History & Impact
We have helped over 6,000 children to stay with their families
In 1996, Oasis' founder, Caroline Edwards, recognised that cuts to Surrey's social and children's services would create a huge vacuum in support, leaving vulnerable families in the Elmbridge area with no-one to turn to. In response, Caroline established Oasis as a drop-in community outreach organisation, supporting vulnerable children and families in the local area.
Over the years we’ve seen an increase in the pressures on families, which in turn have had an adverse effect on those struggling to cope. At the same time, local authority support remains limited, involves families having to navigate different departments, with help often coming too late. Where support is offered, it is mostly provided for a short period which is simply insufficient to impact the complex issues families face.
Rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding’ by social workers
Oasis has evolved into an organisation which can respond quickly to crisis situations, providing holistic support to families and children over the long-term. We now have an Ofsted-registered nursery run by a dedicated, friendly and highly-qualified staff. We have broadened our Outreach work and put in place a range of in-house services – spanning crisis support, counselling, emotional wellbeing courses, life coaching, emergency food banks and fuel bursaries, as well as legal surgeries – to help our families build their confidence, resilience and independence.
Over the years we have:
Provided preventative and early help services to stop children being at risk of abuse and neglect
Helped over 6,000 children to stay with their families
Provided family outreach services to support vulnerable children and adults that are in crisis
Been rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding’ by social workers and other professionals in our service evaluation
Often been the only service that can fulfil the needs of the whole family
Assisted parents to make positive life decisions with knock-on benefits for their children
Today, our efforts are recognised for having a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable families and children in the community – a beacon of hope and refuge for those in need.
We now have an Ofsted-registered nursery run by a dedicated, friendly and highly-qualified staff.
“I am a single father of two girls and the support given to us by Oasis has been amazing. I have been furloughed for three months in the last six and money has been so tight. The fresh food was very good, and it made all the difference to me and my daughters – especially when the girls are off school. Many, many thanks Oasis”