Oasis Hub Bath: Impact Report 2023-2024

Welcome

Welcome to our 2023 – 2024 impact report! Inside you’ll find a wealth of information, stories and images from all the community work we deliver and host as Oasis Hub Bath. You’ll find out more about what we do but more importantly the difference our work makes in people’s lives.

2023 – 2024 saw us scaling up our work to continue to meet increasing demand for our services as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Alongside our food pantries we’ve been able to run a winter pop-up pantry, and we’ve also repeated our Living Room ‘warm space’ project, doubling the amount of sessions we’ve been able to offer, as well as continuing to run our Oasis Kitchen project. In addition to all of this we offer space within our building to enable the fantastic work of Bath Mind’s Breathing Space project, Focus Counselling, and several peer led addiction support groups.

In addition to this annual impact report, we produce a quarterly digital newsletter called ‘Hub News’. That’s a great way to keep in touch with everything we’re up to. If you’d like to receive a copy of that direct to your inbox, just let us know by emailing welcome@oasisbath.org, or go to our Issuu page http://issuu.com/oasishubbath to view the latest version online.

You can also find us on social media, and there’s loads more information about all of our projects at www.oasisbath.org.

Thank you for reading this, and for your support of Oasis Hub Bath. It means the world to us and we couldn’t do any of what we do without you!

Jo Dolby Hub Leader

At a Glance

Total number of members across all Pantries

32 tonnes of food redistributed through our Pantries

of Pantry households have one single adult

45 - 65yrs

Fastest growing age range at the Pantries

Number of beneficiaries across all Pantries

Total number of volunteers across Church and Hub 114

Total number of Support Groups of Pantry members have children at home

7

A Year on Instagram

Who we are

Oasis Hub Bath is a partnership between Hay Hill Baptist Church and Oasis Community Partnerships, and exists as an independent charity (no.1138904) and company (no. 7236345). Hay Hill Baptist Church funds and hosts the charity in their building, which has now been renamed as Oasis Church Bath. Oasis Hub Bath was launched in 2018.

Vision

Our vision is for community – a place where everyone is included, makes a contribution and reaches their God-given potential.

Mission

The Oasis Community Hub model brings together and integrates all our work in a local community to ensure that people’s needs are addressed holistically. In a local community we deliver services and partner with others to provide integrated care and support to all, across our core themes of community development, education, housing, advice and support, personal and spiritual development, health and wellbeing and social action and campaigning.

However, we are not primarily a service provider. We seek to be part of the community and to put relationship and connection at the heart of all that we do. We therefore work with and alongside local people to bring about change.

Values

Our five ethos values are:

• A passion to include everyone

• A desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences

• A commitment to healthy and open relationships

• A deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed

• A sense of perseverance to keep going for the long haul

What we do

Our Delivery Model

The way the projects and services of Oasis Hub Bath are delivered can be explained by this tiered model.

Direct Delivery

This encompasses anything that Oasis Hub Bath deliver directly and independently, even if other organisations are involved.

Partnership Delivery

This includes projects and services we co-deliver with one or more partner agency or organisation.

Hosted Delivery

These are projects and services that are delivered by other agencies or organisations, but which use our facilities as a base.

Our Staff

Hub Leader

Jo Dolby

Minister in Training

Amanda Higgin

Hub Team Administrator

Elayne Morgan

Hub Team Admin Assistant

Claire Shelswell

Community Worker

Claire Henwood

Fixed Term Community Worker

Lucinda Niel

Caretaker

Mark van de Woestyne

Our Governance Structure

Trustees

Jo Rich (chair), Dave Vernalls (treasurer), Rob Trickey (secretary), Lyndon Hughes

Church Steering Group

Claire Shelswell, Stephen Henwood, Jo Dolby, Rob Trickey, Amanda Higgin

Hub Development Group

Sara Reynolds, Andy Salmon, Jo Rich, Beth Hamilton, Jo Dolby, Pete Hamilton

Oasis : Pantries

Words by Claire Henwood, Community Worker

We ensure low cost weekly food provision for local residents, with additional support available from other local organisations.

City Centre Pantry

Over the last 15 months we’ve seen a significant increase in demand for this pantry. Our staff and volunteer team have been phenomenal at managing the increased numbers, alongside the increase in food quantities this necessitates, and all of the additional unseen workload. We’ve seen the largest increase in members aged between 45 – 65, which mirrors what we hear from other local projects. As we’ve been at capacity we have prioritised referrals from local professionals and organisations, and these now account for 60% of our membership, versus 25% in December 2022.

We are consistently told how very welcoming the pantry feels, and that is down to our amazing volunteer team. We’ve been able to offer additional training to our volunteers this year - Mental Health Awareness, delivered by Bath Mind, and First Aid later in 2024. Some of our staff team have completed Mental Health First Aid training.

Our main challenge has been capacity – there has been a significant increase in demand, and for much of 2023 this pantry was running at full capacity. We were able to open a popup pantry over the winter with additional funding received from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s Community Cost of Living Fund (CCLF), distributed through The National Lottery.

Sourcing food has become more challenging, and again the CCLF grant has supported us with this.

We’re preparing for the further migration onto Universal Credit from legacy benefits this year. We anticipate that this will increase demand for pantries again.

We’ll be looking at how we can apply recent training we’ve done with Nurture Development on Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) to all our community work projects, alongside some of the really positive aspects of our winter pop-up pantry.

The staff have really helped me during the lowest of times. Even when things have been challenging just going in and having conversations with the staff there has made all the difference to me.

We can now in our house eat a good meal at least once a day. It’s been a worry finding money for heating and electricity. Honestly I have had to make the decision between food and bills for such a long time.

A space to see friendly staff and get some food for me and my daughter that are usually too expensive to buy in shops making us healthier and happier.

The impact on my mental health is very real and I feel appreciative of that because it makes my life better.

Oasis : Pantries

We’re also thinking about how we use the space we have, and whether we could make changes there to bring even more of a community feel, particularly on pantry days.

Over the last 15 months we’ve been involved in various discussions and workshops, alongside colleagues from other local third sector organisations, NHS and B&NES Public Health team. These include a “whole systems approach to improving health in B&NES”. This work is ongoing, and we’re looking forward to continuing to be involved.

In February 2024 we attended a B&NES Community Summit on Addressing Children’s Needs at the University of Bath, and again are looking forward to the development of that. We have been part of local workshops, organised by B&NES Affordable Food Network, bringing together B&NES-wide organisations involved in food insecurity work to share best practise and identify ways we can improve how we work together.

We participated in three sessions hosted by Feeding Britain. These focused on how they could support affordable food projects with sourcing food, and contributed to their document resource library, shared with all of their national members. We visited Bath & West Community Energy to talk about the impact of a grant they gave us to purchase slow cookers and heated overblankets for our members, and have contributed to the Director for Public Health’s annual report for 2023/2024.

Sometimes it’s the only place I have been all week and seen a friendly face. Great selection of healthy food.

We feel so happy every time when we come to Oasis Pantry! The environment is so welcoming and all the volunteers are so kind and lovely. They ask us how we feel and we can always chat about the things that we have been going through.

It’s made a difference to the whole family!

The Oasis Pantry has really helped me. I’m extremely grateful for all the effort you guys put in every week.

I always feel so happy there, so welcoming and it’s wonderful to be with other people. The volunteers are just amazing and always smiling. They have all been so very very kind, supportive and helpful.

Oasis : Pantries

Words by Claire Henwood, Community Worker

Roundhill Pantry

Our venue, Roundhill Hub, closed for the whole of December 2023 to have an exciting refit of the toilets and the kitchen, which meant we moved the pantry, lock, stock and barrel (or perhaps food, fridges and cupboards!) across the road to St Barnabas Church, who kindly agreed to host us through that time. It was an amazing effort from both our volunteers, and from a team from Wessex Water, who came to volunteer with us to help with the move. The move went so well, and being able to keep the pantry open in the run up to Christmas was incredibly important. The whole team came together brilliantly to ensure minimal disruption for our members.

Fluctuating numbers of members has proved challenging for us this year, trying to ensure we have enough choice of food while also not creating food waste. The change in benefits will effect pantry members here as well as in the City Centre.

We’ll be saying a sad farewell to two of our team leaders this summer. Annie Trembling from Bath Methodist Church is retiring in July. We’ve worked together since 2016, and will be sad to see her go, but equally happy to welcome her replacement. Rachel Spence finishes her time as Pioneer Minister in Whiteway this summer, and will be off to pastures new. We send both Rachel and Annie all of our best wishes in the changing times ahead for them!

We continue to be involved with the Twerton and Whiteway Community Network, and look forward to closer working with Kate and Sally, who have been employed as Network Co-ordinators.

We’re fortunate to have great support from local allotment holders, who have donated surplus fruit and vegetables to us for the first time in 2023. We also have a wonderful group of ladies who deliver fruit and vegetables to us most weeks, and regular deliveries of toiletries from the Hygiene Bank.

We’ve welcomed Bath Methodist Church as a partner organisation, joining Southdown and Whiteway Church & Community Partnership, Lux and St Barnabas.

We have had two teams from Wessex Water spend their community volunteering days across our two pantries for the first time over the last few months – they have been super, and really helped with some big jobs!

Winter Pop-Up Pantry

An additional pantry session (combined with a Living Room session) to increase capacity as the city centre pantry was full.

Running from December 2023 to March 2024.

Thanks to funding received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Community Cost of Living Fund (CCLF), distributed through The National Lottery, we were able to increase capacity in the city centre by opening a second pantry session. We were able to offer additional places over the winter months, when heating bills are highest.

This was run as a combined Pantry and Living Room session (see page 14 for more on Living Room). This meant that people could pop in for a coffee, lunch and a chat, alongside others coming to shop. Lots of pantry shoppers stayed for lunch, and every session had a wonderful, chilled and supportive atmosphere.

Having a more relaxed session where people can stay and

eat was lovely. The “open house” element of people helping themselves, and getting involved was just great.

Running this extra session has demonstrated the need for a more permanent additional session, to increase capacity, to change the format to include a light meal, and to offer a quieter session to those who need that.

Your service is lifesaving to those struggling to afford food, heating and those feeling isolated. Thank you for the difference you make. Bath may be a rich city attracting tourists from all around the world, but below the surface many of us are struggling to make ends meet, you help make sure there is support and kindness for all, thank you.

Number of Attendees not linked to other Oasis projects

Number of Beneficiaries

Pantry Member’s Experience

Tell us a bit about how you came into contact with Oasis and why.

I came into contact with the Pantry during the pandemic. I experienced domestic abuse and left the family home with my young children. Child maintenance wasn’t being paid and I was struggling to get by on benefits.

How has the pantry helped you or made a difference in your life?

The Pantry really helped me as it meant I could feed the children healthy home-cooked food. The cost saving on the food bill meant I didn’t get into debt on other things like electricity and gas. It was especially good for getting vegetables, breakfast cereals and protein - food which has increased in price a lot over this time. I experienced isolation during this time, and it was a really nice place to visit every week, everyone was really friendly and helpful and kind. It meant a lot to me. They were often the only people I saw each week as the abuse had isolated me from friends and family, and there weren’t any other services running for women like me in the first year of the pandemic, so there wasn’t any in-person professional support either. They have also donated presents for the children and lovely extras at Christmas and Easter which I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. In the early years of the pandemic this made a big difference to my children’s lives having been through the trauma of domestic abuse, and they still remember the presents, books and teddies they were given, and who by.

What

is life like now?

Life is much better now, I attended the Women’s Work Lab last year and am now working full time as a result of that. I had heard about it from talking to one of the volunteers. I do still use the Pantry if I need to, as the cost of living is so high now it is impossible to survive even on a full time salary, especially if you have to pay for childcare and ongoing legal bills. It is so nice to visit and see all the friendly and welcoming faces again.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your experience of being part of an Oasis project?

I think the Pantry does an amazing job, providing not only very cheap food but on top of that, always looking to help in any way they can. If you’re not ok, someone will notice, and ask you, and provide useful advice and support by signposting to other agencies. They also do a stay and chat cafe with tea, coffee and biscuits which was really nice to do when I wasn’t working. They have also provided some lovely activities for the children in the past during half term and holidays when we visited. Thank you!!

Pantry Volunteer’s Experience

Why did you decide to volunteer at Oasis?

I have been working for a Christian student charity called Just Love during my time at university, and this year we wanted to work alongside already established charities here in Bath. With the Cost of Living Crisis becoming such an important issue, we wanted to look for opportunities that allowed us to help ensure our local community was able to feed themselves and their families, and this is why we wanted to help out at Oasis.

How has volunteering impacted you?

Volunteering at Oasis has been such an eye-opening and amazing chance to help the local community and has made me think about my own life choices. From a young age, I always wanted to go into marketing, but this year with the Pantry being so influential, I now feel a calling to direct my career in a more sustainable and beneficial manner that would allow me to help improve the daily lives of those around me.

What difference does the pantry make to people’s lives, and how have you seen this while volunteering?

The work the Pantry does, in my opinion, can’t be understated. Not only are we able to provide the much-needed food to those in Bath, but the quality and choice available to our members, in combination with the respect and dignity practices that are in place, I believe, is much appreciated by all those that come through our doors. This can be noticed either by the smiles on the faces of our members, the chats we engage in and the fact that there is such high demand for the service, that unfortunately we can’t accept everyone that wants to become a member.

Would you recommend volunteering to others, and if so why?

I would highly recommend volunteering at the Pantry for anyone who is looking for an opportunity that allows you to become a closer part of the community here in Bath, whilst engaging in truly influential work :)

Interview with Joe Lee

Oasis : Living Room

A winter community space, offering companionship and a meal.

Running from December 2022 to March 2023, then December 2023 to March 2024.

Our winter 2022/2023 Living Room was initially a ‘warm space’ response to the cost of living crisis. It quickly became clear that, in fact, the most important reasons people came were for companionship, and to share a meal together. We were generously supported by COOK, who provided all of the meals for these sessions.

Over winter 2023/2024 we were able to open two Living Room sessions each week, due to the CCLF grant we received (see Pantry). This meant we could open both an evening session, and a lunchtime session. For some of our evening sessions we commissioned Bath Community Kitchen to provide some of the meals. Feedback was similar to the previous year - the thing people appreciated most was a meal together and the chance to build relationships.

Feedback at the end of the sessions was overall incredibly positive. The main challenge for attendees was the harshness of both the lighting and the acoustics, which have long been problematic, particularly for those with sensory challenges. We were able to use this feedback for evidence to apply for specific grants to replace the community hall lighting with dimmable lights, and to add acoustic softening panels. These have transformed the experience of being in this space, and have been commented on so positively by all room users.

We are looking to create a new Hub plan, using the learnings and feedback from all of our projects, including Living Room, to shape our community work going forwards. Watch this space!

Words by Claire Henwood, Community Worker

Number of Attendees

37

2022/2023

19

Average number of meals served each week

Number of Attendees 51

2023/2024

22

Average number of meals served each week

A very good and happy feeling that things can improve when surrounded by good and friendly people.

It has improved my weekly routine and helped to forge friendships.

It has helped me not to feel alone at a rather depressing time of year. It has kept me healthy and focusing on healthy eating and cooking. It has helped me to be more understanding of others.

Oasis : Living Room

Tell us a bit about how you came into contact with Oasis and why?

Due to a breakup, my circumstances were suddenly very different, and I came to the pantry to maximise my income as I wasn’t on any benefits and not working at that time. Because I came here I was referred to Focus Counselling. It’s lovely to buy healthy food at an affordable price, and sometimes we have extra treats, like the heated blanket. I got period pants, which are absolutely amazing. I then saw Living Room being advertised, and came along.

How has Living Room helped you or made a difference in your life?

It was so nice to come to a smaller event, and as a woman I felt safe here, when I haven’t necessarily felt that in other places. I like the fact that children can come, that women aren’t excluded because they have children. Living Room is welcoming of everyone, and I’ve made new friends here. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer, which has been a core value throughout my life.

Tell us a particular story about Living Room or a moment that impacted you.

The last night of living room was really special - we dressed up, and made an event of the evening! It was so lovely to be able to share thank you cards with the volunteers.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your experience of being part of an Oasis project, or your interaction with staff/volunteers, or anything else not covered by the questions above?

Claire is amazing, she sees everything and everyone and is also so approachable. She represents God’s love, grace, compassion and understanding. She’s not one of those ‘I’ll pray for you and you’re in my thoughts’ people, she’s a practical Christian who feeds you and doesn’t just pray that you won’t be hungry.

Oasis : Kitchen

written by Anja Haywood from Food for Thought

Oasis Kitchen began as a pilot run by Food for Thought/Bath Mind in collaboration with Oasis over 8 weeks throughout January and February 2023. The aim was to provide a space for regular users of Oasis Pantry to come together, socialise, learn new skills in the kitchen, explore cooking with different ingredients as well as discussing tips for eating well-balanced healthy meals using the food that is available to them. Due to the success of the pilot we’ve since then run another group at Oasis, and one in Roundhill in Southdown.

We focused on recipes where ingredients can be substituted as well as those that freeze well for batch cooking and reduce food waste - keeping in mind how the cost of living crisis is affecting everyone.

We came up with creative ways of cooking meals using tinned food and frozen food as well as cooking a three course meal without the use of the oven. We even managed to create some delicious dishes using only a microwave! Throughout the weeks, the group’s knowledge and willingness to try new things grew and we were absolutely blown away – as were they – by what they produced. Members were able to contribute their ideas for what they wanted to learn to cook and became more and more adventurous – they made tasty filled savoury pancakes on pancake day, tortilla wraps from scratch for fajitas and even made their own naan breads to accompany a curry. The penultimate session was an opportunity for members to cook for an upcoming Oasis Living Room session –and they did a smashing job – producing an absolute feast of Turkish food!

We absolutely loved running these sessions and felt we were able to achieve a great deal in the time we spent with the group – both in the fantastic food that was produced as well as a multitude of practical and useful tips and skills that attendees took away with them.

This course is excellent for community building, enjoyment, a nice meal, caring support and getting ideas!

I have enjoyed a group meal and learned more about what I can and can’t cope with in the kitchen and with chopping and preparing food.

I feel better equipped to cook healthier meals at home because of recommendations like cooking without an oven and using an air fryer.

Trauma Informed Yoga

In April 2024 we launched a new partnership project with Focus Counselling, whose office and counselling practice is based in our building.

A new, ten week Trauma Informed Yoga Class offered a safe, supportive space where people could learn emotional regulation skills through connection with the breath and increased body awareness. This supports people to move out of survival mode, to a place where they can begin to heal. Places were allocated through referral of existing Focus clients who counsellors felt might particularly benefit.

The class was delivered by Anna Caldwell from Active Stillness (visit www.activestillness.org to find out more), and supported by a Focus Counsellor who participated in each class to be present for anyone who needed support or signposting. We’re grateful to the Bath Half Marathon Fund for funding this project.

Very often mental health services and wellbeing activities are not affordable or accessible for those on low incomes. We really want to change that and we’re delighted that because of the funding we received we were able to offer ten significantly subsidised places for participants.

We hope to repeat the class in the future.

I felt so different after class, in a good way and that feeling lasted for quite a long time.

It’s so helpful to learn about the nervous system in this way, to learn and then put it into practice

Cook It

written by Aimee Dineen of HCRG Care Group

A free healthy cookery course for families.

When you think specifically about the project/service hosted at or delivered with Oasis over the last year, what have been the main points of impact or success? What do you most want to celebrate?

We had a full course and families frequently expressed their learning and enjoyment during the 5 week course cookery course. 6 out of 7 families completed the course (needed to attend at least 3 out of 5 sessions) taking away a meal and side dish/dessert each week. Some of the families that join the course struggle to afford ingredients and equipment to make healthy meals with their children at home, we provide an environment in which the children are taught the basics of cooking a healthy meal so they can grow into healthy adults despite struggles at home. This course taught the children the importance of a healthy balanced diet with a different focus each week; eat your 5 a day, eatwell guide, portion size and healthy snacking. We had a few children who were fussy eaters at the start of the course and unenthusiastic about getting involved with cooking, by the end they were excited to get started and were proud of the meals that they made.

What are the biggest challenges your project beneficiaries have faced this year?

Our biggest challenge is getting families booked onto our courses, especially target families (low income families and those with unhealthy eating habits) due to having complicated inconsistent lives so struggling to commit to attending the same time each week. However, as Oasis was a familiar venue to some of the families that attend the food pantry it was more suitable for them.

What are your plans and hopes for the year ahead? How will the project grow and develop?

We are in the process of arranging courses in the new year at a variety of venues across B&NES to reach more families. We have also been pushing our marketing efforts to spread the word about the courses better to improve on bookings. Hope to run another COOK IT course at Oasis next year.

How does the partnership with Oasis help the project/organisation, and how essential is it to the operation of your activities?

Oasis helps us connect to the local community and those who are struggling with the affordability of healthy food, through their food pantry and other initiatives. Running one of our COOK IT courses at the church gets local families cooking from scratch and how to make healthy choices, as well as providing them with a meal to take home. Without the offer of these type of venues we wouldn’t be able to run our courses.

My son & I came after getting a flyer from school. We really liked the lessons and learning through the games & activities that the facilitator did during the sessions. We enjoyed learning about the different cutting techniques . Now I am going to start meal planning and batch cooking.

We joined to spend some fun time together, to encourage my daughter to eat more veg in a variety of forms. During the course we enjoyed cooking together - making a variety of foods with other families, then taking it home to share.

I booked onto the course to get my child enthusiastic about cooking. It gave her the confidence to cook, and think about healthy eating. It has also got me thinking more about food choices.

Addiction Support Groups

We’re proud to host several addiction support groups in our building, which are all led and facilitated by recovering addicts. The words below have been written by some of those involved in leading and attending alcoholics anonymous groups based at Oasis.

We are a group of recovering alcoholics who try to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

When you think specifically about the group over the last year, what have been the main points of impact or success? What do you most want to celebrate? Bringing together of people with various amounts of recovery from 1 day to 40+ years in order to share experience, strength and hope. This is a lifeline to alcoholics looking for recovery and often works where every other intervention has failed. In particular, our Tuesday evening group has grown steadily over the year and we have welcomed various newcomers as well as helping regular members to stay sober. We have stayed open and kept going consistently throughout the year.

What have been the challenges and how have you overcome these? We have had a few issues with members moving away and others relapsing. We have welcomed back relapsers and other members have stepped in to fill service roles.

What are the biggest challenges those who attend your group have faced in their lives this year?

This cannot be generalised really! We have had fellows dealing with divorce, physical and emotional abuse, loss of custody of children, homelessness, death of loved ones, ill health (from non-alcohol related causes e.g. cancer, COPD, frailty), death of one of our members following relapse…to name but a few of the problems shared confidentially at our sessions.

What are your plans and hopes for the year ahead in relation to the group? How do you hope the group grow and develop?

We are not particularly ambitious - our main aim is to be constant, keep momentum going and be available throughout the year. We are very grateful to be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to provide support when most places are closed, at a difficult time of year for alcoholics.

How does the partnership with Oasis help the group, and how essential is it to the operation of your activities?

The most important thing is that Oasis provides a constant venue where members know they can turn up every week. The reasonable rates mean that we can support those who would otherwise not be able to afford therapy. The facilities such as comfy sofas, kitchen area, toilets and storage area are all appreciated. We are very happy with the calm tranquil space in the centre of Bath and are grateful for Oasis’ support. The venue is one of the nicest Alcoholics Anonymous meeting places in Bath.

Focus Counselling

Words from Helen Marton, CEO of Focus Counselling

A local charity offering affordable one-to-one counselling to adults, children, young people and couples.

When you think specifically about the project/service hosted at or delivered with Oasis over the last year, what have been the main points of impact or success? What do you most want to celebrate?

Something we would like to celebrate is the increased interest and attendance at our support groups, both our eating disorders support group and our support group for women affected by sexual violence. Started in 2022, our support group for women has developed into a safe and nurturing space. We have reached out to the city to collaborate with our two universities as we support both their students and staff and also the wider community. It has become such an important place for women that we have taken on more volunteers and staff to accommodate the need.

We continue to see record highs in referrals for our counselling service, both for adults and children and young people. The support from Oasis has been invaluable as the charity grows and expands to serve the needs of our community.

What have been the challenges and how have you overcome these?

One of our main aims is to make allocation to a counsellor as quickly as possible. We understand that reaching out for support can be hard and can sometimes take months to find the courage to do so. This year, due to the increase in referrals, we have made the decision to lengthen the allocation period. Our experience of using the building has supported us in keeping our waiting times as low as possible.

What are the biggest challenges your project beneficiaries have faced this year?

We are aware of the continued cost of living crisis and the impact this is having on our clients. It is wonderful to offer free or very low-cost counselling/support to help in this difficult time.

What are your plans and hopes for the year ahead? How will the project grow and develop?

Next year we hope to continue our affordable counselling service to the who most need it. We have been asked to develop a drop-in space for young people to come and have a hot drink and a chat after school. The need for warm and safe spaces is growing rapidly and we want to respond to that need and reach those most in need in our community.

27

Total number of staff including counsellors-intraining

869

Total service beneficiaries

5950

Total number of sessions delivered in Bath

Focus Counselling

How does the partnership with Oasis help the project/organisation, and how essential is it to the operation of your activities?

Oasis have been amazing at offering us this space! It is essential that we have an affordable, safe and warm space to deliver our vital services to the people of Bath and surrounding areas. Oasis has given us that platform to fulfil our mission; we are so grateful.

A support group participant: I was told about the support group at Focus by a friend. She knew I had been struggling, but I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I was so nervous, I almost didn’t go, but even from the phone calls and emails, everyone sounded so friendly. I am so glad I did go; in fact, I never miss a single session! Thank you, Focus!

An adult client: Coming to see my counsellor has changed my life.

A young person: It’s been really hard at home lately and I have got exams at school. I was finding life really tough when my teacher mentioned Focus. Now I can come and have someone who listens to my worries. I don’t feel so alone anymore.

An adult client: Thank you, Focus. These months have been so important to me and everyone around me in allowing me to start to figure some stuff out and start to feel a little more optimistic. I will think of you often and I will never be able to thank you enough so what you have done for me.

An adult client: It’s made such a difference! I should have come ages ago!!

Bath Mind : Breathing Space

Our Breathing Space service consists of both a face-to-face and telephone service, offering calm, non-clinical support for individuals experiencing or at risk of a mental health crisis. Staffed by a team with a broad range of experience in mental health issues, the services offer a compassionate listening ear and signposting to relevant services.

When you think specifically about the project/service hosted at or delivered with Oasis over the last year, what have been the main points of impact or success? What do you most want to celebrate?

In the past year Breathing Space has supported almost 500 different individuals experiencing or at risk of a mental health crisis in the BANES area, delivering 1950 unique 1:1 support sessions tailored to the individual in their time of need. This ranges from providing a welcoming environment; giving company to people who would otherwise have been isolated; people needing a safe place from difficult things at home; staff helping with finding a refuge or safety planning as and when home life escalates; someone feeling suicidal and needing support to de-escalate; creating new opportunities; future crisis planning.

We’re particularly proud of how dedicated and inspiring the staff team are towards ensuring the best possible support is available, helping us to reach out to the wider public in BANES.

I just had a really helpful chat with Breathing Space. They handled me and my difficult situation very well. I want to say thank you to Breathing Space for the amazing job that you all do. Thank you for being a lifesaving service.

Breathing Space service has made a ‘huge, huge difference’ to be listened to in a non-judgemental way and to know it’s okay to feel the way I do.

I was feeling suicidal and unbalanced when I arrived and am leaving feeling calmer, supported and, after having a lovely chat, I am cheered up and lighter.

I feel better having spoken to someone about it all. I recognise that I am lucky to be based in an area that has Breathing Space as a service.

It means so much to have someone listen to me and see me as a person.

I am so pleased that I came this evening. I was making excuses all day not to attend, but I am glad I did as I feel so much better and less anxious and upset. Thank you for helping me to see that there is light at the end of a dark tunnel and that I have options.

Words from Mark Jackson, Manager of Breathing Space

What have been the challenges and how have you overcome these?

People using the service often come in with several different complex support needs. This requires us to change and adapt to each individual. We have developed a robust assessment process, helping us to identify the best possible support for each unique individual. This has also developed staff knowledge, meaning we are able to support a wider client base.

What are the biggest challenges your project beneficiaries have faced this year?

Cost of living is really the biggest one - we have seen a sharp increase in people needing support around accommodation and buying food, which has quite an impact on their mental health. Breathing Space has a good rapport with the local food banks and kitchens and will often make referrals on the individual’s behalf. We are also able to refer people to other third sector companies with support for paying bills and rent. Breathing Space has supported individuals making benefit applications and grants.

What are your plans and hopes for the year ahead? How will the project grow and develop?

Breathing Space will be expanding in the year ahead. We have secured additional space as well as Oasis, which means we will be able to support even more people who require assistance with their mental health.

How does the partnership with Oasis help the project/organisation, and how essential is it to the operation of your activities?

Breathing Space and Oasis have worked together to create a calm, relaxing environment where people feel safe and are able to express their feelings. It’s a partnership that works well for the people we support. We thank Oasis for being so open with allowing us to create this tailored space, which is an essential part of who we are.

Bath Mind : Breathing Space

1914

Number of 1:1 sessions in the past year

479

Individuals using Breathing Space in the past year

1278

Number of prevented suicides in the past year

Our Volunteers

We asked our volunteers three questions related to their work at Oasis.

Are there any ways volunteering has helped in your own life?

* Meeting and making friends with staff, volunteers and customers.

* Learning about others and making a contribution.

* Challenges and improves my confidence.

* Made me feel useful!

* Helped to make a great wedding day - and lots more!

* It gives me a sense of accomplishment.

* Keeps me busy and out of mischief and I enjoy working with everyone.

* To find the person I was before covid and shielding.

* It gives me a sense of satisfaction to feel like I am making a difference.

* Volunteering has given me the opportunity to talk to others about my anxiety.

* Good for me to have the opportunity to bring my teenage daughter along to help. Good for us to “serve” together.

* Given me a sense of purpose when I’ve not been able to do very much.

* Have met many people I otherwise wouldn’t have, and have made some good friends.

* Awareness of inequality in society and way to do something about this.

* Gives a sense of purpose.

Why do you volunteer at the Pantry?

* It’s a cliché - but to give something back.

* I like talking and listening to people. It’s a good way to show that we care.

* I can give back in one area where I use another

* Meeting new people. Sharing a vision with others. Being part of a community.

* It helps me with my anxiety and panic attacks.

* Gives me something to do rather than sitting at home eating biscuits!

* Being part of a community.

* It’s short, sharp and satisfying.

What is the best thing about volunteering?

* Meeting new people.

* Recognising your worth.

* The rest of the team and the lovely members.

* I’m able to give my time when other resources are limited.

* Making a difference.

* Feeling part of a community.

* Working with a great team of people.

* Recognising how fortunate I am.

* Hearing someone say you’ve/this has really helped me.

* Offering at least a drop in the ocean of human need.

* Making a difference in the world, one person, one potato at a time.

Who benefits from our projects and services?

We sent a survey out to all our project beneficiaries, and asked them to tell us a bit about themselves, and their views on the Oasis project(s) they have accessed. There were 63 respondents in total; 51 women and 11 men, with one person preferring not to give their gender.

More than half (59%) of respondents live with no other adults in the home (37 respondents). Another 10 respondents live with one other adult, 7 live with two adults, 6 live with three and 3 respondents live with another 4 adults. Although most households have no children (43%), another 43% have 1 or 2 children and young people in the household.

Most respondents are members of the Pantries, with 43% using the City Centre Pantry. A very small percentage use another project or group provided by Oasis Hub.

89% of respondents agreed that the project/ group helped them meet a practical need of some kind, 70% strongly.

When asked if the project/group had improved their mental health, 87% of respondents agreed, 54% strongly.

Has the project/group helped respondents access support they couldn’t find elsewhere?

85% of respondents agreed. 60% of them strongly. One person disagreed.

I feel welcomed and cared for by the staff and/or leaders of the group/project.

94% of respondents agreed, 75% strongly.

Funding

A huge thank you to all who have supported Oasis Hub Bath in 2023 - 2024.

Without you, we literally couldn’t do half the things we have been able to.

See pages 30 and 31 for more information on how to donate.

The Big Pantry Quiz!

In March 2023 we gathered friends, supporters and partners at the amazing Apex Hotel for our Big Pantry Quiz!

The aim of the quiz was to raise funds to continue to support both our food pantries that run in the city centre and at the Roundhill Hub in Southdown. It was also a great opportunity to raise awareness of the important work the pantries do, and the sheer scale of people we’re now helping through them as demand has increased significantly since the cost-of-living crisis began.

We were really pleased to have raised an impressive £1422.96, through both ticket sales and from our raffle in which we had some incredible prizes donated by local businesses.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Apex Hotel for letting us use their incredible event space, and to all those who donated prizes: The Pig Hotel, Bath Holistic Massage, Bright Blue Yoga, Bath Building Society, the Theatre Royal, The Egg Theatre, Kula Yoga and Wellbeing Space, Cook, Komedia and Bombay Balti. You’re all amazing! A huge thank you, too, to our quiz host John Lawton, and our Hub Steering Group for organising the event.

We’re always looking for fundraising ideas and volunteers to help make them happen, so if you have a particular idea, skill or talent you think could help us raise some money, get in touch!

Community Matters Funding

Community Matters is a not-for-profit shop on Chelsea Road in the Newbridge area of Bath. The shop selects at random a local, independent charity to support each year, meaning all the profits raised through the shop go directly towards supporting that charity. We were lucky enough to be chosen as the Community Matters charity of the year for 2023, and the shop raised an absolutely incredible £57,190.89!

It’s hard to put into words what a difference such a huge amount of money makes to a small charity like us, particularly as the money is ‘unrestricted’ meaning we can spend it on wherever there is a need. Raising enough money to keep our projects going, cover our core costs and maintain our building is consistently our biggest challenge, and this donation takes a huge amount of pressure off. We have already used some of the money to improve our main community space, and we will be allocating the rest to core costs over the next year, such as staff salaries and other overheads that are difficult to fund through grants and trusts.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Michelle and all of the team at Community Matters, who work so hard and make such a difference through the work they do.

They are now raising money for the wonderful Bath Mind, so please do support the shop either through donating or purchasing items.

THANK YOU

Dear Volunteer . . .

We asked all those who participated in an Oasis project if they would like to write a message to the volunteers.

Hub Plan

Developing Living Room

In 2024 we’ll be spending a significant amount of time as a team creating our new Hub Plan for 2025 and beyond.

Our Hub Plan will be a strategy of sorts, helping us to consolidate the learning from our project delivery over the last few years, ensuring what we do both now and in the future reflects our values and ethos, and helping us to be more focused and intentional in the work we deliver.

Watch this space!

Our Living Room project has made us reflect on the wider need for an open community space for people to meet, chat, eat and build relationships with others.

In our changing world these types of community spaces and places are becoming fewer and more difficult to access, and we’ll be reflecting on how we can develop our Living Room provision into a more regular, co-hosted community provision for local people.

Farewell to Focus

Focus Counselling have based their office and counselling practice in our building since November 2020. Since then Focus have outgrown the space due to the increased demand for their service, and that combined with our own growing staff team means it’s the right time for them to move on. They will be leaving us in July, and we will really miss the team!

We have been so privileged to host such an important service, and we’ve enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate through our Trauma Informed Yoga Class.

We hope there will be more opportunities to work together in the future, and we wish Focus all the very best.

Join In

Oasis Hub Bath projects are only possible because of the support of individuals and organisations who partner with us in various ways.

From volunteering at one of our hub projects, to giving regularly through a standing order, there are loads of ways you can help us do what we do.

The invitation is open to everyone to join in!

Join in by giving financially

To enable our projects to run, ongoing financial support is essential. Giving regularly to us means you are helping us provide practically for people in need such as food for our pantry, as well as funding staff roles such as our hub leader to enable projects to be developed and managed.

You can support the work of Oasis Hub Bath in the following ways;

1) You can fill in a standing order form to give a regular amount of your choice from your bank account each month. This is the best way to help us as it means we can plan ahead, and claim gift aid on donations given.

To download a form visit www.oasisbath.org/donate.

2) You can give a one-off donation or sign up to give regularly online by visiting www.justgiving.com/ oasishubbath.

3) You can give a one-off donation of up to £20 by texting OASISHUBBATH and the amount you’d like to give to 70450.

For example to give £20 you would text ‘OASISHUBBATH 20’ to 70450.

Join in by fundraising

If you are looking for a challenge then fundraising for us is a good way to support us, raise awareness of the work we do and motivate yourself. You might want to involve friends or colleagues in doing so too.

Contact us for ideas and information, this could include running the Bath Half, nominating us with your employer as ‘charity of the year’, or setting up a business partnership.

Email welcome@oasisbath.org to find out more.

Join in by telling others about us

Join in by volunteering

Our projects rely on volunteers and we always have roles available for those who want to give some of their time.

You could volunteer at our weekly food pantry, help out at our Living Room, or use your own specialist skills such as design, data analysis or fundraising.

Alongside supporting practically or financially we want others to know about the work that we do. Through communicating the work of Oasis Hub Bath to others you can help ensure that those who may benefit from accessing our projects or organisations who work with individuals who need support know about us. It also helps us to develop partnerships and identify those who can support us in the ways outlined above.

There are a number of ways that you can help let others know about us. You could follow us on our social media pages and share what we do.

Alongside this we produce a quarterly newsletter called Hub News which gives an update of what we have been doing. You can find this on our website: https://oasisbath.org/projects/hub-news/

Why not have a read and share with others?