dog Jog Virtual Challenge.
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Oxfordshire-based former rugby star to take on world’s toughest row for charity
Henley’s Ollie Phillips joins three adventurers to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic this December, raising funds for MND and sports charities in memory of rugby legend Doddie Weir and others affected by life-changing conditions.
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Aureus School unites to support charity in honour of former teacher
Aureus School in Didcot is fundraising for the MSA Trust in honour of former teacher Carolyn Saul, who was diagnosed with the rare and incurable condition Multiple System Atrophy, inspiring colleagues and students alike through her courage and dedication.
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Westgate Oxford to champion accessibility for Purple Tuesday 2025
Westgate Oxford will mark Purple Tuesday on 04 November with a day dedicated to accessibility awareness, charity partnerships, and visitor feedback – reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity with quiet hours, stoma-friendly facilities, and new initiatives such as the SignLive BSL service.
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Oxfordshire gynaecologist shares expert advice for Menopause Awareness Month
Dr Lee Lim, a leading Oxfordshire gynaecologist, has shared expert menopause advice for Awareness Month, emphasising lifestyle changes, preventative care, and personalised treatment before considering hormone therapy.
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Runners raise over £11k for Oxford mental health charity Response
Fifty runners raised over £11k for Littlemore-based charity Response during the Oxford Half Marathon, supporting mental health and housing services for hundreds across Oxfordshire.
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Oxford health professional recognised for supporting children with long-term conditions
Oxford health play specialist Laura Clay has been recognised nationally for her innovative use of play to help children with juvenile arthritis manage their treatment and anxiety, earning her the runner-up spot in Starlight’s 2025 Health Play Awards.
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Abingdon Bridge House care home celebrates 12th anniversary with “Queen Jean”
Bridge House Care Home in Abingdon marked its 12th anniversary with “Queen Jean” Underwood cutting the cake. The celebration honoured long-serving staff, award-winning care, and the strong community that has shaped the Outstanding-rated home since 2013.
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Westgate Oxford launches mental health initiative in partnership with Mind
Westgate Oxford has launched a new mental health initiative with charity Mind, featuring installations around the shopping centre designed to encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and find support, marking World Mental Health Day and a year-long awareness campaign.