Learn more about what we do here at The Oasis Centre, and see how we may be able to help you.
About Us
Who We Are
The Oasis Centre, based in shop front premises in St Columb Major, Cornwall UK, is a registered charity and a voluntary community organisation working in partnership with other statutory and voluntary organisations in the area. We are a multi-faith and multi-ethnic organisation that builds on our Foundation of Christian values, helping to strengthen and support all those in our local communities.
The Oasis Centre is managed by a group of local people, governed by a Constitution. The Centre was also established in 2008 and the Constitution states that its purpose is to relieve persons resident in the parishes of St. Columb, St. Ervan, St. Eval, St. Mawgan and surrounding areas who are in a condition of need, hardship, distress, ill-health, disability and other disadvantage.
Our Mission
Essentially, we run groups, the busiest being our Wellbeing Cafes. These are weekly drop in centres for anyone, providing the opportunity to chat, have a hot drink, take part in arts and crafts, play table games or read the paper. We also organise monthly mini-coach outings to our favourite local places. New developments to the Wellbeing Cafes also include welfare benefits advice, alcoholics anonymous and debt counselling.
Our services are for everyone, but in particular, we seek to help those who are feeling lonely and isolated, or who are housebound. We also provide services for people with mild to moderate mental health issues; people and families supporting someone with dementia; young parents and toddlers; people who are unemployed and those who are bereaved.
How We Operate
Responsibility for the management of The Oasis Centre is in the hands of the Board of Trustees, a group of local people, governed by a Constitution. The Trustees manage the finances, raise funds and oversee the direction of the work we do, as well as appointing and training volunteers who are vital to the outreach support in the community.
The Trustees rely on funding from local churches, pubs, shops, charities, the local Town Council and Cornwall Council. Since 2014, we have also been supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation, The Rank Foundation and Awards for All.
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
We are honoured to have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022, for creating community in an area with multiple economic, health and wellbeing needs e.g. loneliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Use Your Services?
You can join in any activity organised by the charity that interests you or from which you may be able to benefit. All you have to do is ask – or just turn up.
How Much Is The Cafe?
Because the Oasis is a registered charity and is supported by generous grants and donations, the cost is modest. A donation of £1 will cover tea, coffee and cake and a further £2 donation is requested for lunch at the Wednesday Cafe.
Safeguarding Concerns
Ensuring that children and young people, as well as adults, are kept safe whilst in our care is an integral part of organisation. If you have any concerns, please contact Miss Pat Walton on 01637881691
Emergency Situation
In an emergency situation, the following contact numbers may be useful. Local Authority Children’s Social Care: 03001231116 or Adult’s Social Care: 0300 1234131
Meet Our Trustees
Pat Walton
Pat Walton has spent a lifetime in education, counselling, psychotherapy and mental health. A professional trainer, she covers a wide range of issues including bereavement, dementia, mental health and safeguarding and has experience of running projects similar to The Oasis Centre.
Pauline Turner
Pauline Turner retired to Cornwall seventeen years ago having spent her working life in London first in HM Treasury then as a Police Officer, Probation Officer and finally, as a psychotherapist/ counsellor running a large Counselling Service in East London with Pat Walton.
Barbara Hough
A retired Head Teacher, was instrumental in setting up Trevisker St Eval Community Centre and was closely involved in producing St Eval’s Neighbourhood Development Plan. She continues to be involved with the community centre, being responsible for bookings and is on the events committees. She has experience in policies and procedures, event management, risk assessment, and making grant applications.
Anne Clare
Anne Clare qualified as an accountant in the NHS before moving to the private sector working for KPMG with clients from the health, local government and education sectors. Anne has also spent time as a town clerk and a GP practice manager as well fulfilling the role of treasurer for various local charitable organisations. She has volunteered at the Wellbeing and Memory café for the last 12 months having recently moved back to Cornwall.
Emma King
Emma King has worked for the local general practice for the past 3 years. Having previously worked in London for over 13 years, she moved with her partner to Cornwall 10 years ago, as he reconnected with his Cornish roots.
Enjoys walking, photography and crafting in her spare time.
Barbara Wyper
I am proudly Cornish and a trained nurse, midwife and health visitor and have worked for a long time in the community. For several years I was president of STAK (St Austell Kitchen), an organisation which provided meals for those in need. I volunteer with AGE UK Cornwall assisting people with benefit claims. I am married to Peter and have 2 grown up sons and 4 grandchildren. For a number of years we fostered teenagers. I am currently studying the Cornish Language. I became secretary for the Trustees of the Oasis Centre in January 2022.
Letter From Our Chair
Paul Johns
I am delighted to Chair the trustees of the Oasis Centre. Such a fantastic and unfortunately necessary charity based in St Columb Major, St Eval and surrounding parishes. led by a dedicated and inspiring group of trustees, with equally dedicated volunteers.
Born in Redruth, a proud Cornishman who had a career in Banking and was Agricultural Director prior to retirement in 2017. I have been involved in various organisations over the years. Firstly, with the Young Farmers and a previous Chairman of St Columb YFC, I was then a member of Newquay Rotaract and moved quickly on to Round Table and was Chairman of St Austell. I have been and remain a member of St Columb Rotary Club of St Columb and have been treasurer for a number of years and President on two occasions.
Married to Johanna for 40 years with 2 grown up children and 2 grandchildren, I love to travel, read and watch rugby, tennis and golf (playing golf badly).
I thank you for taking the trouble to visit our website and sincerely hope it gives a flavour of the work we undertake. If you would like to get involved please contact me.