The Christmas period is a time of joy and celebration for many, but with the cost of living crisis it is set to be a difficult time for those who are struggling with financial hardship, isolation, or other challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, know that you’re not alone and that there are support services available in Oxfordshire to help you through: 

Warm Spaces in Oxfordshire

A number of “warm banks” have been set up this winter to give you a place to go to and stay warm if you cannot afford to put the heating on at home. Many of these spaces also a drink and snack and things to do with your family. For a full list of up-to-date warm banks, see https://warmspaces.org/#map.  

St Peter and St Paul Church Hall 

West Way Oxford, England, OX2 9JN, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Thursday 3pm-5pm  

Wesley Memorial Methodist Church Oxford 

New Inn Hall Street Oxford, England, OX1 2DH, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: 10am-4pm 

Littlemore Church 

12 Dudgeon Drive Oxford, England, OX4 4QL, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Mondays 11am-12.30pm, Wednesdays 10am-12noon 

Headington Baptist Church 

Headington Baptist Church, 78 Old High Street Oxford, England, OX3 9HW, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Tue, 12pm-6pm 

Barton Community Church 

Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus Oxford, England, OX3 9LS, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: 4pm-6pm 

Charlbury Community Centre 

Charlbury Community Centre, Enstone Road Chipping Norton, England, OX7 3PQ, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9am-7pm, Tuesday & Friday, 9am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 4pm 

Wantage Methodist Church Community Cafe 

Wantage Methodist Church Hall, Newbury Street Wantage, England, OX12 8DA, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Mondays, 9am-12 noon 

Down to Earth Community Cafe 

Stirling Close Wantage, England, OX12 7AU, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: 9.30am-3pm 

Coffee Lounge 

Didcot Baptist Church, 43 Wantage Road Didcot, England, OX11 0BS, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Mon & Wed 10am-3pm, Thursday 10am-2pm 

The Living Room at Wallingford Baptist Church 

The Living Room Wallingford Baptist Church, Thames Street Wallingford, England, OX10 0BH, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Monday 9:30am-4pm 

Old Red Lion, Tetsworth 

40 High Street Thame, England, OX9 7AS, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-2.30pm 

Winter Warmers 

Church House, High Street Banbury, England, OX17 3LS, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Monday 2pm-6pm 

Brackley Care Home 

Wellington Road Brackley, England, NN13 6QZ, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: 10:30am-4pm 

The Book Cafe at Hanwell Fields Community Centre 

Rotary Way Banbury, England, OX16 1ER, United Kingdom 

Venue Type: Community Centre/Hall 
Opening Hours: Mondays, 6pm-8pm 

Food Banks in Oxfordshire

A food bank is a type of organization that provides food assistance to people who are struggling to afford enough to eat. In the UK, food banks are typically run by charitable organizations and rely on donations of food and money from the community. People who need food assistance can visit a food bank and receive a supply of food, typically enough to last for a few days. Food banks also often provide other forms of support, such as advice on budgeting and accessing government benefits. The idea behind food banks is to provide a safety net for people who are experiencing food insecurity, and to help you get back on your feet. 

Oxford Food Hub: https://oxfordfoodhub.org/  

Abingdon Food Bank: https://abingdon.foodbank.org.uk 

Witney Food Bank: https://witney.foodbank.org.uk 

Bicester Food Bank: http://bicester.foodbank.org.uk 

Banbury Food Bank: https://banbury.foodbank.org.uk/  

Didcot Food Bank: https://www.didcotbaptist.org.uk/mission/local-activities/emergency-foodbank.php  

Wantage Food Bank: https://www.wantageandgrovefoodbank.org.uk/ 

Wallingford Food Bank: https://www.wallingfordfoodbank.org.uk/ 

North Oxfordshire Food Bank (covering Chipping Norton, Charlbury, Woodstock and Kidlington): https://northoxfordshirecommunityfoodbank.org.uk/  

Mental Health and Crisis Support in Oxfordshire

Mental health & crisis support in Oxfordshire 

Below we have listed some support lines that you can call if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or just want to be able to talk to someone: 

Oxfordshire 24/7 mental health support: Call 111 

Oxford Safe Haven (crisis support): 01865 903 037 

Banbury Safe Haven (crisis support): 01295 270004 

Samaritans: 116 123 

CALM (male mental health support): 0800 58 58 58 

It’s important to remember that there is support available in Oxfordshire for those struggling during the Christmas season. Whether you need help with food, staying warm, or simply want someone to talk to, there are organizations and services ready to assist. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. 

Learn about Guideposts’ services for people in Oxfordshire here