Response – Oxfordshire’s largest independent mental health charity – will cut the ribbon on a new activities hub at its Scrutton Close centre in Headington to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.
The centre will deliver activities to support residents’ mental, emotional and social development with workshops including art, music and craft sessions, cooking classes, budgeting, independent living training, gardening, exercise and social gatherings.
Sessions will support the site’s wider objective to help residents build confidence, regain stability and move forwards in their recovery after being discharged from intensive care services.
The space has been developed following a successful £20,000 grant application, with additional support from G W Bartington Will Trust and a second major donor.
Once open, it will support Scrutton Close’s existing mental health support provisions which include 15 self-contained apartments, a communal garden and compassionate support through recovery planning, daily living skills and medication management.
Emma Murphy, Associate Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Response, said the centre will not only support residents’ recovery but also their long-term wellbeing.
“Scrutton Close plays a critical role in our team’s work to transform lives through tailored mental health care and housing support,” said Emma.
“It provides a safe, supportive, environment for those who are taking their first steps towards independent living after leaving 24-7 intensive care services.
“Cutting the ribbon on a new activity centre will mark a milestone moment for the site, and its ability to help residents foster both independence and strong connections so people can move forwards with their lives.
“Right now, many activities delivered at Scrutton happen in shared spaces – which are not always suitable for group engagement. This new centre will give residents a space of their own, and create a real sense of community which aligns to our role of helping people become the best version of themselves.”
Figures released by Response in its latest impact report found only two per cent of residents in the charity’s care were readmitted back into hospital from February 2025 onwards.
The same report highlighted the charity’s work to reduce the burden – and long-term costs – imposed on statutory services, and prevent the risk of homelessness a person might face upon discharge.
Emma added: “Positive mental health begins with secure housing.
“It is the foundation required for an individual to feel safe and in control of their life, regardless of the personal pressures they might be experiencing.
“The overwhelming majority of residents in our care reach a point where they can not only maintain their wellbeing in the community, but also fulfil a positive life and be part of society.
“Scrutton’s new activity centre will only strengthen our outcomes, and we look forward to cutting the ribbon next month.”