Close

Contributing to our local community

At Oxford Brookes, we are passionate about our community and we value our relationships with our neighbours. Our staff, students and alumni support and promote several community events. Here's an overview of just some of the ways in which we contribute to our community.

Community-friendly open campus

We have an open campus at Oxford Brookes. You’re welcome to take a walk around our beautiful gardens. Or you could attend an open lecture, free documentary or art exhibition.

Our services and facilities include:

  • Brookes Sport Centre
  • Library
  • Our award-winning Brookes Restaurant
  • Bank
  • Dentist
  • Costcutter shop
  • Glass Tank exhibition space.

Oxford park

Supporting local community events

Headington Festival

Headington Festival is an annual family event. Our Oxford Brookes stall gives us the chance to get to know residents better and learn about local issues and plans.


Headington festival

Cowley Road Carnival

We are proud sponsors of the Cowley Road Carnival. Attracting over 50,000 visitors every year, it is the biggest community event in Oxfordshire. Our team takes part in the procession and we also have a dedicated 'Oxford Brookes Zone' where we can showcase areas of the University and provide lots of fun activities for all ages.

Cowley Road carnival

Collaboration with local groups

Oxford United Community Sports Trust (OUCST)

The OUCST work with hundreds of children every year in schools and grassroots clubs. Using football as a tool, the trust promotes fitness and helps young people engage with their education. As well as helping to develop confidence, aspiration and important life skills.

With OUCST, we organised for Zayn Khan (13) to be Oxford United’s official mascot at the Wembley Final in April 2017. A keen footballer, Zayn trains weekly with Cumnor Minors at Brookes Sport. On the day, Zayn met the Oxford United team and played football on the pitch. Reflecting on his experience, Zayn said “We had an unlucky game, but this experience was once in a lifetime and I’m very proud and thankful for the day and the time that was given to me by all.”

We also sponsor the Manor Club which aims to combat isolation in our local communities by bringing football fans together. Every month, senior ‘Yellows’ and Oxford residents can meet and socialise over lunch and listen to inspiring speakers from the world of football.

Headington Action

A member of our team attends the bi-monthly meetings to share university updates. We also take part in events such as the Headington Festival and Christmas lights.

Volunteering

volunteers in a park

We encourage our students to become active citizens in the community. Volunteering opportunities range from long term sustainable projects to one-off activities.

Our staff volunteering policy allows staff to apply for up to two paid days a year to attend volunteering activities as individuals or with their team. The staff volunteering project aims to make volunteering at Brookes and in the community easier by:

  • exploring integration in team away days
  • providing a dedicated staff volunteering platform
  • running an annual volunteering campaign.