High quality clothes and equipment for families who need it most, for free, including baby baskets (moses baskets full of brand new items suitable for newborn-6 month old babies)

We want to be here for everyone in a time of need: from those new to the country who don’t yet know anyone, to those finding themselves in difficult circumstances. For those having a baby for the first time and feeling overwhelmed, to those who are unsure how they will cover the cost of all their children’s essentials. We want to be a service that shares love and hope through providing time, dignity and high quality items as well as offering a place to talk, connect, signpost and pray, as desired.

Parents and carers can refer themselves or be referred by a professional for the opportunity to choose equipment (such as pushchairs) and children’s clothing that would otherwise be difficult for them to access. Once a referral has been made an appointment will be booked for a family. A personal shopping experience is offered during these appointments by one of our fantastic volunteers. There is an opportunity to chat and signposting to other supportive services and a prayer of blessing is offered if suitable for the family.

We believe in loving our neighbour as ourselves, as this is what Jesus invites us to do and we join with others who want to do the same, regardless of faith or background.

More than a shop or service, we provide a warm welcome, time to talk, connect, belong and build community. We meet people where they are and journey together through the joys and challenges of raising a family.

We meet practical needs by providing high quality, low cost or free items for growing families. Small Steps offers all a quality shopping experience; one of dignity and ease in a well organised and beautifully displayed shop.

Many of us know what is to be in need! Whether time, skills or finances we all have something to share. We want to help the generous in our city meet the needs of those currently under-resourced. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to ‘give back’ as this helps develop self worth, skills and stronger communities. We do this through our Community Wednesdays, and other opportunities at ‘Small Steps – Hope Oxford’, situated in the heart of East Oxford’s Templars Square Shopping Centre.

If you would like to ask a question related  to making a referral, donating items or anything please email us on: smallsteps@hopeoxford.org 

We cannot run our services without our amazing volunteers, and if you’d like to, it could be you! We want Small Steps to be a place where everyone can belong, contribute and develop new skills. We believe everyone, whatever their age and background should have an opportunity to volunteer and make a difference, including those with little ones in tow. Hence on our ‘Community Wednesdays’ we run ‘Fun Sorting Bags’ where everyone including parents/carers with young children can help organise donations and build friendships. On these days we close the shop and set out a well equipped play area so children are able to have fun alongside the adults. And on the first Wednesday of the month, we have ‘Bags of Fun’, where we put everything aside to prioritise and focus on the smallest members of our community with songs and story time.

If you would like to support local families by giving your time we would love to hear from you.

Our support of local families relies on people kindly donating preloved children’s clothing and equipment. If you would like to make a donation please click on the link below which will give a list of what we can and cannot accept.

If you’re unsure, do email us at smallsteps@hopeoxford.org

Drop offs can happen during opening hours, and due to our staffing resources, please come round the front of the shop to make deliveries.

We are very grateful for your support. Thank you!

Generosity through financial donations from individuals as well as local organisations, churches and businesses is what has enabled Small Steps to run in the way that it does. This is how we provide free items to referrals, keeping prices low, and also enabling us to host community groups and activities.

Individual giving is incredibly valuable. If you would like to make either a one off or regular financial donation to the work of Small Steps you can use the link below to donate funds online.

We also hope to develop mutually beneficial relationships with many more local businesses and organisations over the next few years, and celebrate those who are partners in making this good thing happen. It may be that you’re involved in corporate social responsibility within your organisation and would like to discuss how you might support our work in other ways. Do get in touch if you have any questions or if you’d like begin supporting Small Steps financially by emailing smallsteps@hopeoxford.org

We are very grateful for your support. Thank you!