Help vulnerable young people today
At Oasis, we never give up on a person. We believe that things can always be changed and improved.
All year round, Oasis is the extended family of forgotten young people across the UK.
Aaron is one of these young people. At Christmas, Steve Chalke, the Founder of Oasis, found Aaron standing in front of a model nativity scene in his school foyer. He had a pen in his hand and was leaning over the figures, repeatedly stabbing Mary.
Coming alongside him, Steve asked ‘Why are you doing that?’ With as much anger as an 11-year old can muster, Aaron replied, ‘I hate Mary!’
Pausing, Steve asked him what he would be doing at Christmas time. In that moment, Aaron changed. The anger drained away and was replaced by a look of hopelessness.
There was a long silence. ‘I hope I’ll be with my mum. But I don’t know. She probably won’t want me. Or I might be with my dad. But I don’t think he wants me either.’
Then it became clear why Aaron hated Mary and what the nativity represented to this little boy. Christmas was drawing closer and the festivities were coming together at school with tinsel lining the walls and excitement brewing. Everyone was talking about the gifts they were going to receive and all the fun they would have with their families. All this reminded Aaron that no one – not even his mother – wanted him.
Loneliness is often emphasised at Christmas time, but for many people, it is a reality all year round.
It is in response to this kind of loneliness that Oasis supports children like Aaron. Whether through our inclusive Oasis Academies, our Stay and Play classes at Children’s Centres, a football workshop or a cookery class for young parents, Oasis supports those of any age and any background who have no one else.
Aaron still relies on our youth support work. We see ourselves as his extended family, and we are committed to him. But that investment costs.
Please join us in supporting forgotten young people in the UK, and make a donation today.