Community Equity
Community Equity is a core of our purpose. Flo’s hosts a number of activities, groups and projects which prioritise equitable access to healthcare, food security, education, environment, family support, wellbeing, and community activities.
Through fundraising efforts, grant funding and investment of income generated through our trading activities in Flo’s Cafe and Flo’s Refill Shop, we are able to keep these activities free to access. We believe that this work is a key part of improving quality of life and experience for many in our shared community.
Equal Start Oxford
Equal Start Oxford (originally named Early Lives, Equal Start) was founded at Flo’s in 2022 with the mission to support mothers, babies and families from the diverse migrant population of OX4 to thrive in pregnancy and early parenthood facing inequality of outcomes with maternity care and experience.
The aim was to improve the way organisations work together and with families, to shift attitudes and provide equitable access to resources to help prevent problems that can start in early life.
Flo’s is a home to The Florence Park midwife team with whom we partner. The location of midwives at Flo’s supports a community based approach to care and interventions.
You can read the latest Equal Start Oxford Impact Report here.
OX4 Food Crew
Initially an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Flo’s, along with two other founding organisations Ark-T, Waste 2 Taste became aware of the immediate impact of food shortages on our communities. Together, we responded to local needs during the peak of the pandemic, and the lockdowns that followed, by providing home cooked meals to people who were isolated, unwell and struggling to feed themselves and their loved ones.
Six years on, the alliance has expanded and the work has evolved with the support of two major grants from The National Lottery Community Fund as well as multiple community fundraising efforts. The core purpose of the alliance has not changed. The alliance has a shared mission to work together to ensure that “everyone in OX4 has enough good food, is well nourished and can thrive”.
Me and You Menu
Flo’s Me & You Menu is a ‘pay-it-forward’ food scheme which is powered by the generosity of our community. Customers and supporters can make a donation to the scheme when the make their own purchase (or at any other time!) to gift a meal or a hot drink to another person who may be in need at a future date.
Regular events, activities and groups
Flo’s is a hub for all in our community. As part of our core purposes to serve the community we offer a range of free to access activities throughout the week. More information and scheduling for all our activities can be found on our What’s On page.
Stay and Play - Getting Ready for School
Our weekly, free to access group for under fives is a place where children can explore and learn through educational play, socialise and gain skills and confidence ready for school. Our facilitate sessions offer a safe place for learning as well as offering a place for parents to gather, share and connect.
First Friday at Flo’s
Our monthly community gathering here at Flo’s on the first Friday of each month. Our themed evenings take place across our site making the most of our indoor and outdoor areas. Whether it’s flower crown making, a magic show, film night, or kids fancy dress disco each month we arrange entertainment and activities for all to enjoy. In the summer we make the most of the lighter evenings outside and in the darker months our fire pit is a popular place to gather around.
We are joined each month by our friends (and fellow OX4 Food Crew member) Oxford Community Action who put on a tasty spread for dishes with an international flair. You can also get involved in making your own dinner with the Pizza Midwife.
In addition, Flo’s Cafe opens late to serve a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and tasty treats.
Florence Park Wanderers
Our weekly walking group for those who need a gentler pace or fewer miles. This is perfect for those who may have accessibility needs, who are recovering from injury or who simply prefer a lighter form of activity. Routes remain in Florence Park and are all 40 minutes or under.
Nature Explorers
A weekly opportunity for little ones to explore and engage in nature at Kate’s Place (formally the NatureEscape) here in Florence Park. Free to join and suitable for ages 0-100 the sessions offer a weekly opportunity to get involved in and learn about the nature surrounding us. Take a look in the wildlife pond, have fun in the outdoor mud kitchen, explore the bug hotel and take note of the seasons as they shift.
Walk Talk and Tea
Remaining active and socialising with others are key supportive factors in maintaining good physical and mental wellbeing. Our weekly Walk Talk and Tea group gathers take part in gentle exercise, making most of the local area before convening back at Flo’s for a cuppa and to carry on the conversation.
Our facilitator guides the group on the routes each week to keep things varied and to make the most of the local areas and the seasonal flora and fauna - whether it’s the peeking at bluebells, exploring the local blue plaques and street art, admiring the snowdrops or marveling at the mix of trees shedding their leaves in the autumn months.