Paradigm Foundation funds help for people with drug and alcohol problems

Paradigm Foundation has supported the Oasis project in High Wycombe over a three year period.

Oasis provides support for approximately 2,000 people each year affected by drugs and/or alcohol problems in and around Bucks.

Their aim is to enable individuals to become free from their dependence, to recover fully and live meaningful lives, supporting their families and contributing to society.

Gillian Healey, Appeal Manager commented: “We are very grateful to the Paradigm Foundation which has supported this project twice, first with £20,000 and then with £25,000 over three years. Your ongoing support has brought stability to the project and ensures continuity.

“People with a drug/alcohol problem may have a poor standard of education, few or no qualifications, training or work experience. This means that it’s hard for them to find employment, particularly when employers are reluctant to risk hiring someone with a substance misuse history.

“Our support worker meets one-to-one with each client to assess their needs and then draws up an individual action plan which can include basic literacy, numeracy and IT; group work; one-to-one sessions; educational courses or training, for example we have trained clients up as baristas, and provided driving lessons, PSV licence upgrades and forklift driver training – all of which have played a big part in helping them to move into employment.

“We also help clients with ‘fit for work’ skills such as teamwork, listening, personal presentation and timekeeping and assist with job searching, applications and preparing for interviews.”

Oasis runs a thriving volunteer programme – volunteering is often the final step towards finding paid employment, because it allows clients to gain much needed hands-on work experience to put on their CV.  Volunteers have worked in the Recovery Café, done building maintenance and repair, run reception, provided office admin, and helped at outreach events.

Gillian continued: “Last year 52 clients who had received education, training and employment support, then progressed to volunteering roles, and 13 found paid employment. None of this would happen without supporters like the Paradigm Foundation who are helping our clients to turn their lives around.”