Oxfordshire has long been a county associated with wealth and privilege.
But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll discover a deepening mental health crisis where demand for support services is growing at an exponential level.
For example, one in seven adults in our county are estimated to have a common mental health condition.
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More than 9,500 children aged 10 to 19 were referred to mental health services last year, and referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) locally have increased between 60 per cent and 80 per cent in the last decade.
Those aren’t particularly cheerful statistics given the time of year.
But it is the reality of a system where NHS and local authorities’ services are under unprecedented strain owing to sharp rises in demand and insufficient resources.
As a result, many people with multiple disadvantage are left without support because they have not yet reached thresholds for care.
Response works alongside statutory services to support people at this point, often stepping in before needs escalate into crisis.
Unbeknown to many, Response is Oxfordshire’s largest independent mental health charity.
Our roots can be traced back to the 1960s when staff at Littlemore Hospital would support people to live independently in the community.
Much of our operation today centres around delivering the outcomes of our predecessors through supportive housing provisions which range from 24/7 staffed residencies to single independent flats.
A Response client who needs care (Image: Fortitude Communications)
Also, a greater focus on preventative care by providing early mental health support services to aid a person’s recovery long before their potential moment of crisis.
This is a multi-pronged approach which supports existing services provided by the NHS and local authorities, all while delivering care to those in need so they can maintain optimum levels of independence.
Transferring responsibility from the NHS and local authorities to local mental health organisations is critical in the present climate to ensure it can function optimally and prioritise patient resource where it is needed most.
When someone is ready to leave hospital, moving into specialist mental health housing like ours, should happen without delay.
Response’s supported housing provides a safe, home-like environment where people can regain confidence, rebuild daily routines, and rediscover a sense of purpose. In a more normalised setting, stress and anxiety are often reduced, mental wellbeing improves, and support can be tailored to the individual.
Our residents also benefit from opportunities like trips to the seaside, access to sporting equipment, SIM cards with free data to stay digitally connected, and practical help with cooking, budgeting, and daily life skills. These services help people build independence, confidence, and a sense of normalcy, essential for long-term recovery.
Many residents go on to live independently and make a positive contribution to society, including those who continue to live with chronic long-term mental health conditions. With the right support, residents can pursue work, education, hobbies, and community involvement, showing that recovery and meaningful participation in society are possible.
Volunteers at the Oxford Half Marathon raising funds for Response (Image: Fortitude Communications)
Supported housing not only transforms individual lives, it also eases pressure on NHS wards, the local authority and ensures public resources are used effectively.
According to the CQC’s State of Care report from October 2024, the primary reason a person stays in a hospital bed longer than required is due to a lack of social-care capacity, not their clinical needs.
It adds that delayed discharges are frequently caused by people waiting for a care home place, or home care support.
Mindful of our capabilities and capacity to help at Response through supportive housing and rapid rehousing, we are committed to building on existing services and working in partnership with local health and social care providers to achieve even better outcomes for people in Oxfordshire and beyond.
We believe greatly in the power of a trauma informed holistic support model, where an individual’s needs, preferences and aspirations are all at the heart of their care – the opposite to a one-size-fits-all model.
This process helps people to establish a sense of belonging, develop independent living skills and work towards good physical health.
Providing a roof over a person’s head is the starting point. Person centred support and care is what makes recovery sustainable, and – often – permanent to an individual.
It’s been a challenging year for many people and their mental health capacity, fuelled by further rises to the cost of living, global events and social media comparison culture.
But I believe we can look forward to 2026 with hope, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm knowing that through collaboration, dedication and the extraordinary work of our team we can help those with mental health challenges and complex needs to be the best version of themselves.
Nicola Leavesley, CEO of Response.
