Oxford City Council has partnered with charity AT The Bus to transform the vacant unit into a Christmas shop.

The shop opened on November 23 and will close on December 6, raising funds and awareness for the charity which uses art as therapy to support the mental health of children and young people.

Juli Beattie, founder of AT The Bus, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have had the support of the city council in providing us with this wonderful opportunity for awareness and fundraising.

“Using art as therapy, AT The Bus works in six Oxford schools to support children and young people to attend and engage at school.

“There is a crisis in children’s mental health, and the need for our work has never been greater.

“I hope that many people will come along to see the beautiful artwork that children create in AT The Bus sessions and to do their Christmas shopping in Oxford whilst also making a real difference to the lives of children and young people.”

The AT The Bus pop-up shop features a display of children’s artwork created during AT The Bus sessions, alongside a range of merchandise from the charity.

Louisa Maybury Home, a Woodstock-based business, is selling a curated selection of homewares, including kilim rugs, hand-stitched throws, and Christmas gift ideas such as glass paintings, silk scarves, and block-printed accessories.

A portion of sales from Louisa Maybury Home will be donated to AT The Bus.

Ms Beattie added: “I am so grateful to Louisa Maybury for partnering with AT The Bus to sell her wonderful collection.”

The initiative is part of the council’s broader strategy to temporarily use vacant spaces for community and economic benefit.

It follows the “Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…” programme, which aimed to revitalise high streets following the pandemic by turning unused units into spaces for independent businesses and social enterprises.

The council is also working with other city landlords to revitalise units on George Street, the High Street, Hythe Bridge Street, and around Park End Street, while long-term plans are finalised.

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council (Image: Ed Nix) Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “I am really pleased that the city council is able to support this initiative, again allowing meanwhile use to breathe new life into vacant spaces while benefiting our local community.

“AT The Bus does incredible work to support the wellbeing of children and young people, and we are delighted to see them bring their creativity to Broad Street.”