Supporting Families, One Day at a Time
“The aim was never to change the world, but to make that one week, perhaps that one day a little bit easier for that one family.” Sue Kenrick, Flexicare Founder
For 40 years, Flexicare has been a lifeline for families across Oxfordshire who are raising a child with disabilities. Founded in 1985, the charity provides a free, specialised, fully flexible sitting service, designed to give parents and carers the chance to rest, attend appointments, or simply enjoy a moment of normal family life. What began as a small, local initiative has grown into a trusted and much‑loved service supporting families in Oxford, Abingdon, Wantage, Grove and surrounding villages.
A Unique Service Built Around Families’ Needs
Family life is demanding at the best of times. When one or more children have complex additional needs, the balancing act can quickly become overwhelming. For many families, calling on neighbours or relatives for ad‑hoc childcare simply isn’t possible.
Flexicare steps into that gap. The charity offers specialist sitting support in the family home or out in the community, tailored entirely to what each family needs on the day, with the exception of work‑related cover. Whether it’s attending a school meeting, taking another child to a play, or enjoying a rare night out, Flexicare ensures parents can step away with confidence.
“I needed a meeting with my youngest son’s teacher. With Woody’s wheelchair, the 10 steps around the school site might as well have been Everest! Flexicare looked after Woody at our home, allowing me to support my youngest child with my full attention.”
Skilled, Compassionate Staff and Volunteers
Flexicare’s strength lies in its people. A small core of experienced staff works alongside a dedicated team of trained volunteers. All are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding, first aid, seizure awareness, safe lifting and handling, and medication administration. Each family is matched with a small number of sitters who receive additional training specific to their child’s needs, allowing strong, trusting relationships to grow.
As volunteer Troels puts it: “Being involved and seeing the joy on the kids’ faces and those few hours of respite for the families is what makes it all worthwhile.”
The Impact on Families
The feedback from families speaks volumes:
- “Thanks again for giving me a break today.”
- “It made all the difference having a few hours rest.”
- “Words are not enough to express our thanks.”
- “It feels like Flexicare is a big family with so much love, care and support at its heart.”
- “Flexicare has been absolutely game changing for our family… our boys absolutely love their Flexicare sits.”
These moments of respite, sometimes small, always meaningful, are at the heart of Flexicare’s mission.
Local Roots, Community Support
Flexicare supports families within 8–10 miles of Oxford city centre, extending south to Wantage and Grove. Around 30% of running costs come from a local authority grant, while an incredible 66% is funded through donations and community fundraising. Every contribution directly supports families who need it most.
If you’d like to learn more, support the charity, or join the volunteer team, visit their website.