Crime & Safety
Age UK Oxfordshire highlighting older people’s mental health
The charity is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by highlighting how issues like bereavement, illness, loneliness, caring responsibilities, and financial pressure can quietly but seriously affect wellbeing, particularly in later life.
Paul Ringer, CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “Many of the people we support wouldn’t say they’re struggling with their mental health.
“But worries about money, changes in health, caring for someone else, or going days without meaningful human contact can slowly build up.
“Over time, that can seriously affect wellbeing, confidence and how people feel about their lives.
“Acting early, with the right support, can make a real difference.”
The charity supports thousands of older people each year across Oxfordshire, helping them navigate life changes, reduce anxiety, and stay connected to their communities.
It offers practical help such as clear information and advice, support with accessing financial entitlements, and opportunities to join social activities and community groups.
Mr Ringer said: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective.
“Often, it’s about practical, everyday support – clear advice, help with a form, or feeling more connected to the community around you.
“These steps may seem small, but they can have a real and lasting impact.”
Age UK Oxfordshire is encouraging anyone concerned about an older person to start a conversation and help them access support early.
Crime & Safety
Emergency response to pylon fire in Sonning Common
The incident occurred on Grove Road in Sonning Common, and Oxfordshire village on the border with Reading, at about 11.20am on Friday, May 15.
Firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue responded to a blaze on the road, sending crews from Reading stations Caversham Road and Whitley wood to the scene.
READ MORE: Police update after man killed on Oxfordshire border
On arrival, crews discovered a fire involving a power pylon.
One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the electrical fire before the crews handed the scene over the engineers from Scottish and Southern Energy, SSE.
The Berkshire firefighters remained at the scene for approximately one hour and 10 minutes before it was successfully extinguished and made safe.
Crime & Safety
Police update after man killed on Oxfordshire border
The incident occurred on the A361 Banbury Road in Chipping Warden, close to Banbury, at about 8.30pm on Friday, May 1.
A BMW motorbike was travelling south on Banbury Road when it left the carriageway at the approach to Hogg End Road, coming to rest in the bushes.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire bakery has hundreds of pounds worth stolen
As a result of the single-vehicle collision, the rider of the motorbike, a man in his 40s, died at the scene.
Northamptonshire Police said two men were arrested following the tragic incident, both on suspicion of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.
An update from the force released today, Sunday, May 17, said the two men, who are aged 41 and 34, have been released on police bail ‘pending further investigation’.
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit earlier asked anyone with information to come forward, quoting incident number 26000251842.
Crime & Safety
Who won Eurovision 2026? Full leaderboard and scores
The 2026 competition was held in Vienna, Austria, after their act JJ won the 2025 contest with the song ‘Wasted Love’.
Favourites going into the final included the Finnish duo Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius, and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.
Meanwhile, the UK’s entry was Sam Battle (known by his stage name Look Mum No Computer), who is known for his unusual electronic music.
But how did the votes stack up, and who impressed the juries and viewing public the most?
Who won Eurovision 2026?
The full leaderboard for Eurovision 2026 is as follows:
Bulgaria’s Dara secured victory, with her song ‘Bangaranga’ scoring 516 points.
A tense finale saw Israel in first place until the last points were announced, eventually finishing second with 343 points.
The country’s entrant, Noam Bettan, sang his song ‘Michelle’, in English, Hebrew and French.
Some chants and booing could be heard in the crowd, where many Israeli flags and banners could also be seen.
There were a number of protests in Vienna this week over Israel’s inclusion in the contest amid its actions in Gaza.
Romania’s Alexandra Capitanescu, with the intense pop metal song Choke Me, finished third on 296 points.
Speaking at a press conference after her win, Dara said: “I want to thank my husband, because he was the one to push me to come to Eurovision.
“Because in the beginning I was not sure if I want to come or not, because I had anxiety and doubt with myself, and he was the one that he just pushed me, and he was like, ‘you need to go right now to Eurovision, right now, pick up your phone tell them you’re going’.”
She added: “I’m so thankful that I (got) the chance to be in Eurovision, and every day I’ve been here in this place, I felt safe, protected, loved, supported.
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“I felt that I can do everything, that everything is possible, and I really, truly think that this community is so amazing.
“I will miss you so much, today I woke up, and I almost cried, because I will miss this place, and you all.”
Dara’s win means next year’s contest will take place in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
What did you think of Eurovision 2026 this year? Let us know in the comments.
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