Crime & Safety
Didcot charity Play2Give now supported by Oxfordshire FA
Founded in 2007 by brain injury survivor Andrew Baker, Play2Give has raised funds for projects across Oxfordshire that aim to ‘change, transform, and save lives.’
The Didcot-based charity supports children, health, and disability causes, and runs popular seasonal campaigns including Easter egg and Christmas Sleigh2Give toy drive.
Oxfordshire FA has announced it will support and compete in Play2Give’s 15th annual Charity Football Tournament at Wallingford Sports Park on July 12.
A spokesman for Play2Give said: “We are immensely excited to announce this new partnership with Oxfordshire’s very own Football Association.
“Being the new charity partner of Oxfordshire FA really is special, and a true Match of the Day-class partnership, that means that Play2Give can but only continue to grow and thrive, thanks to the fantastic premiership awareness and increase in funds for the charity that this truly special partnership will bring.
“Sport plays a powerful role in people’s wellbeing, such as in many cases improving quality of life, rebuilding lost skills and simply improving mental wellbeing – and so it’s a perfect link-up.”
The charity’s recent work includes funding a sensory room at Oxford Head Injury Services, a named patient room at the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, and more than £3,000 towards renovating a bathroom at Sobell House hospice.
A spokesperson for Play2Give added: “By signing up for what is always a very special charity tournament, you will be helping us to make an enormous difference to the lives of so many – from children and families in hospital to those adults living with the impact of a brain injury, enhancing, changing, transforming and saving lives right here across the county.”
Oxfordshire FA’s chief executive Jonathan Duckworth highlighted the connection between football and wider community health.
Mr Duckworth said: “Oxfordshire football already saves NHS Oxfordshire £45 million every year through our support for mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“We have helped to promote the annual Play 2 Give six-a-side football tournament in the past and are hugely impressed by the way in which they support our local hospitals.”
He explained that the partnership will be part of the Oxfordshire FA’s 1884 Club, which focuses on supporting the community through corporate social responsibility.
Mr Duckworth said: “We’re encouraging our partners and others to get their boots on and have fun raising funds at this 12 July 2026 Charity Football Tournament – and join us in continuing to support the incredible work Play2Give does throughout the county.”
The tournament is open to teams from businesses and community groups across the region.
Taking place at The Leys College, the event will be held on Wednesday, April 29, from 4.30pm to 7pm.
The open evening will showcase the college’s range of study, leisure and professional programmes.
A spokesman for Activate Learning said: “Activate Learning are excited to welcome visitors on-site to showcase their extensive range of study programmes and employment opportunities at The Leys College during the Spring 2026 Open Event on Wednesday 29 April, 4.30-7pm.”
Visitors will have the chance to hear subject presentations, meet current students, and speak with staff about courses and campus life.
Other activities include an introduction to college life led by the Group Director of The Leys College, insights from T Level employers, and information about Access to Higher Education courses.
Attendees can also explore the college’s IT hub and tour facilities for construction, brickwork, carpentry, and motor vehicle programmes.
Staff will be on hand to help visitors plan a personalised learning pathway and discuss application options.
Careers advisers will also be available to offer expert, independent guidance, alongside the Student Services team who can advise on bursaries and financial support.
Attendees will also be able to submit early applications to secure a place for next year.
Banbury Community Action Group (CAG) is hosting the first local screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing at the theatre at Lock 29 on Saturday, April 25.
The film explores the climate and nature crisis, its local impact, and how communities can better prepare for related emergencies.
Jim Smith, chairman of Banbury CAG, said: “We want to support our community in adapting to and being ready for the climate changes that will impact on all our lives.
“Flooding and increased temperatures are already here in Oxfordshire and will only become more challenging.
“A community that can work together and be prepared for such emergencies has a much better chance of recovering quickly.
“People often understand these issues most clearly when they begin to think about what they may mean locally.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing, launched nationally on April 7, is part of a UK-wide programme with more than 2,000 screenings planned.
The event opened with broadcaster Chris Packham, who said: “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing.
“It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”
The film is based on a national briefing delivered at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, which gathered more than 1,200 MPs, peers, and leaders from business, faith, and other sectors.
Following the screening, attendees will learn about emergency risks specific to Banbury and begin discussions on practical preparedness.
Conversation topics will include what items to include in a ‘grab bag’ to be ready for any emergency.
The monthly farmers’ market takes place in the market place on the third Friday of the month and runs until about 2pm.
There were lots of food stalls at the market on Friday, including one run by Thame-based Kimchi With Everything.
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Kimchi is a Korean dish of pickles eaten as a side dish, a wrap and as a condiment.
Tina Ng, who was running the stall selling fermented pickles and vegetables, said: “I come to this market quite often – it’s been quite busy for a Friday – very decent.”
The company said in a statement: “Our Kimchi are all naturally fermented for a minimum of 12 weeks so it increases maximum health benefits and tastiness.
“Creating a balance between the tanginess and deep flavours of the cabbage fermented.
“The taste of the Kimchi we always aim to achieve is Kimchi with a thickened, tangy brine, a balance of mellow cheesy notes, a touch of fizz, crunchiness of the cabbage, and a well-rounded moorish flavour.”
Another stall sold honey while others sold truffles, and vegetables.
There is also a regular Monday food market in the market place in Abingdon, plus a local excellent market which is held a number of times of year.
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