THE popular Oasis Centre in Gunnislake is urgently in need of more money and volunteers to allow it to open longer. Calstock Development Trust moved to its new centre at 4 Fore Street, Gunnislake, two years ago. It has already seen a steady rise in the number of people from all over the parish using its services and facilities and needs to open more days to meet the demand, but lacks the finances and volunteers to do so. The Oasis Centre provides free informal advice, courses on computers, a list of employment opportunities, a credit union, broadband internet access, help in writing CVs and other assistance in finding employment, and support for the self-employed and local businesses. Oasis is run by part-time co-ordinator Jane Uglow and a small team of volunteers and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4.30pm. Jane said running costs were £150 per week ? grants received from various sources were often for one-off projects, and funds to cover ongoing expenses were rarely forthcoming, despite the proven value of the centre to the community. ?We have just been turned down for Lottery funding for the fourth time, but have a bid in for European funding, but it is very difficult for small places to obtain financing,? she said. During term time adult education tutors are available on other days, and new courses were due to start on Wednesdays from this week ? computer literacy courses in the morning and basic skills such as maths and English and basic computer skills in the afternoons. It is hoped to run courses on Mondays, but funding is still awaited. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help run the centre or offer finance to help defray running costs is invited to contact Jane Uglow at the centre or ring 01822 834303.
