A programme distributing more than £44,000 to boost climate resilience across Oxfordshire has supported over 50 community initiatives.
The scheme, financed by Oxfordshire County Council and managed by Community Action Groups Oxfordshire, will back 54 initiatives run by 31 different organisations.
The work targets consequences of severe weather conditions including heatwaves, flooding, droughts, and storms.
Katherine Chesson, who leads CAG Oxfordshire, explained that the organisation assists local leaders who then help residents within their own neighbourhoods.
She noted that the council funding enables direct investment in neighbourhood knowledge and skills, building stronger, more prepared communities facing climate and nature challenges.
This year’s allocation marks a substantial rise from the previous year when 12,000 pounds was divided among 11 groups.
Grants awarded this time span from 85 pounds up to 3,000 pounds and will finance activities such as making homes more heat-resistant, establishing cooler public areas, planting trees, growing food, collecting rainwater, and addressing climate-related anxiety.
The programme also acknowledges that responses to climate change affect physical and mental health.
Recent flooding incidents across Oxfordshire have caused financial hardship and psychological strain, with such difficulties anticipated to occur more regularly as extreme weather becomes more common.
Among the beneficiaries, Cherwell Collective obtained support across three distinct funding streams covering home safety during hot weather, neighbourhood emergency preparedness, and climate anxiety support.
Victoria Russell, who manages the programme at Cherwell Collective, expressed appreciation for CAG Oxfordshire’s ongoing assistance and indicated the resources would enable the group to address climate-related stress while continuing its work promoting responsible waste management through a local initiative.
The local authority has been prioritising heat resilience through various workshops, information sessions, and seminars throughout the year.
Financial support has enabled community groups to recruit a coordination specialist to develop neighbourhood-based learning and expand local capabilities.
A fresh network focused on sharing best practices for resilience building has been established, with its inaugural gathering planned for September 2026.