In this conversation, Steve Chalke discusses the ethos and values of Oasis, (not the pop group) the organization he founded to alleviate poverty and support marginalized communities. He shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the vision behind Oasis, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, understanding, and rehabilitation in society. Chalke highlights innovative approaches to youth justice, particularly through the Oasis Restore project, which aims to provide therapeutic care rather than punishment for young offenders. The discussion also touches on the significance of creating opportunities for young people and the role of accountability and leadership in charitable organizations.

Check out the links below to learn more about their work with youth justice, homelessness, education and much more.

https://www.oasisrestore.org/

https://www.oasisuk.org/

https://www.oasiscommunityhousing.org/

Author, speaker, TV and radio presenter, businessman, social entrepreneur, husband and father, Rev Steve Chalke MBE began public life as a Baptist Minister being ordained in 1981. 

In 1985 he founded the Oasis Charitable Trust with a vision to build inclusive communities, where everyone has hope, feels that they matter and is given the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential. Oasis pioneers life-transforming housing, healthcare, education, church, and youth and community initiatives across the UK and the world. 

Oasis works in ‘community hubs’ to provide a range of integrated and high quality services that support people holistically; educationally, physically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, economically and environmentally. 

Steve has inspired numerous key initiatives in Oasis, which retain his involvement, including:

• Oasis College of Higher Education in London, in partnership with Staffordshire University, is committed to equipping and resourcing students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to improve the quality of life for their families and communities;

• Oasis Community Learning, has opened over 40 primary, secondary and all-through schools around the UK, and is committed to education and holistic community regeneration;

• Oasis Church in Waterloo, London, the first of a new network of UK churches which includes others in Bristol, Croydon, Enfield, Grimsby, Salford and Southampton;

• Stop The Traffik, a global coalition working in nearly 100 countries and with tens of thousands of activists around the world campaigning to end people trafficking. Steve was a United Nations Special Adviser for community action against human trafficking;

• People’s Parliament, which creates a place of debate, discussion, interaction and partnership for voluntary organisations with the aim of building more effective relationships between the government and the third sector.

In 2018, Rev Steve Chalke received the Spirit of London Award for the most amount of money raised for charity by an individual at the London Marathon, when he completed the 2011 race. He raised an incredible £2,330,159.38 for the Oasis UK charity.