Carers Oxfordshire

03/11/2026

💛📞 Who looks after the people who spend so much time looking after others?

Rich was joined by Paula Donaldson during Befriending Week to chat about the launch of Carers Oxfordshire ’s new Carers Phone Friends service! 🎙️

The initiative offers unpaid carers across Oxfordshire regular, friendly phone calls with a trained volunteer, giving them someone to talk to, share their worries with or simply enjoy a chat. 💬

It's all about tackling loneliness, offering support and making sure carers have someone checking in on them too. ❤️

They're also looking for volunteers aged 18 and over to become Phone Friends and make a real difference in someone's life!

👉 Find out more: https://www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk/carers-phone-friends/

30/10/2026

Dementia UK is offering free, confidential 45-minute clinic appointments with a specialist dementia nurse, known as an Admiral Nurse in partnership with Nationwide UK. You don’t need to be a Nationwide customer. Everyone is welcome.

Local clinic dates at Oxfordshire Nationwide branches are listed below:

🔸 Nationwide Banbury — Tuesday 3rd November 2026
🔸 Nationwide Bicester — Wednesday 4th November 2026
🔸 Nationwide Oxford — Thursday 5th November 2026

30/10/2026

A summary from Carers UK on what the new budget means for unpaid carers 👇

💷 Here's how today's Budget will affect you if you're an unpaid carer.

The Chancellor has announced several measures that could help carers and their families with the cost of living.

Here's what you need to know 👇

✅ Carer's Allowance: The Government will end the unfair earnings cliff edge, which means carers can currently lose their entire benefit if they earn just £1 over the limit. A new system will allow carers to earn more without suddenly losing all their Carer's Allowance. Around 48,000 carers are expected to benefit when the change comes into effect in 2030–31.

⚡ Energy bills: Around 20 million households in council tax bands A–D will receive a £100 energy payment this winter. The Government is also extending the VAT cut on electricity bills until July 2027.

🏠 Standing charges: Fixed daily charges on household gas bills will be removed, although it is unclear what effect this will have on households with higher energy needs, including some disabled people and their carers. We have asked for clarification from Government.

🚗 Fuel costs: The 5p fuel duty cut will be extended until July 2027, helping carers who rely on their cars to get those they care for to appointments and in providing care.

👵 Older carers: People receiving the full new State Pension will be protected from paying income tax on income up to that amount during this Parliament.

💬 Our response: These are important steps forward, but we also need wider reform of Carer's Allowance as many carers continue to face significant financial pressures, especially those unable to work alongside their caring responsibilities.

We'll continue pushing for a social security system that provides all carers with the financial support they need and deserve.

Read our full response here: https://carersuk.pulse.ly/ddnyzndy1h

28/10/2026

💜📞 Sometimes, one phone call can make all the difference.

Through Carers Phone Friends, Doreen and Teresa have found friendship, understanding and someone who knows what caring can be like. Their weekly calls remind them both how much it matters to have someone to talk to.

Could you benefit from a friendly call, or volunteer to be that person for someone else? Drop us a message to find out more.

27/10/2026

📣🚨 An update ahead of the budget on the Government’s plans to remove the earnings cliff edge for Carer’s Allowance.

Read the full statement from Carers UK. 👇

For too long, the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit has prevented unpaid carers from working the hours they want and need to.

Thousands of carers have worried about whether taking on an extra shift or a tiny increase in their hourly rate could mean losing their entire Carer's Allowance, while others have faced devastating overpayments after unknowingly exceeding the limit.

6 in 10 carers who had experienced issues whilst working and claiming Carer’s Allowance said it affected their ability to work, and 4 in 10 carers who had experienced issues whilst working and claiming Carer’s Allowance said they have left work because of it.

Today’s Government announcement committing to end the unfair earnings cliff edge marks a significant step forward. Carers UK has campaigned for this change for many years, calling for a fairer system that allows carers to work without the fear of losing vital financial support.

But carers shouldn’t have to wait years for change. We’ll continue pressing for these reforms to be introduced as quickly as possible, alongside further measures to provide greater financial support for unpaid carers.

Read a statement from Emily Holzhausen CBE, our Director of Policy and Public Affairs: https://carersuk.pulse.ly/2qqb5aocpc

25/10/2026

💙 Do you support a child with additional needs? Working with schools to make sure a child gets the right support can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are a few things to remember:

💬 Your voice matters: You know your child best, and you have the right to share your views and be involved in decisions about their education.

🤝 You can ask for help: Speak to your child’s school about what support is available. You don’t have to wait until things become difficult.

💙 You’re not alone:. We can help you understand your rights, explore your options and find support - get in touch with us, we're here to help.

23/10/2026

🌧️ A little reminder as the weather turns wet and windy: staying safe outdoors can become more difficult.

Find out how to reduce your risk of falls and stay safe in bad weather. 👇

Lots of wind and rain forecast for today and the weekend.
Remember to take a look at the advice and support available for you or a family member who may not be as steady of their feet as they used to be https://oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/falls/guidance/weather-safety/

Also lots of advice and information on how to stay active with strength exercises that can be done without leaving home.

22/10/2026

Have you ever wondered about powers of attorney and what they mean for you or someone you care for?

Yesterday, Rachel Boland from our sister charity Age UK Oxfordshire spoke to BBC Oxfordshire about what a power of attorney is, when you might need one and how much it costs.

Listen back below 👇

07/10/2026

💙 If you’re heading to Older People’s Day at Oxford Town Hall today, come and find our team and have a chat with us about life as an unpaid carer.

Whether you have a question, want to find out what support is available or simply want to say hello, we’d love to see you.

Oxford 50 Plus Network

06/10/2026

Come and see us tomorrow at the Oxford’s UN Older People’s Day!

If you’re caring for someone, our team will be there to chat about the support available to you and answer any questions you may have.

Oxford 50 Plus Network Oxfordshire County Council

📅 What’s on your doorstep? Find out this Wednesday 7th October at Oxford’s UN Older People’s Day organised by Oxford 50 Plus Network.

Oxford Town Hall will be buzzing with 60+ local organisations and services, offering advice, activities, volunteering opportunities and plenty to discover – from dance and chair exercises to informative talks and digital workshops.

We’ll be there too, alongside our Dementia Oxfordshire team and our sister organisation, Carers Oxfordshire. And if you’re coming along, look out for Hayley from our Information & Advice team, who’ll be hosting a session on spotting and preventing scams!