AN AWARD winning centre which helps the unemployed in Gunnislake could be closed down by May if funding cannot be found for its core services. A failed lottery bid and squeezes on other funding sources, including the withdrawal of support from Caradon District Council, have sparked a serious funding crisis at the Oasis Centre, which has been running successfully for three and a half years on a shoestring budget. The centre tackles problems of rural disadvantage by providing support, advice and training to people of all ages and is also a base for other support organisations to bring their services to the community. It has been earmarked by Callington Police as a potential satellite police station where the new PCSO for the area can be based. Its excellent track record for helping people back into work by upgrading skills and providing new business support won it the Cornwall Community Foundation's 'Community Project of the Year' award in 2006. Centre manager Jane Uglow said people without a computer at home could gain access to the internet for job searching and help on compiling and printing CVs. And children and young people used the facilities for doing their homework. 'The centre provides a safe and educational environment for them,' she said. 'It costs just £20,000 a year to keep us going two days a week, which is absolute peanuts in comparison with most people's budgets — that's all we need, just £20,000. 'We have a lot of support from people but it just seems that no-one has the finances.' Jane said there was sufficient funding to keep the centre running until May and desperate efforts were being made to find new sources of finance — but the doors would close then, if no long-term finances could be obtained. She said the Oasis Centre had proved a highly valuable, cost-efficient and well-used facility for residents in Gunnislake. 'We are only open two days a week but in January, for example, we had about 137 visits — it's not unusual to have 20 people in over a day,' said Jane. 'We have lots of people in looking for jobs but we do a lot of computer training here, predominantly for older people, which is helping them lead more fulfilling lives. 'There's nothing else like it around locally and with the job centre in Tavistock only open three days a week now, it's even more important. 'Most people walk here, they're not driving, it seems like we are doing all the things people say we should be doing but we just can't get the funding. 'This isn't pretty money — but it's very valuable.' The Calstock Development Trust, which is responsible for the centre, has initiated its own fundraising activities and welcomes any support in its efforts. Trustee Graham Parker, who is also a parish councillor, said the Oasis Centre was effectively a 'job centre' and it would be a very sad thing if it was forced to close. 'No-one has any money, that is the trouble, but because our running costs are relatively small we would only need four little bits of funding of £5,000. 'If we can get some funding from the parish council then it could open up possibilities with the district and county council. It would also be really nice if local businesses gave their support.' Contact Jane Uglow on 01822 834 303 or email her at: [email protected]">[email protected] if you can provide any kind of help to keep the Oasis Centre afloat.
