Maymessy is an inclusive and diverse organisation, working with individuals ranging from perinatal mothers to elderly men. It partners with charities, schools, local authorities, support services, and community groups across Oxfordshire to support those facing social, emotional, or economic challenges.

Charities and community organisations

We are proud to work with trusted organisations that provide frontline support to vulnerable individuals and families. These include:

  • Style Acre, supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism. Together, we’ve delivered over 30 inclusive cookery sessions and co-created a cookbook tailored to participants’ needs.

  • Refugee Resource, with whom we delivered an 18-month business mentoring programme for refugee and migrant women, equipping participants with the skills to launch food-based enterprises.

  • Project Salama and Survivor Space, supporting women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence through therapeutic cooking, gardening and wellbeing sessions.

  • NHS Oxford, Local GPs/Social prescribers.

  • Root and Branch, a community-focused, nature-based therapeutic centre supporting adults across Oxfordshire with mental health needs, helping them heal through meaningful work, learning, and connection.

“At Maymessy, we build partnerships based on trust and shared values. Together, we support people to gain new skills, rediscover confidence, and feel part of something positive.”—

— Anna Richards, Founder

Schools and youth services

We work with local schools, such as Fitzwarren, Treehouse School, Wantage C of E and many more.

We also work after school clubs, youth charities and local young carers to support young people and children facing mental health challenges, or those struggling with school attendance and confidence.

Our workshops give young people space to connect with others, make new friendships, develop life skills, and feel proud of what they’ve achieved. In 2023 alone, more than 150 young people participated in our programmes.

  • “The day created beautiful memories for the women and their children in the countryside where most of them do not often have the opportunity to visit. Most of the women we support are the main carers of their families and unemployed. They often do not have the luxury of taking the whole family out due to time and/or financial constraints. This trip enabled the women and their families to not just experience country life in the UK but also the opportunity to bond as a family in a fun, safe and relaxed environment.”

    Fatou Ceesay, Women’s Service Coordinator at Refugee Resourcesource

  • “Maymessy is bespoke and unique. The groups were able to pick produce from the garden. Everything in the kitchen and buildings have been adapted so those with wheelchairs and complex needs can be involved and the team and volunteers are so accommodating, thoughtful and caring. ”

    Anita Powell, Head of Wellness, Style Acre

  • “I can’t even tell you how grateful staff were this morning for your delivery/care packages. We really appreciate it. We even had tears!”

    NHS, Manager of Respiratory Team

  • Some lady come there and show me how she start the journey and I feel so happy for her and I am thinking if she can do it, we can do these things... And now I am thinking yeah, if someone give me support and help then one day I will do things... And like my confidence build up from Maymessy – she pushed me, she gave motivation to do these things and I’m really, really happy. And now I am standing at this point and I want to think starting my own business right now.’

    Participant, Refugee Resource

  • Local councils and family services

    Maymessy works with local authorities and family support workers to reach families facing food insecurity, financial hardship, or isolation. Since 2021, we’ve supported more than 30 parents and their children through our Cooking on a Budget workshops, which focus on preparing healthy meals using food bank staples and seasonal produce. We also provide mentoring and volunteering pathways for those looking to re-enter work, grow in confidence, or contribute to their community.

  • Volunteers, social enterprises and local experts

    Our programmes are enriched by the support of volunteers, business mentors, and local practitioners. From female entrepreneurs offering business coaching to retired horticulturists leading garden sessions, our partnerships create diverse opportunities for participants to learn from others and feel supported.