Mental Health
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. Please click on one of the links below for more information on the services we provide.
Flexible Care – friendly visits from carers for people with mental health needs
Specialist Day Centres – stimulating activities and enjoyable company
Memory Services – advice for clients and their carers at memory clinics
Carers’ Groups – countywide monthly meetings for carers
Flexible Care
“It’s like winning the lottery" a Flexible Care client.
Flexible Care is a free service for older people with mental health needs and their carers. A 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 or take the client for trips. 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
Manager: Andy Buckland, 01235 849400
Mental Health Day Centres
“It’s the highlight of my week." a day centre attendee
Age Concern Oxfordshire runs four specialist day centres:
Kingsmoor
Hinton Waldrist Village Hall
Hinton Waldrist
Nr Longworth
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00-3:00
Bluebells
Christ Church Centre
46 Reading Road
Henley-on-Thames
Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday 10:00-3:00
Dovecote
The Barn Centre
Church Road
Thame
Wednesday and Friday 10:00-3:00
Acorn
Watchfield Village Hall
Watchfield
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00-3:00
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.
Manager: Andy Buckland, 01235 849400
Memory Services
Age Concern Oxfordshire staff support the memory clinics run by consultants in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust (OBMH). Our staff 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 OBMH. Our staff will give information and advice to anyone who calls, and are able to visit at home for those unable to travel.
Manager: Andy Buckland, 01235 849400
Carers’ Groups
“The group saved my life." a carers group member
Age Concern Oxfordshire staff work alongside colleagues from the Alzheimer’s Society and the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust to provide monthly support groups for carers of people with mental health needs. Meetings 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 you experiences and pick other carers’ brains over tea and biscuits. These groups are run in all the market towns at least monthly. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Manager: Andy Buckland, 01235 849400
