Pret Bicester Village

We go out and collect good quality food that would end up in the bin we make food parcels up for vulnerable families or elderly that can’t make it to the Community fridge and then everything else we give away to the public. We’ve been running for five years now we support round 300 people a week we open up four times a week and especially with the summer holidays now families are finding it really really difficult we like to help where we can. This doesn’t just help people that can get the food the Volunteers that come and help get so much from this and some of them don’t get out of the village and it’s a good interaction. It gives them a purpose of something good to do we a very good community we do lots of fundraising for running costs and our Xmas Hampers which brings a lot of joy for everybody around two.

The Bicester Hub: Where Community, Kindness and Zero Waste Come Together On any given hub session in Bicester, you’ll find tables brimming with everything from fresh produce to children’s toys, books, flowers, and yes — even the occasional roll of toilet paper. But what you won’t find is waste. Founded in May 2022 by five friends who had previously volunteered at a local community fridge. The Bicester Hub was born from a simple but powerful realisation: small acts of redistribution can make a life-changing difference. Seeing first-hand how rescued food brought relief, dignity and connection to local families, the group decided they wanted to do more. Not just food. Not just emergency support. But a movement rooted in community, environmental responsibility and generosity.

Dementia Active is a charity with an established track record in providing social activity groups for people who have a diagnosis of dementia. Dementia is an illness which can isolate people from former friends. The value of spending time with others who can share this sense of isolation cannot be overestimated: ● We aim to create a sense of community where no one need feel apologetic or uncomfortable about not being able to do those things which in the past would have been straightforward. ● Conversation is encouraged - both socially, particularly when people arrive and over lunch, but also in more structured reminiscence sessions. ● Group activities are opportunities to be playful. ● The benefits overall are raised energy levels and improved cognition. We offer a wide range of activities, for instance: topical discussions, gentle exercise, dancing, arts and crafts and every few weeks - a professional entertainer. A home cooked, three course lunch is provided as well as refreshments throughout the day. We aim to use surplus food where we are able to, reducing food waste as well as using our resources to increase the help given to our members with dementia. Groups are small and have a high staff to members ratio.