Cutteslowe Seniors group continues to thrive thanks to council’s Connected Communities Fund
A group that offers a welcoming space for people aged 60 and over to connect, learn and enjoy time together is going from strength to strength, thanks to support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Connected Communities Fund.
The Cutteslowe Seniors group was awarded £2,000 to provide twice monthly social activities and support services to older people in their communities. They meet at Cutteslowe Community Centre from 11am to 2pm on the second and fourth Friday of each month. These substantial midday gatherings foster meaningful connections and support emotional wellbeing.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Cutteslowe Seniors is a brilliant example of the Oxfordshire Way in action: supporting people to live happily and independently within their communities.
“These small grants can have a huge impact, and I’m delighted to see the difference they’re making.”
The group alternates between lively social sessions with guest speakers and activities, and outings to places of interest across the region.
A recent session featured a talk from a legal adviser on important later-life topics such as inheritance tax and powers of attorney. The event was followed by a shared lunch, served by two young volunteers from a local school, bringing a heartwarming intergenerational touch to the day.
Sylvia Barker, who coordinates the group, said: “We are so grateful - we simply couldn’t carry on without the fund.”
The group’s impact goes far beyond socialising. For many members, it’s a lifeline.
Maria, a regular attendee, said: “Everyone is so warm and welcoming. Sylvia does a fantastic job, and volunteer Linda is wonderful too. We come because we feel welcomed, we get to see friends, and the outings are a real highlight. I feel so much more comfortable being part of a group.”
The Connected Communities Fund is managed by Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) and Community First Oxfordshire (CFO). Both organisations offer expert support to help community groups like Cutteslowe Seniors make the most of their funding.
Laura Price, CEO of OCVA, said: “Small amounts of funding can have a huge impact, giving more people more choice about how they can stay healthy, happy and connected across our county.”
Emily Lewis-Edwards, co-CEO of CFO, added: “The Connected Communities Fund is a great example of collaborative working at its best. These grants place trust in local groups to deliver real change.”
Anyone interested in joining Cutteslowe Seniors can contact Sylvia Barker at barkersylvia191@gmail.com.
More information about the support offered by OCVA and CFO can be found online, and through the Community First webpage.
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