35th anniversary celebration event at House of Parliament.

Introduction from the Rt Hon Mr David Lidington CBE MP for Aylesbury and

Vice President of The Oasis Partnership

I wanted to take this opportunity to make you all aware of the great work that the Oasis Partnership and their Chief Exec Colin Mcgregor-Paterson are doing in Buckinghamshire. As you will know Oasis was started in 1984 and provides support for those who are addicted or have problems associated to drug and alcohol use. Through all their programs like the Recovery Network they have helped hundreds of individuals recover from addiction and other social problems. The work they do is invaluable to the community. As one of their Vice-President’s I have seen the organisation grow over the last 35 years in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Chesham. I would highly recommend learning more about the organisation and taking a look at the great work that they do.

About the Oasis Partnership

The Oasis Partnership is a charity that provides high quality social and psychological support services to improve health and well being. We work in partnership with many different organisations, aiming to help individuals to address their substance misuse problems and get their lives back on track.

Our fundraising campaign is designed to support our core contracts and partnerships aiming to make a longer-term social impact on individuals, their families and the communities that they live in.

During the last 5 years we have run many different projects supporting the Recovery Network, all of which would not be possible without the donations we receive. We have been innovative and piloted projects some of which have been very successful and still continue for example our Recovery Cafes. Some projects have served their purpose, such as the campaign to get legal highs (new psychoactive substances) banned and not sold in the High Street although harm reduction is still so important. Our largest project which makes the biggest and longest lasting social impact is our Employment, Training, Education and Volunteering Project. (ETEV).

There is so much great information to share and we have uploaded a lot of content and our videos on our website news page and also on our social media. See our news pages at oasispartnership.org, twitter is @ theoasischarity and facebook is the oasis partnership. We are doing some really great things why not take a look...

Message from the CEO Colin McGregor-Paterson

Across Buckinghamshire there is a huge imbalance of wealth with some very affluent pockets as well as communities which rank in the top 10% of deprived areas in the UK. Health inequalities linked to deprived areas are often challenging and complex. Deprived neighbourhoods are more likely to experience higher rates of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, low self-esteem and limited ambition and expectations, leading to social and economic consequences both to the individual and society… add to this the range of research that indicates wealthier people are likely to have drink and drug problems. Then we clearly have a bit of a problem.

Charities like Oasis are essential to the cohesion and survival of communities, our partnership approach ensures that we continue to have a direct impact on many people, not just those accessing treatment services, but also to their children, families, friends, employers and the wider community.

The Recovery Network is continually evolving and has a very positive future, which has been made easier owing to our values and the fact that we are well established and have forged some great relationships with many partners, individuals and organisations. Our donors have made a lot of difference not only during the past 5 years but also with the legacy of what we have been able to develop and achieve which will continue to support people for many years to come.

The key to realising a dream is to focus not on success but on significance – and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning

Oprah Winfrey

£1,023,732

Total fundraised since 2014

With special thanks to Simon Sarin exhibiting his unique Rock n Roll photographs. All of which will be touring Bucks and then on sale on the Oasis Partnership website.

simonsarin.com

Comments from service users

How we can make a difference through our contingency management process

"Thank you so much for the gifts for the children at Christmas this has made a massive difference to our whole year. Financially I was concentrating on basics as for the first year ever I’ve needed to also accept help from food banks because of my situation. Before finding One Recovery Bucks , I used catalogues and borrowed money this got me into lots of financial difficulty. I’ve spent the past year, continuing to pay my debts back, but with your help over Christmas I was able on concentrate on continuing to get my family back into a place of financial stability. The children’s smiles on Christmas Day and still to this day with the toys continue to brighten their lives and because of your generosity and me not being under so much strain, it’s helped my mental health which helps the children’s mental health they need a happy mummy not a stressed and worried mummy I cannot thank One Recovery Bucks enough for the generosity and kindness.

Christmas is a very stressful time for people in financial difficulty, let alone a family that’s been torn apart by addictions I cannot express how much this has helped us all so I thank you beyond words this donation has probably helped me for next Christmas, I may not need a donation the year ahead and some other family will be in need. I’ll never forget the kindness towards my family.

Its been a long road but I got there in the end...who said staying clean doesn't get you anywhere? They are wrong. Well I can tell you I gave it my all, for once, and I have never been better off! So I am forever in their debt, the staff have been amazing, thanks to everyone who put up with and helped me. God bless you all and many thanks.

Mr P

It was the recovery network that really helped me gain more confidence and eventually start my college course, I can see a future now.

SW

I love coming to the café on a Friday, I feel part of something and it helps me stay sober, along with attending AA, I feel good. Looking forward to the developments.

Mrs X

We would like to thank our network of Vice Patrons and all the Trusts, Foundations, Individuals, the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund for supporting our fundraising campaign. We look forward to maintaining these relationships and continuing to make an impact and improving peoples lives.

Thank you to our event sponsor GT Business Solutions

Patron

Sir Henry Aubrey Fletcher

Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire

Vice President

The Rt Hon David Lidington

CBE MP

Trustees

Dr Robert Fieldsend

Chair of the Board

Thanks also to Stuart Nicholls from Stunphoto Gallery Hampstead for printing, and exhibition set up. Special thanks to Theresa Floutier and Sue Welsh for all their hard work and dedication, making this event a success.

Mr Gary Clayton Treasurer

Mrs Stella Haylett

Mrs Simone Cadette

Miss Liz Barter

Mr Wadell Wilson JP

Mr Frank Hodge

Mr Timothy Jenns

Mr Matt Everitt

Mr Colin McGregor-Paterson CEO