Last month, on the 10th October, the Oasis Navigator and PACS (Parent and Carer Support) and teams hosted a special event at The Nest, Wythenshawe. This event brought together families, partners and community leaders, to learn about and celebrate the work we’re doing to support young people in Greater Manchester.
Here’s a look back at some of the day’s highlights...
A Warm Welcome and Key Speakers
We began the day by welcoming our guests and hearing from Kate Green, Deputy Mayor. Kate spoke about the Greater than Violence Strategy and how PACS and Oasis Navigator are part of a larger plan to reduce violence and support young people.
Art, Stories and Creative Projects
Throughout the day, there were many ways for guests to learn and experience the work we do.
Triage Audio Project
Service users shared their honest experiences, from feeling lost and unsupported to finding guidance, trust and hope through our services.
In this project, Navigators and PACS workers worked with service users to decorate boxes, with the exterior representing how they are perceived by the world and the interior revealing their true selves—their emotions, desires, and identities. This acted as a commentary on how services view young people versus their lived realities. The project acted as a tool for connection, understanding and change.
Dance Performance
One of the most moving moments of the day was a dance performance by Hannah Greene, where she expressed her personal journey and growth through movement.
Visual Minutes
Claire, a talented artist, captured the day’s stories and messages through “visual minutes” – a unique style of artwork that really brings to life the stories and key themes from the day.
It highlights the importance of taking time to listen and understand young people, parents and carers so that we can collaboratively develop support plans. Key themes also include breaking cycles of inequality, informing systemic change, fostering hope, and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people, parents and carers.
An Update on the Navigator Project
We took a moment in the day to reflect on the incredible impact our Navigators program has had since its inception in 2021.
We reviewed some of our recently created animation case studies, highlighting the stories of Zach and Luke, two young people who have been supported through the Navigator project.
Zach's Story
"My Navigator said they would be there every step of the way, and they were. They were there for me through the good and the bad times as well. With their help, I am building a life for myself."
Luke's Story
"When I met the Navigator it helped having someone to listen to me. We worked out a way for me to stay at school. With their support I felt like I could start to get back to normal."
An Update on the PACS Project
We also took a moment to reflect on the incredible impact our PACS program has had over the past year.
We also heard two impactful stories from parents and carers who have benefitted from the support provided by our wraparound Parent and Carer services.
Chuka's Story
Chuka shares how working with our Navigators and enrolling on the Oasis Encounter course transformed his relationship with his son.
Saf's Story
Saf shares her story of how working with PACS helped her and her son recover from a violent incident at school.
Event Closing
We closed off the event with an inspiring talk from Steve Chalke, the founder of Oasis. He shared powerful thoughts on how relationships and community support can change systems and make a real difference in the lives of young people and families.
Looking Ahead
The 'Unboxed' Showcase was a wonderful reminder of the impact collaboration, creativity and community can have on the lives of young people and families. From heartfelt stories to creative projects, the day showed the difference our programs make for young people and families.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped us make this day a reality. We look forward to continuing this work and bringing more positive change in the future.
