A CENTRE for the unemployed in Gunnislake, which has been facing imminent closure, has a reprieve thanks to local authority funding — but its long term future is still in doubt. The Oasis Centre, which acts as a 'job centre' for local people, and offers computer facilities, training and advice, was due to close in May if cash could not be found for its core services. But last week Caradon District Council's executive committee agreed to grant it £5,000 after Oasis was supported at grassroots level by Calstock Parish Council to the tune of £1,000. Centre manager Jane Uglow, who runs the project on behalf of the Calstock Development Trust on a shoestring budget of £20,000 a year, said it was great news. 'This will probably take us to the end of the year and gives us some breathing space to be able to find some other funders,' she said. 'We are putting three-year funding bids into charities and we also hope someone will share the premises because it is currently empty three and a half days a week.' Signatures are being collected for a petition to show local support for the Oasis Centre. Last year it was awarded the 'Community Project of the Year' by the Cornwall Community Foundation for helping people back into work, upgrading skills and providing new business support. But in its three and a half years the centre has not just helped the unemployed — schoolchildren without a computer at home can use the facilities for homework and older people are finding that computer training on offer is helping them to lead more fulfilling lives. Jane said it was a constant struggle to find funding to keep the centre going with so many other organisations and projects out there competing for the same cash, but every effort was being made. Police are still keen to use the building as a 'drop-in' centre for new police community support officer (PCSO) Nicole Garcia and neighbourhood beat manager PC Jim Hunter. East Cornwall Inspector John Moxom said that unfortunately the police had no funding to put to the project at the moment, but its support might help in attracting money from elsewhere. He said: 'We are looking for somewhere where our PCSO and neighbourhood beat manager can meet young people and other members of the community. 'There are likely to be some significant changes over the next few months as neighbourhood policing evolves and we may even adopt a more formal arrangements with regular surgeries.' He added that a bid had been made to the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership in support of the Oasis Centre by Callington Sgt Brett Phillips but was unsuccessful. In the future, the police may be able to access funding for this purpose. If anyone can help the Oasis Centre they should call Jane Uglow on 01822 834303 (Tuesday and Thursdays) or email her at [email protected]">[email protected]
