Safe accommodation
Oasis provides safe places for people to escape domestic abuse and to start to rebuild their lives, where they are supported by us on every step of their journey.
Our services include refuge - a safe house where people can stay for a while, and supported accommodation - assistance in setting up a new permanent home following abuse.
“Who I am now is because of Oasis”
refuge
Oasis offers both short and longer-term placements in refuges in East Kent (Thanet and Dover). Support Workers are able to help with a wide range of issues, providing practical and emotional support.
The locations of refuges are kept private for the safety of all residents. For the same reason, clients must go to a refuge that is not close to their current home.
Where:
East Kent (Thanet and Dover)
You can move into a refuge the same day you decide to leave.
What is a refuge like?
Just like the people we support, no refuge is the same. Some are purpose-built, self-contained flats whilst others are more like a large house with a bedroom to yourself and your children and communal kitchens, dining and living rooms.
How do I get a Refuge space?
The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline will help you find a refuge space if you call 0808 20000 247. The police, social services and other support services can also give you advice on where to find support and advice regarding domestic abuse and refuges.
Who can go?
Refuges will admit self-defining women, no matter what background, age or orientation however different refuges cater for people with different needs. For instance if you have mobility issues there may be some refuges that are not suitable but you will be directed somewhere that can meet your needs.
There are some refuges that will not be able to admit you if you have been violent in the past or have substance misuse issues; this may mean that a service will have to find a different way to support you.
What happens next?
Once a refuge space has been found, a member of staff from that refuge will call you to take a referral from you. This process is to gather some information about you and your situation to ensure they are able to offer you the right support.
If you are offered a place you will usually be expected to arrive at the refuge either that day or the next.
When you arrive you will be asked to sign a license agreement which will include the terms under which you can stay in the refuge, how long you can stay and any necessary rules to ensure the safety of yourself and other residents. Despite there being some rules, you will be free to go about your daily life.
Support Staff
All refuges have trained staff. Support Workers are able to help with a wide range of issues and provide you with practical and emotional support. They will help you settle in and could assist in applications for welfare benefits; contacting solicitors; local doctors and schools; provide advice about education and employment opportunities, future housing and make any other relevant referrals.
Refuge search
If you live in Medway, call our helpline on 0800 917 9948 and we can provide a UK-wide search of refuge vacancies.
If you live in East Kent or North Kent: You can also call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 They will help you find a refuge space.
supported accomodation
Oasis provides safe, supported accommodation for young single women (aged 18 - 25 years) in the Gravesham district in North Kent with low support needs, at risk of becoming or currently homeless due to domestic abuse or familial breakdown. We support them in getting a permanent home.
Where:
Gravesend
Who’s it for?
We currently accept young single women only, aged 18-25, either homeless or at risk of homelessness. We will accept women in the early stages of pregnancy depending on support needs.
What type of accommodation is it?
We offer 12 rooms across two shared houses, 3 of which include en suite amenities such as kitchenettes and one of which is fully wheel-chair accessible and includes a wet-room. Rooms are allocated on the basis of availability and need. There are shared bath and shower rooms, and shared kitchens where en suite is not a feature.
Our supported accommodation for those in need and we will support you to find your own home.
What kind of support is offered?
You will work with our accommodation staff to create a support plan looking at what you need – be it knowledge of tenancies, skills to live independently or support around your physical or mental health.
These can include:
Starter tenancies and what to expect
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs)
How to arrange repairs
Setting up or changing energy suppliers, and how to take meter readings
How to use utilities such as washing machines and dryers
Council tax and how to claim for reductions
TV licenses: how to apply and ways to pay
Applying for grants for things like carpet, cutlery and bedding
Warm home discounts
Writing and keeping to budgets
How to create and manage a diary
Safely purchasing from second-hand sites such as Freecycle
Registering with a GP
We provide internet and access to a computer if you need it to get you on the housing list and to make and follow-up on bids through HomeChoice.
We are part of PATH which stands for Prevention of Actual and Threatened Homelessness and partner with Samaritans, Porchlight, Mind and CAB. Through PATH we can link you in with services that will help with a further range of issues such as mental health and immigration.
What does it cost?
Once you’ve applied we will check our vacancies and get in touch with you and you may be offered a one-to-one meeting to discuss what you need and what we can offer – called a needs assessment.
At that meeting we will look at your financial situation to assess whether some or all of the costs would be covered by any benefits you are either claiming or are entitled to. Typically, if you’re not working, rent can be paid in full through your benefits.
There is an additional weekly service charge to cover gas, electricity, water, council tax and other amenities.
How do I apply?
You can apply to us directly by downloading the referral form below, or a professional supporting you can apply on your behalf.
Making a Referral
Download and complete the referral form below. Please indicate the pathway you feel would be most appropriate.
We will then work with the service user to determine what support will best suit their needs.
How to submit this referral:
MEDWAY
Please email the completed referral form to:
Securely via referrals@oasis.cjsm.net or password protected to referrals@oasisdaservice.org. Call 0800 9179948 to give details of the password.
EAST KENT
Please email the completed referral form to:
Securely via raise.referrals@oasis.cjsm.net or password protected to RAISEreferrals@oasisdaservice.org. Text the password to 07718657160
ONE STOP SHOP DROP IN
One Stop Shop is a free and confidential advice service.
You can meet a range of professionals virtually or face-to-face that will be able to give you free, confidential advice about your situation.
Find out more about our East Kent and Medway one-stop-shops. For services outside of these areas go to www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk
Children and Young People Services
Oasis’s Early Intervention & Prevention team provides a number of project and services for young people affected by domestic abuse, as well as workshops for schools and community groups. We work with 7 - 25 years olds to reduce vulnerability and increase their knowledge, resilience and safety.
Oasis is committed to ensuring that all people affected by domestic abuse can access the support they need appropriately and fairly.
Our services are inclusive - irrespective of age, gender, gender identity or orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion, we can provide care and support.