Free community events & resources in Oxfordshire
Welcome to our Digital Noticeboard.
Here you can find details of upcoming community events, services and opportunities. All the events listed on this page are free to attend.
To submit an event for inclusion on this website, please fill in our short form here.
(If you have any questions, please get in touch via comms@asylum-welcome.org – thanks!)
Happening on the 4th of November from 1pm-4pm
Templar Square Shopping Centre, Cowley, OX4 3XH
Visit over 100 stalls bringing together a wide range of support, services and opportunities for Oxford residents, this includes;
-
Health and wellbeing support
-
Employment and training opportunities
-
Cost of living advice centres
-
Local community groups and organisations showcasing what they offer
-
City Council teams available to provide information and support
This event is completely free and is open to everyone.
-
Wednesday from 11am to 1pm
John Bunyan Baptist Church, Crowell Road, OX4 3LN
Anyone is eligible to apply – your privacy is protected. We don’t ask questions with regards to your income, legal status, savings, benefits or anything else that is irrelevant. We just want to get you fed and to help you get through these economically-challenged times!
Just need to fill out a form on the website!
Wednesdays from 1.15pm to 3.15pm
Rose hill Methodist Church, OX4 4HS
Pop in and have something to eat, share in conversation and get information about local services and groups that run in the area. Anyone can also collect surplus fresh food from 2.30 p.m., helping us to cut down on food waste.
Hot meal and drinks, referral needed for tinned food and packets but surplus fresh produce available to all.
Non-perishable food available to take away for those who need it, based on a referral system.
Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays, time varies
Barton Community Centre OX3 9LS Mon/Wed 12pm to 2pm
Chapel Lane, Littlemore, OX4 4QB 10am to 11.30am
St Francis Church, Hollow Way OX3 7JP Tues/Fri 12pm to 2pm
Referral is needed! This can be from the following:
-
All Social services depts.
-
All Health centres/Surgeries
-
Oxford City Council Support workers
-
Thames Valley Police/Probation
-
Housing Associations
-
Charities working with vulnerable people
-
Crisis Teams
(More listed on website!)
-
Thursdays at 10.30am to 12.30pm
Windale Primary, Windale Ave, OX4 6JD
Our food service helps many people who are in high need.
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 am to 3pm
Delivery only
We source, pack and deliver regular and one-off parcels to households across Oxford with food, toiletries and baby supplies.
You can use the link below to ask for support.
Fridays from 12pm to 2pm
Rose Hill Community Centre, Carole’s way, OX4 4HF
We welcome refugee women from many different Arabic-speaking backgrounds including Syrian, Sudanese, Afghani and Iraqi women.
Our group is a safe, welcoming space where women come together to break the cycle of social isolation, boost well-being, and support one another through shared experiences. Each week, we gather to connect, move, laugh, and talk about what truly matters, because healing and strength grow in the community.
Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 2pm
139 Magdalen Road OX4 1RL
The Porch Day Centre targets its services at those who are experiencing, or have experienced, rough sleeping, hostel accommodation, supported housing, or who are vulnerably housed. They provide:
-
A homeless café
-
Support plans and an allocated support worker for any member that would like one
-
Vocational skills training and job club
-
Laundry facilities and showers
-
A free clothing store
-
Numerous projects and activities for members to take part in
-
Monday to Sunday (Everyday) from 12pm to 2pm
Rymer’s lane, Florence Park OX4 3LN
Flo’s Me & You Menu is a ‘pay-it-forward’ food scheme which is powered by the generosity of our community. Customers and supporters can make a donation to the scheme when the make their own purchase (or at any other time!) to gift a meal or a hot drink to another person who may be in need at a future date.
Our wooden tokens are available for anyone to pick up at our till point and hand to the member of staff serving you. Using a token lets our staff know that you would like to claim your meal or hot drink from our Me & You Menu – the staff member then knows not to charge you.
Wednesday from 11.45am to 12.30pm
Asian Culture Centre, Cowley Rd OX4 1GH
Free hot lunch for anyone who needs. Just drop in!
Saturdays from 12pm to 2pm
Asian Culture centre, Manzil Way OX4 1GH
Meals open to anyone who would benefit from wholesome food in a comfortable setting. It is also for anyone that lives alone and can benefit for some good company. The meals are open for anyone, no questions asked!
Tuesdays to Thursday from 9.30am to 2pm
Townsend Square, Oxford, OX4 4BB
Our community kitchen is open while Family Drop In sessions are on, serving healthy lunch and snacks. The kitchen also host the Community Cafe on Fridays 10:00 -13:30 serving mostly vegetarian meals for just £4.00 per adult and £2.50 for children. Free meals are also available. Please ask a member of staff if you would like a free meal.
Every Thursday (12 - 2pm)
St Clements Family Centre, Cross Street, Oxford OX4 1DA (off Princes Street, near Cowley Road)
Open Door is a free drop-in service for refugees and asylum seekers every Thursday lunchtime.
All welcome! Enjoy a free hot Halal lunch (served from 1pm), and access help with forms, phone calls and referrals to other services.
Every other Thursday, 6 pm to 8 pm
Welcome to our LGBTQ+ group! This is an inclusive space, meeting on a fortnightly basis and open to Asylum Welcome clients (18+ years) across Oxfordshire. Help with transport costs provided.
To find out more, send a text or WhatsApp message to +44 7378 302 491
Every Tuesday, 10.30 am to 2 pm
Every Tuesday morning at Asylum Welcome, Unit 3, Newtec Place, Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE.
Open to existing Asylum Welcome clients. Come along for support in using modern technologies such as computers, laptops, and smartphones. We offer 1:1 assistance to fix laptop issues and help those who need guidance in using their laptops and getting online.
Every Monday (10am - 12pm)
Every Monday morning at Asylum Welcome, Unit 3, Newtec Place, Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE.
We offer free advice to existing Asylum Welcome clients who are seeking employment, voluntary work, and/or educational opportunities.
Every Friday, 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Asylum Welcome (Unit 3 Newtec Place, Magdalen Road, OX4 1RE)
Support for young people aged 15-21 with:
-
Travel Document applications
-
Provisional Driving Licence applications
-
Referrals to college ESOL class waiting lists
-
Bike and laptop referrals through Asylum Welcome
-
Basic support with Universal Credit
-
Bank Account applications
-
Information about Asylum Welcome youth activities
-
Every Friday, 11.15 am to 1.15 pm
Barracks Lane Community Garden, Oxford OX4 2AP
A friendly gardening group run by Barracks Lane Community Garden. Come along to enjoy time outdoors, share skills, make friends, and help care for the garden.
A free light lunch and hot drinks are provided.
Over 18s only. Wheelchair accessible.
Outdoors, so please dress for the weather!
Please email Tracy at info@barrackslanegarden.org.uk to book your free place.
Events throughout the week
Activities across the Oxford area
Engaging young people in free positive youth work activities, Youth Ambition offers sports sessions, youth employment aid, youth clubs and summer activities, to help them to broaden their knowledge, skills and capabilities.
See more details on the website here.
Events Monday to Friday
Cornhill Centre, Castle Street Town, Banbury, OX16 5NT
Offers events throughout the week for the elderly, to combat loneliness. See the weekly schedule here.
From dancing to crafts, book clubs to knitting, new social groups are starting all the time.
Activities throughout the week
60 Orchard Way, Banbury, OX16 0EN GB
Sunrise Multicultural Project support people from various ethnic groups in Banbury and the surrounding area, and more recently asylum seekers and refugees who have moved to the area.
We run a Boys Youth Club, a Girls Youth Group and a Ladies Drop-In.
Every Monday at 2.45 pm
The White Horse Leisure Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon, OX14 3PJ
This session is free to attend, open to all abilities, delivered by our qualified instructor Ash, and all equipment is provided!
Every Monday at 11.15 am
Windrush Leisure Centre, Witan Way, Witney OX28 4YA
This is a free, drop-in gentle session for mental health at the Windrush Leisure Centre delivered by coach Sara.
This session is open to all abilities, and all equipment is provided!
To book a session, call the Oxfordshire Mind Information Line on 01865 247 788, which is open Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 4.30pm and Fridays between 9:30am and 4:00pm.
Abingdon Wellbeing Centre, 1st Floor The Charter Complex, Broad Street, Abingdon OX14 3LZ
Wellbeing Hubs provide peer support groups, a programme of short courses and workshops designed to promote wellbeing and many creative activities and groups.
To use one of our Wellbeing Hubs, you’ll need to have an Options session first. This is a phone call or face-to-face chat with one of Mind’s Wellbeing Workers. It’s a chance to talk about what support is available, for someone to listen to you, and to help decide what to do next.
To book an Options session, call the Mind Information Line on 01865 247788 (Monday to Thursday 9.30am–4.30pm, and Friday 9.30am–4pm).
After this, a Wellbeing Worker can tell you about the Peer Support Groups and courses currently running at the Abingdon Hub.
To book a session, call the Oxfordshire Mind Information Line on 01865 247 788, which is open Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 4.30pm and Fridays between 9:30am and 4:00pm.
Banbury Wellbeing Hub, Britannia Road, Banbury, OX16 5DN
Wellbeing Hubs provide peer support groups, a programme of short courses and workshops designed to promote wellbeing and many creative activities and groups.
If you’d like to come to one of our Wellbeing Hubs, you’ll need to book an Options session first. This is a phone call or face-to-face chat with one of Mind’s Wellbeing Workers. They’ll listen to you, tell you about the support available, and help you decide what to do next.
To book an Options session, call the Oxfordshire Mind Information Line on 01865 247 788. The line is open Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Fridays, 9.30am to 4.00pm.
After your Options session, a Wellbeing Worker can give you details about Peer Support Groups and courses currently running at the Banbury Hub.
Multiple dates and times
Multiple venues – see website for more!
YouMove is a new programme for Oxfordshire, offering low-cost or free activities for children and families who receive benefit-related free school meals.
Activities include:
• 🏊 Swimming
• 🏸 Badminton
• 🎒 Activity packs
• 🏖️ Holiday clubs
…and much more – including weekend and school holiday options!YouMove is all about making it easier for families to get active, have fun, and enjoy time together – without the high cost.
Weekends and school holidays
Various locations across Oxford
Join the Multaka Culture Club – a fun and creative programme for young people aged 16 to 24. Take part in regular photography and art projects, explore museums, and visit new places.
Whether you’re into art, culture, or just want to try something new and meet others, you’re very welcome.
📧 Email: multaka.oxford@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp or call Hannah: 07561 530703The Peeple Centre, Northfield Close, Littlemore, OX4
Do you live in Littlemore, Rose Hill, The Leys, or Berinsfield—and have a child who is under 5?
Join a Peep group!
👶 Free monthly books delivered to your door for children under 5
👩👧 Free parent & child groups focused on early learning and development
🌈 Make friends, share activities, and support your child’s learning in a fun, welcoming space.Every Friday, 10am – 1pm
Oxford City Farm, Cornwallis Rd, Oxford, OX4 3NH
On Fridays from 10am to 1pm, volunteers are invited to participate in the Community Farming Sessions, and visitors are welcome to explore the Farm. Sign up below to volunter – no need to book if just visiting!
Every Thursday 2 - 3pm, restarting 9th January 2025
Big Hall upstairs in South Oxford Community Centre, Lake St, Oxford, OX1 4RP
Every Thursday 12 to 1pm, restarting 9th January 2025
Littlemore Community Centre, Giles Road, Oxford OX4 4NL
Every Thursday, 5 pm to 6.30 pm
At the Methodist Church, 40 High Street, Witney
A FREE warm, healthy and hearty community meal provided by volunteers. Everyone is very welcome! For more information, please email adamnoble@me.com or call 01993 709874.
Every Wednesday, 10 to 11 am
Manzil Way, Cowley, by the children’s play area.
The Garden Cafe runners welcome all abilities, and sessions are led by qualified volunteers. The group finishes at Restore Cafe for a chance to socialise afterwards.
All women welcome – even if you’ve never run before.
Every Friday, 10 to 11 am
The Sunshine Centre, Edmunds Road, Banbury, OX16 0PJ
Third Saturday of every month, 10.30 am to 1 pm
Under the arches of the County Museum, Market Place, Abingdon.
This event is run entirely by volunteers, who fix things in their spare time. Repairs are free, but small donations are welcomed to cover overheads to ensure running repair cafés can continue into the future.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10.30 am, and Tuesday at 2 pm
See below for walk locations and times.
Free walks to get you out and about around the Vale of White Horse. Walks are free and open to everyone. A great way to get active and make new friends.
For more information about these walks, contact the Active Communities Team at active.communities@southandvale.gov.uk or contact Asylum Welcome here.
