We’ve had another busy week at OMA. We are experiencing high levels of emergency parcel requests that are increasing week to week.
Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support and participate with OMA.
Solidarity with striking workers
We stand in solidarity with striking workers this week – continuing to fight for better pay and working conditions including teachers, rail workers, university staff, civil service workers, health care workers and more. We continue to support efforts to affirm job security and pay rises in line with inflation, as the continued cost of living crisis puts increased pressures on millions across the country.
You can read more about the campaigns for working rights happening across the country here
Trialing a 6-day week
Thank you so much for supporting us for another brilliant week at O.M.A. We are beginning with a new trial of a 6-day week. This means that we will now be closed on Saturdays. This means that we will not be open for regular parcel deliveries, receipt of donations, emergency parcel requests, or collections at the Hall, and that our staff and volunteer teams will not be available to respond to queries or concerns until the following day. All our parcels have been brilliantly reorganised to ensure that all regular deliveries can continue as normal – thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible.
As always, if you or anyone you know is in need of support, please reach out to us on any day except Tuesday and Saturday and read through our signposting leaflet with more support options across the City here.
Rainbow families at Flo’s
Join Flo’s for a friendly drop in celebrating and welcoming all families in the LGBTQ+ community.
Weekly on Mondays from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Meeting Room at Flo’s – The Place in the Park Rymers Lane OX4 3JZ
No need to book, just drop in on the day!
There will be toys, crafts and games for little ones, in a relaxed setting where you can meet other families and chat over a cup of tea.
No charge. Suggested donation of £2/£3 for room hire costs
All enquiries to victoria@flosoxford.org.uk
Drivers and bikers urgently needed
As we’re moving to a new 6 day programme this means that we are delivering more parcels than previously each day to accommodate both emergency and regular deliveries. If you have any time during the day then please let us know – anything from 20 minutes to three hours is brilliant. We are struggling with increased numbers of requests and are concerned we will not be able to deliver emergency parcels on certain days should we not increase our driver/biker capacity.
Routes are available flexibly in terms of location, time and regularity. You can either sign up on an ad-hoc basis or for a regular shift – whatever works for you! We have routes in locations from OX1 to OX5 for both bikes and cars. If you’re interested in helping out please email us on volunteering@oxfordmutualaid.org.
Fresh veg and fruit needed
One of our main suppliers weren’t able to help us out last week, which means we are very short on fresh fruit and veg.
Without more supplies we will not have enough food for our parcels
If you have any capacity to donate, please bring or send donations of fruit and veg to 276 Cowley Road, OX4 1UR
Everything is welcome no matter how small, and all helps to ensure our parcels are nutritionally balanced and healthy!
It would also be great if you could support us with any of the following (click to order):
Mutual Aid and Grassroots Community Action on Film
As part of Future Co-ops conference, there will be a public screening of ‘From Below’, which will be followed by a Q&A and discussion session with the producer and lead researcher on the project, Dr Oli Mould.
The event is Friday 10th Feb 15.00-17.00 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel (Godstow Road, Oxford, OX2 8AL).
From Below is a documentary film showcasing mutual aid and grassroots community action that helped feed and comfort the vulnerable during the covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. The film focuses on specific towns and cities across the North and South of England and speaks to how community action can be supported in order to help people in future crises, both of the climate and of the economy. From Below is part of a broader research project, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council.
Tickets cost £10 each. You can book here: https://futures.coop/from-below-screening/
Feedback
Although unnecessary, we are grateful for the wonderful feedback we receive each week.
The meals transformed her. she was was under 6 stone and put on a lot of weight, and she was so excited. It was like a little treat every week
I really appreciate being able to speak to someone and have my questions answered, thank you
Thanks so much for supporting us in this difficult moments for us we really appreciate it. OMA is a fantastic team