Fern Meadows, an extra care housing development in Faringdon, officially opened on Wednesday, April 15.

It is designed for people aged 55 and over who have care needs but want to maintain independence in their own home.

Developed in partnership by Housing 21, South and Vale District Council, and Oxfordshire County Council, the scheme offers 60 self-contained apartments, with 45 available for rent and 15 for shared ownership.

So far, 53 residents have already moved in.

Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Fern Meadows shows exactly what modern care looks like.

“People deserve independence, dignity and a real sense of community – and this is what extra care housing provides.

“It’s vibrant, social and designed around the person, not the other way around.

“We’re proud to open this new scheme in Faringdon and give local residents more choice in how they live their lives, with support available when they need it.

“This is the Oxfordshire Way in action.”

The Oxfordshire Way is the county council’s commitment for supporting people to live well and independently, close to their communities for as long as possible.

Extra care schemes like Fern Meadows allow residents to live in their own private apartments with the reassurance of flexible, tailored support that can be adjusted as their needs change.

James Williams, a resident at Fern Meadows, said: “Moving into extra care housing has made a huge difference to my life.

“I’ve been able to keep my independence and my own front door, but with the reassurance that support is there whenever I need it.

“It’s taken away a lot of worry – not just for me, but for my family too.

“There’s a real sense of community here already, and it feels good to be somewhere that’s been designed to help people live well for longer.”

The scheme includes a café, hair salon, residents’ lounge, activity room, communal gardens, guest suite, and secure mobility aid storage.

A dedicated on-site housing manager and independent care team, with care staff on-site 24/7.

Darren Herbet, deputy head of Extra Care South at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted that Fern Meadows is the newest addition to our expanding Extra Care portfolio.

“It has been designed to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that offers residents both privacy and independence.

“The scheme will serve as a community hub for Faringdon, offering opportunities for local people to connect, participate and benefit from the services and activities available.”

Families and carers are encouraged to consider Fern Meadows when planning for the future care needs of their loved ones.

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.