Family Arena based in Cowley, Oxford, is an inclusive community project with the local neighbourhood at the heart of its activities.

It is a community anchor space where local residents can connect, learn and grow, or have a chat so they don’t feel alone or an outsider.

Born out of a need to help stave off the isolation felt by new migrant and refugee groups living in Oxford city, Family Arena aims to integrate its service users into society by providing education, childcare, clothing and a social life.

The project boasts a successful clothing partnership with the British Red Cross for families in need and vulnerable individuals to receive free brand new high street clothes, by referral from support agencies or charities.

Adult literacy sessions in basic computer skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with Saturday morning tutorials for children aged 8-16 years (resumes in September), are also available to help develop skills and confidence and increase employability.

Additionally the group is hosting a free careers session on Thursday, August 2, from 11am-4pm, where the National Careers Office will be providing advice on writing a CV and completing job application forms, and one-to-one feedback on CVs.

It takes place in Hollow Way, Cowley, with free parking and childcare provision. Register for the event and book a CV session on telephone 01865 402108 or 07572 069 811.

Family Arena was set up by Word Fountain Christian Ministries as a self-help group in 2007 to celebrate 200 years of the abolition of slavery.

Social integration, inclusion and economic empowerment of the African, Afro Caribbean and other growing migrant communities are qualities that drive the project forward to each new level.

Word Fountain is celebrating its 10th Anniversary and has free family activities planned to thank the community for their support: Mini Olympics at Horspath Playground, Cowley, on Sunday, July 29, 11am-2pm; Worship and Intercession on Friday, August 3, 6.30pm-9.30pm; Anniversary Banquet on Saturday, August 4, 6.30pm-9.30pm; and Anniversary Thanksgiving on Sunday, August 5, 11am-2pm.

Visit www.familyarena.org or email info@familyarena.org for more information or to book for any of these Family Arena activities.