🎈 Just 8 days to go until Chippy Fest 2025! 🎈 We’re excited to be part of the fun with our Open Day on Sunday 29th June — and we’d love to welcome you to The Branch. Come through the door to explore what we do, meet the team, and see how community support comes to life every day. There’ll be friendly faces in a beautiful space (and garden!), and maybe even a few surprises! 😉 #ChippyFest2025 #TheBranchTrust #OpenDay2025 #CommunityMatters #ChippingNorton #LocalLove #TogetherWeGrow

Community as a Superpower 💫💥 Community is the incredible everyday — both ordinary and extraordinary. It’s the simple acts of generosity and kindness that, together, become an unstoppable force. 💚 This Refugee Week, we’re celebrating one of our amazing volunteers at The Branch who gives their time each week to welcome refugees, help them practice English, and build community. It’s a joy to hear the laughter as they learn together and build friendships. Want to learn more about what we do? Join us at our Open Day — Sunday 29th June. #RefugeeWeek2025 #CommunityAsASuperpower #TheBranchTrust #ChippingNorton #ChippyFest #TogetherWeGrow

🎉 Celebrating our Young Parents Group! 💚 This amazing group is a space where young parents find support, friendship, and confidence — all while navigating the early years of parenthood together. #YoungParentsGroup #TheBranchTrust #CommunitySupport #ParentingTogether #ChippingNorton #EarlyYearsSupport

Huge thanks to The Ditchley Foundation for hosting us at the stunning Ditchley Park for a fantastic evening — including a tour of this incredible house! 🏛️ We’re also so grateful to the Lord Lieutenant for her warm welcome. It was a wonderful opportunity for young people from our Branch Out and Cook programme to share their stories and serve canapés to guests. Want to learn more about what we do? Come say hello at our Open Day — Sunday 29th June! 💚 #TheBranchTrust #CommunitySupport #YouthProgrammes #DitchleyPark #BranchOutAndCook #ChippyFest2025 #ChippingNorton

🎉 Happy #VolunteersWeek! 🎉 We’re incredibly grateful for the 100+ volunteers who give their time, heart, and energy to support The Branch each and every day. 💚 Whether it’s serving tea, welcoming families, sorting donations, or simply showing up with a smile — we couldn’t do this work without you. Because of you, our community is stronger. Thank you for being the heart of The Branch. 💫 #TheBranchVolunteers #ThankYouVolunteers #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #VolunteersMakeADifference #VolunteersWeek2025

🎉 One Year of The Branch! 🎉 We’re celebrating one incredible year since our dream became reality and the doors of The Branch officially opened! Each week over 200 people come through our door for support, a warm welcome, and often coffee and delicious cake. We're celebrating our newly created garden and our nurture pod, and we are giving thanks that Citizens Advice, OXPIP and Mental Health Services are now all available at The Branch on a weekly basis. A massive THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers, staff, and supporters. You’ve helped turn this dream into a life-changing reality. Here’s to the journey ahead! #TheBranchTrust #OneYearOn #BuildingHope #TransformingLives #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #MentalHealthMatters #ThankYou

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, the theme is #Community — and at The Branch, we see every day how powerful that can be. From cups of tea at Connect Café to shared laughs in recovery groups, from young parents supporting one another to warm welcomes at the door — community is at the heart of everything we do. Because when people feel seen, safe, and supported, mental wellbeing grows. 💚 #MentalHealthMatters #TheBranch #YouAreNotAlone #ConnectionHeals

At The Branch we know that we have to dream big for real lasting change to happen. We had the honour of hosting High Sheriff John May and eighteen community leaders and professionals from across Oxfordshire to discuss how we can drive positive change for children and young people affected by domestic abuse. As Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, said in her recent report Victims in their own right?... "Children are being failed and left in unsafe situations with nowhere to turn." Something has to shift and we hope that the High Sheriff Breakfast can be the catalyst for this in Oxfordshire. Now to keep the momentum going - watch this space! #HearingTheYoungUnheard #Oxfordshire #DomesticAbuseAwareness #YouthVoice #CommunityMatters #EarlyIntervention #Collaboration #TheBranchTrust #MakeItMandatory #HopeInAction #ChippingNorton #HighSheriffOxfordshire

Great to join with the town in VE celebrations today. Giving thanks and remembering all the local residents who sacrificed so much so that we might live in peace. #VEDay80 #ChippingNorton #RoyalBritishLegion #LestWeForget #VEDay2025 #ChippyTogether #CotswoldsHistory #communityhub #thebranch

Grateful for so many sweet connections at The Branch and for our volunteers who share their gifts 😊.

We welcomed over 50 local business leaders to the first Branch Business Club breakfast this week. So grateful for their support and looking forward to the next meeting in June.

We are looking forward to our first session back in the Nurture Garden at @stmarysprimaryschoolchippy today and to see how the peas planted at the Family Session before Easter are doing!

Ever wondered what the back of our building looks like? Welcome to our Nurture Garden 💐

Connect Cafe is having a break - back in two weeks on 22nd April. Come and join us at our weekly drop in with crafts, games, coffee and a chat. Hope to see you soon.

Minis has shut up shop! Back on Wednesday 23rd April. Happy Easter!

Today is International Women’s Day and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate all the women that we have the privilege to know through our work at The Branch. We are passionate about coming alongside women who might be at their most broken and vulnerable - perhaps because they have been living in an abusive relationship, been bereaved or have been made homeless. Through our groups and activities we get to know them, show them that they are loved, and help them to see their own worth and discover their aspirations We encourage them to unlock their potential and have seen lives transformed with women going on to volunteer, access training, get into work and even set up their own businesses. Let’s celebrate the women in our lives today and please join us in championing all the women in our community. #iwd #iwd2025 #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #supportingwomenandgirls #strongertogether #chippingnorton #communityhub #creatingspace #mentalhealth #domesticabuseawareness #internationalwomensday

This week we are enjoying testing out the free books you can get with @worldbookdaysocial National Book Tokens. You can visit our great neighbours @jaffe_and_neale to see the full range of books. Which one will you choose? If you’re a Bluey Fan Family click the links in our bio for a free activity pack 💙 #bluey #worldbookday #booktokens #readingforlife #earlyyears #familyfireside #youngparents #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #teatime #chippingnortoncotswolds #jaffeandneale

Last Friday the @thegooddayfarmontour brought their amazing animals- and some beautiful sunshine- to @remixchippy youth club. As you can see by the brilliant smiles, a fantastic time was had by all. @remixchippy is every Friday in term time 3.15pm - 4.45pm at Glyme Hall and is open to everyone in school years 7 - 9. For more information please visit @remixchippy Thank you @thegooddayfarmontour #buildinghopetransforminglives #niceday #youthclub #chippingnortoncotswolds #thebranch #pets #pigs #rabbit #sheep #remix #thegooddayfarm

“The joy of discovering that there is help waiting in the wings “ Evie Morris is just one of the hundreds of local people that The Branch helps in many different ways. Evie’s life was so transformed that she has been waiting for a chance to say thank you for five years and on March 30th she is going to shave off her hair that hasn’t been cut since lockdown. Evie’s amazing story is well worth a read and you can find a link in our bio along with a link to her donation page. #buildinghopetransforminglives #bravetheshave #thebranch #transition #thankyou #fundraising #chippingnortoncotswolds #foodbank #lockdown

Happy Monday You’ve Got This Here’s a reminder of how The Branch can help this week. #feelingood #buildinghopetrandforminglives #thebranch #chippingnortoncotswolds #communityhub

Sally & Sarah have been attending the Learning Together Programme @peeplecentre Watch the full reel to see a little more of the amazing work they do. What do we know about brain development? 🧠 It’s the little things that make the biggest difference… #earlyyears #braindevelopment #1001days #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #learningtogether #oxfordshire #earlychildhoodeducation #underfives #emotionaldevelopment

Another brilliant article highlighting our Royal Visit last week, this time from @crownchronicles For the full story and to see other articles including the @itvnews footage please click the linktree in our bio. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #hrh #royalvisit #dukeofedinburgh #chippingnortoncotswolds #nickpullen #communityhub #mentalhealth #oxfordshire

This week is @nationalapprenticeshipweek and here at The Branch we are involved with several Apprenticeship Schemes. When His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh visited he was especially pleased to meet some of the young people participating. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #nationalapprenticeweek #dofegold #dukeofedinburghaward #communityhub #mcalpine #robertmcalpine #alternativeprovision #apprentice #chippingnortoncotswolds #oxfordshire #wearemcalpine

Creating Space This week at our creative therapeutic session Creating Space we focused on the importance of self-love and being kind to ourselves as we would to others. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #selflove #mentalhealthawareness #valentines #loveisintheair #communityhub #chippingnortoncotswolds #oxfordshire #space #bekindtoyourself

Thank you @lordlieutenantoxfordshire Repost from @lordlieutenantoxfordshire • Yesterday was Oxfordshire’s second royal visit in as many months. His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to accompany The Duke of Edinburgh on his visit to Chipping Norton. His second visit was to The Branch (@thebranchtrust), which is a former NatWest bank building that has recently been redeveloped to provide a community hub. He was able to see the broad range of activities and services that The Branch provides. These include cookery classes for young people and work to combat rural isolation and domestic abuse. His Royal Highness met with over 40 members of staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, and beneficiaries of The Branch. The visit shone a light on the work of The Branch in supporting local communities, which is yet another example of great community spirit within the County of Oxfordshire. Visit our website’s News and Events page (link up top) to find out more. These photos were taken by Stef Calleja Gera (@stefcgphotography). @chippynews @weareoxfordshire #thebranch. #buildinghopetransforminglives #chippingnortoncotswolds #lordlieutenant #royalfamily

Amazing photos @stefcgphotography thank you so much for being part of such a wonderful day. Repost from @stefcgphotography • Yesterday was a special day…. Truly honoured to have been requested as the official photographer to capture a Royal visit to @thebranchtrust on behalf of @savvy.group Construction, celebrating the completion of this epic heritage renovation project to house such an important organisation. 📸✨ The Branch Trust plays a pivotal role in our community by addressing challenges such as rural isolation, poverty, and lack of opportunity. Their initiatives have reached hundreds of people in the local community, providing essential services like debt support, youth mentoring, and domestic abuse recovery programs. During the pandemic, they delivered 46,000 meals and 5,000 wellbeing packs to those in need. As His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh said during the visit:
“Thank you very much indeed for inviting me today to see the amazing project you have managed to bring to fruition. I would like to congratulate you on not just having the vision but seeing it all the way through.“ “Just by seeing the sheer number of people you have engaged with…you are doing some fantastic work.” Proud to document such a meaningful occasion! 🎉📷 #EventPhotography #RoyalVisit #CommunitySupport #DocumentingMoments #PhotographyForGood #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #chippingnortoncotswolds #dukeofedinburgh #royalfamily

The children of @stmarysprimaryschoolchippy were fantastic ambassadors today, for their school, their town and their community hub. Massive Well Done and Thank You everyone 📸 @stefcgphotography #stmaryschippingnorton #thebranch #buildinghopetransforminglives #chippingnortoncotswolds #royalfamily #stmaryschurch #citizensadvice #communityhub #midcountiescooperative #nickpullen #thrive #oxfordshire #dukeofedinburgh

“It’s obviously been quite an adventure!” His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh commented after visiting The Branch today. “Thank you very much indeed for inviting me today to see the amazing project that you have managed to bring to fruition. I would like to congratulate you on not just having the vision but actually seeing it all the way through.” “Just by seeing the sheer number of people you have engaged with… you are doing some fantastic work.” We are so grateful to the Lord Lieutenancy for arranging this and everyone who helped us today. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #chippingnortoncotswolds #citizensadvice, #midcountiescoop #oxpip #stmaryschurch #savvy #nhs #keystone #chippingnortonschool #Lordlieutenancy #brandCooke #Nickpullen #thrive #oxfordshiremind #dukeofedinburgh #royalfamily

At the Branch we love collaboration and recognise that we can achieve so much more together. This was brilliantly illustrated when the amazing under 13 rugby team from @chipping_norton_rfc volunteered over the weekend removing rubble and bringing in 2 tons of mushroom compost for our raised beds. Thank You #buildinghopetransforminglives #littlerollrightfarm #oxfordshirerfu #oxfordshire #chippingnortoncotswolds #collaboration #community #cnrufc #theyouth #garden #communityhub #thankyou #rugbylife #rfc #mushroom

Today is the last day of Children’s Mental Health Week “Know yourself, Grow yourself” with @place2be and it’s been a jam packed week of activities, fundraising and stories from all around the country. Here at The Branch we value the power of nature to nurture and in collaboration with St. Mary’s Primary School in Chipping Norton we run Nurture Gardening sessions. Through growing food and flowers from seed, as well as other nature-based activities, Nurture Gardening aims to strengthen connections with others and the natural world, and build a positive sense of achievement for the children, supporting strong mental health and robust resilience for years to come. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #knowyourselfgrowyourself #place2be #childrensmentalhealthweek #mentalhealth #rewildyourchild #nurture #nature #gardening #wellbing #chippingnorton #oxfordshire #cummunityhub #stmarysprimaryschool

Today is Time to Talk Day 2025. Run by Mind & Rethink Mental Illness, the day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. The Branch has partnered with Witney’s NHS Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub to bring mental health support services to Chipping Norton and every Friday from 10am - 12pm at the Branch there is an Open Access Drop in for over 18s. If you would like to talk about your mental health in a safe space, please join us for a cup of coffee. For a short video explaining what you can expect from an NHS Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub please click the link in our bio. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #timetotalkday #mind #rethinkmentalillness #mentalhealth #keystone #chippingnorton #oxfordshire #communityhub #filledwithdoubttalkitout #pullupachair #fancyabrew #ruralmentalhealth

The Branch supports Children’s Mental Health Week @_place2be and this is one of our most rewarding programmes. Family Fireside - is a six week program for families who need space to spend time together, they will eat together, craft and play games as a family, away from technology. Following a session at The Branch playing with play dough one family were able to replicate this at home and sent us photos so that we could celebrate their success. We believe that this quality time together is an effective form of early intervention, which will have a long lasting impact on the whole family. It helps with family relationships and attachment and builds resilience. #buildinghopetransforminglives #thebranch #childrensmentalhealthweek #earlyyears #thepowerofplay #playdoh #family #familytime #childrensmentalhealth #resilience #smartphonefreechildhood #place2be #childsplay #shapingus #earlychildhood #earlylearning #earlychildhoodeducation

The Branch Trust is supporting Children’s Mental Health Week which runs 3rd - 9th of February. The theme this year is “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself” and here at The Branch we have many activities throughout the year that aim to help young people do just that, building self-esteem, resilience and aspiration through learning new skills. We are especially proud of the programme we run in collaboration with Chipping Norton School called Branch Out & Cook. This six- week cookery course is led by a professional, local chef and takes place at The Branch in the first Community Kitchen in Oxfordshire. For more information please click the links in our bio. #buildinghopetransforminglives #empoweringyoungminds #knowyourselfgrowyourself #place2be #thebranch #childrensmentalhealthweek #resilience #childrensmentalhealth #chippingnortonschool #chippingnortoncotswolds #branchoutandcook #insideout #communitykitchen #oxfordshire #communityhub

Yesterday we got creative with buttons in the Craft Room at Connect Café. Join us every Tuesday from 1-2.30pm for crafts, games, coffee and cake. Our help desk is always ready to assist you with any assistance you might need. #chippingnorton #communityhub #communitygroups #oxfordshirecharity #craftingfun

It was great to welcome so many professionals to The Branch this week, to hear from three organisations who we are thrilled to partner with around mental health. Thank you Oxford Discovery College, Keystone and CAMHS Mental Health Support Service. #earlyhelplcss #mentalhealthsupportuk #oxfordshirecharity

Join us this afternoon 1-2.30pm at Connect Café for crafts, games, plenty of coffee and chat in a warm and friendly environment. Connect Café runs every Tuesday during term time at The Branch, 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. All welcome! #communitygroups #chippingnorton

A reminder that our groups return at The Branch this week as follows: Connect Café returns 1-2.30pm on Tuesday 7th January. Minis returns 9.15-11.30am on Wednesday 8th January. Young Parents Group returns 12.30-2.30pm on Thursday 9th January. We look forward to seeing you there. #oxfordshirecharity #communitygroups #chippingnorton

Happy New Year! We are so thankful for all that was achieved in 2024, and to all of you who supported us. Wishing you all a year where we can build more hope and help to transform more lives. Happy 2025!

Happy Christmas from The Branch & a huge thank you to all those who donated, wrapped, packed and delivered the 200 hampers that will be being enjoyed today!

We’re busy at The Branch preparing hampers for families in need this Christmas. We’re really grateful for toiletry donations from @thrive_ox7 and for all those who’ve made donations towards food, games and slow cookers. #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #christmasgiving

A wonderful day in The Branch garden with some of the young people we are working with. Thank you to gardener Glyn who showed us how to layer up the bulbs in the beautiful pots that wonderful Whichford Pottery donated. We can’t wait to share the beautiful display in the spring!

Thank you to the Girl Guides! We are so grateful to the Girl Guides for choosing to donate and wrap these fabulous shoe boxes to provide gifts for those in our community who might struggle to celebrate this Christmas. We know that these will be really appreciated!! If you want to find out more about how to join us on this journey of building hope and transforming lives in our community, please visit our link in our bio to access our website. #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #charitydonations #chippingnorton

Could you help create a hamper to share joy with a family who will struggle to celebrate Christmas this year? This year we are partnering with @thrive_ox7, @sofeauk larder in Chippy and @stmaryscnorton to deliver over 150 hampers. We would love to encourage donations of the following: Family size tin of biscuits Family box of chocolates Your hamper donations will share joy with local families who are facing challenges, such as debt, mental health issues, domestic abuse and the cost-of-living crisis. Please bring to The Branch by Friday 13th December. The Branch is open between 8.30am and 5.30pm on weekdays. Thank you so much. #familiesinneed #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach

Today is the final day of 16 Day of Activism Against Gender-based Violence and also marks International Day of Human Rights. On Friday The Branch alongside West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership, hosted a workshop focusing on the rights of those experiencing domestic abuse in rural areas. Forty-three professionals from across the county joined us think about the needs and barriers, and what we can do as a collective, working in a joined-up way, to best support and give them a voice. The 16 Days campaign is coming to a close, but The Branch will continue to bring these important issues into the spotlight and drive for change all year round. #16daysofactivism #oxfordshirecharity #domestivviolencesupport

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! This campaign has raised an astonishing £42,000 for The Branch. We are so grateful to all those who have so generously reached out in support of all the incredible and life-giving services that are being delivered through The Branch. Thank you too to The Big Give for supporting the campaign through their Anchor Fund as well as making it possible through their brilliant platform and thank you to the amazing donors who provided match funding for the campaign. Your help has made a huge difference for all we can deliver through The Branch, building hope and transforming lives in our community. #BigGiveChristmasChallenge #biggive #ukcharity #oxfordshirecharity

At The Branch every week we speak to people who are feeling helpless and trapped by domestic abuse. Living in an abusive relationship in a rural area makes the challenges even harder. Abusers often use isolation as a weapon and domestic abuse in rural areas can last up to 25% longer. There is a lack of access to services and transport, it can be harder to ask for help in close knit communities and it can feel as if there is no where to turn. But The Branch is pushing to change this. In 2022 we produced two films using women's stories to raise awareness of rural domestic abuse and show that there is a life beyond it. These are now being used by organisations for training, being used to influence policy and giving hope to other women. We will keep driving for systemic change by giving a voice to the issues and impact of living in a rural area. You can be an important part of this by donating to The Branch today. It is not too late! Every £ donated until midday on 9th December will be doubled, creating twice the impact! Make a difference today, and be part of building hope, transforming lives through the Christmas appeal. You can donate via the Christmas Appeal link in our bio. #domesticabusesupport #oxfordshirecharity #domesticabuseawareness

In light of the Town Council’s decision to cancel the Christmas Market this Sunday, The Branch Open Day will NOT take place. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. If you would like a chance to visit The Branch at another date please contact us at campaign@thebranchtrust.org or call into Connect cafe on a Tuesday at 1pm.

In all that we do at The Branch we aim to help people unlock and realise their potential. To improve outcomes for local school leavers, we have created taster sessions to raise aspiration. These sessions, whether around music, motor mechanics, cooking or more help give a taste of what these industries could offer, to those who otherwise have no means of learning about them. We aim to work closely with local businesses to then open up opportunities for work experience and apprenticeships, equipping them to be work ready once they leave school. Help sustain this work, supporting young people in our community, by donating to The Branch today via the Christmas Appeal link in our bio. Donations will only be doubled until midday on 9th December. Make a difference today, make a gift with twice the impact and be a part of building hope, transforming lives. #oxfordshirecharity #charityappeal #ukcharity #communityoutreach

We are thrilled to have the first community kitchen in West Oxfordshire. The kitchen plays a key role in equipping young people and families with key skills that help them cook a healthy meal. One of our most successful courses is Branch Out & Cook, a 6 week course equipping young people to not only cook delicious meals which they can take home, but also helping them recognise how the maths and English that they learn at school can be applied in the workplace. This has inspired many students to aspire to find employment in the hospitality industry. The course has also inspired better attendance at school. Help sustain this work, supporting young people in our community, by donating to The Branch today via our Christmas Appeal link bio. Today, and every day until midday on 9th December, every £ donated will be doubled, creating twice the impact! Make a difference today, and be part of building hope, transforming lives. #communityoutreachcharity #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton

Thanks to support from grant giving organisations, private donations and community volunteers, we are creating a garden at The Branch. This will be a beautiful space where all ages will be given an opportunity to work in the garden, learning how to nurture and tend plants, growing produce for the kitchen, and reaping the benefits of engaging with nature. Therapeutic horticulture sessions will help people overcome mental health barriers, and our Nurture Gardening lead will help introduce those interested in working on the land to the joys of horticulture, opening up opportunities for further local training and employment. Help make all this possible by supporting The Branch today through our Christmas Appeal (link in bio). Today, and every day until midday on 9th December, every £ donated will be doubled, creating twice the impact! Make a difference today, and be part of building hope, transforming lives. #therapeutichorticulture #oxfordshirecharity

The Branch was created to restore access to services, recognising that the 30 mile bus journey to access support services in Witney, Banbury and Oxford is a barrier. We network and collaborate with over 30 other statutory and voluntary organisations to maximise the support available for those in Chipping Norton and the surrounding villages. Thanks to The Branch the following organisations serve local people through the building: + NHS Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing team + Citizens Advice + OXPIP (intensive therapeutic support for parents with infants under 2 yrs old) + Oxfordshire Mind + Oxford Discovery College We continue to collaborate to enable more service providers to serve our community through The Branch. Donate today, through our Christmas Appeal (link in bio), and become part of the journey of The Branch, building hope and transforming lives. Make a gift before midday on Monday 9th December and every £ donated will be DOUBLED, up to a maximum of £12,000. This means you could make a gift that has TWICE the impact, helping to provide essential services that will help local families and individuals to thrive! #charityfundraising #communityoutreach #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton @newgroundcoffee @hedgeslaw @daylesfordfarm @bamford @wiseinvestmentltd @mackiemyersltd @yourcoop.food @wigwam_storage @brand_cooke @savvy.group @talktalkbusiness @davidlowe_music @oxfordshiremind @chippytheatre @thrive_ox7 @knightfrank @sofeauk @timeforart1 @oxfordshirecc @citizensadvicewestoxfordshire

Every day at The Branch we meet those who are seeking support. We are delighted to draw alongside people, to help them overcome the barriers they face to realising their potential.   Attendance at our help desk at our weekly Connect Café drop in has risen 3-fold since The Branch opened, showing the extent of local need.   Donate today, through our Christmas Appeal, and become part of the journey of The Branch, building hope and transforming lives.   Between now until midday on Monday 9th December, every £ donated will be DOUBLED, up to a maximum of £12,000.   This means you could make a gift that has TWICE the impact, helping to provide essential services that will help local families and individuals to thrive!   To make a donation please visit our link in bio. #charityappeal #oxfordshirecharity #biggive2024 #biggivechristmaschallenge

Thank you to Co-op for allowing us to be in their Chipping Norton store today, sharing news about what The Branch does and how you can play a part.     Co-op has generously partnered with us to support our work in The Branch Community Kitchen, drawing alongside local families and individuals to help them learn to create delicious healthy meals, learn new skills and unlock potential.     Through our Christmas Appeal every £ donated will be doubled, creating TWICE the impact.   Donate today via our link in bio and become part of the journey of The Branch, building hope and transforming lives. #charitychristmasappeal #biggivechristmaschallenge #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton

Kick off Black Friday with a bargain donation! Every £1 you donate through this campaign will be doubled, creating twice the impact for the work of The Branch, building hope, transforming lives! Whether you give £5, £10, £50 or £100, it will be doubled, until £12,000 has been donated and matched! So go ahead, be a leader and be the first to donate from midday today, laying the path for others to follow. (Link in bio) #biggivechristmaschallenge #oxfordshirechariity #chippingnortoncharity

We create and distribute Branch Out & Budget packs, with a week’s meal plan and recipe for a family of 4 for under £30, tips to reduce bills and an Aldi voucher to cover the first week’s shop. We spend time with each recipient, talking them through the pack, helping them to access any savings they are eligible for, reducing household bills. This means they not only have a chance to access menu plans that reduce the cost of the weekly shop, but can also budget more efficiently in the future. These packs have been shared with WODC and used elsewhere. Help us continue to innovate, bringing long lasting change, building hope, transforming lives. From midday on Friday 29th November to midday on Monday 9th December every £ donated will be DOUBLED, up to a maximum of £12,000. This means you could make a gift that has TWICE the impact, helping to provide essential services that will help local families and individuals to thrive! #biggivechristmaschallenge #charityappeal #chippingnorton

Supporting over 60 Ukrainian families Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainian families began arriving in Chipping Norton. Recognising they needed support, we found a translator and invited them to attend our weekly Connect Café. We: • provided English language lessons to help the Ukrainians to understand their new environment • helped children and students achieve places in local schools and universities • connected adults to potential employment opportunities Now almost all of these families have found the education and employment they need. We continue to provide support, listening to these families and responding to their changing needs as the war continues. #biggivechallenge #biggive2024 #oxfordshirecharity #ukcharity From midday on Friday 29th November to midday on Monday 9th December, every £ donated will be DOUBLED, up to a maximum of £12,000. This means you could make a gift that has TWICE the impact, helping to provide essential services that will help local families and individuals to thrive!

The Branch Trust, the charity established in 2020 to create and run The Branch, has already demonstrated it can pivot to need, responding to local challenges. During the covid 19 pandemic WODC said our quick response literally ‘saved lives’. We set up an emergency response network, creating and distributing 46,000 meals to the isolated, along with craft packs to help families keeping going whilst schools were closed. From midday on Friday 29th November to midday on Monday 9th December, every £ donated will be DOUBLED, up to a maximum of £12,000. This means you could make a gift that has TWICE the impact, helping to provide essential services that will help local families and individuals to thrive! #biggive2024 #biggivechallenge #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #charityfundraisinguk

Did you know that rural domestic abuse can last 25% longer? Today marks the start of 16 Days of Global Action Against Gender-Based Violence and The Branch wants to use this campaign to shine a spotlight on the impact that living in a rural setting has on those being subjected to abuse. Along with West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership and other organisations we are working to provide better, more accessible services, but also to look at prevention. Because whatever with circumstance there is #NoExcuse.

Thank you to Hedges Law and all those who contributed prizes and purchased tickets, for helping to raising a whopping £690 for The Branch through their fabulous raffle on Thursday evening. #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity #charityraffle

A warm welcome at Connect on a snowy day! We had a great time playing board games together this afternoon.

Our Christmas Appeal starts on 29th November! Our goal is to raise £24,000 to help bring vital services to our community through The Branch! From midday on Friday 29th November to midday on Monday 9th December, every £ donated will be DOUBLED, up to a maximum of £12,000. This means you could make a gift that has TWICE the impact, helping to provide essential services that will help local families and individuals to thrive! Keep an eye on our grid posts and stories for more details in the run up to the start of the challenge. #charityfundraising #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach

If you're a parent aged 21 or under, and are pregnant or have children up to 5, you're very welcome to join us at our free Young Parents Group every Thursday during term-time. We have a simple lunch together as well as family activities, including music and movement. There's also plenty of opportunity to connect with other young parents. The group is held at 12.30-2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. #chippingnorton #youngparentsupport #youngparents

Join us at Connect Café tomorrow 1-2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place for crafts, games and activities plus plenty of tea, coffee and cake! #chippingnorton #oxfordshire #localgroups

One year ago today The Branch gathered together fifty professionals to focus on rural mental health and make a plan of action in order to tackle some of the challenges involved, keeping lived experience at the heart of our discussion. It felt like an energised meeting with lots of good intentions. But one year on we thought it would be good to reflect on what progress has actually been made. In July we held a Children's & Young People MH panel event with presentations and lively discussion around self-harm, neurodiversity, mental health in schools and role of the voluntary sector. In October we joined with NHS Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing to launch a weekly MH provision for adults at The Branch (oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/keystone) And over the year The Branch has begun collaborative working with a range of organisations, including @oxfordshiremind, @oxpip, @elmorecommunity, CAMHS and Connection Support, in order to offer a variety of provisions for different ages. Our aim is to keep rural mental health on the agenda and continue to take action to enable access to services. We look forward to what 2025 brings and sharing this with you a year from now. For more information email: catherine.spring@thebranchtrust.org #ruralmentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #oxfordshirecharity @oxford_healthnhs

Huge thanks to @bamford and @daylesfordfarm for supporting The Branch by donating £2 from every ticket sold for the Bamford Collection Christmas Market. The market is running until Saturday. Head to our link in bio to purchase your ticket or purchase on arrival. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping. There are lots of beautiful gift ideas here. #daylesfordfarm #oxfordshirecharity #charityfundraising

Young Parents Group is back tomorrow at 12.30-2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place. All young parents aged 21 and under, during pregnancy or with children up to the age of 5, are welcome to join us for a play and lunch. It's also a great opportunity to meet other local young parents. Please share with anyone who may be interested. #youngparents #youngparentssupport

Next week @daylesfordfarm and @bamford are holding their inaugural Bamford Collection Christmas Market on 7th - 9th November, featuring some fantastic brands. They are very generously donating £2 from every ticket sale to The Branch Trust. Support The Branch by purchasing your ticket via our link in bio. We've also shared a discount code to our stories today enabling you to purchase tickets half price, with a £2 donation still being made to us. #daylesfordchristmasmarket #cotswoldschristmasmarket #oxfordshirecharity

The children in the Nurture Gardening group have been harvesting vegetables! We made a delicious root vegetable soup together and the children tasted parsnip for the first time. This term they've also loved learning how to use secateurs and loppers, digging, weeding and planting spring bulbs. Having achieved RHS School Gardening Award Level 1 earlier this year, we're now working towards Level 2! #gardeningforchildren #nurturegardening #rhsschoolgardeningawards

It was a harvest bonanza at Minis last week. Come and join us tomorrow for more sensory fun at 16 Market Place from 9.15-11.30am. A reminder that there is no Minis on the 30th October as we're taking a break for half-term. #chippingnorton #oxfordshireplaygroups #oxfordshireparents

We have a few desks remaining at our fantastic new co-working space, conveniently located on the Garden Floor of our newly renovated building at 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. For more information please visit our website (link in bio). If you are interested, please do get in touch at office@thebranchtrust.org. #chippingnorton #coworkingspaceoxfordshire #cotswoldbusiness #westoxfordshire #enstone #kingham #oxfordshirebusiness #officespaceoxfordshire

The Branch has partnered with NHS Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub to bring mental health support services into Chipping Norton. Visit our link in bio to watch a short video telling you more about the provision which is available at The Branch every Friday 9am - 5pm via appointment. Referral is via a GP. #nhskeystone #keystonementalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #oxfordshirecharity

Our playgroup, Minis, is held every Wednesday during term-time. Join us for a breakfast of cereals and croissants followed by play, songs and a Bible story. There's also plenty of tea, coffee and adult conversation for the parents and carers. 🚂 🧸☕️ 9.15 - 11.30am at The Branch, 16 Market Place #oxfordshireparents #oxfordshireplaygroups #chippingnorton

Last week in Connect Café we all enjoyed making leaves for this year's panto at @chippytheatre, Jack and the Beanstalk! Connect Café is back on Tuesday 15th October 1-2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. We always have a good choice of crafts and activities to get involved with. We'd love you to join us. #connectingthecommunity #communityoutreach #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton

Today is World Mental Health Day, a day to encourage each other that our mental health matters. Your mental health matters to The Branch and we would love to invite you to join us TOMORROW, Friday 11th October between 10am - 1pm to celebrate the launch of the Keystone Mental Health & Wellbeing provision which is now at The Branch every Friday offering expert, easy to access mental health support. Come and speak to the Keystone Team and other MH support organisations and find out more about accessing mental health services. Presentations at 11.30am followed by lunch and the famous Keystone cake! #mentalhealthsupport #worldmentalhealthday2024 #mentalhealthandwellbeing #mentalhealthawareness #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton

All young parents aged 21 and under, during pregnancy or with children up to 5 years old, are invited to Young Parents Group. Join us for lunch, fun activities and a chat while the children play 12.30-2.30 every Thursday during term-time at The Branch, 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. Our group provides a safe space to meet and connect with other young parents. We’d love to see you there! #youngparents #chippingnorton #communityoutreach

All parents aged 21 and under, during pregnancy and with children up to 5 years old are welcome to our free Young Parents Group at The Branch every Thursday during term time at 12.30-2.30pm. We have a relaxed lunch and a range of activities including arts and crafts, music and movement. A great chance to meet and connect with other young mums and dads. There's also support and advice on offer. We'd love to see you there. #youngparents #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity

We are delighted to be collaborating with @newgroundcoffee who supply our coffee for all our groups- not only is it delicious, but it is COFFEE WITH CONVICTION. At New Ground they believe coffee can go beyond the cup and can be used as a catalyst for change right here in our very own communities. This is why they use their business to create work and training opportunities for ex-offenders across the UK, giving some of the most overlooked people in society a new beginning. They have a great coffee shop in Oxford, and you can buy their coffee online too at www.newgroundcoffee.com. #newgroundcoffee #impactbusiness #ukcoffeeroaster #oxfordshirecharity #oxfordshirebusiness

Please note The Branch will be closed on 8th October for staff training. There will therefore be no Connect Café that day.

Calling all young parents and young parents-to-be. Join us today from 12.30 for a delicious lunch and activities for you and your child(ren). All welcome! #youngparents #chippingnorton #communityoutreach #oxfordshirecharity

This week we made mosaic coasters in Connect Café. One of our members also made a crochet teddy for the young ones. We have different crafts available each week for anyone who'd like to take part. If you'd prefer to join us for just a hot drink and a chat, that's fine too. Connect Café takes place every Tuesday during term time 1pm - 2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place. All are welcome! #chippingnorton #crafttime #communityoutreach #westoxfordshire #oxfordshirecharity

Hats off to the amazing team of volunteers from @virginmedia for giving us their time today. Their 2.5 hrs of hard work in the sunshine has transformed the garden and their presence at Connect Café this afternoon provided amazing assistance, particularly to the Ukrainians and those coming with their tech challenges! A fantastic team. Thank you! #volunteerappreciation #oxfordshirecharity #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton #supportinglocalcharity

Tomorrow at Connect Café we will have a Tech Workshop. 📱💻 Bring your tech challenges and a volunteer team from Virgin Media will do their best to help you. Connect Café takes place every Tuesday 1-2.30pm during term time at The Branch, 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. #chippingnorton #connectingthecommunity #localgroups #westoxfordshire #communityoutreach

Minis returns on Wednesday 11th September 9.15 - 11.30am at The Branch, 16 Market Place. We'll have plenty of toys and activities to keep the little ones occupied while parents and carers enjoy a well-deserved cuppa. ☕️ 🥐 See you there! #oxfordshireplaygroup #oxfordshireparents #chippingnorton #toddlergroups #westoxfordshire

Huge thanks to Knight Frank for sponsoring us at The Moreton Show today. If you are visiting the show we would love to see you at the Knight Frank stand by the main ring. #moretonshow #oxfordshirecharity #moretoninmarsh #thebranchtrust

Connect returns at 1-2.30pm on 10th September at its new home at The Branch, 16 Market Place. If you haven't yet been to Connect Café, it's a space for members of our community to connect through crafts, games or even just a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. All our welcome so do come and join us. #communityoutreach #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity #connectingthecommunity

Celebrating last week’s Co-op volunteers! Brilliantly, Co-op have sponsored our Community Kitchen. On Wednesday a fabulous team came along to put the finish touches to our 10 individual kitchen units. We’ve been trialling one of these units, and are excited that in September all 10 will be in action, helping all ages to learn new skills, grow in confidence and cook and share delicious food! #communitykitchen #chippingnorton #midcountiescoop #volunteerappreciation #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #ukcharity #supportlocalcharity

Join us from 10-11.30am on Wednesday 28th August at New Street Park for our second and final Minis meet up of the summer. Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us next week. We'll be by the swings from 10am with tea and coffee! See you then. ☕️ #chippingnorton #oxfordshireplaygroup #oxfordshirefamilies

We've collaborated with a number of local organisations to bring you a Play Day at Cotswold Crescent Play Area between 11am - 3pm on Wednesday 28th August. There'll be plenty of activities for the children. Also bring along your unwanted clothing to swap or upcycle. #oxfordshirefamilies #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton #oxfordshireevents #oxfordshirekids

Join us at 10-11.30am on 14th and 28th August at 10-11.30am for our Minis summer meet ups at New Street Park. Meet us by the swings from 10am. We will have coffee available for parents. We look forward to seeing you there! #oxfordshireplaygroup #oxfordshirefamilies #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton

Oxfordshire County Council are running free activities for children aged 11-16 next month, in partnership with Charlbury Community Centre. Please see the flyer for full details. #oxfordshireyouth #kidssummeractivities #charlbury #chippingnorton

The Nurture Gardening Team have been busy this term and the garden at St Mary's Primary School is bursting with veg! A couple of weeks ago five parents and an older brother joined the children to harvest the crop of onions, parsnips, carrots, potatoes and lettuce. They then sat in the sunshine to share a picnic of carrots and lettuce washed down by apple juice. This year the school was awarded the RHS School Gardening Award level 1 (see picture three) and are now working towards level 2 as the garden develops and more children get involved. Thank you to Harriet Fender and Carol Soper for their brilliant hard work in leading and nurturing the children and encouraging them and their families in a love of getting stuck in and growing. #nurturegardening #gardeningforchildren #homegrownveg #schoolgardening #rhsschoolgardeningaward #westoxfordshire

Our fantastic new co-working space is now available to rent. We have a few desks remaining, conveniently located on the Garden Floor of our newly renovated building at 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. For more information please visit our website (link in bio). If you are interested, please do get in touch at office@thebranchtrust.org. #chippingnorton #coworkingspaceoxfordshire #cotswoldbusiness #westoxfordshire #enstone #kingham #oxfordshirebusiness #officespaceoxfordshire

The Tree of Hope, painted with Japanese ink onto a wall in The Branch, has been created to bring together leaves created in mosaic by those who have been part of Kintsugi groups. 'Kintsugi' is the Japanese art form whereby a broken precious item is put back together again using gold which makes it stronger and with a different kind of beauty. Whilst I was painting the tree, Philip Sharman mentioned he had some gold leaf that had been in his possession for over 30 years. This old envelope containing 22 carat gold feather light leaves had belonged to his grandfather and Philip asked would I like to use it for the Tree. Upon opening the envelope I found the leaves were held in a small handmade book, made from the pages of a bible, with Psalm 30 at the top starting “Sing to the Lord”. This seemed so significant and coincidental. Using this beautiful gold leaf added that extra dimension to the branches of a tree that was designed to hold Hope within its leaves. Brenda Hayden #kitsugihope #treeofhope #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #wallart #chippingnorton

It's almost time for us to break for the summer. The last Minis before the holidays will be on Wednesday 17th July. Join us from 9.15am at The Branch, 16 Market Place for a light breakfast followed by play, singing and a Bible story. We will be running two meet ups at the park over the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for for full details coming soon...

Tuesday 16th July will be the last Connect Café before the summer break. Do join us for crafts, chat, a cuppa and cake 1 - 2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place.