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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 19-1-25 Newsletter and information collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (National Neighbourhood Watch) SCAMbassador for Oxford (National Trading Standards) You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW
For any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley Appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
CONTENTS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Youth in Action OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Personal experiences - gift card scams BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE 1) Reporting crimes NORTH WEST REGIONAL ORGANISED CRIME UNIT 1) Wanted information POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) Statement - suspension of Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police 2) Retail crime 3) Crime statistics 4) Road Safety Strategy THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Is it an emergency? TVP CHERWELL 1) Kidlington Theft TVP OXFORD 1) No 5 Bus NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Rose Hill, Littlemore and Iffley Neighbourhood Police Team SCAM AWARENESS 1) Thames Water 2) Fake BT Calls 3) Booking.com 4) Personal fraud and how to prevent it 5) Payment diversion fraud 6) Fraud recovery scams 7) What to do if you've been scammed 8) Superdrug 9) HMRC scam CRIME PREVENTION 1) Keyless entry 2) Steer clear of car crime 3) Meta (Facebook) – protect against phishing scams 4) Gmail - hide emails containing personal data 5) Shopping online this January CRIME INFORMATION 1) Did you know, Clare's Law has two parts? 2) Advice sought on upgrading ketamine to Class A 3) Knife Crime 4) 999 + 55 5) Non-contact sexual offences 6) Cannabis 7) StreetSafe App 8) Women and girls OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Move Together 2) Safety in the home 3) A new roadmap for Oxford's Local Plan 4) Digitally excluded residents can still have paper visitor parking permits OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) 55 free things to do in Oxford's green spaces 2) Help, warmth and advice in January 3) Citizens' Assembly 4) Seventy new cycle racks for Oxford OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Recycling real Christmas trees and broken fairy lights 2) Dexter the dog rescued by ODS GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Throughout the year 2) HealthWatch 3) Age UK Oxfordshire 4) Older Drivers' Forum 5) Food Recalls 6) Product Recall 7) Child safety 8) Oxford Bus Company service update 9) Community Speedwatch 10) Red hat update 11) WOW Guide 12) Oxfordshire Care Awards 2025 13) Network Rail 14) Martha's Rule 15) Bus service updates
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Youth in Action Interested in youth safety? Want to know how communities across England and Wales are empowering young people to engage in crime prevention? Sign up to Neighbourhood Watch Network’s Youth in Action newsletter: https://ourwatch.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b07d2b0cafcbfef13efa5bce2&id=18921d4ce9 The Youth in Action newsletter is a brand-new digital community bulletin, primarily aimed at individuals and organisations who work, or aspire to work, with young people (16-24-year-olds), and are keen to make their neighbourhoods inclusive of youth crime prevention and safety needs. We also encourage any 16-24-year-olds who want to make a positive change in their communities to sign up too! 
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Personal experiences - gift card scams Thank you to our Neighbourhood Watch member who alerted me after receiving a message from a neighbour asking for her to buy a gift card. Gift card scams are a common type of fraud where scammers trick people into buying gift cards and then steal the card details. Scammers may use a variety of tactics, including creating a sense of urgency, impersonating friends or family, or offering fake giveaways. This is a recurring scam so please be wary as scammers may find information and use to seem authentic. Always check unexpected emails with the sender where possible. Action Fraud reported that victims lost £13,500,000 in 2023. These can come via Whats App, Facebook, email or text.
BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE 1) Reporting crimes Our officers are here to help whatever the weather. Remember to save 61016 in your phone and text us to report any crime or incidents on your journey.
NORTH WEST REGIONAL CRIME UNIT 1) Wanted information Detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) investigating a drugs and firearms conspiracy have released photographs of two men and a woman they wish to speak to in relation to the investigation. Officers are keen to hear from Michael Moores, 37, from Skelmersdale, Danielle Webb, 32, from Oxfordshire, Jagdish Singh, 35, from Merseyside, or anyone who knows their whereabouts as they believe they may be able to help them progress their investigation. Michael Moores is described as white, 5ft 5, medium build, with cropped dark brown hair and blue eyes. Danielle Webb is described as white, 5ft 5, slim build, with straight black hair and green eyes. She has links to Skelmersdale. Jagdish Singh is described as Asian, 5ft 10, broad build, with receding black hair and brown eyes. Officers would ask Moores, Webb, and Singh themselves, or anyone who knows of their whereabouts or recognises them from the photographs and knows where they are, to call Police on 101 quoting reference LC-20250115-1062. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or give information online at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information 
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) Statement - suspension of Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news/suspension-of-thames-valley-chief-constable-jason-hogg/ 2) Retail crime A robust new approach to tackling retail crime in the Thames Valley has been unveiled by Matthew Barber (Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley). https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/our-work/crimefighters/retail-crime/ 3) Crime statistics Thank you to the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner who sent this link when requesting crime data. Scroll down page to see data for Oxford. November 2023 - October 2024 4) Road Safety Strategy Thames Valley Police (TVP) has decided to employ the strategy of: To start conversations with e-scooter riders, officers will explain to them the offences of using the vehicle on the road and explain how the vehicle could be seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act. The rider should then be told that they can no longer use the powered transporter on a road or in a public place and to do so would leave them open to prosecution. The rider should be issued with a warning letter. Should further infringements occur by the same rider, then enforcement processes would follow. This engagement with individuals allows for that education to be passed to those who genuinely are not aware that this is an offence.
THAMES VALLEY POLICE  1) Is it an emergency? Call 999 in emergency situations like these
https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
TVP CHERWELL 1) Kidlington Theft Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a man officers would like to speak to following a theft in Kidlington. Between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on Friday 13 December, a woman’s purse was stolen after shopping in Sainsbury’s Kidlington, the offender proceeded to use her cards to purchase items from multiple stores in the area. Investigating officer PC Amanda Daroux said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man pictured as he may have vital information to assist us with our enquiries. “If this is you, please come forward as soon as possible. “If you have any information relating to this incident, please call 101 or report it online, quoting 43240604202. “Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.” 
TVP OXFORD 1) No 5 Bus Do you recognise this person? We would like to speak to them as we believe they may have vital information about a sexual assault onboard the No. 5 bus. The victim, a 17yr old female was touched to her upper thigh over her clothing.
Anyone with information, or the person pictured, should ring 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43250021463. All reports of sexual assault are dealt with seriously and robustly by us, if you witness such an incident call 999 This is a crime in progress and so it is appropriate to use the emergency line. If you have been the victim of such a crime please report it to us. You can or go online.  NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Rose Hill, Littlemore and Iffley Neighbourhood Police Team The local neighbourhood police team have been made aware that multiple vehicles have been vandalised in the early hours of Friday (10/01/2025) morning in the areas of Champion Way, Cowley Road and Littlemore Road. If you have been a victim of the vandalism and haven’t yet reported this to the police please do so via 101 or using the Thames Valley Police website and the report a crime tab. If you witnessed any of the vandalism taking place or have any CCTV capturing any vandalism taking place including ring doorbell footage please do make contact with us. rosehillteam@thamesvalley.police.uk
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Thames Water Thames Water is aware of a scam text message recently sent to some of our customers. It threatens to turn off your water supply if you don’t pay money. This message hasn’t come from us. Please don’t click any links or pay any money. We’ll never turn your water off deliberately, even if you fall behind on bills. We’ll also never ask you for:
For more advice on staying scam-safe, please visit https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/get-extra-help/bogus-callers 2) Fake BT Calls The UK’s landline network is being upgraded to be fully digital, and was planned to be completed by January this year. But the completion deadline was recently extended to 2027. However, this hasn’t stopped scammers trying their luck by using the original 2025 deadline to confuse landline customers into sharing sensitive information. In the future, when the network upgrades are finished, landline calls will operate using digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It’s also sometimes known as Digital Voice. This may mean some older devices using your landline connection, such as home phones and personal care or security alarms, may need updating or they’ll no longer work. However, your landline provider should write to you explaining what the switchover means for you, and will give you advice and support with any changes you need to make. The digital switchover does not involve any fees. Your landline provider will never ask you to make payments or verify your payment information in order for your landline to be upgraded to the digital service. The scam calls aren’t just targeting landline numbers about landline services either. Which? has heard from victims without a landline phone who have been contacted on their mobile phones too. These victims were told the upcoming changes would mean they’d lose their home internet connection if they didn’t confirm their details. But this isn’t true. 3) Booking.com Action Fraud is warning those using Booking.com to book their holidays or accommodation that they could be targeted with suspicious emails or messages from hotels who have had their account taken over by fraudsters. Between June 2023 and September 2024, Action Fraud received 532 reports from individuals, with a total of £370,000 lost. How can you protect yourself? No legitimate Booking.com transaction will ever require a customer to provide their credit card details by phone, email, or text message (including WhatsApp). If you receive any urgent payment requests that require immediate attention, like a booking cancellation, immediately reach out to the Booking.com Customer Service team via the details on the official Booking.com website and/or app to confirm. Any messages purporting to be from Booking.com that contain instructions to follow links and/or open/download files should be treated with caution. To read more: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/booking-com-alert To report fraud: actionfraud.police.uk Report suspicious emails them by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk, or suspicious texts to the 7726 service  4) Personal fraud and how to prevent it Fraud is when a person lies to you, or ‘scams’ you, to gain an advantage, such as taking your money or learning private information about you. This could be via email, text, phone or in person, either on the street or on your doorstep. Some adults may be especially vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. If you’re concerned about someone you know, contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care. With a little knowledge you can protect yourself from fraudsters too: Learn the ten golden rules to prevent fraud (see below). Find out about the most common types of fraud. For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.
5) Payment diversion fraud Payment diversion fraud, also known as mandate fraud, is when scammers trick you into changing your payment details for a regular payment (such as an invoice, direct debit, or standing order) by pretending to be an official body or a person - such as an employer or client. Minimise your risk of falling victim to mandate fraud by remembering the following:
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by heading to their website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ 6) Fraud recovery scams If you’ve been the victim of fraud, you could be targeted again by criminals claiming they can help you get your money back. They will often pretend to be from the government, police or a law enforcement agency asking for a fee to help you recover your money. Learn how to protect yourself here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/fraud-recovery-fraud 7) What to do if you've been scammed 
8) Superdrug
Scam websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre A scam email impersonating Superdrug A scam email which claims to be from Superdrug tells you that you can receive an Oral B electric toothbrush in exchange for answering a few questions. The email invites you to click on a malicious link which leads to a dodgy website asking for your personal and payment information. You can report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Scam websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre  9) HMRC scam
HMRC is warning customers to be wary of scam emails, texts and phone calls in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline on 31st January. There was a 16.7% increase in all scam referrals to HMRC from November 2023 - October 2024 compared to the previous year.
How to Avoid If you are unsure if a message from HMRC is genuine, check their website (www.gov.uk/government/collections/check-a-list-of-genuine-hmrc-contacts) before clicking on any links or providing any details.
CRIME PREVENTION
1) Keyless entry Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry. Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition. Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car. How to protect your keyless entry carWhen at home keep your car key (and the spare) away from the car, doors and windows Put your keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag/box Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm Park in your garage overnight, if you don’t have a garage park close to your home 
2) Steer clear of car crime Remember, most car crime can be prevented. Don't give criminals an easy ride https://members.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/100CDFCF310111DC653C2F39A4947A17 3) Meta (Facebook) – protect against phishing scams Your social media account serves as a storage hub for personal information, photos and private messages. It likely contains a wealth of data that third parties could exploit, so take a moment to configure your security settings. Data-hungry hackers will always revel in the chance to access social media accounts – doing so allows them to impersonate the account owner, spread spam or even demand money from contacts. This is known as a phishing scam. When Facebook's 2FA system is activated, you'll be asked to enter a login code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing Facebook from a browser or mobile that Facebook 'doesn't recognise'. Follow these steps:
4) Gmail - hide emails containing personal data Enabling 2FA for your Google account only takes a couple of minutes and is an effective way to keep prying eyes away from your inbox. Once you've activated the feature, you'll need to complete a second step to verify it’s you if you choose to sign in with a password. If you're attempting to access your messages from a new PC, for example, you'll need to input the code sent to your mobile. On the subject of keeping emails secure, you might also want to explore Gmail's Confidential Mode – it helps to prevent recipients from accidentally sharing messages. Follow these steps:
5) Shopping online this January Are you shopping securely? Online scams are becoming more sophisticated all the time. Make sure you follow the below steps when shopping online. It's important to know what to look out for, how to protect yourself and what to do if you're a victim of a scam
Find out more on the National Cyber Security Centre website https://orlo.uk/Pf2HZ
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Did you know, Clare's Law has two parts?
For further info: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/cl/triage/v2/request-information-under-clares-law/ 2) Advice sought on upgrading ketamine to Class A Ketamine could be upgraded to a Class A drug as the government seeks expert advice on its classification, the Home Office has said. Illegal use of the drug has reached record levels in recent years, with an estimated 269,000 people aged 16-59 reporting ketamine use in the year ending March 2024. Increasing ketamine's classification would bring it in line with drugs including cocaine, heroin and ecstasy (MDMA) and mean up to life in prison for supply and production. The policing minister will ask the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs whether its classification should be changed and "carefully consider" its findings. Ketamine can cause serious health problems including irreversible damage to the bladder and kidneys. It is also one of the most detected drugs in incidents of spiking. While commonly used on animals and in healthcare settings, ketamine is also thought of as a party drug due to its hallucinogenic effects. An estimated 299,000 people aged 16-59 reported ketamine use in the year ending March 2023 - the highest on record. Ketamine was upgraded from a Class C substance in 2014 due to mounting evidence over its physical and psychological dangers. Currently, the maximum penalty for producing and supplying ketamine is up to 14 years in prison. Possession can carry up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Should it be upgraded to a Class A drug, supply and production of it could carry up to life in prison, external while possession could carry up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. 3) Knife Crime Carrying a knife does not protect you. It could place you in more danger. If you’re threatened by someone with a knife, the safest thing to do is walk away. Laws around certain knives changed in September, with zombie-style knives and machetes becoming illegal to possess, sell, manufacture and transport. What is Knife Crime? Put simply, knife crime is a crime that involves a knife:
For simply carrying a knife in a public place or on school premises, the maximum penalty if convicted is four years in prison. Those found on more than one occasion to be in possession of a knife face a minimum sentence of six months. For offences when a knife is used on another person or in the commission of a crime (i.e. street robbery), the punishments become even more life-changing. 4) 999 + 55 Did you know that by pressing 55 after calling 999 it will alert police call handler that you are in need of urgent help but that you are unable to talk? Dialling 55 lets the call handler know your call is genuine. Even if you cannot speak, listen carefully to any questions or instructions from the call handler who can assess your call and arrange help. If you don’t respond or press 55, your call could be ended This is important information which could help save someone’s life. Find out more about how to make a silent 999 call, here: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/contact/how-to-make-a-silent-999-call/  5) Non-contact sexual offences Non-contact sexual offences have historically been overlooked in society as a form of violence against women and girls, but it’s time to change this! Non-contact sexual offences include, but are not limited to; indecent exposure, voyeurism, up-skirting, spiking, stalking and cat calling. 9 in 10 people, regardless of sex or gender have experienced non-contact sexual offences. Your voice is powerful, and your actions can ignite lasting change. Speak up - Reporting non-contact sexual offences is using your voice and actions to drive change and create a safer environment for everyone. Stand together - United, we can shift the culture and challenge non-contact sexual offences where safe to do so and create a community where we stand up to these behaviours. Stay safe and look out for each other - Stay informed and take a proactive approach to recognising and addressing potential risks. By acting as empowered active bystanders, we strengthen our collective ability to look out for one another. How to report Your report can help us stop it happening to someone else. Sometimes people who commit this type of offence go on to commit more serious offences. Your voice and actions can really make a difference for all! Call 101 You can report online https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/ Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers If there is an immediate threat to safety or ongoing risk of harm. Call 999.
6) Cannabis Most people know that cannabis is a class B drug and is illegal to possess. This doesn't mean just in public, it's anywhere including your home. Driving when stoned or high can double your chances of having a serious or even fatal car crash. https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/cannabis 7) StreetSafe App There is now an App which is available on all Smartphones - StreetSafe App. StreetSafe is a service that allows you to report safety concerns in public places without giving your name (anonymously). This includes issues like poorly lit streets, abandoned buildings, or vandalism, as well as instances where you feel unsafe due to someone following or verbally abusing you. Crime Stoppers is still available to report crimes anonymously, including drug related matters - https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information 8) Women and girls If you feel threatened, abused or discriminated against online, don’t hesitate to report it to the relevant website or platform and if appropriate, the police. https://www.getsafeonline.org/safewomenandgirls/
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Move Together Wrap up warm, enjoy the winter air and maybe even finish in a cosy cafe! No need to book—just show up and enjoy the journey. These walks are perfect for all fitness levels and a great way to meet new people. Find a walk near you at https://www.oxford.gov.uk/sport-physical-activity/health-walks-oxford 2) Safety in the home Our top tips will help you reduce the risks at home. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/fire-and-public-safety/community-safety/safety-home 3) Citizens' Assembly During February and March 2025, 40 Oxfordshire residents will take part in our first ever citizens’ assembly. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/citizens-assembly 4) Digitally excluded residents can still have paper visitor parking permits Oxfordshire County Council recently moved its residents’ parking permit system online to make it easier and more convenient for most users to manage their accounts. However, to minimise the impact of the changes on digitally excluded people who are unable to access the internet, paper scratchcard visitor permits will remain available to residents who genuinely have no other option. https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/paper-visitor-parking-permits/
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) 55 free things to do in Oxford's green spaces https://www.oxford.gov.uk/parks-open-spaces/55-free-things-oxfords-green-spaces 2) Help, warmth and advice in January January can often feel like one of the longest months – cold, dark, and for many, financially challenging. If it’s feeling tough for you too, you're not alone – there’s support available to help make this month a little easier. If you’re worried about money, ignoring that growing pile of unopened bills is an understandable reaction. But it won’t make the problem go away and the best thing you can do is get some practical advice and support from a money advice service. Find a list of advice services in Oxford here. There are also national money advice services and you can find more details at GOV.UK. If you're struggling to afford or access food, check out the many free and affordable food options in the city. Community larders are open to everybody and are a great way to help save on your weekly shop. Our network of warm spaces provide a welcoming environment where you can stay comfortable, meet others, and enjoy free or low-cost activities. 3) A new roadmap for Oxford's Local Plan Next week, Cabinet is expected to approve:
We submitted the LP2040 for examination by the Planning Inspectorate in March 2024. However, in September, inspectors recommended its withdrawal. They said we did not cooperate with neighbouring councils on cross-boundary planning issues and found fault with our assessment of the number of homes Oxford needs. Our only viable option is to accept their recommendation and produce a revised plan. The 2042 plan will align with the new national planning policy framework issued by the government in December. Among other things, this framework reintroduced mandatory housing targets and we will prepare our new plan in line with the higher assessment of housing needs now proposed nationally. We will hold two rounds of public consultation for the 2042 plan later this year. We aim to submit this for examination in April 2026. Public hearings could be held in late 2026 and the Local Plan 2042 adopted in the spring of 2027. 4) Seventy new cycle racks for Oxford Work is underway to install 70 new cycle racks in Oxford – providing 140 additional cycle parking spaces for cyclists across the city. The work, which is being carried out by ODS on behalf Oxford City Council, will see the installation of 70 new cycle racks on streets across the city. The City Council also worked in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council on the locations of the cycle racks. The installation of the new cycle racks started in December, and is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Recycling real Christmas trees and broken fairy lights Want to dispose of your real Christmas tree? Have broken fairy lights that need recycling? ODS will collect your real, bare Christmas trees – free from decorations, lights, and tinsel – on your green/brown bin day until Friday 14 February. You can also take it to one of the Christmas tree drop off points located across the city. Easy! Drop off locations:
Small electrical items, such as broken fairy lights, will be collected when placed in a clear bag on top of your food bin. 2) Dexter the dog rescued by ODS Last Friday (10 January), ODS rescued Dexter the dog after Dexter fell through thin ice in Cutteslowe Park. Quick work from ODS saw Dexter successfully retrieved from the duck island and returned to his owner. Ady Higgs, ODS' Dog Warden, said: "It was truly a team effort. While I provided support and equipment, the real credit goes to everyone involved, including colleagues from Car Parks, Parks, and Tree Services, who all came together to ensure a successful rescue. “With animal welfare as our top priority, and given the freezing temperatures and Dexter already being wet, our focus was to get him safely back to dry land, warmed up, and reunited with his owner so he could be taken to the vet for a check-up. “Everyone involved is an animal lover, and today’s effort truly demonstrated the core values of ODS. It was a great example of teamwork and doing good." 
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Throughout the year During the festive season, many of us take the time to check in on relatives or neighbours who may find it difficult to get out to the shops or who might be feeling alone and vulnerable. It’s just as important to keep this kindness going throughout the year, particularly in the early months, when people can feel a bit low after the excitement of the holidays has passed. How you can help:Test Smoke Alarms Together: Offer to check your family member’s or neighbour’s smoke alarm by pressing the button to ensure it works. This small step could save lives. Encourage Safe Smoking Practices: If your loved one smokes, remind them to avoid smoking in bed or when feeling tired. Help them set up a proper ashtray and check that cigarettes are fully extinguished. Support Cooking Safety: Help make sure they never leave cooking unattended. Set up a timer as a reminder to turn off the cooker once finished. Double-check that the cooker is switched off before bedtime or leaving the house. Staying Warm safely: If they rely on portable heaters, remind them to keep a safe distance from flammable materials and never leave them on overnight. For open fires, help them position a fireguard securely and clear the area of hazards. 2) HealthWatch
We are holding a webinar on Wednesday 5th February at 1pm at which you can share your views on the future of the NHS in England. The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England are currently asking the public for their views and ideas to help inform work on a new 10 Year Health Plan for England. Our webinar will give you the chance to hear more about the plan, and to contribute your ideas for change. Our webinar will focus on how technology could be better used in health and care. For more details about our webinar, and how you can comment on this plan, see our website here https://healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk/news/join-our-webinar-on-wednesday-5th-february-and-have-your-say-on-the-future-of-the-nhs/ (Zoom link is on this website)
Our next public webinar on Tuesday 21st January at 1pm will focus on how teams at doctors’ surgeries are changing and expanding to help patients get the care they need. GP surgeries – it’s all about teamwork will explore the range of health care professionals now working alongside GPs to make it easier for patients to access a wider variety of help from their surgery. The webinar will explain what different members of the general practice team do, and why this might mean you are seen by someone other than a GP. Full details: Join our webinar on 21st January: GP surgeries – it’s all about teamwork – Healthwatch Oxfordshire All are welcome to attend the webinar – do join us on the day using this Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84570626759?pwd=PbwZ7Sp8XWH8Q9Roq7vH2rYTFhtkhW.1#success
We would like to hear from people who have needed urgent or emergency health care in Oxfordshire in the last two years. This might include calling NHS 111 or your local GP practice, going to a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, or contacting a mental health crisis team. We’re interested in knowing what you understand about these health services, any information you have used to find out about services, and your experience of getting the right help quickly. To tell us about your experiences, please complete our short online survey Your feedback will help us understand your experiences and identify areas for improvement. This survey is anonymous – you do not have to say who you are and we will not identify you. It will be open for comments until the end of Monday 17th February 2025. Full details: Tell us about navigating urgent and emergency care services in Oxfordshire – Healthwatch Oxfordshire 3) Age UK Oxfordshire  4) Older Drivers' Forum Driving safely in winter - fitness special Winter is the time of colds and flu, but over the counter medicines can make one feel drowsy. Cold weather and lack of exercise can increase joint pain and stiffness restricting neck movement. These are examples of conditions that impact driving ability. In this month’s webinar we will focus on health issues and ways we can maintain fitness to drive. Our guest presenter is Joe May who has been teaching tai chi for 20 years. Joe will explain how tai chi improves, amongst many things, muscle strength and flexibility which are vital to maintain sensory coordination required for driving. Register for this event, here https://tinyurl.com/p6enjedd Please share this information with anyone you think it would be of value. 5) Food Recalls
David Wood Baking Ltd is recalling Farmfoods 50 Cocktail Sausage Rolls because the pack contains cheese and onion rolls which contain milk, which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. 6) Product Recall
Hazard: The product presents a high risk of injuries as the design of the product may allow it to fire projectiles inadvertently. Product Description Micro Headless Pin Nailer in black and orange Product Report and Image https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678678d03a9388161c5d23a3/2409-0073-product-safety-report-concrete-nailer.pdf
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of fire as, when extinguished, the wick continues to smoke and glow for an excessive amount of time, potentially leading to it re-igniting inadvertently. Product Description Candle in a black glass container with a screw-top lid. Product Report and Image
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of fire as there is a risk of gas leaking which, if ignited, may set fire to flammable components on the front of the gas water heater. Product Description White domestic gas water heater. Affected models were supplied between 2018 and 2023. Product Report and Image
Hazard: The product presents a risk of injuries as the backrest may not be properly secured if the pushchair is unfolded in a certain way. Product Description
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of electric shock because it is possible to access live parts. 7) Child safety If a small child swallows a button battery, the damage can be life-changing or even fatal.  8) Oxford Bus Company service update Roadworks on Cowley Road/Manzil Way14th January 11:09 - 30th Apr 2025 Between January and April 2025, there will be ad hoc roadworks on Cowley Road, these should not affect any stops but temporary traffic lights will be raised occasionally, as such we expect delays when this occurs. 9) Community Speedwatch If you are interested in setting up a Community Speedwatch please contact Lee Turnham lee.turnham@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk  10) Red hat update
Parents are encouraged to put a hat on their newborn babies while they adapt to life outside of the womb, but these red hats provide staff a visual reminder of any babies who need observations over and above the usual checks. The ward expects to use 30-50 hats a day in what will initially be a three-month project. Parents and carers can decline to use a red hat if they wish. The hats should be 13/14cm x 13/14cm flattened with a 28cm circumference. They can be plain or patterned, knitted or crocheted, using any yarn so long as it is red. Please contact Grainne.Ferrari@ouh.nhs.uk first to check if these are still needed. An auto reply will be sent with any updates. Hats can be dropped off at the Women’s Centre foyer at the John Radcliffe Hospital, as well as at the Midwifery-Led Units in Banbury (the Horton General Hospital), Wallingford, Wantage, and Chipping Norton, and Community Midwife offices. They can also be sent to Gráinne Ferrari via: Gráinne Ferrari Perinatal Risk Coordinator Midwife Clinical Governance Office, Level 4 Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington OX3 9DU. 11) WOW Guide Oxford WOW Guide is a directory of local groups and activities for older people. https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/oxford/oxford-wow-guide 12) Oxfordshire Care Awards 2025 Nominations are now open for the Oxfordshire Care Awards 2025. The awards are open to staff, volunteers and unpaid carers working in, or contributing to, care and support in the adult social care sector in Oxfordshire. There are 12 categories, including Volunteer/Unpaid Carer, Oxfordshire Hero and Long Term Service. Nominations close on Monday 3 March.
https://oacp.org.uk/oxfordshire-care-awards-2025 13) Network Rail
This week, piling work has started on the Botley Road site to install the foundations for the new rail bridge. Piling work is scheduled to take place during the day until Tuesday 25 February. Due to the close proximity to the rail bridge, some of the work involving the crane needs to be done at night when trains aren’t running. This is scheduled to take place between Thursday 23 & Sunday 26 January and Saturday 15 & Tuesday 18 February.
Thames Water are progressing with their work on both sides of the rail bridge to complete installation of the new water main.
Sunday 19 January, Network rail are carrying out maintenance and improvement works at Oxford, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Small Heath and Birmingham. All journeys that pass through the affected area(s) will take considerably longer than usual.  14) Martha's Rule It's good to see improvements in patient care since Martha's Rule was introduced, which plays an important role in making sure patients are listened to. 15) Bus service updates
600 - Redbridge PR - Thornhill PR via Greater Leys, Cowley, Hospitals From February 25th 2025 https://bustimes.org/services/600-redbridge-pr-thornhill-pr-via-greater-leys-cow
Roadworks on Cowley Road/Manzil Way14th Jan 2025 - 30th Apr 2025 Between January and April 2025, there will be ad hoc roadworks on Cowley Road, these should not affect any stops but temporary traffic lights will be raised occasionally, as such we expect delays when this occurs.
I hope you have an enjoyable week ahead Stay safe, Maggie
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