Since establishing Oasis in 1985, he has overseen its growth into an organisation providing housing, education, healthcare and community support in the UK and internationally. In England, Oasis runs 56 schools and recently opened Oasis Restore, the UK’s first Secure School, offering a therapeutic alternative to youth custody.
He has received multiple honorary fellowships and an MBE for his contribution to social justice. Steve continues to lead Oasis, is a regular media commentator, and is the author of A Manifesto for Hope.
Highlights
The world is made up of pioneers and settlers. Pioneers blow things up without settlers, and settlers implode without pioneers. You have to respect and grow both.
I’ve never had an idea that was unique or original to me. I listen, I learn, and over time the pieces form a picture - that’s how you make things happen.
If it doesn’t work in the real world - if it doesn’t stand up to the fire - you’ve got to rethink it. That’s how resilience is built.
You can’t ignore what you’ve seen. Once you understand the scale of injustice, you’re compelled to do something about it.