Reflecting on my time with Oasis

I was looking back last week and realised I have been in Oasis since February, how time flies as a new Hub Leader.

It’s been quite a journey of development, building connections and reaching out to connect the developing hub and academy to the wider community in the centre of Manningham — the vibrant heart of Bradford and a community I have lived in for 6 years.

I moved from work in Leeds Voluntary sector mental health projects with a big Co Production and Service user voice portfolio. I’m an ex Social Worker and Probation Officer who moved into the 3rd sector in 2014 which included setting up a Youth Volunteering Project. I’ve been a Councillor for some time including being Bradford’s ‘Lead member’ and was for many years a school governor and a Woodcraft Folk volunteer with all my children attending ‘woodies’.

Oasis Lister Park is a community hub in the heart of the neighbourhood serving an increasingly diverse community. As we all know, the last few years have been very challenging for our communities as many needs are unmet. But we can help create new partnerships which can deliver a range of community activity and support using the unique space in the hub. There is real excitement as we get ready for the imminent refurbishment of the hub space which is a real investment in hope. This is due to start soon!

In terms of things we currently have going on, we are partnering with the Family hub and will ourselves become a Food Support hub. Our other links with Bradford Youth Service are also growing well.

We are back in Schools of Sanctuary and supporting refugee families at a nearby project.

We have a Photography project starting soon with Shy Burhan a local photographer; this is something many young people have asked for!

We’ve hosted an excellent Summer Transition Youth Camp and a Women and Girls group who are helping to shape the future direction of the hub.

I had just started my induction as Hub Leader when Oasis Academy Lister Park had their Ofsted inspection. I got to know most staff quickly as we went through the inspection as a community, the ‘Good’ Ofsted grading has been transformational in the eyes of the community.

We hope that our family support work and city-wide partnership building at Oasis Hub Lister Park can be an example of how schools can connect better with local communities.

Oasis Hub Lister Park celebrated 10 years recently. It was a time to reflect on the many partners, collaborators and ideas that make up who we are — the future is looking bright!

So only a few months in and I feel at home and remind myself I have only been here less than a year.

Bradford will be the ‘UK City of Culture in 2025’, and we intend to be at the heart of this, championing and celebrating the diversity and culture of Bradford and the people who make it.

To find out more about Oasis Hub Lister park click here: https://www.oasisacademylisterpark.org/community/community-hub