Latest News
CDI Youths Are COOL! (Even when Oxford feels like the surface of the sun)
Let’s be honest, this summer has been ridiculous. Oxford hasn’t just been sun‑drenched… it’s been sun‑drowned. Pavements melting, staff sweating, ice...
The New Crazy Gang !
Leys CDI was buzzing recently as our juniors and seniors came together for a special intergenerational first aid training day...
Let’s be honest, this summer has been ridiculous. Oxford hasn’t just been sun‑drenched… it’s been sun‑drowned. Pavements melting, staff sweating, ice creams evaporating before they’re even paid for. And yet, somehow, impossibly, undeniably… CDI youths remain the coolest people in town. Cool in attitude. Cool in energy. Cool in spirit. And, crucially, cool despite temperatures that could fry an egg on the Barn’s front step. Cool Factor 1: The Science Squad Our friends at OAS rolled in with robotic and engineering workshops that had the youths buzzing like caffeinated inventors. Circuits, coding, mechanical wizardry … the lot. The young people didn’t just enjoy it… they revelled in […]
Leys CDI was buzzing recently as our juniors and seniors came together for a special intergenerational first aid training day delivered by SaveYu’s fantastic duo, Gemma and former Premier League footballer Gary Elkins. For those who remember Gary’s playing days, he was part of the legendary, and famously chaotic, Wimbledon FC Crazy Gang. A team packed with characters like Vinnie Jones, John Fashanu and Robbie Earle, known for fearless tackles, wild antics and a reputation for “taking no prisoners.” Yet anyone who worked with them knew the truth – behind the madness, they were absolute teddy bears. And now, in the most brilliant […]
The Best Things in Life Are Free
(with apologies to Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross… and every staff member whose nerves have been tested since Week One) If Janet and Luther were here on the Leys this summer, they’d probably look at our youth courses, smile, and say, “Yep… that’s exactly what we meant.” Because the best things in life are free. Free to access thanks to the incredible support of Oxfordshire County Council’s HAF funding, Oxford City Council’s Youth Transformation Fund, and the ongoing generosity of Peabody Housing, Morgan Sindall, Mulalley Construction and so many others who understand that investing in young people isn’t charity… it’s common sense. And what […]
What an afternoon. The Leys CDI Garden Party welcomed well over 150 visitors through the Clockhouse doors. At times in such a steady stream that our “welcome strategy” became a mixture of handshakes, hurried hellos, enthusiastic waving, and the occasional apologetic smile as we tried (and failed!) to be in three places at once. If we didn’t manage to speak to you personally, please accept our sincere apologies. I promise we were trying. The Leys is clearly a very sociable place. The garden itself looked glorious, and our senior members were absolutely in their element. They love nothing more than showing off their […]
As the World Cup wraps up and the flags are folded away, you might feel a tiny pang of football‑shaped sadness… but at CDI, we say ‘Don’t worry… Be happy!’ Because the real celebration is only just beginning. Our Summer Youth Programme… FREE for ages 9–18 …is ready to burst into action across the school holidays. With heartfelt thanks to Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, HAF, the Youth Transformation Fund and our wonderful local business supporters, we’re offering a summer overflowing with creativity, energy and community spirit. From sports to dance, arts to gaming, music to robotics, first aid to fire‑service fun, every day […]
'MAD' Week
There are good days at CDI’s Clockhouse… and then there are MAD Week days. This week we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Year 12 students from Larkmead School, guided brilliantly by Clare Woodcock from OCVA, as part of their Make A Difference project. Their mission: to explore loneliness and isolation across generations, and to see how organisations like CDI help stitch community back together with warmth, creativity and a lot of laughter. And what a day they chose. The “Morning After” England’s World Cup encounter with Mexico ! A day when workplaces across the country were flooded with suspiciously croaky phone calls, […]
Wimbledon Fortnight arrived at Leys CDI this week and let’s be honest, it wasn’t the tennis that got our seniors and staff excited… it was the strawberries, cream, proper scones and the kind of English tea that makes you sit up straighter and pretend you’re frightfully refined. At the Clockhouse, we don’t just watch Wimbledon, ‘We Live It’. So out came the whites, the headbands, the sweatbands, and the determination to resemble Novak, Serena or at least someone who once walked past a tennis court. With our big screen showing every serve, volley and dramatic grunt, the room transformed into SW19… or at […]
This summer, Leys CDI is once again opening its doors and its heart to young people across Greater and Blackbird Leys for four fantastic weeks of FREE youth courses, running Monday to Thursday from 27 July to 20 August 2026. These sessions are all about giving our youngsters a safe space, a warm welcome, and the chance to enjoy a summer filled with creativity, activity, laughter and connection. What’s on offer? Every week is packed with a huge variety of activities, including: And for our regular attendees, we’re thrilled to offer a special intergenerational trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park on Tuesday 25 August , a […]
and “How, Mad Ideas Keep the Recycled Teenagers of The Leys Out of Trouble… Mostly.”) Every Wednesday, between 10am and 12pm, the doors of the Clockhouse swing open and in march our beloved recycled teenagers – needles clicking, gossip flowing, and the collective determination to “put the world to rights” before lunchtime. This is Knit & Natter, Leys CDI-style. A place where crafts are attempted, conversations are lively, tea is poured and the laughter can be heard throughout the Clockhouse. And right now, the place is buzzing and not just from the caffeine. Good weather = great moods The sun’s out, the smiles are wide, and the […]
As the World Cup looms and threatens to boot Emmerdale, EastEnders and Corrie into the late‑night slot, we at Leys CDI have decided to embrace the chaos and turn things on its head. Football may not be everyone’s cup of tea (whisper it…), but it is a brilliant excuse to bring people together. So, our seniors programme has launched a full World Cup takeover, starting with our very own official draw, led by the incomparable ‘Clockhouse Queen Jean, who kicked things off in true FIFA style by accidentally announcing Morocco as… Mexico. VAR is still reviewing it. 48 teams are now assigned to members […]
The Leys CDI Clockhouse (Seniors) Edition With I’m a Celebrity back on our screens, we thought it was only right to launch our very own spin‑off here in Greater Leys, starring none other than our beloved Clockhouse legends – Jean, Walter and Simon. Yes, you read that right. They’ve swapped the kettle for khaki, the biscuits for bandanas, and have proudly become CDI’s newest poster boys and girls. And honestly… they’ve never looked more ready for the jungle (or at least the Clockhouse). But fear not, while the TV contestants are busy wrestling snakes, chewing on questionable critters and screaming […]
In partnership with the wonderful ‘Kids in Mind’ charity and our good friend Cllr Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini, Leys CDI is offering families and community groups the chance to receive brand new toys for local children.Collection details: Monday 23rd MarchThe Clockhouse, Greater Leys, OX4 7FX• Families & individuals: Collect one brand new toy per child between 4–6pm• Community groups & organisations: Collect a selection of toys from 3pm onwardsIf your organisation would like to book a collection slot after 3pm, please email:Clockhouse@leyscdi.co.ukSubject: Toy CollectionInclude:• Approx. number of toys requested• Age group(s) you work with• Organisation name• Contact name & phone number […]
A Little Bit of Mr Benn… and a Whole Lot of Joy
What a day. Honestly, if you’d told us in the morning that by teatime ‘Queen Jean’ Dyer (as affectionately known by her friends at CDI) would be trending on the Royal Family’s Instagram, We’d have laughed you out of the Clockhouse. Only hours earlier she was happily playing dominoes and clicking away at the nit and natter. By evening, she was popping up on every Royal news feed! Thanks to the kindness of the Oxford Hub team, in particular Alice Copping, Rebekah Sammut and Suzy Donald, local charities, including CDI, were brought together to share in a celebratory afternoon. Here, […]
WHEN THE QUEEN MET THE DUCHESS
For three decades, Leys CDI has stood as a beacon of hope and transformation in Oxford’s most challenged neighbourhoods. From its grassroots beginnings to its current role as a lifeline for hundreds of juniors, seniors, and families, CDI has always been about one thing: bringing people together to build a better future. This summer’s vibrant garden party was a joyful testament to that spirit—young and old gathered to celebrate the impact of programmes that have nurtured wellbeing, creativity, and connection across generations. And as we look ahead to the festive season, the upcoming Seniors and Working Partners Christmas Meal promises […]
CDI are delighted to announce that we have recently produced our latest annual report detailing all of the fine work that has taken place during the last calendar year.This is visible to all via the attached link or by clicking on the annual report 2025 on this site’s home page.
THE YOUTH PROJECT
THE SENIORS PROJECT
Our Place, Our Home, Our Community.
What People Are Saying About Us
Ismail
Its great to see friends and have things to do.
Sheila
While I enjoy the activities, I really love to help out with the CDI garden as I don’t have my own garden. It is such a lovely relaxing area.
Aida
The Zumba and Yoga sessions are fantastic. A real workout and I feel so good afterwards, even if I ache a little bit the next morning !
Denzel
I love the sessions, which are great fun, and the staff who are always happy.
Simon
I attend the Monday socials, Quiz days and often drop in to the Clockhouse for a chat, I am also a keen member of both the gardening and IT club. I love joining in the sessions and feeling part of the team.
Jean
I’ve been attending CDI senior sessions for over 16 years and they are the highlight of my week. I’ve made many friends over the years and enjoyed so many good times and laughs.
John
CDI in particular, the youth project, changed my life. When I first attended the sessions ‘many’ years ago I was a bit of a lost cause. They really believed in me and supported me to become the person I am today. Thankyou CDI
Leys CDI - Our Story
Leys CDI (Community Development Initiative)
Founded in 1995, Leys CDI is a local based charity, that is driven by a spirit of ‘togetherness and belonging’.
Listening to its local community, CDI exists to enrich the lives of Leys residents, regardless of their age, background or circumstance.
Bringing people together from all backgrounds to play, socialise and learn together, CDI fosters a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing while, directly and indirectly, addressing issues including loneliness, anti social behaviour, discrimination and social inequality.
Leys CDI is proud and grateful of its longevity, collaborations and partnerships which have helped shape, guide and serve the community for many years. The aim now is to continue to ‘enrich lives’ for many years to come.
