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

Giving Tuesday is a day to put others first, and make a gift that really counts…. We have been so touched by those who’ve given to support the work of The Branch, large and small. Only recently a small boy came into The Branch with some coins raised from selling pumpkins – so so appreciated. 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. Donate via our link in bio.

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

Only one week to go to the start of our Christmas Appeal! The Branch redevelopments finished only 6 months ago, and we are already offering a busy schedule of events and courses to support many in our community, providing signposting, one to one support, therapeutic nurture, aiding recovery, and access to training and employment. We are very excited to be bringing this appeal to you to ask you to play a part in helping us continue and expand this work, responding to needs in our community. 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! #christmasappeal2024 #charityfundraising #communityoutreach #oxfordshirecharity

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

Come along to Connect Café every Tuesday during term-time 1-2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place for tea/coffee and chat plus a selection of crafts and activities. All are welcome. We'd love to see you! #communityoutreach #chippingnorton #connectingthecommunity

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

A reminder that there are no groups this week as we are taking a break for half-term. Connect Café, Minis and Young Parents Group will resume next week.

Our Young Parents Group runs every Thursday during term-time for all parents aged 21 or under during pregnancy or with children aged up to 5 years. Join us to enjoy lunch, play and to meet other local young parents. Swipe left for full details. #youngparentssupport #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach

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

Join us tomorrow for Connect Café 1-2.30pm at The Branch, 16 Market Place. We'll have crafts, games, activities and plenty of tea and coffee. All our welcome. A reminder that there will be no Connect next week as we will take a break for half term. #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnortoncommunity #communitycafe #chippingnorton

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

A reminder that there is no Connect Café today as the Branch is closed for staff training. Connect will be back on Tuesday 15th October.

A reminder that The Branch will be closed on Tuesday 8th October for staff training. Please note there will be no Connect Café that day.

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

Young Parents Group returns on Thursday 5th September 12-2.30pm. All young parents aged 21 and under with children up to 5 years old are invited to join us for lunch, fun activities and a chat while the children play. Our group provides a safe space to meet and connect with other young parents. Please share this with anyone who may like to come along. Swipe left for full details. #communityoutreach #youngparentsupport #youngparentsuk #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton #oxfordshireparents

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

Don't forget we're meeting at New Street Park tomorrow from 10-11.30am for a play and catch up. There'll be coffee available! Meet us at the swings from 10am. #summerplaygroup #parentandtoddlergroup #oxfordshire #chippingnorton #westoxfordshire #oxfordshireparents

A reminder that the second of Summer Friday Nights at Glyme Hall takes place tomorrow evening at 6-9pm. There's no need to book and all young people aged 11-16 years are welcome. #oxfordshireyouth #chippingnorton #youthactivities #youthgroups

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

All young people aged 11 - 16 are welcome to join us at 6-9pm this Friday at the first of our Summer Friday Nights at Glyme Hall. There'll be free food, games and activities. #youthactivities #chippingnorton #oxfordshireyouth #youthclubuk #summeractivitiesforkids

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.

We're thrilled to have partnered with local organisations to bring you this great youth event next month at Glyme Hall. It will run for three weeks on 2nd, 9th and 16th August at 6-9pm. The event is open to all 11 - 16 year olds. You can just turn up on the evening, there's no need to book. Please share with anyone who may be interested. #YouthEvent #OxfordshireYouth #chippingnorton

We were absolutely delighted to receive a very generous donation of jewellery making supplies from lovely local business @thefibreworks last week. The equipment has already been put to good use at Connect Café, where our keen crafters got stuck in creating some lovely pieces, including this quirky safety pin charm broach. If you fancy trying something creative - or just popping in for a chat and a cuppa - do call in to Connect Café 1-2.30pm every Tuesday during term time at The Branch, 16 Market Place. #craftingtime #craftingcommunity #craftingsupplies #chippingnorton #localcharity #supportlocal #communitygroupsuk

Huge thanks to Hedges Law for galvanising support for The Branch through a brilliant raffle and silent auction. Thank you too to all those who contributed, helping to raise an amazing £2,500 to support the work of The Branch Trust - building hope and transforming lives in our town and surrounding villages. If you would like to get involved in a fundraising initiative we would love to hear from you. Visit our fundraising page on our website for ideas (link in bio). #charityfundraising #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #westoxfordshire #ukcharity

This week we had the great joy of welcoming a group of students from @kinghamhillschool to volunteer with us. They worked really hard - some in the pouring rain - to help us clear, clean, sort and tidy our stores for 'Making Homes', moved 6 tonnes of rubble out of The Branch garden, and helped tidy Kingham churchyard. There was lots of fun and laughter and we were able to share stories with them about the work we do through The Branch and how giving their time will make a real tangible difference to people in our community. #youthvolunteering #communityoutreach #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity

At our Young Parents Group (YPG) recently we learnt how to make a treasure basket for a baby or toddler by gathering safe and interesting things from around the house. We used brushes, shiny paper, curtain rings and ribbon to make a cheap and lovely sensory experience for the little ones. The parents were keen to have a go at home. Young Parents Group runs 12.30-2.30pm every Thursday during term-time and is open to all parents aged 21 and under, during pregnancy or with children up to 5 years old. #youngparents #toddlergroup #oxfordshireparents #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton #treasurebasket

We had lots of water play at our toddler groups last week during the heatwave! 💦 #oxfordshireplaygroups #oxfordshirefamilies #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton #oxfordshiremums #oxfordshirecharity #waterplayfun

This week is World Wellbeing Week, an opportunity to remind each other and ourselves that looking after our wellbeing is important. It’s an individual thing - one person might find boxing the key to looking after their wellbeing, for another person it might be embroidery. At The Branch we like to keep the 5 Ways to Wellbeing in mind and by offering a wide range of wellbeing opportunities, aim to have a focus on wellbeing all year round: 💚 Cooking, creative arts, gardening and hopefully one day boxercise 💚 Opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills. 💚 Wellbeing support through Connect Café or our Young Parents, Lifeskills, Own My Life and other groups 💚 and working with other organisations such as @oxfordshiremind and @oxdiscovery to give a structured focus to wellbeing tools. Come and explore The Branch building at our Open Day tomorrow Sunday 30th June 11.30am to 4pm and find out more about how we can help you to make your wellbeing a priority. #worldwellbeingweek #wellbeingsupport #5waystowellbeing #oxfordshirecharity #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton #ukcharity

Join us tomorrow for our final Open Day, a chance to take a look around our new building and find out how The Branch will serve the community. #chippingnorton #localcharity #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #charityopenday

It's the final days to enter the Hedges Law raffle & silent auction, raising funds for The Branch. Hurry as bids and ticket purchases will close this Sunday at 7pm. Enter now via the link in our bio. #charityfundraising #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity

Our Young Parents Group returns tomorrow 12.30-2.30 for parents aged 21 and under during pregnancy or with children up who the age of 5. Come along to enjoy lunch and play and meet other local young parents. Swipe left for full details. #youngparents #chippingnorton #parentsupport #communityoutreach

We would love you to come and see how The Branch will serve the community for generations to come. #oxfordshirecharity #charityopendays #chippingnorton

At Connect this week we made little wooden figures dressed in scraps of fabric. Something so simple or otherwise wasted becoming something to be treasured. One group member offered to make one for another group member's daughter "to make her smile during her exams". Beautiful connections across the generations. Connect runs 1-2.30pm every Tuesday during term-time. Next week we will meet at St Mary's Parish Rooms before walking across to our new building on Market Place together at 1.20pm. Do join us to take a look at the beautiful Branch building where our groups will now be held. #connectingthecommunity #creativitymatters #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #chippingnorton

If you’d like a chance to win a weekend at @feldonvalley or to bid on some unusual auction prizes visit Hedges Law's website (link in bio). All funds raised will go to The Branch Trust. The auction and raffle end Thursday 27th June at 8pm! #charityauction #charityfundraising #oxfordshirecharity #charitypartnership #chippingnorton

It's a huge honour to receive this High Sheriff Award as we prepare to open the doors of The Branch! Come along to one of our Open Days for a chance to see how The Branch will serve our community for generations to come. Our Open Days will be held on: Tuesday 25th June: 11am - 1pm, 5.30pm - 7pm Sunday 30th June: 11.30am - 4pm We can be found at 16 Market Place, Chipping Norton. #oxfordshirecharity #highsheriffsaward #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton #ukcharity #charityopenday

Collaboration is so important to our vision at The Branch Trust, and we are thankful to regularly partner with @thrive_northox to support local families. At the moment Thrive are helping us provide school uniforms for those starting at new schools this September. Whatever a family’s situation we believe a child should have the pride of starting their new school in a smart new uniform and shoes. Thank you Thrive for all that you do, you are amazing! #oxfordshirecharity #charitypartnership #familiesinneed #chippingnorton

Our Young Parents Group returns on Thursday at 12.30-2.30pm in our new building on 16 Market Street. (Swipe left for full details) All parents under 21, during pregnancy or with children up to 5 years, are welcome to join us for lunch followed by play, art and craft activities, music and stories. Please come along and invite friends too. #chippingnorton #parentandchildgroups #oxfordshiremums #oxfordshirecharity #youngparentsupport

A big thank you to our fantastic Chipping Norton Fire Crew who came out this week to familiarise themselves with the new layout of The Branch. An amazing team and a blessing to our community.

It's great to see The Branch’s fantastic Community Chef, Nick Pullen, working with young people in the new Community Kitchen at The Branch, teaching them how to make delicious food, good enough to take home and share with the family! The Branch’s apprenticeship ready courses are helping young people develop aspiration, learn new skills and realise their potential. #youthsupport #youthcookingclass #thebranchtrust #chippingnorton #westoxfordshire #oxfordshireschools #oxfordshirecharity

We are excited to be welcoming parents who are under 21, during pregnancy or with children up to 5 years, to our new Young Parents Group at The Branch. From Thursday 13th June, 12.30-2.30, we will be sharing lunch together then enjoying play, art & craft activities, music and stories - so come and join us if you can or share with anyone who might be interested. For more information contact Sally: sally.smith@thebranchtrust.org. #youngparentsuk #chippingnorton #parentandtoddlergroup #parentingsupport #westoxfordshire #oxfordshirecharity

At The Branch Trust we want everyone to feel welcome and be able to forge connections and friendships. We all feel lonely at times and having a place to go for companionship and social interaction is so important. Our Connect Café provides just that, alongside our other groups, providing support for wellbeing, learning life skills and more. We would love to see you. Connect Café runs 1-2.30pm every Tuesday during term time at St Mary's Parish Rooms, Church Street, Chipping Norton. #chippingnorton #connectingthecommunity #localgroups #oxfordshirecharity #LonelinessAwarenessWeek

Money can be such a worry can't it? So often we can feel that it is our finances controlling us rather than us being in charge of our finances. Well, help is at hand! It has been so wonderful to run our first new-style CAP Money course with Jonathan Moore as our coach. The course was made up of three workshops where those attending learnt about and shared ideas around building a budget, savvy spending, and saving for the future. We also assessed our 'spending personalities' which provided light bulb moments for many, myself included! One of the group said "I did not expect a course about money to be fun, but I had such a blast! And I learnt so much. I feel really excited now about getting on top of my finances and being able to do more with the money I have". Thank you so much @capuk_org for more great resources and thank you Jonathan for leading us through with such kindness and making it lots of fun! #capuk #moneysavinguk #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton #communityoutreach #debtmanagement #moneymindset

This week we celebrate our incredible volunteers. Every week we have over 30 people volunteer in different roles - they make such a difference. Just this Saturday 16 volunteers (from 13 through to 75) gave a day to build these mini kitchens which will be used by so many people in our community kitchen. Not only have they saved us thousands of pounds, it is a wonderful time of the older generations passing on their skills to the youth and young people discovering new talents. Our volunteers are a huge part of building hope and transforming lives. THANK YOU! 🌟 #volunteerweek #volunteerappreciationweek #oxfordshirecharity #ukcharity #intergenerationallearning #communitykitchen #chippingnorton

Minis is back this week! Join us on Wednesday 9.15am - 11.30am in the Parish Rooms as normal. See you there! 🥐☕️🧸🚂 #oxfordshireplaygroups #chippingnorton #oxfordshiremums #westoxfordshire

We are thrilled that over 90% of the office furniture in The Branch has been donated. During the pandemic two London companies clearing their offices contacted us offering us their furniture as they were closing. It has been stored in a barn for 4 years, and this week we have had the fun of unpacking it all – and it has been fabulous, it looks as if it was made to measure. We are so privileged to have such a beautiful building, so wonderfully equipped. We can’t wait to welcome you in! Please join us during our Open Days to take a look around: Tuesday 25th June 11am - 1pm and 5.30pm - 7pm Sunday 30th June 11.30am - 4pm (during Chipping Norton Town Festival) #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity #recycledfurniture #communityhub

We would love you to come and see us. We can’t wait to show you how this beautiful and unique building will serve our community for generations to come - building hope and transforming lives. Our Open Days are: Tuesday 25th June 11am to 1pm and 5.30pm to 7pm Sunday 30th June 11.30am to 4pm We are looking forward to meeting you at one of these! #thebranchtrust #oxfordshirecharity #charityopenday #chippingnorton #ukcharity

Need an idea to keep the children amused this half-term? Why not join this book hunt - there’s one to find at The Branch! #Chippingnorton #bookhunt #oxfordshirekidsactivities

The flowers that the Nurture Gardening group have grown this term have started to bloom and they celebrated on Friday by making these beautiful posies. #nurtureandgrow #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreach #chippingnorton #supportingourcommunity

What better way to celebrate the move into The Branch than with these fabulous homemade bespoke cookies?! #thebranchtrust #buildingcompletion #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity #westoxfordshire

We're delighted that this event on Sunday 2nd June is supporting The Branch Trust. Do go along and take a look at the beautiful gardens.

Huge congratulations to Joshua for successfully running 20km to raise money for The Branch Trust. After hearing a talk about The Branch at his school Joshua seized the initiative, created a fundraising page and set out on running challenges to raise funds. We are so thankful to him for his energy and initiative - well done! If you’d like to raise money for The Branch we’d love to hear from you. Visit our fundraising page on our website for ideas (link in bio). #charityfundraising #ukcharity #oxfordshirecharity #fundraisingideas #chippingnorton #communityoutreach

We're in The Branch and busy completing the fit-out; making desks, moving furniture and beginning some of the planting in the garden. It's so exciting seeing it all come together! #communityoutreachproject #communityhub #chippingnorton #oxfordshirecharity #familiesinneed #communitysupport #ukcharity #thebranchtrust

A reminder that there is no Connect Café this week or next. It will return on Tuesday 4th June 1-2.30pm. Join us for tea/coffee, cake and chat and plenty of activities and crafts. #chippingnorton #localgroups #communitysupport #craftingtime

Finally, we have the keys and the furniture is arriving! We can prepare to move into this beautiful newly renovated building. We cannot wait to invite you in and show you around. Look out for Open Day in June or come and see us at the Chipping Norton Town Festival! #chippingnorton #communityoutreachproject #oxfordshirecharity #westoxfordshire #ukcharity #BuildingCompletion

A huge thank you to our amazing cake bakers, baking for 75 weeks for the builders on site! We know they were very grateful for all of the delicious treats which kept them fuelled each week. #buildingsitelife #chippingnorton #volunteerbakers #oxfordshirecharity #communityoutreachproject #buildingrenovations

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼! We’re not moving ANYWHERE soon! We’ve poured 100 cubic metres of concrete, 14 tonnes of reinforcement and erected 25 tonnes of structural steelwork to ensure the longevity of The Branch. The Branch has a vision to serve the community for generations to come, helping to overcome barriers and release potential, building hope, transforming lives. #oxfordshirecharity #ukcharity #charitybuilding #communityoutreach #communityhub #chippingnorton #communitysupport #familiesinneed

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀! If you were to lay out all the wood used in the rebuilding of The Branch it would reach 4¼ miles! That’s all the way from The Branch to @daylesfordfarm who sent our first volunteer team to work on The Branch Garden. Two more days until completion when the builders return the keys to The Branch Team. #thebranchtrust #communityoutreachproject #westoxfordshire #chippingnorton #buildingcompletion #buildingrenovation

𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲… we hope to be sending you a picture of the keys very soon! Bringing light and hope - this fabulous new staircase, moved to the centre of The Branch, will pour light into the heart of the building. The new Community Hall at the rear of the building also brings light through a huge central skylight and a rear glass window – almost there! . #renovatoncompletion #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton #ukcharity #communitysupport #westoxfordshire

We are very grateful to SSEN, who appeared, on schedule yesterday and worked hard to ensure The Branch is plugged in and powered up. Connecting the power starts a series of other activities that will enable this amazing and life changing project to complete, hopefully next week!! ___________ #thebranchtrust #chippingnorton #gettingconnected #communityoutreachproject #oxfordshirecharity #ukcharity

The children had lots of fun at Minis today playing with spaghetti! Please note there'll be no Minis next week. We will meet at the park on New Street on Wednesday 22nd May. Normal Minis will resume after half term on Wednesday 5th June. #chippingnorton #oxfordshireplaygroup #mumandtoddlergroup #westoxfordshire #sensoryplaytime #communitygroups

We had lots of fun crafting at Connect last week. We're back tomorrow 1-2.30pm in the Parish Rooms. Join us for crafts and activities or simply a tea/coffee and a chat. #thebranchtrust #connectingthecommunity #communityoutreach #oxfordshirecharity #chippingnorton #localgroups

The garden floor is almost there… with a washroom that looks all set to go. This large room will be amazing rentable office space, surrounded by glass, letting in sunlight and a view of what will be a beautifully planted garden. #oxfordshirecharity #communityhub #thebranchtrust #chippingnorton #rentalofficespace

Who enjoys it when a football match goes to extra time? There’s normally initial disappointment, followed by a lot of excitement. That is where we find ourselves at the moment at The Branch. We had hoped to be in last Friday, but now find ourselves in the period of “extra time”, but the disappointment is being eclipsed by all the amazing work that is happening on site as a building site transforms into a very beautiful home for The Branch. ___________________ #BuildingRenovationJourney #OxfordshireCharity #ChippingNorton #ChristianCharity #CommunityHub #WestOxfordshire