A common catalyst for the visit by a resident to the Oasis Centre is their need to address a crisis situation. We therefore offer support to address the prevalent crises, as means of encouraging contact with the centre. This currently consists of:
It is always our aim to respond to the fundamental, root causes of these critical situations, and experience has shown us that this is far more likely to be possible once trust has been established through our initial response to the crisis.
This currently consists of:
The RE-BUILD programme is co-ordinated by Dushy Caldera, who is a former client of the Centre, who progressed to become a volunteer, and then in 2014 joined the staff. While in her voluntary position, Dushy trained on an access course in Social and Community Care, before enrolling on an accreditted Advice and Guidance course, enabling the Oasis Centre to legally give advice.
"God led me here, gave me a new start and surrounded me with a new family. I want the people I serve to know the love of God and his faithfulness the way I have." - Dushy Caldera
For many people in difficult situations, loneliness can be a reality of life. Through our RE-ENGAGE programme, we help everybody to feel like part of the community. The ways we do this include:
The RE-ENGAGE programme is co-ordinated by our centre manager, Victoria Armstrong. Victoria set up the Oasis Centre after moving to Gorton in the nineties and being struck by the need that she saw. Victoria has recently stepped back into day-to-day management of the centre alongside her CEO responsibilities.
"It is logical to me that if you see someone who hasn;t had a good start in life, suffering abuse, neglect or poverty, you must get involved. You must show them the love you have been given - unconditionally!" - Victoria Armstrong
Many of our clients find that in order to move forwards, they need to develop certain new skills. Through our RE-SKILL programme, we provide a relaxed and encouraging setting to learn and practice.
The RE-SKILL programme is co-ordinated by Lizzie Watkins. Lizzie is a qualified teacher who first started working at the Oasis Centre as a volunteer, helping to run our Community Support team.
"It is a real privilege to work in an organisation where you are part of a team that is seeing people's lives change on a daily basis." - Lizzie Watkins
Many of our clients have struggled to find value in the community that they live in, they need to fnd opportunities to show their worth. Through our NEXT STEP programme, we provide a safe and encouraging setting to vounteer and become a member of our Oasis Team. The ways in which we do this include:
Adam's Story
The NEXT STEP programme is co-ordinated by Val Clarke. Val has over 20 years’ experience in shop management and mentoring. She first started working at the Oasis Centre as a volunteer, helping to run our free cafe.
"It's a joy to be working with loving, friendly people and knowing that God is at work in what we do and through the centre he is changing people's lives." Val Clarke
As much as we love spending time with our clients, we realise that the goal isn't to stay with Oasis forever, but to find work. Our RE-START program helps with this in the following ways:
We have demonstrated that these interventions are effective in meeting the needs of 'hard to reach' and 'complex family' clients to engage in learning and giving them confidence to access basic education and training, bettering their chances of full-time employment and challenging their chaotic and unhealthy lifestyle choices. This gives them a new beginning and an end to dependency. Many need considerable support at a very basic level in order to develop what could be called 'pre-requisites' for engaging with 'higher level' support agencies.
The Oasis Centre fully recognises that many clients will always require a considerable amount of time in order to develop these characteristics, especially when we consider the number of years over which many of the problems have developed.
However, our aim is always for clients to 'exit' The Oasis Centre, in a planned way, having achieved the changes we seek to bring about and we therefore liaise with and work with other support agencies who clients can move on to for the next stage of their development.
The RE-START programme is coordinated by Rich Balmforth. Rich joined the Oasis Centre, having spent some time working in the private sector Rich wanted to use his experience to help people engage with work.
"It's an honour to be able to come alongside people and watch them grow in confidence and feel empowered to go out and pursue careers they are passionate about." (Rich Balmforth)
I came into Oasis really needing help. Now I love doing the English class. They've helped me loads and I am even a volunteer.
I came into Oasis when I was really lonely and the job centre was hassling me. The staff in Oasis were different and they really cared about me, and actually helped me. I love coming here and now I have lots of friends.
I used to sit in my flat and just look at the window because I had nothing to do. I love Oasis as I have so many friends and I've always got something to do. I've been learning to read and write and cook. I can now read lots of words.
I love it here. Oasis has helped me with so many problems. They helped me contact Social Services. They meet me here at Oasis, where I feel safe. I love the computer workshop. I've been getting 100% in my tests.
I was so lonely and sat in my house all day. My dad had died and I was all alone. Since I came to Oasis, I've learned to tell the time, count coins, and I'm learning to write my name. I have got lots of certificates now.
I love Oasis. I'm always out doing activities there, chatting with people. Now I'm trying to raise money for Oasis and other charities.
Before I came to Oasis I was just bored. I used to watch TV and play online bingo. I was supposed to be looking for a job but the Job Centre didn't help me at all. Oasis helped me straight away. They've built my confidence.
Before I came to Oasis I was just a mess and I was lonely as I didn't have my family with me anymore. Since coming to Oasis I've become a Christian, I've got lots of friends, I'm always busy doing classes and learning things. Life is so much better now.
I was down and stressed and I couldn't speak very good English. Oasis has helped me with everything: writing letters, emergency support and even getting a job. I am not stressed now - I have company. I thank God for Oasis.
Oasis has helped me loads. They help everyone. They've sorted out my letters and got me help. They care for everyone and support them.
I've done loads of courses at Oasis. I've got so many certificates, there's not room for them on my walls! They help me with my job search and give me confidence!