The Branch Trust was established in 2020 to draw alongside those in need in Chipping Norton and the surrounding area, working in the most deprived neighbourhood in West Oxofrdshire. We know that the families we seek to support are amongst the 20% most deprived in the country, and that skills and attainment levels are in the lowest 10% nationally (IMD2019). Rural isolation means a lack of access to services and debt, domestic abuse and poor mental health are common challenges.
In June 2024, the charity opened a community hub in the centre of Chipping Norton, The Branch, to restore access to vital services, over come barriers, build hope, create opportunity and transform lives. In just over 6 months of being open they have seen a 3 fold increase in access to the services they offer, serving up to 200 people a week.
The Branch focuses on collaboration, with a desire to work with other organisations to improve outcomes for our community. We currently run 31 programmes with a focus on early intervention and a holistic approach, working with individuals and whole families to break generational cycles of deprivations.
