Cornhill Companions exists to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older people in Banbury and the surrounding villages. Friendship, practical help, and meaningful social opportunities, ensuring that no one feels forgotten or alone.
Cornhill Companions began in April 2017 with a clear purpose: to make sure older people in Banbury and the surrounding villages never feel forgotten or alone. Many of the people we support may go days without a friendly chat or social contact, and our volunteers step in to bring warmth, connection, and practical help.
We are entirely self‑funded and volunteer‑led, driven by the belief that small acts of kindness can transform someone's day — and sometimes their whole outlook. As a branch of the Royal Voluntary Service, we are proud to continue a long tradition of neighbourliness and community support.
Our work is simple, human, and deeply valued: we help people feel seen, heard, and part of their community again.
Friendship is one of the most important things in life. Nothing can turn your day around like a smile from a friendly face, a heartfelt hug, or a lovely chat over a cup of tea.
We treat every person with warmth, patience, and understanding. Small acts of kindness can change someone's whole day.
We believe that human contact — a chat, a smile, a shared moment — is essential to wellbeing.
We are rooted in Banbury and its surrounding villages, supporting local people through local volunteers.
We honour each person's story, independence, and individuality.
Our volunteers show up with consistency and care, offering dependable support week after week.
We help in ways that empower people, never patronise them, and always respect their choices.
We offer a range of practical and social support designed to ease loneliness and help people stay connected.
Weekly home visits for conversation and company. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly face and a cup of tea.
Regular friendly chats by phone. Hearing a warm voice can brighten your whole day.
Help with shopping and errands, and other neighbourly tasks that make daily life easier.
Our volunteers also help with gardening and tidying around the home, provide regular respite for carers of people living with dementia, and can signpost to other local organisations to help people access the wider support they need.
Josephine's visits are like a ray of sunshine on a cold winter's day.Brenda and her husband, on their volunteer companion
We believe that shared experiences bring people together. Throughout the year, we host a variety of social events that help build friendships and create moments of joy.
Tuesday, 10am to 1:30pm. A shared meal and good company in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Booking required.
Tuesday, 10am to 12 noon. A free drop‑in friendship group for the over 55s. Bring your knitting, colouring, crochet, or just yourself. No need to book, just turn up.
Monthly outings to interesting places. A chance to get out, see somewhere new, and enjoy the day with others.
Afternoon Tea gatherings, our annual summer BBQ, and other seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
These events are open, friendly, and designed to help people reconnect with their community in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Our volunteers are the heart of Cornhill Companions. They bring warmth, patience, humour, and a genuine desire to help others. Whether you have an hour a week or a little more, your time can make a real difference to someone who may be feeling isolated.
Volunteering with us is flexible, rewarding, and rooted in simple human connection. You don't need special skills — just kindness, reliability, and a willingness to be a friendly face.
If you'd like to help brighten someone's week, we'd love to welcome you to the team.
Get in touch and we'll tell you everything you need to know about volunteering.
Get in TouchThe people who keep Cornhill Companions running. Volunteers who get as much from being part of this as those who use our service.
Over 30 years' experience working with older people. Keeps the wheels turning, matches volunteers with clients, and is a befriender herself.
A lifetime of number-crunching, now managing our budgets. Her weekly visits always involve good chat, plenty of tea, and cake.
A volunteer befriender for over 15 years. Takes pleasure in hearing people's life stories and having a really good laugh.
A Cornhill Companion for 10 years, Dan is an all-rounder who helps with administration, web design, and fundraising in addition to befriending.
Many years of secretarial and administrative experience in advertising, medicine, and education.
Five years with RVS. Also volunteers for Home Library Service, Drivers Service, Talking Newspapers, and coordinates the local MS Society group.
If you or someone you know could benefit from companionship, or if you'd like to support our work, we're here to help.
We have an open referral policy. Anyone can refer an older person in need of extra support: self-referral, family, friends, or professionals.
Make a ReferralCornhill Companions is built on kindness. We are self-funded and every contribution helps us continue our work supporting older people in the community.
Donate NowKnow someone who might benefit or want to volunteer? Tell them about us. Word of mouth is how most people find us.
Contact UsIf you or someone you know could benefit from companionship, or if you're interested in volunteering, we're here to help. Cornhill Companions is built on kindness — and we're always happy to hear from you.
Whether you need companionship, want to volunteer, or would like to refer someone, drop us a message or give us a call.