SOFEA - Didcot

Mark J.

SOFEA is an outstanding organisation that is making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable young people across Oxfordshire. Its mission—to support young people facing barriers to education, employment, and wellbeing—is delivered with empathy, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

The charity provides alternative education, employability training, and therapeutic support in a safe and inclusive environment. What stands out is SOFEA’s holistic approach: it doesn’t just focus on academic or career outcomes, but also on building confidence, emotional resilience, and life skills. This well-rounded model has helped hundreds of young people find direction and stability.

SOFEA’s partnership with FareShare is another key strength. Through its food redistribution work, the charity simultaneously addresses food poverty, reduces waste, and gives young people hands-on experience in logistics, teamwork, and responsibility. It’s social impact in action—smart, practical, and meaningful.

The staff and volunteers are the heartbeat of SOFEA. They are not only professionally skilled but deeply compassionate, creating a culture of trust that young people respond to. Many describe SOFEA as a place where they finally felt understood and supported.

In a time when youth services are under increasing pressure, SOFEA is a beacon of what thoughtful, community-led intervention can achieve. It’s a model that deserves recognition—and replication.

Alison L.

You pay £4.50 a week and to sit there and watch the volunteers pick all the good things before we have a look in this is at st clements centre there is about 7 off them and they all have trollys to load the food in , i thougjt volunteers were there to help but not help there selfs, if you go at 3
pm i only got i jar onions 1 cabbage and some mini yorkshires ,, some one needs to come and have a look whats going on in there its not fair when your paying to get stuff and coming out with nothing ,
I understand if any thing left then the volunteers can take it, it so wrong please some one needs to go and see how its run

DangerSnoot

SOFEA, as a food and education charity affiliated with FareShare, plays a crucial role in addressing food waste and supporting communities. Their commitment to providing meals and educational resources is commendable. The collaboration with FareShare reflects a dedication to tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability.

The impact of SOFEA's work extends beyond immediate hunger relief, incorporating educational initiatives. However, the effectiveness of their programs may depend on community engagement and outreach efforts. It would be valuable to see continued transparency about the impact of their activities and how they adapt to evolving community needs. Overall, SOFEA appears to contribute positively to the intersection of food security and education in Thames Valley and Milton Keynes, of course, there's also the other services offered such as employability, social prescribing, mental wellbeing support and work experience

KC

Met Ruth Kennel this evening at my son's SEN school. She was a guest speaker and I can not wait to call up and view her charity in person and the opportunities for my (SEN) son post 16 opportunities. Sounds absolutely AMAZING for learners who require just that little bit extra adult nudge after leaving a school setting 🙌 Exciting, I don't feel as nervous for my son's post 16 college/work opportunities as it looks as if SOFEA caters for a wide range of support ☺️

Nina R.

A great demonstration of thought leadership - applying ethical values to distribute surplus food to generate well being in the wider community. At SOFEA, students, apprentices and staff work in a space where they find their self esteem and grow in stature through support, practical knowledge and mutual respect. The concept of education comes into its own and there seems hope for mankind! An example for the rest of us

Ricky S.

Fantastic opportunities given to students to get experience in work. I can't help but feel some of these other reviewers don't quite understand the project. There are also no 'contracts' to speak of. Brilliant organisation.

Andy T.

Wonderful concept. Take unwanted food that would be wasted, give training to young people in a work environment, sort out and deliver the food to organisations at a cut down price. Win, win, win. Also do Maths and English and more for the students...

Abi T.

Wow...what a great place, sending out food to the people who need it, giving amazing training with love, encouragement support and no judgement to the people who need it the most. Fantastic work guys. If anyone get a an opportunity to help these guys out or volunteer...please do 🙂 xxx