Home-Start Oxford

13/10/2026

Oxford Half 2027 standard places are officially SOLD OUT! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

But don’t worry, you can still take your place on the start line by running for a charity. And what better charity to run for than Home-Start Oxford? 😉 💜

Join and make every mile count. The funds you raise will help us support local families with young children through challenging times.

You will receive a welcome pack, a running T-shirt or vest, opportunities to connect with our group of runners, and dedicated fundraising and motivational support from the Home-Start team. You will also be cheered on during the event by our very own Home-Start cheer squad!

To secure your place, we ask for a payment of £25 - an incredible discount on standard race entry prices - and a pledge to raise £250 for Home-Start Oxford.

Sign up today and be part of something special: https://buff.ly/iUzW6w7

11/10/2026

Thinking about running the in 2027 but need that extra bit of motivation?

Here are some of the reasons our incredible team decided to run for Home-Start Oxford - from having seen first-hand what Home-Start support can mean to families, to being inspired by volunteers, to having a goal to aim for, there are so many reasons why becoming a member makes sense!

So if you're up for the challenge, join us and take on the iconic on Sunday 10th October 2027. You'll run 13.1 unforgettable miles through the historic streets of Oxford while helping local families with young children navigate some of their toughest times.

For just £25 plus a pledge to raise £250, you'll be part of a friendly and supportive team, whether you're tackling your first half marathon or chasing a new personal best.

As part of Team Home-Start Oxford, you'll receive:
✅ A free Home-Start Oxford running vest or T-shirt
✅ Training guidance and a preparation calendar
✅ Fundraising tips and support throughout your journey
✅ Access to a friendly team WhatsApp group
✅ Plenty of race-day cheering from our Home-Start Oxford supporters

Sign up today and run for Home-Start Oxford in the Oxford Half Marathon 2027. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/hL9FDrO

💙

11/10/2026

Has watching the today inspired you to take on the challenge yourself?

Why not make every mile count and join for the Oxford Half Marathon 2027?

On Sunday 10th October 2027, you'll run 13.1 unforgettable miles through the historic streets of Oxford while helping local families with young children navigate some of their toughest times.

For just £25 plus a pledge to raise £250, you'll be part of a friendly and supportive team, whether you're tackling your first half marathon or chasing a new personal best.

As part of Team Home-Start Oxford, you'll receive:
✅ A free Home-Start Oxford running vest or T-shirt
✅ Training guidance and a preparation calendar
✅ Fundraising tips and support throughout your journey
✅ Access to a friendly team WhatsApp group
✅ Plenty of race-day cheering from our Home-Start Oxford supporters

Every pound you raise will help us provide free, compassionate support to local families with children under five, helping parents build confidence, overcome challenges and give their children the best possible start in life.

Ready to challenge yourself and make a real difference? Sign up today and run for Home-Start Oxford in the Oxford Half Marathon 2027. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/hL9FDrO

💙

10/10/2026

Only one day to go!

We’re so excited to cheer on our amazing team tomorrow! We’re incredibly lucky to have such a fantastic group running for Home-Start Oxford, including four returning runners, several of our wonderful volunteers (taking volunteering to a whole new level!!), and our friends and family who have been inspired to join them.

However you became part of the team, we’re honoured that you’ve chosen to support us. Running a half marathon is no easy feat, but every step you take will help us be there for local families when they need us most.

A huge good luck to every one of our incredible runners. Get some rest tonight - we can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 💙

You can support our runners here: https://buff.ly/sUmUHCO

09/10/2026

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since we welcomed HRH The Princess of Wales to Home-Start Oxford? We still have to pinch ourselves that it really happened!

We had so much fun sharing the day with The Princess, our wonderful families, volunteers and staff. From chatting together at our special Stay and Play session to showing how Home-Start support makes a difference during those all-important early years.

A huge thank you to every family, volunteer and supporter who helped to make the visit so unforgettable. One year on, we’re still smiling - and still working alongside local families to help give young children the best possible start in life. 💜

07/10/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Meet our amazing 2026 team! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

This Sunday, our brilliant runners will take on 13.1 miles for Home-Start Oxford, helping us to be there for local families when they need support most. We’re so proud of every one of them.

Our famously loud Cheer Squad will be out along the route, encouraging the team and keeping spirits high all the way to the finish line! 📣

If you spot one of our runners (just look out for their purple tops!) please give them a cheer and shout their name – that extra encouragement can make such a difference when the miles get tough.

Good luck, team – we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

And of course, if you'd like to support the team, you can find their fundraising page here: https://buff.ly/sUmUHCO

02/10/2026

Did you know that on the first Friday in October every year, it's a chance to celebrate ?

We loved the idea of having a chance to think about what makes us smile - and of course we knew we'd be able to come up with some great craft activities for the little ones to enjoy in group today too. Just look at these smiley creations!

For us it's the little things that make us smile - seeing the children enjoying an activity, having a chance to catch up with parents, enjoying the sun while it shines...We'd love to know what makes you smile?

02/10/2026

This could be good if your little ones enjoy swimming or you'd like to give swimming a go.

Three leisure centres in Oxford – Leys Pool & Leisure Centre, Barton Leisure Centre, and Ferry Leisure Centre – will be offering two days of free swimming and activity sessions, classes, events and more for the whole family to enjoy this weekend (3 and 4 October).

Across these centres, you will be able to enjoy a range of free activities, including family fun swim sessions, pool inflatable sessions, gym access and children's entertainment such as bouncy castle sessions and arts and crafts. Activities will vary by venue, with highlights including racquet sports at Ferry Leisure Centre and free Soft Play and TAG X sessions at Leys Pools and Leisure Centre.

Find out more here: https://buff.ly/OW5e1tb

Big Open Weekend of free activities returns to Oxford

23/09/2026

For any water loving kids this looks fun!

🎉 🆓FREE BIG OPEN WEEKEND! 🆓🎉

✨3rd - 4th October - BOOK NOW✨

❗️Tag a friend who needs to know about this❗️

Get ready for a weekend packed with FREE activities at Oxford’s pools and leisure centres!

➡️ Leys Pool and Leisure
🏊 FREE swimming
🥽 FREE taster swimming lessons
🫨 FREE soft play
❌ FREE Tag X

➡️ Ferry Leisure Centre
🏊 FREE swimming
🥽 FREE taster swimming sessions
🙃 FREE bounce & play inflatables
🫟 FREE slime workshop

➡️ Barton Leisure Centre
🏊 FREE swimming
🥽 FREE taster swimming lessons

Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your spot!

🔗 Booking links for each leisure centre are in the comments.

17/09/2026

🌞☕🍰 What a lovely afternoon!

After a busy few weeks at Home-Start Oxford, it was wonderful to come together with so many of our incredible volunteers at our annual VolunTEA Party.

With sunshine by the river, delicious cake, plenty of laughter and great company, it was the perfect opportunity to relax, catch up and celebrate the amazing people who make our work possible.

Our volunteers give their time, kindness and support to local families every single day, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them. We're so grateful to have them as part of the Home-Start Oxford team.

A huge thank you to each and every one of our volunteers. You are truly appreciated.