As a charity, we’re seeing some new developments.

Reynette Roberts MBE, our Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has decided that, after 15 years, the time has come to retire from Oasis. 

Reynette started Oasis in 2008 as a volunteer with the help of two other women. Their aim was to offer a place where people seeking refuge could find support and a welcoming smile. What began as a simple drop-in service with tea and coffee and 30 weekly visitors, has grown into an organisation that’s acknowledged as a major  contributor in the sector, with a staff of 26, and welcomes as many as 200 asylum seekers and refugees per day, with the help of over 250 volunteers.  

Reynette has always inspired us to keep our clients at the centre of everything we do, working collaboratively with those seeking sanctuary to meet their needs and to help restore a sense of dignity in an increasingly hostile environment. She led us through a changing landscape, a pandemic, and toward the positive position we now occupy. Throughout those 15 years, Oasis has been a vital support to asylum seekers and refugees, consistently offering the warm Welsh welcome that is  Reynette’s hallmark. 

Our Integration Lead, Tomos Owen, will take on the position of Interim CEO, whilst our Board of Trustees begins the process of finding a permanent successor.

“It is a privilege to be able to take on the role of Interim CEO and continue the fantastic work that Oasis does for refugees and asylum seekers. Reynette is leaving Oasis in an incredibly positive position, and I'm excited about the bright future ahead. With our exceptional team, I know that the journey towards appointing a permanent CEO will be a smooth and successful one.”

We can also announce that we have officially purchased 69b Splott Road, the building we have leased from the Methodist Circuit since 2014. This gives us a real opportunity to plant roots, enhance the building to benefit our clients, and make our operations more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

We would like to thank the Welsh Government for awarding us funding from the Community Facilities Programme. Thank you also to Tudor Trust and Moondance Foundation for their funding support and making the purchase possible. We’re also grateful to the Methodist Church for their support of Oasis to make 69b Splott Road our permanent home!

We’re looking forward to what’s ahead for Oasis. From humble beginnings to a legacy of hope and kindness, we will celebrate Oasis turning 15 at the end of September 2023.  

“Thanks to Reynette’s extraordinary vision, care and energy, Oasis has flourished into the strong shelter it is today for those seeking sanctuary in Cardiff. Her compassion and commitment to restoring dignity and belonging to those Oasis serves is deeply embedded across the whole team, and will continue to carry us forward into this exciting new chapter. Our deepest thanks to Reynette for carrying Oasis through its first 15 years, and to Tomos for taking the lead as Interim CEO as we look ahead together to a bright future for Oasis.”
Becky Matyus, Chair of Trustees

Save the Date: Come & join us for our 15th birthday celebration in our very own building!

Friday 29th September | from 14:00 | 69b Splott Road, CF24 2BW 

‘You see people coming in and out of here [Oasis], but even to be here for one hour, it's really healing, believe me.’
Client at Oasis

‘Here in Cardiff, Oasis is a small but big building for what it gives and does. Thank you to Oasis, thank you to its team.’
Client at Oasis