Thu 2 Sep | FORTUNE HERE | The OASIS Project: A talk and discussion with Senet Yohannes of United Response

Part of the Creative Folkestone Triennial, Fortune Here presents a talk and discussion led by Senet Yohannes from United Response. The talk will focus on United Response’s OASIS Project.

Spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential, please sign up for a free ticket here.

Please note this event will take place inside the Creative Folkestone Triennial 2021 Artwork, Fortune Here, located on Marine Parade, Folkestone, CT20 1PX.

The ethos underpinning OASIS projects is a desire to capture the hearts and minds of those who wish to belong and contribute to developing a community that offers an inclusive and supportive way of living. There are groups of people who choose or feel driven to live a lifestyle outside of what is commonly accepted as the individualistic mainstream norm. At the same time, overcoming loneliness and isolation, and the impact that has on a person’s health, is a major battle for many people. OASIS aims to meet these needs by offering accommodation which respects personal privacy and space whilst also providing opportunities for people to contribute and offer their skills for the common good.

OASIS seeks to create a lifestyle of choice that is committed to its member’s aspirations and needs, and which also enables the people within its neighbourhood to benefit and be part of what it seeks to achieve. The projects seek to develop through social process, creating a community that begins with people where they are, and progresses by developing mutual trust, and encouraging individuals and the groups to gain confidence and with it, control over the conditions within their community that affect their lives.

This will involve people developing self-help skills and activities relevant to their personal interests and needs. Relationships will need to be built between existing community groups and businesses, as well as voluntary and statutory organisations. By co-operation, appreciation and understanding each other, the wider local community as well as OASIS members will benefit.

Senet Yohannes is Kent Area Manager for United Response.

United Response is a national charity that supports people with a learning disability and/or mental health issue to live and thrive in their community. United Response Kent has created the Community Network in Cheriton, Folkestone, which is a community space designed to bring together people they support and members of the local community to undertake activities together. United Response Kent also run the Community Donation station in Cheriton, a second hand shop where people they support run the shop alongside local volunteers.