Mental Health Services
In the mental health team we provide a range of services to help older people and their carers enjoy as full and enjoyable life as possible.
Flexible Care
Flexible Care is a free service for older people with mental health needs and their carers. A Flexible Carer will visit the client’s home for an hour a week or sometimes for two hours once a fortnight, and may stay and talk, share a pot of tea,take the client for trips or undertake other positive activities with them.
“It’s like winning the lottery" - a Flexible Care client.
The service is time-limited and usually lasts from 6 to 12 months.
- The service is for older people who have needs as a result of dementia, depression, psychosis or anxiety
- Clients tend not to have substantial care packages
Memory Services
Age UK Oxfordshire staff support the memory clinics run by consultants in the Oxfordshire Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our Dementia Advisors will advise on financial matters, where to get support and various forms of care, and if they don’t know the answer, they will put you in touch with someone who does. Access is through Oxfordshire Health memory clinics, our staff will give information and advice to anyone who calls.
This service is not currently available in Henley or Thame memory Clinics.
Carers’ Groups
“The group saved my life." - a carers group member
Age UK Oxfordshire staff work alongside colleagues from the Alzheimer’s Society and the Oxfordshire Health NHS Partnership Trust to provide monthly support groups for carers of people with mental health needs. Meetings usually last two hours, and there is mixture of expert speakers who talk on an aspect of mental health or caring. There is always the chance to share your experiences and pick other carers’ brains over tea and biscuits. We are involved in supporting groups in Oxford City, Witney, Chipping Norton, Thame and Didcot. All carers are welcome to attend.
For more information on Flexible Care, Carers' Groups or Memory services please contact the manager, Sue Westwood on 01235 849400.
Mental Health Clubs
“It’s the highlight of my week." - a Community Club attendee
Age UK Oxfordshire runs four specialist Community Clubs:
Kingsmoor
Hinton Waldrist Village Hall, Hinton Waldrist, Nr Longworth
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm
Bluebells
Christ Church Centre, 46 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames
Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm
Dovecote
The Barn Centre, Church Road, Thame
Wednesday and Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm
Oakwood
Oakwood House, Meadowbank, Faringdon Day Hospital, Faringdon
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10.00am - 3.00pm
Oakwood has places allocated for people with dementia or other mental health issues.
The aim is to provide an interesting, stimulating and fun day for the attendees. We run a variety of activities, which the older person can join in with or not, as they please. The people who attend may have memory difficulties or are low in spirits. The most important thing is to have an enjoyable and stimulating day in the company of others.
For more information on our Community Clubs please contact the manager, Joanna Fowler on
01865 717615 or 07827 235408.