Healthwatch Oxfordshire and Community First Oxfordshire were commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council to hear from residents in 14 rural towns and villages across Oxfordshire, which, based on data and local intelligence, were identified as having significant pockets of health inequalities. This research forms part of the Oxfordshire Marmot Place work, which focuses on reducing health inequalities and tackling their underlying causes.
The 14 areas included in this project were Chalgrove, Charlbury, Chipping Norton, Cropredy, Deddington, Faringdon, Freeland, Long Hanborough, the Heyfords, Shrivenham, Sonning Common, Stanford in the Vale, Watchfield and Yarnton.
We carried out an online survey, held focus groups and spent time in each of these communities, hearing from more than 850 people in total.
As well as asking what helps people stay healthy and well, and what makes this more difficult, we also asked for their ideas on how health and wellbeing could be improved in their local area.
The report, published on the Oxfordshire Data Hub alongside a comprehensive rural areas data pack, sets out our key findings and recommendations.
It will be presented to the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board in September 2026 and will also help inform future planning and commissioning of local services.
Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with us, and to all those who supported the project, including parish and district councils, councillors, community, voluntary and patient groups, and local organisations and services.
