A community hub in Chipping Norton will open its doors for the first time later this week.
The Branch Trust will officially launch The Branch with two open days this week.
These will be on Tuesday, June 25, from 11am to 1pm and 5.30pm to 7pm, and on Sunday, June 30, from 11.30am to 4pm.
The facility will aim to mitigate the negative effects of rural isolation by offering support, mentoring and signposting advice to residents of West Oxfordshire.
It will also provide a space for voluntary and statutory organisations to have a base in the town.
The introduction of The Branch follows four years of restoration work at the former NatWest building located in Chipping Norton’s Market Place.
More than 50 community groups, carers and professionals have provided their input on the interior design.
The hub will house the Connect Café, a regular drop-in offering craft, connection, and advice, and will host a range of programmes designed to support residents by offering debt services, nurture sessions, domestic abuse support and young parenting groups.
Founded in 2020, The Branch aims to cater to the needs of individuals around Chipping Norton and its neighbouring villages.
With 61 per cent of West Oxfordshire's population living in rural communities, it was formed to break down social barriers and create opportunities for learning and development.
Emma Kennedy, CEO of The Branch Trust, said: "We are so pleased to be officially opening the doors to our brand-new community hub.
"The Branch initially grew out of networks established to encourage local collaboration between statutory and voluntary services to improve outcomes and find solutions for common local challenges.
"Our research and first-hand experience taught us that families and individuals in West Oxfordshire face a huge number of barriers.
“In fact, income deprivation in this area falls among the lowest 30 per cent in the country and attainment and skills amongst the worst 10 per cent.
“These figures highlighted a real need within our community for a charity like ours to collaborate with others, such as Citizens Advice, OXPIP, Oxford Discovery College and others, to provide support, guidance and advice to anyone struggling.”
Deputy police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, added: "I have been hugely impressed by the drive and determination of The Branch team to get the Old Bank project off the ground.
"I have no doubt that it will be a huge success and with the involvement of partners from the public and voluntary sector, will play an important role in the life of Chipping Norton and, more importantly, be a huge boost to the lives of the individuals that it touches."
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