While much of the country stops for an extra-long Christmas weekend, essential support will still be on offer for those in hardship throughout the festive season.
This year has seen more families and households struggling, but Oxford City Council and community groups have provided support throughout and will be there for anyone in need at Christmas.
Council emergency support
The City Council offers support across a range of needs, and can be a first point of contact for Council and non-Council services. Throughout the holiday period there will always be emergency phone cover. To contact the Council call 01865 249 811
For non-emergency calls the Customer Service team are available over the holiday period as follows:
- Thursday 24 December 2020: 8am to 3.45pm
- Friday 25 December 2020 to Monday 28 December: Closed
- Tuesday 29 December 2020 to Wednesday 30 December: 8am to 5pm
- Thursday 31 December 2020: 8am to 3.45pm
- Friday 1 January 2021 to Sunday 3 January 2021: Closed
- Monday 4 January 2021 onwards:
The Customer Services Centre in St Aldate's will be closed on Friday 25 December 2020 until further notice.
Food support services
There are a number of community groups providing food for those in need. If you are need help with basic food supplies please get in touch with one of the food services below to find out how they can help:
Community Cupboard at Rose Hill Methodist Church
Open – Wednesday 23 December, Wednesday 30 December (1.30pm to 3.30pm)
Rose Hill Methodist Church website
Cutteslowe Community Larder at Cutteslowe Community Centre - 31 Wren Road
Community Larder, Registration required
Open - Wednesday 23 December, Wednesday 30 December (2pm to 4pm)
Cutteslowe Community Larder website
Barton Community Association at Barton Neighbourhood Centre – Underhill Circus
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Tuesday 22 December, Tuesday 29 December (2pm to 6pm)
Barton Community Association website
OX4 Free Food Crew at Flo’s Place in the Park
Free Hot Meals, must register before attending
Open – Saturday 26 December, Wednesday 30 December, Saturday 2 January
Flo's - The Place in the Park website
Nishkam SWAT at Broad Street Van
Hot Food Collection from Broad Street
Open – 7pm to 8pm Tuesday 22 December, Thursday 24 December, Tuesday 29 December, Thursday 31 December
Oxford Gatehouse at St Giles Parish Rooms – 10 Woodstock Road
Takeaway Food Service
Open – Monday 21 December, Monday 28 December, Friday 1 January
Oxford Gatehouse at St Giles Parish Rooms – 10 Woodstock Road
Food Delivery Service
Open – Tuesday 22 December, Tuesday 29 December
Botley Community Larder at St Peter and St Pauls Church Hall – Westway Botley
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Monday 21 December (3pm to 5.30pm)
Botley Community Larder website
The Community Larder and Food for Charities in conjunction with Botley Bridges Family Support Charity at St Peter and St Pauls Church Hall – Westway Botley
Free Christmas Hampers for Low Income Families
Open – Throughout Christmas Period
Rose Hill Lottery Project
Free hot meal collection from Rose Hill Community Centre
21/22/23 December, 11.30am to 1.30pm
Oxford Christmas Lunch
Free Christmas meal delivered to isolated people on Christmas
25 December
Oxford Mutual Aid
Emergency food support
7 Days a week 10am to 7pm
Blackbird Leys Community Larder
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Wednesdays, 3pm to 5pm
blackbirdleyslarder@outlook.com
Rose Hill Community Larder
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Tuesdays, 2.15pm to 4pm
“While most of us are looking forward to a break, for some people the extended holiday presents an extra challenge, but there is support there for anyone who needs it. Oxford’s community groups have stepped up to provide food support through the Christmas period, and the Council emergency support is available throughout. Please ask for help if you need it. Thank you to all the volunteers who are offering their time for free, you’ve made a huge difference this year. I hope you all enjoy a safe festive season.”
Councillor Marie Tidball, Cabinet Member for Supporting Local Communities
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