Response

02/06/2026

This Volunteers' Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who supports Response.

Whether you've given your time at events, cheered on participants at fundraising challenges, shared your skills, or championed our work in the community, your support helps us make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people we support. Your dedication, enthusiasm and generosity are truly valued, and we couldn't do what we do without you.

We're also excited to be working alongside several local businesses that are keen to make a positive contribution through corporate volunteering. Together, we're developing a number of projects that will benefit the people who use our services, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.

If you've ever thought about volunteering and making a difference in your community, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our volunteering page linked below to find out more about the opportunities available and register your interest in volunteering at Response.

Thank you to all our volunteers, past and present, for being part of the Response community. 💙

https://bit.ly/3Qina7U

31/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week may be over, but at Response, we believe that awareness, and action, shouldn't stop when the week does.

Looking after our mental health is something we all need to commit to every single day, not just one week a year. Small, consistent actions are what truly make the difference.

From going for a walk to talking to a friend, from sleeping well to being creative, our team shared the small things that help them stay well. Because when we normalise talking about mental health every day, that's when real change happens.

So we're carrying the theme of Action forward with us. What's one small thing you do to support your mental health? Drop it in the comments below 👇

30/05/2026

This May, we’re celebrating the incredible Katherine for her amazing support of Response and dedication to fundraising for better mental health.

After her son completed the Paris Marathon in support of Response, Katherine continued the fundraising efforts by organising a wonderful Yoga & Breathwork Retreat Day, alongside Harvey Draycott, raising over £1,000 for our charity.

Through movement, mindfulness, and community, Katherine brought people together to support vital mental health and housing services across our communities, and we are so grateful for her kindness, energy, and passion.

Thank you, Katherine, and everyone involved in the event, for showing that there are so many meaningful ways to make a difference and support mental health. Your efforts will help us continue changing lives for the better. 💙

29/05/2026

Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨

To all who have been celebrating Eid, all of us at Response wish you a joyful, peaceful, and meaningful celebration with your loved ones.

May this special occasion bring happiness, reflection, kindness, and connection to all who are marking the occasion. 💙

[Image description: An Eid Mubarak graphic featuring a patterned background, with “Eid Mubarak” in bold text and “from everyone at Response” underneath, alongside speech bubbles representing Responses Adult, Youth, and Housing services.]

29/05/2026

Our Associate Director of Response Youth, Jamie Douglas, recently spoke to the media about the 10-year high in young people who are not in education, employment or training.

“Flexibility, presence and patience are what separate youth work from traditional systems," said Jamie.

“We believe these reviews must now lead to investment by funding youth workers and mental health support initiatives which go to young people, rather than waiting for young people to come to it when a problem has arisen."

“It’s what our newly opened hub in Thatcham aims to achieve, but even this facility operates with an extensive waiting list only months after opening, which can be reversed with the right funding.”

Read the full story here:

Response – the Thames Valley's largest independent mental health charity – has called for a proactive approach to reshape youth services which aligns to its

27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨

To everyone celebrating Eid, all of us at Response wish you a joyful, peaceful, and meaningful celebration with your loved ones.

May this special occasion bring happiness, reflection, kindness, and connection to all who are marking the occasion. 💙

[Image description: An Eid Mubarak graphic featuring a patterned background, with “Eid Mubarak” in bold text and “from everyone at Response” underneath, alongside speech bubbles representing Responses Adult, Youth, and Housing services.]

26/05/2026

🚨An important reminder for anyone taking Sertraline, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Duloxetine, or any other SSRI/SNRI medication:

Hot weather and poor heat regulation go hand in hand with these medications, so take make sure to take extra care in heatwaves, and hot weather.

Hydrate, stay cool, and stay safe. Share to spread the word!

For more information on keeping safe in summer, visit: www.nhs.uk

26/05/2026

The government's new 10-year mental health strategy sets out an important direction for earlier intervention, community-based care and more joined-up services.

Here's what our CEO, Nicola Leavesley, had to say:

"The new mental health strategy consultation reinforces a direction many of us are already working toward, with a stronger focus on earlier support, community-based care and more joined-up services.

"At Response, we see every day the difference that stable housing and the right mental health support can make. Like many services, much of what we do is within commissioned thresholds, which can mean people only access support once their needs have become more acute. A key opportunity within this strategy is to continue shifting towards a model where people can be supported earlier, when the need first presents, rather than later.

"Building on the partnerships and infrastructure already in place across health, housing, social care and the voluntary sector will be essential. By reducing the barriers between organisations and designing services around the person rather than the system, we can make it easier to respond in a more timely, flexible and coordinated way.

"There is a strong foundation to build from, and a real opportunity to keep strengthening how we work together so that people can access the right support more easily and live well in their communities."

22/05/2026

This month, we’re celebrating Lauren Bourton, whose leadership, support, and dedication have made a huge impact across the team

Lauren is known for being an incredibly supportive and approachable manager; always ready to lend a hand, share her knowledge, and guide colleagues whenever they need it. Her calm, encouraging approach helps those around her feel confident, supported, and valued every step of the way.

Colleagues have especially recognised the important role Lauren has played in supporting new starters through their induction process, ensuring they feel welcomed and empowered as they settle into their roles.

Lauren has also been instrumental in leading the implementation of our new Response competency framework within the team, while helping to drive a positive culture shift through the e trauma-informed approaches across the Transitional Team Service. Her commitment to continuous improvement and compassionate leadership is helping shape a stronger, more supportive environment for both colleagues and the people we support.

Lauren, thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and the positive difference you make every day. Your leadership truly inspires those around you 👏💙

Show Lauren some appreciation in the comments- drop a 💙 or 👏to celebrate her amazing work!

21/05/2026

Just 1 month left to claim your charity place in Bike Oxford 2026!

Don't miss your chance to ride through the streets of Oxford and make a real difference. Taking place on Sunday 21st June, Bike Oxford offers three routes of approximately 25, 45 and 75 miles, starting at Oxford University Rugby Club.

Sign up now and let's do this together.

Secure your place in 👉https://www.response.org.uk/events/bike-oxford-with-response/