Need a volunteer, or considering doing some volunteering yourself? Have a look at our Volunteers page.
Activities for disabled children and young people
Council resources for activities for children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs.
Advocacy Services:
see Getting Heard (formerly Oxfordshire Advocacy) below
Al-Anon & Alateen
Support & understanding for friends & family of problem drinkers. Call their national helpline for times & locations of local meetings: 020 7403 0888. Alateen provides support for 12-17 year olds.
Alcoholics Anonymous
For anyone whose drinking is causing them problems. Local 01865 242373, national 08457 697555 – 24hr helpline. Meetings at St Michael's at the Northgate and various other locations around Oxford - find a local meeting here.
Alixcare Home Shopping Service
Tel 01865 778618 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday, or email info@alixcare.co.uk
Weekly shopping service includes picking, packing, delivery anywhere in Oxfordshire (9am-6pm, Mon - Sat), and if necessary unpacking too. You can order from a printed catalogue, or online. This service is a partnership between Alixcare and Budgen's.
Alzheimer's / Dementia:
see Contented Dementia Trust, the Dementia Information Line and The Clive Project below
Aphasia: (communication difficulties following a stroke or head injury)
Each person experiences aphasia differently. Some can no longer speak, some only have a few words. Others can no longer read, write or use numbers. Aphasia can be very isolating, but support is available - see Aphasia Reconnect for details.
Asylum Welcome
Asylum Welcome tackles suffering and isolation among asylum seekers, refugees and detainees who have fled persecution and danger in their own countries and seek refuge in Oxford and Oxfordshire. Tel. 01865 722082.
AFSO (Autism Family Support Oxfordshire)
A charity providing services to offer support to people on the autism spectrum, and their families.
Benefits Advice
Barton: 01865 744152, Underhill Circus, Oxford.
Blackbird Leys: 01865 770206, 96, Blackbird Leys Road.
Rose Hill & Donnington: 01865 438634, The Cabin, The Oval, Rose Hill.
Claimants Union: 01865 723750, East Oxford Community Centre.
Oxfordshire Mind: 01865 247788, ask to be directed to the Benefits Service (open Monday to Thursday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm, closed bank holidays) or email info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
Further information available here.
Bipolar UK Oxford Support Group
Support Groups are free to attend and are open to anyone affected by bipolar, including family, friends and carers. Meets: 1st Tuesday (online) and 3rd Wednesday (in-person) of every month, 7-9pm. In person meetings Oxford Quaker Meeting House, 43 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LW.
Breathe Easy Banbury Support Group
Group supporting those living with a lung condition. Meetings 1st Monday of every month 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Army Reserves Centre, 5 Squadron, Oxford Road, Banbury, OX16 9AN. Call Jeni on 07813448257 or email banburybreatheeasyclub@gmail.com
Both Parents Matter - Oxford Branch
Helpline: 0300 0300 363 or email oxford@bothparentsmatter.org.uk
Registered UK charity providing information and support to parents and grandparents, including unmarried parents, of any gender.
British Red Cross – 01235 552662
Oxfordshire Branch, Colwell Drive, Abingdon
Open Monday - Friday 9:00 to 17:00
Welfare, medical loans, advice, support, tracing relatives. Training in first aid, nursing skills, welfare skills and industrial skills. Hand crafts.
Care Agencies (private)
See list at the bottom of the page.
Childcare Information
Childcare.co.uk (support@childcare.co.uk)
offers lists of childminders, creches and playgroups. This service does not check Ofsted registration itself, and not all the people listed may be registered. Do check! You must become a member to access the information, and you may be charged a fee for some services, including messaging other members.
The Family Information Service (run by Oxfordshire Council) holds the full registered list, on behalf of Ofsted, and information is updated daily. Everything on this site is totally free to access. There's also a Facebook group.
Child Death Helpline
24 hour helpline dedicated to supporting parents who have experienced the death of a child. Call 0800 282 986.
Childline – 0800 1111
24hr free helpline for children and young people.
Citizens Advice Bureau – 0808 169 6031
Citizens Advice Oxfordshire serves Oxford city, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire - see their website to find your nearest centre and opening hours.
Phone advice available Monday-Friday 9.00am-4.30pm.
"Free advice and confidential information. Practical help with debt, benefits, employers, landlords, consumer rights, immigration etc. "
The Clive Project (Early onset dementia support) – 01993 776295
Enables younger people with dementia, and their families, to live life to the full by providing specialist services and support across Oxfordshire. Individual activities, social events and a monthly cafT are enjoyed by many, with information and supportive team available.
mail@thecliveproject.org.uk
Contented Dementia Trust – 01993 822129 (formerly SPECAL)
Independent dementia care charity with an innovative and highly practical approach, taking a positive view of what it is possible to achieve for a person with dementia and their family. Wide range of workshops, training courses and support services suitable for families requiring help and also for professionals working in the field of dementia care. Their care enables people with dementia to enjoy a good quality of life throughout the rest of their life.
Address: The Administrator, Unit 2, Bruern Home Farm Yard, Chipping Norton OX7 6QF.
admin@contenteddementiatrust.org
Counselling
TLC (The Listening Centre), also below, offer low cost counselling to those otherwise unable to afford it. If you go to a private practitioner, expect to pay £25 - £55 per hour. Get a personal recommendation if possible. Otherwise, BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) lists their accredited practitioners, who are under obligation to practise ethically.
Cruse - Bereavement Care – 01865 245398
Wesley Memorial Hall, New In Hall Street
Open Mon-Fri 10:00-13:00. Messages can be left on answerphone outside hours.
Counselling, practical advice and help with all aspects of bereavement. Also social groups and activities.
Deaf Oxfordshire
A club for members of Oxford's Deaf community.
Dementia Oxfordshire - 01865 410210
Information for people with Dementia and their carers, and healthcare professionals wanting to know more about Dementia and local resources in Oxfordshire. Includes links to local support groups, and information for those with young onset dementia.
ElWell - (Helping people stay independent as they get older) - 01865 238185
ElWell makes home visits across Oxfordshire, helping people across the county stay independent and providing peace of mind for their families. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nutrition support, tailored to the individual. Focusing on mobility and balance / falls prevention, home adaptations, managing memory loss, limiting isolation and nutrition.
Phone: 01865 238185
Email: hello@el-well.com
Website: www.el-well.com/oxfordshire/
Female Genital Mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation is illegal in the UK, and when performed on anyone under the age of 16 it counts as child abuse. It carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. There are some areas of the world where there is a cultural tradition of carrying out FGM, but it is still illegal even if it is carried out in another country. Fortunately there are a number of groups who will help people at risk of this practice, or help families to resist cultural pressures to have it carried out.
The Sundial Centre are a local charity working to help prevent FGM of girls and women living in Oxfordshire and the South East. They have an informative website.
The NSPCC has a special FGM helpline, staffed 24hrs a day, on 0800 028 3550, or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk. Locally the Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) are also very helpful if someone is at risk of FGM, and they can be contacted on 0345 050 7666 if an immediate response is required, or fill out a social care referral form. If someone is at immediate risk, call the 999 and ask for the police.
The Oxford Rose Clinic, a specialist FGM clinic based at the John Radcliffe Hospital, accepts self-referrals via email: oxfordrose.clinic@nhs.net or telephone/text 07767 671 406, it is a confidential service open to pregnant and non-pregnant women that is run by a female doctor. More information is available on their website
Friendship 4 All
A social group for adults with learning disabilities, organised by Oxfordshire charity Guideposts Trust. Facilitates monthly social activities, both online and in person, empowering people to make friends, develop relationships and experience fun with a social group of like-minded people. Email oxfordshire@guideposts.org.uk or call 01993 893560.
Support for people who have problems with compulsive gambling.
– 0800 665544
See our full page of info about services to help people who are homeless.
see
Shelter, below
St Clements Family Centre, Cross St, Oxford OX4 1DA
keen@keenoxford.org, www.keenoxford.org.
Home to Ophelia House, a Therapeutic Community offering CQC-registered drug and alcohol residential care to women.
Email ophelia.house@phoenixfutures.org.uk
A support and community group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Oxfordshire. Email: hello@lgbtoxon.uk. Website: www.lgbtoxon.uk.
Audiobook library service for anyone who finds that an illness, disability, specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) or mental health condition impacts on the ability to read or hold a book. Currently offering free memberships to those who would otherwise not be able to meet the costs - find this scheme here. Email info@listening-books.org.uk. Website: https://www.listening-books.org.uk.
Full GP service for homeless people and drug and alcohol users. More details are available at their link website.
Drop-in support, with classes, meetings and social events, for anyone affected by cancer. Email: oxford@maggiescentres.org or call 01865 751882.
46, Cowley Rd, OX4 1HZ
Comprehensive free mental health and wellbeing service across Oxfordshire. Working in partnership with other mental health charities, the offering includes: 1:1 support, peer and group support, an information service, courses and workshops, housing and benefits advice.
Local charity supporting blind and partially-sighted people. Helpline: 01865 725 595. Email: info@myvision.org.uk
Support for people dealing with drug addiction. Helpline also available on 0300 999 1212. See NA's website for more information.
If you feel your NHS care has gone wrong, the PALS & Complaints team can give you help, advice and support in making a complaint. They can put you in contact with local advocacy services who can support your through the complaints process.
Email:PALS@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Nurse-led 24hr helpline.
Support for people who struggle with compulsive overeating. Meetings on Sundays at 5pm, Makespace meeting room, 1 Aristotle Lane, Oxford, Oxfordshire, City, OX2 6TP.
A friendly charity run by parents for parents/carers who are bringing up children/young adults on the autistic spectrum.
A specialist clinic for children and adults with ADHD, autism and related conditions. Call 01865 744144 for more information.
OBS aims to improve the physical and mental health of women, babies and families. We have been working with families since 2006, offering free, specialist breastfeeding support for babies of all ages in Oxfordshire. We provide a vital service in an informal and friendly environment, with evidence-based information and skilled practical help. We offer multiple weekly drop-in sessions and 24/7 online breastfeeding support via Facebook. (Highly recommended by various DI staff over the years, for friendliness and advice.) In Oxford city there are 5 weekly sessions (correct 1st October 2019): All sessions are free. For full times, locations, and closures at Christmas, Easter, and August holidays see here: www.oxbreastfeedingsupport.org/index.php/timetable. For out of hours help see Facebook group.
A support group for people with OCD. Email: ox.ocd.support@hotmail.com.
Oxford WOC Soc aims to create a welcoming community for students who identify as women* of colour, through various events which will range from access opportunities to discussions on topics affecting WOC as students in Oxford.
Support and information for elderly people and those caring for elderly relatives. Tel. 0345 450 1276.
Helpline open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm except Wed pm.
info@oxfordshirecreditunion.co.uk
Resources for anyone experiencing any form of domestic abuse. Helpline: 0800 731 0055. Email: adas@a2dominion.co.uk
This service maintains all the county's childcare information, including lists of registered childminders, creches and playgroups. It also provides info on: parenting classes, activities for children and young people, family support, health information, out of school clubs, early years education plus information and support to young people and parents of young people.
An independent group of mediation practitioners, based in Oxford, Banbury and Bicester.
Family solutions, mediation, and support for children. Services are chargeable, but legal aid is available to help with costs. Most often used by couples during separation, to help make practical arrangements about property or children.
A local charity aiming to improve the life opportunities of young people and advance their citizenship through equipping them to positively develop their communities. Tel. 01865 767899.
18 St George’s Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3JZ
Readeasy Oxford is part of a National Charity which offers a FREE one-on-one reading coaching to adults in Oxford who either cannot read or lack confidence in reading. We use volunteer coaches who are trained in our phonics system and supported by adult literacy specialists. The coaches work with readers for 2 x 30-minute sessions a week (either on-line or in person). The programme takes is tailored towards adults and has been shown to work with people who struggle to read for a variety of reasons including dyslexia. We currently have a number of coach and reader pairs working together in Oxford but also have some coaches who are trained up and waiting for readers to work with. If you know someone who you think could benefit from this service, please contact one of our coordinators.
Emma: oxcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk or 07786 973 061
Susan: oxrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk
Refugee Resource provides psychological, social and practical support for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to help them heal from trauma and suffering, and to build new lives as part of Oxfordshire’s diverse community. Email: info@refugeeresource.org. Call: 01865 403280.
0800 140 4690
The largest provider of relationship support in England and Wales, offering individual and couples' relationship counselling, sex therapy, family counselling and counselling for children and young people.
Manzil Way, off Cowley Road
020 7427 2460
To report an injured animal or one in distress call: 0300 1234 999
Support for children in Thames Valley who have been affected by crime. Email: safe@safeproject.org.uk. Call: 01865 582495.
60 Magdalen Road, usually open for visits 8am - 10pm
Residential support and mentoring for people dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Email: howardhouse@smartcjs.org.uk. Call: 01865 200955.
Care and protection for adults and children. Services for vulnerable adults can be found at www.osab.co.uk, and services for children at www.oscb.org.uk/
see Owl Centre
139, Magdalen Road. A day centre for homeless and vulnerably housed people. See website for more details.
List of local resources for people who wish to report hate crimes.
Free, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. OSARCC offers therapeutic services to self-identifying women and non-binary individuals recorded female at birth, and an advocacy service to invidividuals of all genders. For more information about their services, visit: their website.
Support for people dealing with depression and anxiety. Phone 01865 901222 or email talkingspaceplus@nhs.net.
Befriending service for people with mental health difficulties. Email enquiries.tandembefriending@gmail.com.
City: 01865 335165 (office hours)
Leys Children's Centre, Cuddeston Corner, 61 - 63 Cuddeston Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford OX4 6SB
TransOxford is the leading independent dedicated support group for the transgender and gender non-conforming people in Oxfordshire. Contact the group using the contact form on this web page.
Contact Harriet Spencer, TS Specialist Adviser (London, Anglia and the South East), 226 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE. Tel/Fax: 0208 986 5499
An all purpose drug and alcohol treatment service commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to promoting wellbeing and recovery from addiction when you feel ready to take those steps.
Yellow Submarine is an award-winning Oxfordshire charity that believes people with learning disabilities and autism deserve to live life to the full. They have a range of activities for young people and adults.
Gamblers Anonymous
Health Information Service
Homelessness
Housing and homelessness advice service (free):
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) – 07572 801913
Providing sporting and recreational activities for children and young people with special needs.
The Ley Community/Phoenix Futures – 01865 371 777
LGBT+ Oxfordshire
Listening Books
Luther Street Centre – 01865 726008
Maggie's Oxford Centre
The Mill - 01865 263210
Wellbeing hub for Oxfordshire Mind, open 4 days a week and is a safe space for people experiencing a range of mental health issues to come for peer support and optional activity groups in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. To access a Hub, you will first need to book an Options session by calling the Mind Information Line on 01865 247788 (Mon to Thurs 9.30-16.30 and Fri 9:30-16:00). You will then need to become a member at the Mill - call 01865 263210 to arrange a meeting and fill out a membership form.
city@oxfordshiremind.org.uk / www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk
Oxfordshire Mind – 01865 247788
https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/
MyVision Oxfordshire
Narcotics Anonymous
NHS Complaints
NHS Direct – 111
Nightline – 01865 270270
Lines open throughout the night during University terms:
8pm-8am.
Confidential listening, support and information, for students by students.
Overeaters Anonymous
OASIS
Oxford ADHD Centre
Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support
Tuesdays -Barton (Barton Community Centre), 10am-11am and 11am-12 noon
Wednesdays - Kidlinks, St. John's Hall, Kidlington, 12:30pm-1:30pm and 1:30pm-2:30pm
Thursdays - The Old Schoolhouse, East Oxford 10am-12 noon, alternating weeks between Windale Primary School, The Leys, and John Henry Newman Primary Academy, Littlemore.
Fridays - Didcot Library, 10am-11am and 11am-12pm
Plus monthly online Antenatal workshops to get expectant parents equipped with useful knowledge for their breastfeeding journey.
Oxford OCD Support Group
Oxfordshire Age UK
Oxfordshire Credit Union - 01865 777 757
Community-owned credit union for people living or working in Oxfordshire. An ethical financial co-operative offering savings and loans.
Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
Oxfordshire Family Information Service
Oxfordshire Family Mediators
Oxfordshire Youth
The Owl Therapy Centre – 01242 571883
Private multidisciplinary therapy clinic for children aged 0 - 18, staffed by highly qualified, experienced NHS therapists. Assessments and therapy available either in-house or through outreach (e.g. home and school) visits - fill out their contact form to make an enquiry.
Read Easy Oxford
Refugee Resource
Rehab4Addiction
A website that offers guidance and support for people experiencing problems with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health problems in Oxfordshire. They're somewhat similar to websites like Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcohol Concern, and Talk to Frank, although they also offer information that's not covered by these websites.
Relate: Relationship Guidance
Call:0300 100 1234
Restore – 01865 455821
Oxfordshire charity supporting people with mental health issues in order to enable them to do the things they want to do. Coaching, recovery groups, sports and other activities, training.
Rica (advice for the elderly / disabled)
Independent consumer research charity providing free, practical and unbiased reports for older and disabled people.
RSPCA
General Enquiries: 07887 475401
SAFE!
The Samaritans – 116 123 free from any phone (Oxford branch 0330 094 5717 ) available 24 hrs
The Samaritans provide free, confidential, non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Will listen to any problems. Call, write, phone or email:
jo@samaritans.org
Shelter - free housing advice
Homelessness charity Shelter offers free (council-funded), independent advice, advocacy and homelessness prevention services to clients in both social and private accommodation. Call their emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444
SMART Howard House
Social Services – 0845 050 7666 (out-of-hours emergencies: 0800 833408)
Speech Therapy (0-16 years):
Steppin' Stone Centre – 01865 728545
Open from 11am-2pm and from 5pm-8pm every day except Wednesdays.
Stop Hate UK
Survivor Space Oxfordshire – 01865 726295
Talking Space Plus
Tandem Befriending
Thames Valley Police Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
North/West: 01295 754625
South/Vale: 01235 776000 (ask for D.V. unit)
The Listening Centre (TLC) - 01865 794794
Offering low-cost counselling in East Oxford. Sessions are for up to 6 months. Clients pay what they can afford. More details available on their website.
Leys Children's Centre: Monday 3.30 - 8.30pm; Tuesday - Thursday 5.30 - 8.30pm
Leys Health Centre: Tuesday 9.30am - 12.30pm
Rosehill Children's Centre: Wednesday 9.30am - 12.30pm
Trans Oxford
Tuberous Sclerosis Association – 0121 445 6970
E-Mail:
support@tuberous-sclerosis.org / website: www.tuberous-sclerosis.org
Turning Point Roads to Recovery
Yellow Submarine
www.yellowsubmarine.org.uk
Private Care Agencies
Helping Hands Home Care - Bicester
Enterprise House, Telford Road, Bicester OX26 4LD.
Phone 0808 180 9455 or email enquiries@helpinghands.co.uk
Helping Hands provides a professional and in-depth range of care packages, helping service users to remain comfortable and independent in their own homes. All professionals are skilled and highly trained, able to take on both light and more extensive care requirements.
Oxford Aunts Care
Suite B, Hinksey Court, Westway, Botley, OX2 9JU
T: 01865 791017
Specialist, Fully Managed Live-in Care, either long or short term.
Established 52 years ago, Oxford Aunts provide fully managed care in and around Oxford, we are dedicated nurse-led professionals with a team of experienced, highly trained and compassionate carers who will stay with our clients for anything from two weeks to several months at a time.
Companionship and friendship are of course a huge part of what we do, some of the conditions we can assist with, but not limited to, are Dementia, Parkinson's, Stroke recovery, MS, Neurological, Cardiac and Respiratory conditions, Cancer, Mobility and Fragility.