Small Steps is a children’s clothes and equipment resource, offering families of 0-10yr olds zero or low cost items. Partnering with generous hearts across Oxfordshire, we aim to provide hope and practical support for families in need.
Opening hours: 10am – 2pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Term Time Only
What IS Small Steps?
Small Steps is our first community focused initiative. We received our first referrals in December 2020, from our home at Templars Square Shopping Centre.
Through our shop, we sell low cost, high quality, pre-loved clothing. Through our referral service, we gift items, including baby baskets complete with early essentials, to those facing challenging circumstances.
We believe that every child is a gift from God. Regardless of faith or background we support and empower families of young children to thrive, one small step at a time.
Any questions or to find out more, please pop in or email us at: smallsteps@hopeoxford.org
“I had a mother who had nothing other than a babygrow for her new daughter. Small Steps have provided everything she could need to be a new first time mum. She was completely overwhelmed by all the items. I completed the referral on Friday afternoon and the items had arrived by Monday. I cannot recommend this service enough”
Free Support
You can book a slot if your family are impacted by health, financial or other significant need.
On your first visit, you can refer yourself, but you will need to give contact details of a trusted person who can verify your need. (eg school, nursery, social care or healthcare professionals, community or faith group leaders).
For return visits, you will need a referral completed on your behalf.
Charity shop
Small Steps is open as a charity shop for good quality, low cost children’s clothing, which has been highlighted as a need within our community. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10:00am – 2pm. (closed during school holidays)
There are two ways to get involved.
1: Donate Clothes and Equipment
Please check the list below for donations we’re currently accepting and note that we are unable to accept car seats, mattresses, baby walkers or any electrical item. Thank you.
We are able to receive donations during shop hours – no need to book.
NB: If second hand, please check for rips or tears and wash items before donating. We can only accept donations of clothing and bedding from smoke free homes.
Hope Oxford, is Unit 4, The Square, Templars Square Shopping Centre, OX4 3XD.
Find us in the old WH Smith unit, between Poundland and Superdrug in Templar’s Square Shopping Centre)
To access our back door for larger donation drop offs, please email smallsteps@hopeoxford.org
Items for Oxford Baby Baskets (For mums-to-be)
New or lightly used: Moses baskets (no mattresses) & stands, sheets & blankets, vests, sleep suits, hats, maternity pads, breast pads, cotton wool, nappies, wipes, lanolin, muslins, towels, baby shampoo/ soap.
Feeding
High chairs, sterilisers (for microwave), bottles, feeding pillows, weaning items e.g. bowls, spoons, bibs, cups and breast pumps (manual or without electrical plug, with all parts included & instruction manual if possible).
Slings, Pushchairs and Prams
Slings, baby/toddler carriers, All pushchair/ pram items including footmuffs, raincovers, front packs. Please ensure these are clean and fully working. (Please note: we are not able to accept car seats)
Sleeping, Bathing and CHanging
Moses baskets, cots/ travel cots, bed guards, sheets, blankets, cot mobiles, baby sleeping bags, muslins, baby towels, changing bags, changing mats, potties, nappies, toilet seats, baby baths.
(Please note: we cannot accept mattresses)
All Clothes: Ages 0 to 10 only
All forms of clothing from 0-10 years including dressing up clothes, paired socks, coats, outdoor clothing, swim-wear, plain school uniforms, tights, & new underwear.
Please note: no ripped, stained or damaged items.
If you’re able to sort them by gender and size, and provide a note of this, that would be SO helpful!
Shoes/Wellies: up to UK Size 3 (EU Size 36)
From baby-size to size 3, paired & good condition (no stains/ heavy scuffing)
Toys and Games
all toys, playmats/baby gyms and games need to have a ‘CE’ mark to show they comply with safety requirements.
Please note we do not take soft toys or devices that hold children e.g. baby walkers/ jumperoos.
Monthly wish list
Each month we plan to update this list, with the priority items that are needed. Thanks so much and watch this space!!!
Thank you for noting we cannot accept: car seats, mattresses, baby walkers or doorway bouncers, any electrical items.
2: Volunteer with us
We need all sorts of help: sorting donations, fundraising, serving people who visit us, communications, book keeping, and much more.
We have opportunities to volunteer during shop opening hours on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Please do get in touch to join our fantastic team!
Volunteering with your little one? Then ‘Fun Sorting Bags’ session every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm* is for you! Little ones have fun alongside you while you help sort donations – a warm welcome, good chat and snacks a given! Whether you have 15 minutes to spare or the whole 2 hours, we’d love to have you along.
*’Fun Sorting Bags’ takes a break to enjoy ‘Bags of Fun’, our preschool group for 0-5yr olds the first Wednesday of every month, 10:30 – 11:30am
Charity bike ride
On Hope Vineyard’s 3rd Birthday, 12th September 2020 a team of cyclists set out on a charity bike ride.
1 ride, 2 routes; one route of 111 miles, another of 56, both raising money for ‘Small Steps’.
The aim of Small Steps is to make a significant difference to a number of families currently facing hardship. This number is predicted to increase as the longer-term repercussions of the coronavirus outbreak take effect.
Read the full story in the Oxford Mail
Every child is a Gift from God
Small Steps is an initiative of Hope Vineyard Oxford. We run lots of activities for children, young people and their families.
If you would like to find out more about the value we place on children, or discover more about Hope Vineyard, then we’d invite you to explore the website and get in touch.