Introduction
The purpose of the charity is to provide a community based Childcare Centre for the benefit of the inhabitants of the area served by Elmbridge Borough Council. The main aims are to advance the education of children and further their physical, emotional, mental and overall development as individuals and as members of society and to support and educate the children's parents and families who are in need of assistance. In particular the charity operates a Centre which provides a secure, educational and constructive environment for children and counselling and support for families with the collaboration of Social Services High Need support.

Review of Activities During the Year

The charity is based in St. Johns Hall, Copse Road, Cobham and a 10-year lease signed in October 1998 from the owners, Berkeley Homes.

Work has been carried out during the year to improve the facilities at the Centre including replacement of the gutters, repainting the main hall and parents' room, re-landscaping the garden and new garden toys and equipment. Permission was granted by Berkeley Homes to create an archway creating a small computer area which is now operational.

The 'Gateway Project' provided Oasis with two new computers and Internet access, with training courses for staff and users which are proving to be hugely beneficial to the adults and children who are now able to access this resource.

The Charity provides children with a wide range of activities including pre school skills, art, music and social skills. The children settle well into the stimulating and caring environment provided by experienced, qualified staff. The Family Centre is currently open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout the year and during the school holidays the Centre provides facilities for the older children and their families.

Each week the Charity distributes food purchased using money kindly donated by Mr. Max Clifford to the most needy families in the area. At Christmas presents and food hampers donated by local schools, organisations and companies were distributed to every family supported by the Charity.

The summer scheme took families to the South Coast for a weeks break and the families have also participated in various other projects during the year.

The Elmbridge Credit Union continues to operate from the Family Centre on Thursday mornings and has proved to be a successful way of saving and addressing financial difficulties for the families.

The Annual Ball raised a significant amount of money and with small fund raising events, donations and the grant from Social Services ensured the Charity's finances remained at a healthy level. Oasis also took part in Cobham Village Day and the Christmas Extravaganza and continues to receive support from local organisations, companies, schools and individuals. The Charity activities would not be possible without this support or the support of volunteers and staff in fund raising events.