COMMUNITY groups have praised the impact of the Oxford Mail can have on neighbourhoods as we give you the chance to shape this paper’s future.

A series of focus groups will be held later this month for readers to suggest improvements.

You will get a chance to say what you like and don’t like about our coverage and what you would like to see more of.

We will listen to feedback and try to put as much as we can into the paper. Gannett, the Mail’s parent company, has given thousands of pounds to community groups through The Gannett Foundation.

Without this money many community organisations would have crumbled.

Last year Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground got £6,590 for a new noticeboard and upgrades that triggered more funding. Secretary Sue Price said: “Not many people wanted to help out financially but the Oxford Mail believed in us and that allowed us to get more funding and we are where we are today.” Other charitable donations included £10,800 for learning disability social enterprise Yellow Submarine for a new smoothie and sandwich bar at its Park End Street headquarters.

It also gave £2,879 towards a stage for Oxfordshire Playbus to run talent shows.

Manager Tym Soper, 47, said: “The money was a massive help and has really helped us get going.

“People who know us know what we do and what we are capable of, but featuring in the Oxford Mail got the word out there and opened the door to more opportunities.

It’s been a massive lift for the kids.”

Oxford Mail editor Simon O’Neill said: “This is a chance for readers to have a big say in the future of our newspaper.”

“They are the perfect judges on how best we can improve our every day coverage and we welcome their involvement on the focus groups.”