Oxford is set to host a one-day “climate hub” event tomorrow, Saturday, 7th June, bringing together residents, campaigners, and community groups to explore grassroots solutions to the climate crisis.
Organised by local charity Climate Collective Oxford, the THRIVE Oxford event will transform Wesley Memorial Hall into a hands-on space for climate action, conversation, and community building.
From expert talks to craft workshops and local stalls, the day offers a first glimpse at what a permanent climate hub in Oxford could look like.
What Is a Climate Hub?
Climate hubs are dedicated spaces where local people can gather to learn about climate change, take meaningful action, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Across the UK, towns and cities are creating these hubs to empower residents with tools, information, and a sense of shared purpose.
Event Details at a Glance
- Location: Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DH
- Date: Saturday 7th June 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Who’s Speaking on the Day?
The speaker line-up reflects the breadth of Oxford’s climate and community voices, featuring:
- Pete Sudbury – former Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and a long-standing environmental advocate
- Mini Grey – award-winning children’s author and illustrator
- Roman Krznaric – social philosopher and bestselling author of The Good Ancestor
They’ll be joined by Councillor Louise Upton, the Lord Mayor of Oxford, who will speak in support of Climate Collective Oxford’s mission to create a permanent climate hub for the city.
Activities & Stalls:
- Nature crafts with Parents for Future Oxford
- Singing workshop by Oxford Climate Choir (final hour)
- Stalls from groups including SHARE Oxford, Oxfordshire Liveable Streets, Replenish, and more
- Five climate action zones: Food, Travel, Energy, Waste, Nature
What to Expect on the Day
THRIVE Oxford will be spread across two rooms, one focused on talks and discussion, the other buzzing with interactive stalls and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a parent, student, policy-maker, or simply curious about sustainability, there’ll be something for everyone.
- For children: Nature craft sessions
- For creatives: A singing workshop to end the day on a high note
- For changemakers: Networking with local organisations and campaigners
- For everyone: A showcase of practical climate solutions you can support or join
What the Organisers and Volunteers Say
“As we hear more and more about horrendous climate impacts around the world (and closer to home, with the flooding we’ve seen lately), there is massive appetite for more fair and effective climate action – but it’s sometimes really hard for people to know where to start. Our event – and our hub when we get one – will be a place where people can come to get answers, make connections, and start to see all the positive things that come along with acting to protect our world.”
April Jones, Trustee of Climate Collective Oxford
My concerns about the climate crisis and for my children’s future – and future generations – led me to volunteer with Climate Collective Oxford. I have found the experience very positive for a number of reasons: it gives me the opportunity to work with individuals and organisations that are working to effect positive change at the local level; it gives me access to information about what is – and can be – done in our communities to tackle the effects of climate change and address social injustice; and it offers me a means to act on my concerns in solutions-focused way. I really believe in the need for cities to establish climate centres in order to give local communities access to necessary information, tools, and community, to be able to empower community action in response to the threats posed by the climate crisis.
Arianna, local volunteer
How You Can Support the Permanent Climate Hub
This one-day event is just the beginning. To make a permanent climate hub a reality, Climate Collective Oxford welcomes your support:
- Sign up to their mailing list for updates
- Follow them on social media (@ClimateCollectiveOxford)
- Donate to the crowdfunding campaign (details at the event)
- Volunteer your time or skills
- Share this event with friends and neighbours
Who are Climate Collective Oxford?
Climate Collective Oxford is a local charity working to establish a permanent community climate hub in central Oxford. Formed in 2023 in response to growing public demand for accessible climate education and action, the group aims to create a welcoming space where individuals, community groups, and local businesses can come together to learn, collaborate, and take practical steps toward a more sustainable and equitable Oxfordshire.
The proposed hub will offer a wide range of resources and activities, from energy-saving advice and repair cafés to talks, workshops, and a community library, all designed to empower residents to take meaningful climate action in their daily lives. Backed by Oxford City Council and inspired by successful hubs across the UK, Climate Collective Oxford is rooted in values of care, inclusion, and cooperation, helping people connect climate solutions with community wellbeing.
Be Part of Oxford’s Climate Future
Whether you’re just starting to explore environmental issues or already involved in sustainability, THRIVE Oxford is your chance to see what a community-led climate future could look like.
Join on 7th June to learn, connect, and help shape Oxford’s response to the climate crisis, from the ground up.
