Source: City of Oxford
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.
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:
Thurs 24 Dec: 8am – 3.45pm
Fri 25 Dec – Mon 28 Dec: closed
Tues 29 Dec – Wed 30 Dec: 8am – 5pm
Thurs 31 Dec: 8am – 3.45pm
Fri 1 Jan – Sun 3 Jan: closed
Normal service times begin again on Monday 4 Jan.
The Customer Services Centre in St Aldates has recently announced limited reopening. The centre will be closed on Friday 25 Dec, Monday 28 Dec and Friday 1 Jan but will otherwise be open on the new schedule.
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 @ Rose Hill Methodist Church
Open – Wednesday 23rd Dec, Wednesday 30th Dec (13:30 – 15:30)
https://rosehillmethodists.org.uk
Cutteslowe Community Larder @ Cutteslowe Community Centre – 31 Wren Road
Community Larder, Registration required
Open – Wednesday 23rd Dec, Wednesday 30th Dec (14:00 – 16:00)
https://www.facebook.com/Cutteslowe-Community-Larder-101896801560246
Barton Community Association @ Barton Neighbourhood Centre – Underhill Circus
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Tuesday 22nd Dec, Tuesday 29th Dec (14:00 – 18:00)
https://www.bartoncommunityassociation.com/community-cupboard/
OX4 Free Food Crew @ Flo’s Place in the Park
Free Hot Meals, must register before attending
Open – Saturday 26th Dec, Wednesday 30th Dec, Saturday 2nd Jan
https://www.flosoxford.org.uk/ox4freefoodcrew/
Nishkam SWAT @ Broad Street Van
Hot Food Collection from Broad Street
Open – 7-8pm Tuesday 22nd Dec, Thursday 24th Dec, Tuesday 29th Dec, Thursday 31st Dec
Oxford Gatehouse @ St Giles Parish Rooms – 10 Woodstock Road
Takeaway Food Service
Open – Monday 21st Dec, Monday28th Dec, Friday 1st Jan
Oxford Gatehouse @ St Giles Parish Rooms – 10 Woodstock Road
Food Delivery Service
Open – Tuesday 22nd Dec, Tuesday 29th Dec
Botley Community Larder @ St Peter and St Pauls Church Hall – Westway Botley
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Monday 21st Dec (15:00 – 17:30)
https://foodforcharities.com/botley-community-larder/
The Community Larder and Food for Charities in conjunction with Botley Bridges Family Support Charity @ St Peter and St Pauls Church Hall – Westway Botley
Free Christmas Hampers for Low Income Families
Open – Throughout Christmas Period
https://www.botleybridges.org/free-christmas-hampers/
Rose Hill Lottery Project
Free hot meal collection from Rose Hill Community Centre
21st/22nd/23rd December 11:30 – 13:30
Oxford Christmas Lunch
Free Christmas meal delivered to isolated people on Christmas
25th December
Oxford Mutual Aid
Emergency food support
7 Days a week 10am – 7pm
Blackbird Leys Community Larder
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Wednesdays 3pm – 5pm
Rose Hill Community Larder
Community Larder, Registration Required
Open – Tuesdays 2.15pm – 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
