Young Oasis

Our young people’s service, known as ‘Young Oasis’ has been running for over 8 years, with the aim of supporting children and young people aged 5-18 years, who have a family member who is using, or has used drugs or alcohol problematically.

Parents or family members often try to keep their substance misuse hidden behind closed doors and conceal it from those around them. However, children and young people can be aware of what’s going on at some level and this can lead to them feeling isolated and worried: having someone to talk to about how they feel can really help.

Young Oasis provides individual art, drama and play therapy sessions. Working in this way can help children and young people identify and communicate with their feelings and build on ways to cope with difficult circumstances.

At times it can be difficult for children and young people to find words for feelings. Working in a non-verbal way by using image and materials such as clay, paint, a sand tray, music and puppets can be another way of accessing feelings when words are difficult to find. Building a therapeutic relationship and allowing a child or young person to tell their story can help them feel heard and build resilience.

Having received additional funding from Children In Need, Young Oasis is now also running an art group in the school holidays f or children and young people aged 5 – 15 to come along and have some fun, make new friends, talk and be creative.

The service is also running a creative therapy group for young women aged 15-18years. The group is intended to offer a space where experiences can be shared and feelings expl or ed within the safety of a group. The arts will be used to engage with creative process - group members do not have to be artists. The group aims to model healthy relationships, build resilience and self-support in an individual.

Support is given in a safe and non-judgemental environment. We also offer information and signposting to other agencies working with young people.

If you would like to find out more or know a child or young person who may benefit from this service, please contact us on: Tel: 01273 696970 or Email: jo.parker@brightonoasisproject.co.uk

To download a Young Oasis Referral Form, please go to the referrals section of the website, or Click Here.