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 [email protected]
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.
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: 3rd Wednesday of every month, 7-9pm.
Breathe Easy Banbury Support Group
Group supporting those living with a lung condition.
British Red Cross – 01235 552660
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 – 08452 262636
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.
Childline – 0800 1111
24hr free helpline for children and young people.
Citizens Advice Bureau – 08444 111 444
95 St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DA
Phone advice available 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday. Come in 10am - 1pm Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri, 10am - 4.30pm Thu
Outreach surgeries by appointment only at
Slade & Headington Childrens Centre (Thu 9am - 12pm); Elms Road Childrens's Centre (Every other Wed 9:30am - 12pm); Florence Park Children's Centre (Wed 1.30 - 3.30pm).
"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.
[email protected]
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, The Old Hospital, Sheep Street, Burford, OX18 4LS.
[email protected]
Counselling
TLC (The Listening Centre), also below, offer low cost counselling to those otherwise unable to afford it. If you go to 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 10:00-14:00, Sat 10:00-12:00. Messages can be left on answerphone outside hours.
Counselling, practical advice and help with all aspects of bereavement. Also social groups and activities.
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: [email protected]
Website: www.el-well.com/oxfordshire/
Families Need Fathers - Oxford Branch
07986 378833 / 07921 857558
Registered UK charity providing information and support to parents and grandparents, including unmarried parents, of either sex. Chiefly concerned with the problems of maintaining a child's relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown. Open meeting at the Rover Sports and Social Club, Roman Way, Cowley, from 19:30 on the first Tuesday of every month.
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.
Oxford Against Cutting 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 [email protected]. 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, or email [email protected]. 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: [email protected] 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
Gamblers Anonymous
Support for people who have problems with compulsive gambling.
Getting Heard - 0300 343 5718
Free, independent and confidential Advocacy Support for disadvantaged and marginalised adults in Oxfordshire (formerly called Oxfordshire Advocacy).
We cover issues such as: safeguarding, carers, residential homes closing, housing, benefits, finance, relationships, accessing appropriate services, employment, physical health, mental health, legal, education, and multiple issues.
Supporting you to ensure your needs are expressed and your voice heard on matters that impact your wellbeing. Email: [email protected]
www.gettingheard.org
Grieving Parents Support Group
24 hour helpline dedicated to supporting parents who have experienced the death of a child, from miscarriage to teenage years. Email: [email protected] or call 08456 034309. Website: www.grieving247.com.
'Headspace' @ The Mill
- see 'The Mill', below
Health Information Service
– 0800 665544
Homelessness
See our full page of info about services to help people who are homeless.
Housing and homelessness advice service (free):
see Shelter, below
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) – 01865 264173
16-17 Turl Street, OX1 3DH.
[email protected], www.keenoxford.org.
Providing sporting and recreational activities for children and young people with special needs.
The Ley Community – 01865 371777 (admin) / 01865 373108 (admissions)
Award-winning independent residential drug and alcohol therapeutic community recovery centre based in Yarnton, Oxfordshire. @LeyCommunity / TLC on Facebook
LGBT+ Oxfordshire
A support and community group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Oxfordshire. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.lgbtoxon.uk.
Listening Books
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 (as of July 2019) offering free memberships to Oxfordshire residents who would otherwise not be able to meet the costs. [email protected]. Website: https://www.listening-books.org.uk.
Luther Street Centre – 01865 726008
Full GP service for homeless people and drug and alcohol users. More details are available at their link website.
Maggie's Oxford Centre
Drop-in support, with classes, meetings and social events, for anyone affected by cancer. Email: [email protected] or call 01865 751882.
'Headspace' @ The Mill - 01865 263210
46, Cowley Rd, OX4 1HZ
Mental health services centre (part of MIND, see below) offering a new drop-in service for stressed students from 14th October 2008.
[email protected] / www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk
Oxfordshire Mind – 01865 247788
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.
https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/
Oxfordshire Mind in partnership with Response, Oxfordshire Youth, Ark-T, Banbury Young Homelessness Project (BYHP) and SOFEA, recently launched the Mental Wealth Academy. This service is designed for young people aged 18-25 (but extended to 16-17 year olds during the coronavirus pandemic) experiencing mild-moderate mental health issues, that may include stress, exam pressure, depression, low mood, or anxiety. You can self-refer via this form.
Narcotics Anonymous
Support for people dealing with drug addiction. Helpline also available on 0300 999 1212. See NA's website for more information.
NHS Complaints - SEAP Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service – – 0300 343 5718
Free, confidential, independent NHS complaints advocacy service will help people make their voices heard when they feel NHS care has gone wrong. Volunteer advocates can help to write letters, attend meetings and explain choices at each stage. They deal with complaints about any NHS funded service including hospitals, GPs, dentists and pharmacists. . [email protected]
NHS Direct – 0845 46 47
Nurse-led 24hr helpline.
Nightline – 01865 270270
16 Wellington Square
Lines open throughout the night during University terms:
8pm-8am.
Confidential listening, support and information, for students by students.
Night Shelter – 01865 250153.
Luther Street. Emergency accommodation for the homeless.
Overeaters Anonymous
Support for people who struggle with compulsive overeating. Meetings on Sunday 5pm at St Margaret's Institute (OX2 7QQ) or Wednesday 7.30pm at West Oxford Community Centre.
OASIS
A friendly charity run by parents for parents/carers who are bringing up children/young adults on the autistic spectrum.
Oxford ADHD Centre
A specialist clinic for children and adults with ADHD, autism and related conditions. Call 01865 744144 for more information.
Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support
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.
Tuesdays - Grandpont (South Oxford Family Room) and Barton (Neighbourhood Family Centre), both 10am-12 noon
Wednesdays - Jericho Health Centre, 12 - 2pm
Thursdays - East Oxford Children's Centre, 12 - 2pm
Sundays - Donnington Doorstep Family Centre, 2 - 4pm
Plus Antenatal workshops, usually first Tuesday of the month at the South Oxford Family Room (behind Grandpont Nursery) to get expectant parents equipped with useful knowledge for their breastfeeding journey.
Oxford Deaf Club
A club for members of Oxford's Deaf community.
Oxford Friend Lesbian and Gay Helpline
PO Box 137, East Oxford DO, Oxford OX4 1ZJ.
Lines open 19:00 to 21:00 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
You might also want to call the
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (tel 0207 837 7324), which is open 24 hours a day.
Oxford OCD Support Group
A support group for people with OCD, part of the charity OCD Action. Email: [email protected].
Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre (OSARCC) – 01865 726295
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: www.osarcc.org.uk.
Oxford Tinnitus Support Group
Local support group for people with tinnitus, part of the British Tinnitus Association. Email: [email protected]
Oxford Women of Colour
Online community group for women of colour living in Oxford.
Oxfordshire Age UK
Support and information for elderly people and those caring for elderly relatives. Tel. 0345 450 1276.
Oxfordshire Association for the Blind
Local charity supporting blind and partially-sighted people. OAB Helpline: 01865 725595. Email: [email protected]
Oxfordshire Credit Union - 01865 777 757
Helpline open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm except Wed pm.
[email protected]
Community-owned credit union for people living or working in Oxfordshire. An ethical financial co-operative offering savings and loans.
Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
Resources for anyone experiencing any form of domestic abuse. Helpline: 0800 731 0055. Email: [email protected]
Oxfordshire DAAT (Drug and Alcohol Action Team)
A website is designed to assist people in gaining access to a variety of sources of information about drugs and alcohol. Advice line: 01865 403261.
Oxfordshire Family Information Service
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.
Oxfordshire Family Mediators
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.
Oxfordshire Youth
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.
The Owl Therapy Centre – 01242 571883
Court Place Farm, Marsh Lane, Marston, OX3 0NQ and Bradbury Lodge, Gordon Woodward Way, OX1 4XL · [email protected]
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 throughout Oxfordshire.
Readeasy Oxford
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: [email protected] or 07831 064409 Sally: [email protected] or 07801 482292
Refugee Resource
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: [email protected]. Call: 01865 403280.
Rehab4Addiction
0800 140 4690
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: Oxfordshire Relationship Guidance
Aylesbury (01296) 427973
Banbury (01295) 258141
Oxford 01865 242960 (33 Iffley Road)
Restore – 0845 250 0518
Manzil Way, off Cowley Road
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)
020 7427 2460
Independent consumer research charity providing free, practical and unbiased reports for older and disabled people.
RSPCA
24-hour cruelty line: 0870 5555 999
General Enquiries: 0870 333 5999
SAFE!
Support for children in Thames Valley who have been affected by crime. Email: [email protected]. Call: 01865 582495.
The Samaritans – 08457 909090 (Oxford branch 01865 722122) available 24 hrs
60 Magdalen Road, usually open for visits 8am - 10pm
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:
[email protected]
Shelter - free housing advice
09:30 - 17:00 on Tuesdays: Council Offices, 2/3 Bank Court, Templars Square (Cowley shopping centre), OX4 3XH. Thursdays: 109 St Aldates, OX1 1DS
Homelessness charity Shelter offers free (council-funded), independent advice, advocacy and homelessness prevention services to clients in both social and private accommodation in Oxford.
SMART Howard House
Residential support and mentoring for people dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Email: [email protected]. Call: 01865 200955.
Social Services – 0845 050 7666 (out-of-hours emergencies: 0800 833408)
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/
Speech Therapy (0-16 years):
see Owl Centre
Steppin' Stone Centre – 01865 728545
139, Magdalen Road. A day centre for homeless and vulnerably housed people. See website for more details.
Open from 11am-2pm and from 5pm-8pm every day except Wednesdays.
Stop Hate UK
List of local resources for people who wish to report hate crimes.
Talking Space Plus
Support for people dealing with depression and anxiety. Phone 01865 901222 or email [email protected].
Tandem Befriending
Befriending service for people with mental health difficulties. Email [email protected].
Thames Valley Police Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
City: 01865 335165 (office hours)
North/West: 01295 754625
South/Vale: 01235 776000 (ask for D.V. unit)
The Listening Centre (TLC) - 01865 794794
Leys Children's Centre, Cuddeston Corner, 61 - 63 Cuddeston Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford OX4 6SB
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
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.
Tuberous Sclerosis Association – 0121 445 6970
Contact Harriet Spencer, TS Specialist Adviser (London, Anglia and the South East), 226 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE. Tel/Fax: 0208 986 5499
E-Mail:
[email protected] / website: www.tuberous-sclerosis.org
Yellow Submarine
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.
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 [email protected]
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.