Oxford Together: a new phase for the ‘new normal’
It’s nearly 18 months since the launch of Oxford Together, the volunteering programme set up by Oxford Hub to facilitate community support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite difficult and ever-changing circumstances, we’ve achieved a huge amount in that time — listening to over 3000 people and working out a way forward together, supporting 8,717 phone calls between Oxford residents to build connection and friendship, and coordinating over 1000 neighbours to help each other, including collecting 1,003 prescriptions. Much of this was delivered in partnership with community organisations like Arts at the Old Fire Station, Dementia Oxfordshire, GoodGym Oxford runners, the OX4 Food Crew and local community larders.
We’ve been working with the city council throughout, learning together and building new ways of supporting residents. There have been so many others across the city who have contributed to this web of community support, as Councillor Shaista Aziz, City Council Cabinet Member has reflected. This shows just how much we can do when we work together, and we’ve been proud to be part of it.
As Oxford moves into the ‘new normal’, Oxford Hub is also moving into a new phase. We’re shifting our programmes from crisis response to community building to shape a better Oxford for everyone. This means focusing on work that builds agency and local connections. It includes supporting people to reconnect to their networks, get to know their neighbours better, and regain confidence to enjoy being out in their city again. Stay tuned by signing up here for updates!
City Council locality hubs will continue to offer a first port of call for support, including advice about low-cost food options and support accessing emergency food or advice — contact them here.
For people who need temporary support with a practical task, and who can’t arrange this for themselves or with support from their networks, our Practical Taskers programme is still here to help. This might mean delivering groceries to a self-isolating family, or dog walking for someone who has just returned home from hospital. Anyone can make a referral or sign up to help out here.
There’s so much that’s possible when we connect. We’re running lots of other activities across the city, from women’s football to tutoring to English language lessons. Find out how you can get involved or get in touch at hello@oxfordhub.org, we’d love to hear from you.
