A local community focussed charity that raises money for local HIV support and prevention projects

Wandsworth Oasis is a local community focussed charity that raises money for local HIV support and prevention projects mainly in the boroughs of Wandsworth and Lambeth. They do this through their small chain of charity shops and a community events programme.

Their newest shop is located at 195 Upper Richmond Road in Putney, close to the fab Artisan café and Putney Arts Theatre. The shop is mainly fashion focussed and they are getting some great quality items donated already, so do drop in and have a browse (and bring some of your unwanted stuff at the same time!). Mention PutneySW15.Com and you will get 10% off in February.

You don’t hear much about HIV/AIDS these days, unlike three decades ago, but HIV is still very much an issue and prevalence in our South London boroughs is much much higher than the average London figure (1 per 1000 residents) with Wandsworth (5 per 1000 residents) and Lambeth (8 per 1000). So the charity use their shops not only to raise money for support and prevention projects, but also to raise awareness about good sexual health and HIV prevention. You can get general information about HIV and free condoms in the shop and they also offer confidential HIV testing from time to time.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "Even though we say it ourselves, our volunteer programme is amazing. Everyone is welcome at Wandsworth Oasis. It doesn’t matter what your back story is, we offer a fun, supportive and inclusive environment with opportunities to learn new skills, grow in confidence and do your bit for the community. If you are bored, lonely, want to improve your English language skills or simply want to get out of the house for a few hours, please do drop in to the shop and have a chat with Jen or Carl. .............. We hope to see you soon!

February 1, 2018