Health & Wellbeing
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Why Oxford is a top choice for retirees seeking an active and cultural lifestyle
A growing number of retirees are downsizing to suburban and semi-rural areas near cities rather than traditional countryside or coastal spots. Nearby towns like Woodstock, Wantage, and Dorchester on Thames offer offer a good compromise between access and tranquillity.
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Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service issues warning on water safety
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has issued vital water safety advice due to rising concerns about people getting into difficulty in the county’s rivers, lakes, and canals, especially during hot weather. The public is warned of dangers such as cold water shock, strong currents, and hidden underwater hazards.
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“Little Lungs, Big Impact” kicks off at Oxford’s Serco-run leisure centres
More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), in partnership with Serco Leisure, has launched the “Little Lungs, Big Impact” initiative to ban smoking and vaping near entrances of its leisure centres in Oxford. The campaign prioritises children’s health by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke.
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New medical centre in Oxford to transform private healthcare access in 2026
Welbeck Health Partners is set to open a £30m private medical centre in Oxford by 2026, promising world-class care across 12 specialties including cardiology, urology, and orthopaedics, spearheaded by experienced healthcare leader Rachel Boxall.
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Big Splash Weekend brings free swimming lessons to Oxford families
Oxford’s Big Splash Weekend takes place on 07 – 08 June across four local leisure centres: Hinksey Outdoor Pool, Ferry, Leys, and Barton. The event features free swimming lessons, fun family swim sessions, and inflatable obstacle courses.
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Ferry Leisure Centre opens new indoor cycling studio and upgrades squash courts
Ferry Leisure Centre has unveiled a series of upgrades, including a new indoor cycling studio and refurbished squash courts. The dedicated cycling space, converted from a former squash court, offers both instructor-led and virtual classes for all fitness levels.
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Thame resident celebrates 102nd birthday, shares secret to longevity
Guida Thomas, a resident of Cuttlebrook Hall care home in Thame, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by family, friends, and fellow residents. The celebration included afternoon tea, live entertainment, and a visit from the Mayor of Thame.
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BBOWT urges public to reconnect with nature in ’30 Days Wild’ challenge
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is inviting people of all ages to join 30 Days Wild, a nationwide challenge encouraging daily nature-based activities throughout June. From listening to birdsong to planting wildflowers, the campaign promotes wellbeing and environmental connection through simple, everyday acts.
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Wantage care home uses AI to detect pain and transform the wellbeing of residents
Elmbrook Court care home in Wantage is trialling AI technology to improve resident wellbeing. Using the PainChek system, care staff can detect and manage pain in residents who struggle to communicate by scanning facial expressions with a smartphone or tablet.
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Thrive Homes and MySafeHome partner on accessibility for disabled homeowners
Thrive Homes, a housing association managing nearly 6,000 homes, has partnered with MySafeHome, a specialist mortgage provider for disabled individuals. This collaboration aims to improve homeownership accessibility through shared ownership, using benefits as income.
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Kidney Care UK renews support for the 2025 British Transplant Games in Oxford
The charity, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has been a key partner in promoting organ donation and supporting transplant recipients for over a decade.
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Football for mental health: Oxford United’s campaign for awareness and support
Oxford United in the Community and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation have partnered to raise mental health awareness and support in Oxfordshire. Their collaboration aligns with Oxford United’s home fixture against Portsmouth on February 15, honoring Joey Beauchamp’s legacy.
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Play2Give launches Easter egg appeal to help local families
Play2Give, a Didcot-based charity, has launched its fifth annual Easter appeal to bring joy to children and families in hospitals, hospices, and those in need across Oxfordshire.
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Bike Oxford and Walk Oxford 2025: A celebration of active living and community spirit
Bike Oxford 2025 and Walk Oxford 2025 will be held on Sunday, 22 June, at Oxford University Rugby Club. The cycling event welcomes over 800 riders with varying routes, while the walking event aims to attract 200 walkers completing different distances.
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Oxfordshire care leaders call timescale for social care reforms plan a ‘ticking time bomb’
While the government is rolling out immediate measures to support people in need of care, they have been criticised for not acting with enough urgency on plans to reform the social care system.
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New report by Active Oxfordshire shows physical activity eases strain on NHS services
Data from Active Oxfordshire revealed participants on its Move Together programme attended 51% fewer appointments at their local GP surgery and are less reliant on NHS out-of-hours services.