Well Together funding has enabled over 120 groups in Oxfordshire to run activities that provide a sense of support and belonging to communities.
People from all ages and walks of life who attend these groups have shared how they’ve benefited, and what makes a place feel healthy for them.
The Abingdon Bridge (TAB) offers a range of support services for young people around the Abingdon area. One 17-year-old participant said, “Before I came to TAB, I felt like I was on my own and didn’t really belong anywhere. Being part of it and meeting people who get me has made me feel connected to something bigger — like I’m part of my community, and not just on the outside looking in.”
African Caribbean Autism Family Support Group offer support to anyone who wants to attend their classes and sessions, including those who have an autistic child.
“My daughter was born with autism and it was difficult living with that and also being from Africa and moving to a different country. There were no activities for my daughter, we didn’t have any social life and we were always indoors. This place has been my opportunity to have a social life. I am thankful for this support. They welcome us both and they make it a fun and safe space to be. My daughter loves to dance and we dance together and it’s the best thing.”
Home-Start Rosebuds run free weekly stay and play sessions for children aged 0-5 and their adults. Many parents told us that the group has been a lifeline for them.
“I moved from another area, so when I first started coming here I knew no one. Then I got to know some people from coming here and that made a big difference. And now I feel like I’ve made a home here. We are happy.”
Rose Hill Community Larder run by Magdalen College School is more than just a place to pick up food, it’s a place to gather, meet others and grow a community around you.
One man told us how he has expanded his skills and network since attending: “When I first came to the community larder, I met an artist and he got me into painting murals. Now I paint murals on my own fence and people walking past say they like the paintings, so now I talk to more people. I used to be really shy but now I know a lot more people since coming here. I turn things that people throw away, like paper plates and toilet roll holders, into bird feeders and butterfly feeders. They’ve asked me to make them at the next Repair Café, to show people how to make them.”
Maddy Biddulph runs seated exercise in Oxford. The attendees are all very positive about the effect attending the class has on their health and sense of belonging. “It’s local, it’s easy to get to and you end up making friends with people who live near you. I used to go along the pavement in my wheelchair and never speak to anybody. Since I came to these classes, now I am always saying hello to people I meet in the street, because I know a lot more people.”
Another woman told us, [who speaks slowly due to a stammer] “People are so patient with me here. They don’t hurry me or anything, they just let me take my time and speak. There are a lot of people who hurry me along and then I can’t speak. But I feel safe here.”
Well Together is delivered in partnership by OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire.
The Programme is funded by the NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board.