On 18 October 2025, representatives from over 30 churches gathered to begin collaborating on practical initiatives to serve our city. It has become abundantly clear that now is the time for the churches of Oxford to come together in unity and purpose.

The day began with speakers reflecting on the economic, social, and political juncture we currently face – one that presents a clear call for Christians in the city to step into emerging gaps and help support our community.

We were honoured to hear from guests who brought insights from their roles in public service:

• Leonard Sackey, Oxford City Council
• Neil Preddy, Oxfordshire Homeless Movement
• Mike Farley, Transform Lincoln
• Jacqui Gitau, African Families in the UK
• Sasha East, The GateHouse Oxford

We spent time recognising and celebrating what Christians in Oxford are already doing. Churches across the city are already making a remarkable difference.

The faithful work of churches has laid the foundation, now we have the chance to build together. The reality is we are stronger together. By uniting our efforts, we can serve Oxford and respond to the needs of our community in even greater ways.

It’s not just about new work, it’s about amplifying what churches are already doing and multiplying its impact: accurately recognising and addressing community needs, aligning with public sector priorities, partnering with local charities, and being dedicated to providing ongoing support to the community

The study also outlines six areas of need in Oxford, raised by churches, Christian organisations, and charities, which are consistent with local government research:

1. Supporting families
2. Health and Wellness
3. Economic and Housing
4. Community Safety
5. Inclusivity and Community Connection
6. Creation Care

Renew Oxford and Viva shared key points from the upcoming report, The Church in Oxford in 2025: Mapping Social Perspectives and Actions.

Here are a few key findings from the report:

Children, Young People and Families

While churches are active in this area, gaps remain, particularly around male role models for boys and young men. There’s a strong desire to mobilise youth workers, strengthen links with the Oxfordshire Youth Network, and establish clearer central coordination.

Next steps:

• Explore a partnership with the Oxfordshire Youth Network.
• Develop safe space initiatives for boys and young men.
• Create a directory system to connect churches with similar initiatives.
• Seek funding.

To find out more, email cyf@renewoxford.org

Housing and Homelessness

Collaboration among churches should be strengthened rather than duplicating efforts. There was a call for a shared signposting map of initiatives and needs, identifying opportunities for both short-term volunteering and long-term housing advocacy, closer engagement with local government and OCVA, and greater recognition of vulnerable groups. Identify training needs for pastoral care of those experiencing homelessness.

Next steps:

• Convene a housing network meeting including OCVA, Oxford City Council, and church representatives.
• Create or link to a housing support map/directory.
• Identify training needs for pastoral care of those experiencing homelessness.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental health underpins many issues – trauma, loss, homelessness, domestic abuse, and isolation. There’s strong support for peer-led, lived-experience approaches, better signposting, and early prevention.

Churches expressed interest in developing community wellbeing hubs and called for ‘thread-pullers’ to connect existing efforts and maintain regular communication.

Next steps:

• Form a Mental Health & Wellbeing sub-group to continue conversation, prayer, and shared planning.
• Develop a signposting directory for mental health support, led by the sub-group.
• Pursue trauma-informed training for churches.
• Explore partnerships with Oxford Mind, NHS teams, OCVA, and local
• wellbeing cafés.

To find out more, email health@renewoxford.org  

Wider Collaboration Group

The group identified those active within and beyond the church network, noted gaps in the group’s leadership and a lack of wider involvement from schools, hospitals, and public sector partners.

To achieve any next steps, the key needs identified were central coordination, a regular rhythm of engagement, and effective collaboration channels.

Next steps:

• Convene a follow-up Steering Group meeting to discuss the structure for collaboration and establish a calendar of consistent meetings.
• Use shared channels for progress updates and prayer points.
• Gather and consolidate existing contact lists and mapping data.
• Initiate conversations with OCVA and other VCS groups to explore capacity for joint action.

The best way to hear about future Renew Oxford events, get connected with the four working groups, be notified when the full mapping report is released, and stay updated on other Renew Oxford initiatives is by signing up to our mailing list.