Help & Support

There are a range of local organisations and services available to support residents who may be experiencing financial difficulties, problems with housing, mental health concerns, family difficulties or other challenges.

If you are unsure which service you need, Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire or West Oxfordshire District Council may be able to help you find the appropriate support.

Help with the Cost of Living

West Oxfordshire District Council provides information about support available to residents struggling with household costs, including help with benefits, Council Tax, housing costs, energy bills and other financial pressures.

West Oxfordshire District Council
Tel: 01993 861000
Help with living costs – West Oxfordshire District Council

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice on issues including benefits, debt, housing, employment, family matters and consumer problems.

Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire
Freephone: 0808 278 7908
Email: info@citizensadvicewestoxon.org.uk
Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire

Food & Emergency Support

Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank provides emergency food and practical support to people experiencing financial hardship.

The Foodbank operates through a referral system. Referrals can be made by a range of local organisations, including Citizens Advice, health visitors, schools, social services and other support agencies.

Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank
Cottsway House, Heynes Place, Avenue Two, Witney, OX28 4YG
Tel: 07949 442342

Get help from Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank

If you need help obtaining a Foodbank referral, you can also contact the Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138.

Housing & Homelessness

If you are homeless, worried about becoming homeless or have been told that you must leave your accommodation, contact West Oxfordshire District Council as soon as possible.

The Housing Advice Team can provide advice and, depending on your circumstances, may be able to provide further assistance or temporary accommodation. The Council’s main number can also be used if emergency accommodation is required outside normal office hours.

West Oxfordshire District Council Housing Advice
Tel: 01993 861000

Homelessness support and advice

If you are concerned about somebody sleeping rough, you can also report this through StreetLink or contact the Housing Advice Team.

Support for Older People

Age UK Oxfordshire provides information, advice and support for older people across Oxfordshire.

Age UK Oxfordshire
Tel: 0345 450 1276
Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm

Age UK Oxfordshire

Unpaid Carers

Carers Oxfordshire provides free information, advice and personalised support to unpaid adult carers looking after someone living in Oxfordshire.

Support includes carers’ assessments, support groups, emergency planning and advice about other services available to carers.

Carers Oxfordshire
CarersLine: 01235 424715
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Email: carersinfo@carersoxfordshire.org.uk

Carers Oxfordshire

Dementia Support

Dementia Oxfordshire provides information and support for people diagnosed with dementia and their families and carers. Self-referrals are accepted.

Dementia Oxfordshire Support Line
Tel: 01865 410210
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Email: info@dementiaoxfordshire.org.uk

Dementia Oxfordshire

Children, Young People & Families

Oxfordshire County Council’s Family Information Service provides free information and advice for children, young people, parents and carers.

It can help families find childcare, activities, parenting and family support, services for disabled children and children with additional needs, and other local services.

Oxfordshire Family Information Service

Oxfordshire County Council also provides information about Children and Family Centres, including the centre in Witney, which offer services for young children and their families.

Children and Family Centres

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Oxfordshire Mind provides free mental health information, advice and signposting for people living in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire Mind Information Service
Tel: 01865 247788
Text: 07451 277973
Email: info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk

Oxfordshire Mind – Get Help

For children and young people, Oxfordshire Mind also provides information about local mental health support, including Childline, Shout and NHS services.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

For someone to talk to at any time, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, 24 hours a day.

Domestic Abuse

Support is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
Tel: 0800 731 0055

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Tel: 0808 2000 247 – available 24 hours a day.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Housing Team can also provide confidential housing advice if domestic abuse means you need to leave your home.

Domestic abuse and housing support – WODC

If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999.

Armed Forces, Veterans & Families

Support is available across Oxfordshire for serving personnel, reservists, veterans and Armed Forces families.

Oxfordshire County Council provides a dedicated directory covering areas including housing, finances, employment, health and wellbeing, transition to civilian life and family support. It also signposts to specialist organisations including SSAFA, the Royal British Legion and NHS veterans’ services.

Armed Forces support in Oxfordshire

Support for veterans

Additional cost-of-living assistance is also available specifically for members of the Armed Forces community and their families.

Armed Forces cost-of-living support

Bereavement Support

Bereavement can affect people in many different ways, and support is available if you are struggling following the death of someone close to you.

Cruse Bereavement Support provides bereavement information and support to adults and young people.

Cruse Bereavement Support

You can also speak to your GP if bereavement is affecting your health or wellbeing.

Not Sure Where to Get Help?

If you are struggling but are unsure which organisation to contact, Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire or West Oxfordshire District Council are good starting points and may be able to direct you to the appropriate service.

West Oxfordshire District Council: 01993 861000
Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire: 0808 278 7908