Oasis was originally set up by two families who turned to each other for advice when they realised there was no provision in place to support the relatives of individuals who use drugs and/or alcohol in Lincolnshire. Following several years as an independent charity it merged with Lincolnshire Action Trust in November 2015.
The Oasis Family Support team offer confidential one-to-one support to adults, children and young people across Lincolnshire who have been, or are being, affected by a family member using drugs or alcohol.
Oasis recognises that substance use can affect anyone within the community.
It doesn’t just affect the individual and can have a devastating effect on the whole family.
The team provides much needed emotional support, wellbeing advice and a non-judgmental listening ear to allow individuals to fully express themselves and begin to work through the challenges of their situation.
Meet the staff
Kim Thompson
Kim is Senior Young Oasis Practitioner and is responsible for leading the Young Oasis team and providing information, advice and guidance to families in Lincolnshire who are or have been affected by a family member or close relative’s substance use.
She is trained in counselling concepts, drug awareness studies and their applications, advice and guidance, safeguarding, and protective behaviours. She was excited to join LAT as she believes in and was inspired by the work of the organisation.
Working for the charity has given her the opportunity to build on her skills and experience in a rewarding environment. She says she is most inspired by the resilience of the families she supports.
Georgia Howard
Georgia is one of the Oasis Family Support practitioners working from the East Coast of Lincolnshire.
She has previously supported young children in a SEN role and transferred over to the Oasis project to support and empower adults who are facing difficulties with a loved one misusing substances.
Georgia has training within areas such as dual diagnosis, parental substance misuse, FASD, trauma-informed practice and the M-pact programme.
Georgia is passionate about empowering people and supporting people to move towards a more positive future. Georgia is most inspired by the tenacity and determination of the people she supports.
Karen Scotchmer
Karen is one of the Oasis family support Practitioners and has worked recently on the Young Oasis project building up her knowledge and understanding of supporting families and young people.
She has worked many years supporting families and children with complex needs.
Karen is passionate about making a difference to the lives of those she works with.
Halle Jackson-Key
I am a Family Oasis Practitioner offering support and guidance to families who are being or have been affected by a family member using drugs or alcohol.
I have a BSc in psychology, and I am currently working towards my MA. Throughout this time, I have done a lot of work surrounding the psychological underpinnings and explanations of addiction. I have also been part of research projects looking into Adverse Childhood Experiences and how or if these link to development of addictions. I joined LAT with hopes that I could use this research and understanding to help those in need and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
I strongly believe in the work we do at Family Oasis as the effects of substance use are not limited to the individuals. Oasis provides a safe space for people to develop coping skills, access emotional support, understand more about addiction and have a listening-ear with practitioners going above and beyond for their clients which inspired me to join the organisation.