Category: VCI News

March 27, 2026 VCI News

Launch Video – Our New Wheelchair‑Accessible Vehicle

Launch Video – Our New Wheelchair‑Accessible Vehicle

Our Launch Video Is Here!

We are delighted to share the official video from the launch of our brand‑new wheelchair‑accessible vehicle (WAV), celebrated at our Ardington community pop‑up café.

This short film captures the excitement and warmth of the day, including interviews with volunteers, community members, and those who shared what this new service will mean for people across the Vale of White Horse.

Up Greater Accessibility Across the Vale

Our new WAV will help more local residents travel to medical appointments, social activities, community events, and everyday trips safely, comfortably, and with independence. This vehicle is a major step forward in making transport more inclusive for those who face mobility challenges.

Thank You to Motability Foundation

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Motability Foundation, whose generous grant made this vehicle possible. Their support is making a real and meaningful difference to people who depend on accessible, reliable transport.

Thank You to Our Videographer

A very special thank you goes to Lee Thomson, who filmed the launch event so brilliantly and helped us bring these stories to life.

In Case You Missed It – Hear Us on BBC Radio Oxford

Our wonderful Wendy spoke about the impact of the new service on BBC Oxfordshire’s Radio Oxford, on the Adam Ball Show.
⏰ You can listen from 1:20:00 here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002r280

Need Transport Support?

If you or someone you know could benefit from our accessible community transport service, please get in touch:
📞 01235 765348
📧 help@vci.org.uk

Watch the Video Here: https://youtu.be/mWHuq9r9xI0?si=hJZiCBH5PPwzBRyT

February 19, 2026 VCI News

VCI Launches New Wheelchair‑Accessible Transport for the Vale

VCI Launches New Wheelchair‑Accessible Transport for the Vale

Vale Community Impact (VCI) is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), funded through a generous grant from Motability Foundation.

This vital support from Motability Foundation has enabled us to expand our community transport service and offer safe, comfortable, and affordable journeys for wheelchair users across the Vale of White Horse. The new WAV will make it easier for people to get to medical appointments, social activities, day centres, shops, and to stay connected with loved ones — all while travelling with dignity and independence.

🎙️ The launch has already attracted local media interest. Our wonderful Wendy spoke live on BBC Radio Oxford on Monday 16 February, sharing how this new service will open up opportunities for residents who face mobility barriers.

🎙️ Listen to the BBC Radio Oxford interview:
Wendy appears at 1 hour 20 minutes into the programme.
👉 Adam Ball – 16/02/2026 – BBC Sounds
The WAV was officially launched at our Ardington Community Pop‑Up Café on 18 February, where volunteers, service users, and partners joined us to celebrate this exciting milestone. We’ll also be sharing a short video of the launch soon.

🌟 A huge thank you to Motability Foundation

This project would not have been possible without their funding. Their commitment to improving accessibility has had a direct and powerful impact here in the Vale, and we are deeply grateful for their support in helping us make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Motability Foundation is a registered charity set up in 1977. They fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. They oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year. They award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. They also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all. 

We would also like to thank Bellingers Garage and our dedicated volunteers for their ongoing partnership and enthusiasm.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this accessible transport service, please get in touch at 01235 765348 or help@vci.org.uk, or visit our Transport Services page.

January 27, 2026 Scams, VCI News

Phone Scam Warning for Residents Across the Vale

Phone Scam Warning for Residents Across the Vale

We want to make residents aware of several phone scams currently affecting people in Oxfordshire. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they often target older or more vulnerable individuals — but anyone can be caught out.

What’s happening?

Unsolicited text messages
Texts suggesting suspicious activity on an online account, plus a number to call. The aim is to draw you into a conversation where scammers try to obtain personal or banking details.

Impersonation of police officers
Callers pretend to be from a police station linked to Heathrow and claim documents in your name have been found. They often use bits of real personal information to sound convincing.

Bank impersonation
Fraudsters pretend to be your bank and say your money is at risk. They may urge you to transfer your funds elsewhere — something a legitimate bank will never ask you to do.

How to stay safe

  • Treat unexpected calls and texts with caution
  • Avoid calling numbers provided in messages
  • Never give out PINs or passwords
  • Hang up and call your bank using their official contact number
  • Ask a friend, neighbour, or family member if you’re unsure

Need Advice or Support? VCI is Here to Help

If you’re worried about scams, think you may have been targeted, or just want some guidance on what to do next, Vale Community Impact is here to help.

📞 Call us: 01235 765348
💻 Chat with us online: www.vci.org.uk
📍 Visit us: 16 Market Place, Wantage, OX12 8AE

We’re here to support residents across the Vale with free, confidential advice. Reach out — we’re ready to help.

January 15, 2026 Scams, VCI News

Identity Theft & Fraud: What You Need to Know

Identity theft is when your personal details are stolen—whether you’re alive or deceased. Criminals can get this information through data breaches, the dark web, or even by rifling through your post.

Identity Fraud happens when stolen details are used to obtain goods or services by deception. Victims often only find out when they receive bills or debt collection letters for things they never ordered.

Fraudsters can use your identity to:

  • Open bank accounts
  • Apply for credit cards, loans, or benefits
  • Order goods in your name
  • Take over existing accounts
  • Get genuine documents like passports

What to do if you’re a victim:

  • Contact your bank and credit card company immediately
  • Call the police on 101
  • Report via Report Fraud
  • Get support from Victim Support: 08 08 16 89 111

Extra Protection:
Cifas offers a Protective Registration Service (£25 for 2 years) to flag your details in their secure database, so companies take extra steps to verify applications.

15 Tips to Avoid Identity Theft:

  • Never share full passwords or PINs
  • Check your credit file regularly
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Keep devices updated with security software
  • Shred documents before disposal
  • Redirect post when moving house
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions
    …and more!

Need Advice or Support? VCI is Here to Help
Identity theft and fraud can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re worried about scams, fraud, or need guidance on what to do next, Vale Community Impact is here for advice and support.

📞 Call us: 01235 765348
💻 Chat with us online: www.vci.org.uk
📍 Visit us: 16 Market Place, Wantage, OX12 8AE

We’re here to help you stay safe and protect your identity.

December 16, 2025 VCI News

Festive Office Closure

Please note that for Christmas, the Vale Community Impact offices will close at 4pm on Monday, 22nd December 2025 and will reopen at 9am on Monday, 5th January 2026.

During this period, voicemails and emails will be monitored daily for urgent issues.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish all our community members a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 9, 2025 VCI News

12 Scams of Christmas – Stay Safe This Festive Season

12 Scams of Christmas – Stay Safe This Festive Season

The festive period should be full of joy, but unfortunately, it’s also a peak time for scammers. From fake delivery texts to bogus charity appeals, fraudsters are working hard to take advantage of the season.

We’ve put together a guide to help you stay safe.

The 12 Most Common Christmas Scams

  1. Fake Delivery Notifications – Texts or emails claiming you missed a parcel delivery.
  2. Bogus Charity Appeals – Scammers posing as charities asking for donations.
  3. Gift Card Scams – Requests to buy gift cards as payment for fake services.
  4. Online Shopping Fraud – Fake websites offering deals that are too good to be true.
  5. Social Media Giveaways – “Win a prize” posts that steal your personal details.
  6. Fake Travel Deals – Holiday offers that disappear after you pay.
  7. Romance Scams – Fraudsters exploiting loneliness during the holidays.
  8. Phishing Emails – Messages pretending to be from trusted companies.
  9. Fake Competitions – Asking for bank details to claim a prize.
  10. Counterfeit Goods – Cheap imitations sold as branded products.
  11. Loan & Investment Scams – Quick cash offers with hidden traps.
  12. Energy Bill Scams – Fake discounts or refunds to steal your details.

What to Do If You’re Worried

  • Stop and Think – Don’t click links or share details without checking.
  • Verify the Source – Contact the company or charity directly using official details.
  • Report It – Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.
  • Get Advice – VCI can help. Call us on 01235 765348 or visit www.vci.org.uk.

Stay safe, share this guide, and help protect friends and family this Christmas.
💙 Find more tips and support at www.vci.org.uk

November 18, 2025 Fundraising, VCI News

Raise Free Funds for Vale Community Impact While You Shop Online!

Raise Free Funds for Vale Community Impact While You Shop Online!

Did you know you can support Vale Community Impact every time you shop online — at no extra cost to you?

We’ve partnered with Easyfundraising, a free platform that turns your everyday shopping into donations for VCI. Simply shop through the Easyfundraising app and retailers will donate a percentage of what you spend to us.

Special Bonus This Month

Sign up via the Easyfundraising app and VCI will receive a £2 bonus for every new supporter! But hurry — bonuses are limited.

Why Join?

  1. Raise free funds for VCI whenever you shop online this Black Friday and Christmas
  2. It costs you nothing — retailers cover the donation
  3. Quick and easy to set up

Where Can You Shop?

Thousands of retailers are included, such as:
Amazon, Tesco, John Lewis, M&S, Argos, eBay, Booking.com — and many more!

How to Get Started

Download the Easyfundraising app and sign up here:
👉 https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/easyfundraising-app/?causeId=274109&utm_term=CE942
Search for Vale Community Impact and create your account
Start shopping and raising free funds!

📺 Watch this short video guide: How to sign up
📄 Need help? Download our step-by-step guide.

Important: The £2 bonus only applies if you sign up via the app, not the website.

October 21, 2025 VCI News

Advice Week 2025

Advice Week 2025: Why #AdviceSavesLives

This week, Vale Community Impact is proud to join advice centres across the UK in celebrating Advice Week 2025 — a national campaign highlighting the life-changing impact of advice services and the urgent need to invest in the people who deliver them.

At VCI, we offer free, confidential advice and support to help people across the Vale of White Horse navigate life’s challenges. From debt and housing to benefits and cost-of-living support, our advisers are here to help when it matters most.

🎥 Watch the Advice Saves film below to hear powerful stories from advisers across the UK and see why investing in the advice sector is vital to supporting people in crisis:

If you live in the Vale of White Horse and need advice, please get in touch — we’re here to help:
📞 Call us: 01235 765348
📧 Email: help@vci.org.uk
🌐 Visit: www.vci.org.uk

October 16, 2025 Events, VCI News

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024/25

We are pleased to announce our Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Vale Community Impact, Charity 1161144, will be held on Thursday, 30th October 2025 and commence at 3 pm. Our AGM will be held virtually via an online meeting with Microsoft Teams. Please let us know if you want to join our AGM by emailing help@vci.org.uk or telephone our team at 01235 355256.

We would be delighted if you could attend ‘virtually’. Details can be found on the image above.

If you have any questions in advance, please do contact us.

September 18, 2025 VCI News

Win Book a Token

📚 Win Book Tokens – Open to All Families

Winners: Celebrating Our Book Token Winners! – Vale Community Impact

Vale Community Impact (VCI) is running a Book Token Competition to raise awareness of the free support we offer to families across the Vale of White Horse – and it is open to everyone in the Vale of White Horse to take part!

We know many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, especially as winter approaches. VCI is here to help with free, confidential advice on:

  • Debt and budgeting
  • Benefits and employment rights
  • Housing and consumer issues
  • And much more

To help spread the word, we’re inviting parents, carers, and families to enter our Book Token Competition.

🎁 Prizes

For Children:
🥇 1st Prize – £75 book token
🥈 2nd Prize – £50 book token

For Schools:
🥇 1st Prize – £200 book token
🥈 2nd Prize – £100 book token

📝 How to Enter

  • Fill out the entry form: download here.
  • Drop it into a collection box at your child’s school or email your details to help@vci.org.uk.
  • Entries must be received by Friday 28th November.
  • Winners will be drawn and prizes delivered before Christmas.

By entering, you agree that VCI may store your details to offer support if needed. We will never share your information with anyone else. One entry per household. VCI’s decision is final.
If you’d prefer not to be contacted about support, just tick the box on the form or let us know in your email.