Rainy day adventures in Southern Oxfordshire

Don’t let the rain spoil your day! South and Vale have plenty of things to do to brighten up any cold or wet day. Explore fascinating museums, take on an exciting escape room challenge, go for a swim or feed the animals indoors at a local farm. If you prefer to find a cosy pub and enjoy a hearty meal, there are plenty on offer. 

Whatever the weather, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Rainy Days page on the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website for inspiration.
 

Hosting an event?

If your organisation is hosting an event in 2025, or you know of an event that we should shout about, submit an event listing for free via our Google form. We will then feature these on the website and via our social media channels.

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What can your business or workplace do to save costs and act on climate change?
 
Every organisation (business, parish council, charity or community group) – no matter how big or small – can take action to reduce their carbon footprint, lower costs, and protect themselves and the people who use their services from climate change.

We've put together a list of resources that organisations can use to make their workplace more sustainable, including information on how to calculate your current carbon footprint, writing a sustainability action plan, where to find funding for climate action projects, and a host of resources and guidance.

Visit our website to get started.

Local Community Skills Fund: grants for local projects

The Local Community Skills Fund aims to support a wide range of initiatives that will make a positive impact on communities across the UK.

This could include anything from setting up a community garden to running a digital skills workshop. The fund also seeks to help disadvantaged people develop the skills they need to find employment by providing training and support, and will address specific skills gaps in local areas and reach out to communities where access to training and development opportunities is limited.

Registered charities and social enterprises with an income of less that £1m, colleges and further education providers can apply for a grant of up to £10,000. Individuals and community groups, but only instances where they have a supporting organisation that is willing to act as the recipient of funds and meets one of the criteria above (for example a local college, Scout Group or charity) can also apply.

Further details can be found via the City & Guilds Foundation website.

The Social Series: What's Science Got to Do with It?

Join 'The Social Series', a new networking platform hosted by SOFEA, to encourage open conversations, inspire actions and support collaboration within the local community.

Come along to the first session and learn about the role of science in our communities. This session features speakers Dr. Adrian Mancuso from Diamond Light Source and Mike Lawton from Ox Dynamics.

Friday 7 March   |   5.30pm - 8pm
SOFEA, Didcot

Whether you're a fan of science, a community leader or just curious, 'The Social Series' is a welcoming place for everyone to learn, share and connect.

Register for your free place via Eventbrite.

Supporting employers to work with the unemployed

Would your organisation like to learn how to become a more inclusive employer? This OIEP HR Network Seminar will provide you with information on how you could support people who are unemployed into work.

Tuesday 11 February   |   10am - 12pm
Fedcap - Oxford

Many of those who have been out of work for some time may lack the confidence and the tools to apply for a job or attend an interview. Employers investing in assisting unemployed people to find jobs can help reduce skills shortages and other recruitment difficulties, increase the diversity of their workforces and could contribute to fulfilling their corporate social responsibility objectives.

Hear from expert speakers from Fedcap, the Department of Work and Pensions, and businesses that have put in place initiatives to support people into employment.

Register for your free place via Eventbrite.

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Whether you’re looking for inspiration, knowledge or just a little extra motivation, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help your business thrive - one post at a time!