Our people are the beating heart of Oasis

Management & Outreach

Caroline Edwards - Founder & Director of Services

I am a survivor of abuse. The abuse in all its forms began when I was a small child and continued for most of my life. I had no one to protect me – not my family, my teachers, my community, the police or the legal system. No one cared enough to hear my silent screams for help. These experiences, combined with a career in safeguarding children, led me in 1996 to begin a lifelong dream of creating Oasis, a place where no one would ever have to feel isolated and alone again. I wanted to create a second family for those who had none. A sanctuary for those seeking safety. A place where people would feel listened to, could seek advice, and given the means to rebuild their self-confidence, resilience and independence. Over the past 25 years, I have been joined along this journey by an incredible team of staff and volunteers. Together, we have established a wide range of preventative services to support families from falling into crisis as well as safeguarding services that support children and adults identified as victims of abuse.

By working closely with local statutory and voluntary agencies, a network of support can be put in place enabling the family to access the right services at the right time, for as long as they need the support. Our work is not time-limited; Oasis will walk beside them in their journey to rebuild their life. My team and I feel privileged and blessed to have touched the lives of those who have sought our help and come out the other side. I believe the future of Oasis belongs to all of us. These children and families live here in our community; they’re living next door, they are our friends, our neighbours, our child’s best friends or classmates.

“I believe we owe it to every child living in our community to be free of the risk of abuse, poor mental health and poverty.”

Jenny Lacey - Office Manager

Joanne Lucas - Nursery Manager & Outreach

I started my career in childcare while looking after my two young children and went onto receive my Level 3 Early Years qualification. I was introduced to Oasis and the work they did through the childminding network, and I began helping out with the charity’s stay-and-play sessions. Once Oasis opened their Ofsted-registered nursery in 2015, I worked my way up to the position of Nursery Manager, as well as earning a BA Hons in Special Educational Needs & Inclusive Practice. I have also attained Makaton Levels 1 & 2.

Given the increase in demand for Oasis’ services, I recently moved to a full-time role, encompassing Outreach as well as continuing my role as Nursery Manager.

I thoroughly enjoy my work and the challenges it brings. The support and inspiration I receive both professionally and personally is amazing. I love exploring the children’s passions and potential, and helping them to realise them alongside their parents.

Jenny Lacey - Office Manager

I run the office and keeps everyone in line at Oasis! Before I joined Oasis, I worked for a hotel group managing their corporate clients.

Prior to that, I worked for British Telecom in Directory Enquiries and then subsequently as Facilities Manager at one of their computer centres. I then took time off to have my two children and joined Oasis in early 2010. I love the variety of the jobs I tackle on a day-to-day basis and also firmly believe in what Oasis does.

I love meeting all the families Oasis helps and seeing the positive impact the charity has on their lives.

 

Counsellors

Fi Howard

Hello, I am a fully trained counsellor and registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).

Sometimes life is just overwhelming and something needs to change. I firmly believe that each and every one of us has the capacity to make these changes in our lives and that clients have the answers, they just need to find them. By working together, side by side in a safe, confidential space we can find ways together to make these important shifts and to address whatever is proving difficult to manage.

My hope is to offer a this experience to you through Oasis as I strongly believe it should be available to everyone.

Marie Winefield

I am an accredited member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and practise as a Humanistic Counsellor. I love being part of the Oasis family. The passion and duty of care for their current and growing number of clients really shines through with every team member going the extra mile. The topic of Domestic Abuse is close to my heart, and I really welcome the fact that there is no limit to the number of counselling sessions clients attend.

This allows me to give my clients the long-term emotional support they need, in addition to working towards breaking the generational cycle of domestic abuse.

 

Therapeutic Arts Counselling

Jo Alam

I was educated in the UK, but had the privilege to have lived in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, India, Cyprus, which has enhanced my respect and love for different cultures and religions. I have been happily married for 30 years with three daughters.  They emigrated to Australia in 2004 and returned to the UK in 2013.

Having worked in the IT industry for companies such as Microsoft in sales and training, and having owned a number of businesses and sold one, I am now following my passion which is art. I have been teaching recreational art since 2015 and have an equivalent to a masters in Therapeutic Arts Counselling.

I love working with the clients at Oasis, and seeing their journey to recovery through the expressive form of art. As their work progresses, I’ve observed the transformational effect it has on their sense of self, confidence, self-esteem. They begin to open up, talk about their challenges, their past experiences. In turn, they become more outward looking, taking care of themselves and their children.