Leisure activities
It is easy to neglect your own needs and interests when you are busy caring for someone. Remembering to take time out, unwind and enjoy yourself is a way of looking after your own wellbeing and coping with stressful and demanding circumstances.
Below are some ideas for leisure activities that might be of interest to you.
Carers get 25% off all treatments at the Spa at the Randolph, Oxford. To book telephone the Spa on 01865 256485 (to qualify for this discount you need to be a carer and in touch with one of the Oxfordshire Carers' Centres)
Carers Wellbeing Group - Access to gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room at Blakes Leisure Club, Witney plus a light lunch, all for only £5. To find out more contact Nicola on 01993 772886 or 07980 329016
Oxfordshire carers' centres offer a range of leisure activities including complimentary therapies, stress reduction, as well as carers groups and courses, events and day trips.
- Rethink – Time Out scheme for people who care for someone with a severe mental illness includes free complimentary health vouchers, workshops and courses, respite breaks and carer support groups. 01865 455876
- The Kiloran Trust – offering residential respite breaks in London for carers. 0207 602 7404
- The Clive Project offers support for the family and friends of younger people with dementia and has a schedule of social events and exchange meetings. 01993 891955 or 01865 821699
- Support groups in Oxfordshire where people with dementia and those that care for them can meet others who are also living with dementia and enjoy lunch or tea together as well as other entertainment such as hand-bell ringing and tea dances.
- Shotover Day Centre opens on Saturdays and offers carers the opportunity to have a few hours to themselves, as well as the person they care for to have an interesting and stimulating Saturday. 01865 787315
For some leisure activities carers go for free if they are supporting the person they care for. In some cases the person with the disability may be asked to prove that they are in receipt of a disability-related benefit in order for the carer to go for free.
- Free courses in English, computers, sewing, book-keeping and much more.
- OXSRAD - offers sports, recreational and leisure activities that are accessible to all. By becoming a member you are entitled to use facilities at a small cost per activity.
- Free courses in meditation, positive thinking and stress-free living at the Brahma Kumaris spiritual centre
- Oxfordshire libraries – read books in a variety of formats, use the internet, research local and family history, get community information, reading groups and much more.
- Visit museums for free in Oxfordshire. For a list of venues
- Visit art galleries for free in Oxfordshire. For a list of venues
- Harcourt Arboretum
- Walking the way to health – health walks in Oxfordshire
- Age Concern Oxfordshire have a wide range of activities for people over 50 throughout the county. These include: exercise classes, holiday opportunities, creative art trips, information fairs, lunches, dinners and drop-in clubs
- The Women’s Institute has meetings in towns and villages throughout Oxfordshire
- Oxfordshire bowling clubs
- Sports and social clubs in Oxfordshire
Printable page