Oasis 2gether - raising funds for mental health support

This June, join our second annual Oasis 2gether weekend by taking on a challenge around the number 2, 22, or even 200 ... Whatever you do, well do it together as we all get running, baking, swimming, skipping, eating, dancing to raise money for mental health support.

Oasis works with some of the most vulnerable communities in the UK to build relationships and provide wide ranging and integrated services, designed to meet the breadth of human need. We work alongside disadvantaged children, young people, whole families and members of the wider community, empowering local people to transform their neighbourhoods into places that are healthy, safe, supportive and full of opportunity.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of children being referred to mental health services has hit a record high and we are seeing a 16% rise in the number of counselling sessions about mental and emotional health. Half of all mental illness starts before the age of 14 and approximately 1 in 6 children aged between 15-19 years in England have a mental health disorder. The true number, however, is thought to be much higher.

Additionally, we have seen that children with mental health difficulties are more than twice as likely to live in households newly falling behind with their bills, rent, or mortgage payments, compared with families who were able to pay their bills. One in ten children report that since the cost-of-living crisis their family hasn't had enough to eat or has been increasingly reliant on foodbanks.

Services for children and young people with mental health difficulties are failing to meet their needs and there is a widening gap between the services currently available and what is needed.

To address this alarming situation, we will be working with children and young people - and their families - across the whole continuum of needs, i.e. surviving, struggling, or in crisis, to build resilience, empowerment, and confidence so that they can go on to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

The support we offer is mainly provided by Oasis Family Support workers, and Oasis Youth Workers with help from volunteers or mentors and can be pro-active or re-active, with the purpose of serving the following aims:

To address the factors that children mental health worse. i.e, family issues, domestic violence, debt, poverty, homelessness

To equip children with the necessary tools to cope with mental health challenges

To present alternative pathways

This will include specific pastoral/catch up and therapy support given that vulnerable children have been particularly disadvantaged during the extended periods of school closure. Types of support include, group mentoring, individual mentoring, counselling and family engagement.

By joining the 2gether weekend, you are ensuring we can reach and help as many young people and families as possible.

Thank you!

Charity Registration No. 1026487