Oasis Childcare in Cobham ‘may close by Christmas’

A CHILDCARE charity for vulnerable youngsters may close by Christmas after funding was declined by the county council.

Cobham-based Oasis Childcare has supported children and parents in “critically dysfunctional family situations” for 17 years.

But declines in private donations and grants means the service will run out of money within three months unless fresh funding is found.

The charity, which is not usually funded by Surrey County Council (SCC), applied to county hall for a £75,000 grant.

Oasis told the Advertiser this request was declined, but council officials said they simply “cannot give them an answer at this time”.

Founder Caroline Edwards said: “I’m really disappointed in the response from SCC.

“We have survived over the last 17 years, through the generosity of local companies and individuals, to be able to provide preventative services for vulnerable children and families.

“I feel passionately that preventative work is so important and without statutory funding I really fear the charity will be closed by Christmas.”

While some funding for specific projects is still available, money to cover core costs like salaries and utilities is scarce in the current climate.

But Jenny Lacey, who works for the charity, said Oasis helps SCC agencies for free, for example by accepting referrals from social services.

She said: “Obviously, what we are doing is saving them quite a lot of money by intervening and stopping issues going further.

“Realistically, if we close there wouldn’t be anywhere else these people could go to, so in the long run it will cost Surrey money anyway.”

An SCC spokeswoman said the council is not cutting funding, as it does not currently fund the charity.

She said: “This is a new application for a grant of £75,000 and we have not refused it, but have explained that we cannot give them an answer at this time, when we are under considerable financial pressures and have to make savings of £40 million within the children, schools and families directorate over the coming years.

“We are currently carrying out a review that includes the provision and commissioning of preventative and early help and family support services, and Oasis’s services will be reviewed within the scope of that exercise.

“We are aware that Oasis does very valuable work in supporting families in difficult circumstances, as well as working closely with local children’s centres, and will take account of this in reaching a decision.”