Oasis Church (Birmingham)

The South Street Community Hub is an initiative of Oasis Church, Birmingham. It exists to build connection and community for the people of Harborne and beyond through social and support groups and activities. The building is open to the community most days of the week for different events and activities, providing a safe and welcoming space to people from all walks of life. The Hub seeks to serve the most vulnerable in our community through the weekly Oasis Cafe, where free drinks, snacks, and homemade soup are available to anyone who needs it. The Cafe offers the opportunity to meet new people, play pool or board games, participate in various featured activities such as jigsaw puzzles or painting classes, and receive advice, signposting and a listening ear, where required. The Hub also runs a toddler group, a co-working space, a craft night, an English class, and monthly Friday night socials, as well as providing space for other charities and community groups to run their activities. Through the different groups and events, we have seen lives changed. People who are lonely and isolated have found community and friendship through coming to the Hub. Others have received support in improving their housing situations and battling addictions. Still others have improved their English, allowing them to feel confident in a new country and apply for their first jobs in the UK. In order to benefit people from all backgrounds, we charge as little as possible for the events we run. All of our regular weekly activities are free, or have a suggested donation option, whilst the Friday night socials are ticketed, but at a low price. This means that we rely almost entirely on donations and grant funding to make this work possible. The Movement for Good grant will be put towards our core running costs, enabling us to heat and light our 150-year-old Grade-II listed building in the winter, making it a warm, safe space for all who visit us.