“The quality of the entries just takes the biscuit!” said Phil Jones, Lovell’s Head of Land and Partnerships, as he and fellow judges, TV’s George Clarke and Greggs’ CEO Roisin Currie, announced the winners of a new festive gingerbread building competition that took place at The Biscuit Factory on Tuesday (3 December): Gingerbread Street.

The Gingerbread Street competition is the first of its kind in the region, organised by Gateshead-based homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing. Local businesses, groups and schools deployed their best bakers and builders to create gingerbread houses, a school, church and even a skate park. All of the confectionary creations have been displayed alongside each other to make up Gingerbread Street, which will remain on display to visit at The Biscuit Factory until 27 December 2024.

Judges George Clarke, Greggs’ Roisin Currie and Phil Jones from Lovell, who has kindly sponsored the event alongside the Chartered Institute of Building, awarded the Community Champion Award to ‘Callerton Gingerbread Academy’, which was a group effort from Callerton Academy Year 10 Pupils, Space Architects and Morgan Sindall construction services.

Other award winners included: ‘The Courthouse’ by Ben Hoare Bell LLP (small plot); ‘Frank’s Place’ by construction group Bowmer + Kirkland (medium plot); and ‘The Evelyn Project Food Bank & Community Garden’ by Evelyn Partners financial services (large plot).

Gingerbread Street aims to raise awareness of homelessness this Christmas, and the community that is needed to make people feel they have a home. Sarah Lister, CEO of Oasis Community Housing, the charity organising the event, said:

“Ending homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone’s head. Building community around people is at the heart of what we do, so every individual feels safe and like they belong. We wanted to bring that message to life and so, with a dusting of Christmas spirit, we have Gingerbread Street!

“We are overwhelmed by the level of creativity and commitment given by local businesses, churches and schools, as well as our incredible judges – all enabling us to continue making a life-changing difference for people facing homelessness across the region.”

The homelessness charity in partnership with George Clarke’s own charity, MOBIE (Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education), have delivered a number of school workshops across Newcastle and Gateshead encouraging young people to think about homelessness and to design the kind of shelter that may be helpful for people sleeping on the streets. Out of hundreds of entries, Sonny Abbott from Rowlands Gill Primary School was chosen as the winner for his colourful, uplifting design. Sonny’s design for a homelessness shelter has been made into a life-size model by MOBIE, which is also on display at The Biscuit Factory throughout December.

Anyone visiting Gingerbread Street can vote for their favourite biscuity building using the QR code on the miniature street signs across the exhibition. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Oasis Community Housing’s social media channels on 20 December.

Find out more about Oasis Community Housing’s Christmas Appeal >

This Trustees Week (4 – 8 November), homeless charity Oasis Community Housing announces the appointment of two new trustees to help steer the charity in the face of growing need.

Jonathan Wood and Steve Coles bring expertise in operations, housing and health, respectively, as latest figures show over 320,000 households are facing homelessness, a record high.

Oasis Community Housing works to tackle the root causes of homelessness as well as supporting over 1,300 men, woman and children on their journeys out of homelessness each year. This year marks 40 years since the charity was founded.

The charity’s Chair of trustees, Nick Salisbury, said:

“We warmly welcome Jonathan Wood and Steve Coles as new members of the board of trustees. Their invaluable experience will further enrich our Board’s ability to play an active role in leveraging the charity’s life-changing work, to achieve the greatest impact for people facing homelessness.

“We really appreciate and value the input of all of our trustees, who freely give their experience and expertise to help Oasis Community Housing continue working with people, who have often suffered unimaginable traumas, to reach their God-given potential.”

New charity trustees are:

Jonathan Wood – Jonathan is CEO of the Leeds Diocesan Board of Finance. Prior to this, he had a varied career within the Ministry of Justice, latterly as the National Services Director of Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. In all of Jonathan’s roles, his focus has been on making a positive difference to people through effective and efficient operations.

Steve Coles – Steve works in a variety of leadership, governance and advisory roles in the social sector, with particular expertise in homelessness, housing and health. Formerly the CEO of Spitalfields Crypt Trust, an addictions recovery and homelessness charity in east London, Steve is now the Chair of J49, a registered provider of social housing; the Chair of the Guild of Health, which helps churches be places of health, healing and flourishing; and is on the leadership team of The Salvation Army church where he lives in south west London.

Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan said:

“I’m excited to be joining Oasis Community Housing. I have heard really good things about the work it does, and the people who do it from fellow trustees. I am looking forward to being able to bring my perspective from running a large charity with a significant property portfolio and to support the team as they continue to deliver and make a difference for those in need.”

Commenting on his appointment, Steve said:

“I am really pleased to have been appointed as a trustee of Oasis Community Housing. It’s an organisation that I have known and admired for quite a few years, particularly in relation to its trauma-informed work and Housing First projects. Being part of an organisation with strong values, a passion for creating positive change, and an amazing team is a real privilege. The work of Oasis Community Housing is life-changing and nothing short of life-saving. I’m looking forward to playing a small part in it all over the coming years.”

Oasis Community Housing’s Acting Chief Executive, Sarah Lister, said she was looking forward to working with the newly expanded Board:

“We’re seeing shocking numbers of people facing the daily crisis of homelessness rise higher and higher, year on year. The need has never been greater.

“We welcome our charity trustees, who bring new perspectives and professional expertise that will help us continue to hone our delivery of frontline, trauma-informed support to more people, in more places.”

For more information about Oasis Community Housing, visit oasiscommunityhousing.org

A new scheme to support people experiencing homelessness has opened in Houghton-le-Spring. The Houghton project stems from a partnership between local homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing and Sunderland City Council.

Latest figures show a 46 percent rise in people sleeping rough across the North East, compared to the previous year, and the new accommodation provides flats with tailored, round-the-clock support for individuals who have experienced sleeping rough.

Over 1,300 people facing homelessness have been supported by Oasis Community Housing in the last year.

Martin Reilly, who manages the Houghton project, said: “Giving people a roof overhead doesn’t fix homelessness. This new project offers a special fit-for-purpose space where our staff work alongside residents on everything from the basics of attending doctor’s appointments to building trust and providing trauma-informed support.

“We have the privilege of helping people when they really need it, so we want to ensure we’re delivering the support people really need to live confidently and independently in their own home, when that time comes.”

Sunderland City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, Councillor Kelly Chequer, said: “As a City Council, we are absolutely committed to supporting the vulnerable and for those experiencing homelessness there can be other issues alongside not having their own accommodation.

“The partnership here in Houghton helps to address these matters and support people who can sometimes be among the most vulnerable members of our community.

“We can now offer a greater range of help and assistance from health and wellbeing, to general welfare and more support to help break the cycle of homelessness.”

A number of local and regional businesses including Amazon MME2 warehouse, Bowmer + Kirkland, Cushman & Wakefield, Komatsu UK, Lovell and Newcastle Building Society are donating funds or furniture to make the flats feel more homely, as well as volunteering to renovate the accommodation’s garden spaces.

Lynsey Watson was involved in Komatsu UK’s day of volunteering at the Houghton homeless project. She said: “Komatsu UK is really proud to lend a hand to Oasis Community Housing with their Joseph’s garden project. It was a tough day of hard work, especially with the weather, but we powered through and made it happen.

“We all really enjoyed ourselves and there has been great feedback amongst the team about getting involved in future projects. It felt great to be able to help out in our local community.”

Find out more about our work across the North East >>>

Over 160 footballers from 18 businesses took part in a charity football tournament to raise vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness. The Oasis Cup, homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing’s annual mixed five-a-side football tournament held at Gateshead International Stadium, raised an incredible £10,400 to support men, women and children experiencing homelessness.

View images from the day here >>>

The 22 teams who competed for the trophy comprised of players from businesses including: Zentia UK ltd, Atkins Realis, Stagecoach (Newcastle and Sunderland), Komatsu UK, Sweeney Miller Law, Naylors Gavin Black, Northeast Young Dad’s and Lads, EQUANS UK, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Lovell Partnerships, Karbon Homes, Gentoo Group, ISOLER, Consultiv Utilities, Bowmer+Kirkland, Callerton Kitchen and Interiors, and Amazon (MME1 and MME2).

The event also benefitted from the support of wonderful volunteers from businesses, including EQUANS UK, Gateshead College and our very own Experts by Experience group who dedicated their time to help on the day. Lunch was provided for the players courtesy of Fat Hippo.

Team awards

After a day of footballing action it was Gentoo Group who came out on top, securing victory after a nail-biting final against Karbon Homes which ended 1-0.

Josh Sutton, Gentoo Customer Voice Partner who played in Gentoo’s winning team, said “The Oasis Cup is a fantastic event. I’ve played for two years running now and love the atmosphere. The event provides a brilliant opportunity for people of all footballing abilities to take part in a competitive, fun football tournament whilst raising money for a great cause.

“At Gentoo, we are proud to be part of events like this to strengthen partnerships with other people in the housing sector and get together to raise vital funds and awareness to tackle homelessness. We support Oasis Community Housings’ mission to deliver life changing support to people who are homeless and believe everyone has a right to a safe and secure home.  

“We’re all looking forward to playing again next year in the hope we can contribute to raising further funds and retain the trophy!”

Other awards were presented on the day including the Team Spirit Award which was deservedly won by the team from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, and the Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer which were both won by Tom Hunter from the excellent Gentoo Group team.

Unfortunately, it was the team from Naylors Gavin Black who took home the trophy nobody wanted – the dreaded ‘sweaty sock’ award!

What the support means

Hazel Ditchburn, Corporate Relationships Manager at Oasis Community Housing, explained that “The Oasis Cup is always such a special event for businesses in the region to come together, and 2024’s tournament was no different.

“As well as being a great day of football and fundraising there was also a real sense community. Without the involvement of these wonderful and generous businesses we would not be able to continue supporting the men, women and young people experiencing homelessness across our projects.”

Plans are already underway for The Oasis Cup 2025 which takes place on Friday 19 September. Does your business have what it takes to take home the trophy?

Find out more and enter your team here >>>

Oasis Community Housing’s CEO, David Smith, has been elected Member of Parliament (MP) for North Northumberland. As a result, David will step down from his role with immediate effect and Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Lister, will become Acting CEO for homeless charity.

Making the announcement, Oasis Community Housing’s Chair of Trustees Nick Salisbury said, ‘Our congratulations go to David on his new role in Parliament.

‘We thank David for his energy and leadership over the past seven years: expanding our drop-in and emergency projects, rapidly re-mapping our support services on the announcement of COVID lockdown, launching the charity’s very important and influential Tackling Trauma campaign, and for taking us through the rebrand to become who we are today, Oasis Community Housing.

‘Now, looking forward for Oasis Community Housing, Sarah Lister has kindly agreed to become our acting CEO, whilst we seek to recruit a new permanent CEO. Sarah has been with the charity for six years and is our current Chief Operating Officer, and carries with her a wealth of skill and experience.

‘Our work continues in earnest with the more than 1,300 men, women and families who we support on their journeys out of homelessness each year.’

Find out more about our Senior Leadership Team >

There are many different reasons someone might end up facing homelessness.

Poneh’s estranged husband, Javid, controlled, manipulated and physically hurt her over 10 years. Following her from city to city, he was persistent in his abuse.

She found hope through the Empower team at Oasis Community Housing.

‘He controlled me’

Poneh’s estranged husband tormented and harassed her for over a decade, with the abuse starting when they were together. Javid’s damaging behaviour risked devastating Poneh’s life.

He controlled Poneh’s bank cards and prevented her from working.

‘He used to lie to me all the time. When I would say “what you said is not right,” he would say “I’m joking.” He hurt me. He hurt me physically and emotionally.

‘A few times he pushed me against the wall. My head hit the wall and I felt dizzy.’

Poneh ended the relationship and tried to free herself by calling the police, moving cities, changing jobs, but he just kept coming back. He would try and infiltrate her life again by finding out where she worked.

Poneh said Javid felt entitled to her home, and that he would manipulate their son using the guise of child contact to enter and use Poneh’s house.

Despite being separated for years, Javid would enter Poneh’s home while she worked. ‘He took a shower in my home, he asked me for money and sometimes he would take vegetables. He then started to hurt me again and use me, and lie.’

Poneh ended the violent and controlling relationship and worked hard to build up her life again however, in Poneh’s words: ‘He didn’t live with me but he controlled me.’

Support from the Empower team

Poneh was eventually referred to Oasis Community Housing’s Empower Domestic Abuse support team to get the help she needed.

The team were able to fund and install a ring doorbell, which meant Poneh had evidence of Javid’s harassment. They supported her to report all of the abuser’s actions to the police and worked with her to apply for a divorce.

Javid breached the terms of his non-molestation order after Empower installed a camera capturing him entering her home. This resulted in his non-molestation order being upgraded to a restraining order after a short court case.

‘I went to court, and Holly (from the Empower team) was there, all the time she was there supporting me with everything. From 8 o’clock to 4 or 5 o’clock.’

The stress of the necessary court case took a toll on Poneh’s health.

‘I remember after the court I had some sort of heart attack, because of a lot of pressure.’

Poneh spent three days recovering in hospital.

Empower sourced counselling sessions through the North East Counselling Service thanks to support from the transition fund, helping Poneh work through her trauma. Poneh also had support from our financial capability team who helped her apply for Universal Credit and deal with Council tax debts.

‘It has changed my life.’

Looking to the future

‘I think about myself more. Sometimes I go out with my friend, going shopping. It’s much, much better my life… I’m much happier now, I’m very happy now.

‘All the time he was coming to say something, he was coming to have an argument, he was coming to do something to me, but now I can relax because he’s not coming anymore.’

The Empower team wouldn’t be able to do the work they do without your support. Thanks to your donations Poneh is now enjoying her life after abuse.

Find out how you can support women like Poneh by making a donation or visiting our Get involved pages >>>

A Sunderland business has donated two bikes to local homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing to help the people the charity work with gain more independence.

The bikes were donated from St Peters Cycles as part of Sunderland Community Action Group, for two men living in the charity’s supported accommodation project.

Journeying out of homelessness

Stewart, struggling with the trauma he experienced as a child, mental health issues and addiction, found himself homeless and sleeping on the streets.

Almost 45% of people experiencing homelessness reported suffering trauma as a child, with 90% of people impacted by trauma going on to experience mental health or emotional difficulties.

After months of rough sleeping, he found our Basis Sunderland homeless drop-in centre where he received support thanks to your donations. Now in a much better place, and at an advanced stage on his journey out of homelessness, Stuart is now the proud owner of one of the bikes donated.

Over the moon with excitement about his new bike, Stuart explained, ‘It’s going to give me a bit of independence, get me out and about. It’s good for my mental health too.’

Richy Duggan, Project Manager at St Peters Cycles, delivered the bikes to Basis Sunderland explaining, ‘Through our partnership with Sunderland City Council, St Peters Cycle Hub is flourishing. We offer a range of specialist bike services to the city.

‘One of the services we offer is the recycled bike community scheme. Our dedicated team of trained cycle maintenance staff fix the bikes up which are donated to offer them back into the community for families and people in need of a bike for free.

‘When Oasis Community Housing approached us, and when we heard about what they are about, we were more than happy to help donate some bikes. We are just doing our bit to help out as it is a fantastic charity helping lots of people across our region.’

If you know of someone in need, our Basis Sunderland drop-in runs Monday to Friday and is held at Park Road Church, SR2 8HR.

Find out more about our work with local businesses and other corporate partners on our Workplace page.