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MENTAL HEALTH BEFRIENDING FOR OXFORD
RESOURCES
This is a collection of links to organisations that may be useful to those living with mental health problems or those that support them. If you know of an organisation that should be added to this list please contact us to let us know.
Meeting people
These local organisations provide opportunities to meet up with others.
Alice’s Tea Party
An opportunity for a variety of people, many with mental health problems, relax and chat together whilst sharing activities, sandwiches, and tea. The tea party takes place every Thursday (except in August), 2.30pm to 4.30pm at St Mary & St John Church, Cowley Road, OX4 1XG. Just turn up! 07895 576398
http://cowleystjohn.co.uk/eventsmeet/alices-tea-party
The Archway Foundation
A charity that connects people with others to relieve some of the distress caused by loneliness.
Telephone: 01865 790552
https://archwayfoundation.org.uk/
Gig Buddies
Participants joining this scheme, which is part of My Life, My Choice, are matched with a volunteer buddy who loves the same kind of ‘gigs’ so they can share activities together. Gig Buddies also runs monthly events for gig buddies such a Pub Club, a walking club on the last Friday of every month, and day trips to places such as Blenheim Palace and the Science Museum in London.
Telephone: 01865 204214 or 07495 874291
https://www.mylifemychoice.org.uk/pages/33-gig-buddies
Social connections through keeping fit
Sport in Mind
An independent mental health charity which provides free or low-cost activities to aid recovery from mental health problems. There are weekly football and table tennis activities in Oxford, plus other activities in Didcot and further afield.
Telephone: 0118 9479762
www.sportinmind.org
Oxford Ramblers
Previously Walking for Health they organise short walks (usually around 5 miles) every week. Walks are led by a trained walk leader and are short and over easy terrain. They are open to everyone, but are especially aimed at those who are less active.
Telephone: 01865 552531
http://www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/Oxford.html
Mental health organisations based in Oxford
Oxfordshire Mind
Oxfordshire Mind provides over 30 free peer support groups across Oxfordshire. Each peer support group is different – it might be based in a specific location, or centre around an activity (such as art, sports, or cooking). The organisation also runs an Information Line for those concerned about their own mental health or the health of someone they know.
Telephone: 01865 247788
http://www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk/
Rehab 4 Addiction
A website that offers guidance and support for people experiencing problems with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health in Oxfordshire
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/country-wide/drug-alcohol-rehab-oxfordshire in Oxfordshire.
Response
Offers a range of services, including housing support to people with mental health problems and complex needs.
Telephone: 01865 397940
Restore
An Oxfordshire-based mental health charity that supports people to take control of their recovery, develop skills and lead meaningful lives. Restore offers a number of recovery groups, training and employment coaching.
Telephone: 01865 455821
Oxford Mindfulness
Oxford Mindfulness offers an on-line mindfulness session every evening at 7.00pm as well as 8 and 12 weeks courses. No experience necessary.
https://www.oxfordmindfulness.org/
TalkingSpace Plus
Talking Space Plus is a free NHS service for people living with depression or anxiety. The organisation offers a range of talking treatments, as well as many courses and peer support groups to help people stay well.
Telephone: 01865 901222
http://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/talkingspaceplus (or google Talking Space Plus Oxford)
National mental health organisations
Mental Health Foundation
A wide range of resources on mental health issues covering topics as diverse as diet, exercise, friendship, parenting, stigma, mental health services and cultural diversity.
Mind
A national provider of advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The information pages on the website given information on everything from types of mental health problems to legal rights and tips for everyday living.
Rethink
A national organisation that improves the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning.
Someone to talk to
These organisations offer emotional support and someone to talk to when you need it.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
For men in the UK who need to talk or find information and support. Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight, 365 days a year).
https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/
Safe Haven
If you experience a mental health crisis, Safe Haven offers telephone or face-to-face non-clinical crisis support, signposting, safety planning and listening support. It is open 7 days a week 11.30a.m. to 9.30p.m. The first time you make contact they take a few details and fix your first appointment (usually the same day).
Telephone: (Oxford) 01865 903037 or 07710 092849
https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/wellbeing/oxford-safe-haven/
Telephone: (Banbury) 01295 270004 or 07851 246546
https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/wellbeing/banbury-safe-haven/
Samaritans
Emotional support (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) by freephone on 116 123, or reach the Oxford Samaritans on 01865 722 122.