Connection Support

15/10/2026

Our annual Staff & Volunteer Conference was a brilliant reminder of what makes Connection Support so special: our people and the people we support. 🧡

Last week we brought together colleagues and volunteers to explore Inclusion and what being our best selves, for ourselves and for others, really looks like.

There were powerful stories, thoughtful conversations, plenty of reflection and even a bit of movement along the way!

A big thank you to Roopa Master-Coles and Sonia McNamara for their energetic and engaging sessions, and to our Peer Mentors who shared their experiences so generously.

We left with lots to think about, but one message really stood out: Inclusion isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we create together.

14/10/2026

Stay connected with Connection Support! 💙

Sign up for our newsletter to receive inspiring stories, the latest news, and ways you can make a difference in your community. Don’t miss out join our mailing list today ✉️: https://ow.ly/ej3J50ZWNP6

12/10/2026

A huge congratulations to the 13 incredible runners who completed the Oxford Half Marathon 2026 in aid of Connection Support! 🏅

Not only did every runner cross the finish line, but together they’ve also raised more than £5,000 to support our work across the Thames Valley and beyond. 💙

A massive thank you to Anna, Bernie, Claire, Jacques, Joe, Katie, Lorna, Louise, Mickey, Nathalie, Pippa, Rachel and Victoria for their dedication, determination and months of training leading up to race day. You’ve been fantastic ambassadors, helping to raise awareness and vital funds along the way 👏

10/10/2026

Lived experience: real voices, real change.

For , the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership is sharing the words of the people who use and shape our services.

Across the partnership, we recognise that lived experience is essential to how we design, deliver and improve support. Each partner does this in a variety of ways, from advisory boards with members with lived experience of mental illness and our services, through to feedback from the people we support and adapting our approach to each individual. Collaboration is key across the partnership to ensure people receive the right support, at the right time.

This is what working better together looks like.

Hear from some of the people supported by the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership in this post.

Learn more about how the partnership provides mental health support across Oxfordshire: https://oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/omhp/



Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire Mind, Response, Restore, Bridewell Gardens: Mental Health Recovery, Root and Branch, SWEDA

08/10/2026

Help Change a Life Today 💙

When JW first arrived at The Banbury Beacon, he was unwell, without food, and lacked warm clothing. As a drop-in homelessness shelter, we provide a safe place, practical support, and advice for people experiencing homelessness.

With help from our team, JW was able to access essential items, healthcare, and benefits support, giving him the stability he needed to get back on his feet and return to work.

Every day, people in our community face challenges like these. Your donation can help provide food, clothing, vital support, and hope to someone who needs it most: https://donate.connectionsupport.org.uk/

05/10/2026

Whether you're struggling to manage finances, need help navigating benefits, or are facing an uncertain housing situation, our team can provide personalised support to help you regain stability and build independence.

We work with people living in private rented accommodation, those who are vulnerably housed, and even if you're not sure you meet the criteria, we'd still encourage you to get in touch. We're here to listen and help find the right support for you.

Visit our website to call us, request a callback, complete a referral, or find your nearest drop-in centre. Whatever your situation, we're here to help: https://ow.ly/6xXy50ZUmZ3

24/09/2026

Our colleague, Fiona, is taking on a huge challenge to swim 6.5 km around Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, all in aid of Connection Support! 🏊‍♂️

Ten years ago, she completed the same swim. Now, in 2026, she is giving it another go to raise funds for our work preventing homelessness across the Thames Valley. Please donate to her campaign, as she inches towards her goals on both sides of this challenge, the big swim and fundraising! https://ow.ly/of6E50ZQaSg

If you'd also like to take up a fundraising challenge in aid of Connection Support, please write to [email protected]

Help Fiona O'Driscoll raise money to support Connection Support

23/09/2026

A huge thank you to our amazing supporters who joined us for our sponsored walk on Saturday. Participants took either 5 mile or 10 mile walk through Wolvercote, Yarnton, and Begbroke, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and activities along the way while being joined by dogs and spotting sheep in the fields.

We are delighted to have raised over £1,600. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported the event as well. Its not to late to donate: https://ow.ly/ytr950ZPLbl.

18/09/2026

Tomorrow is the day!

We are just 24 hours away from our walkers setting off from Wolvercote to explore the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, all while raising vital funds for people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, rough sleeping and other crises. We still have spaces remaining for supporters who would like to join in for a beautiful weekend out in the nature, all for a cause!

📅 Tomorrow, Saturday 19 September 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM onwards
💷 Tickets: £3–£10 (kids go FREE!)
🎯 Fundraising: £100 per adult / £200 per family

🎟️ Sign-up: https://ow.ly/r4mq50ZMzv3

16/09/2026

In just 3 days, supporters will take on our Sponsored Walk across Oxfordshire. 👣

Whether you are choosing the 3‑mile accessible route, the 5‑mile trail, or the 10‑mile challenge, you will be part of a community walking together to help people through some of life’s toughest moments.

Your steps make a real difference, and there is still time to join us. Book your place today and join us for an amazing family weekend out in Oxfordshire! All details:

📅 Saturday 19 September 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM onwards
💷 Tickets: £3–£10 (kids go FREE!)
🎯 Fundraising: £100 per adult / £200 per family

🎟️ Sign up today at https://ow.ly/CAcm50ZMzfg