– It is a donation that means a lot to us. Specifically, it means that we now have the funds to arrange a trip for our users. At the same time, it is an acknowledgment that the outside world understands that there are people who are struggling in our society, says the leader of the community center, Robert Refslund-Nørgaard.

Robert Refslund-Nørgaard is the leader of Den Blå Oase.

Den Blå Oase is run by Blå Kors with support from Aabenraa Municipality and a large group of volunteers.

– We see ourselves as an extended living room, where it is safe and pleasant to stay, says Robert Refslund-Nørgaard.

The number of citizens coming to Den Blå Oase has steadily increased over the years.

Here you can get a cup of coffee and meet another person who has time to listen. There is help available for everything from MitID to a conversation and a meal. For many, the Oase is a place where they feel seen and met with respect – a refuge for people who, in various ways, stand outside the ordinary communities. This can include individuals with substance abuse challenges, mental illness, loneliness, or financial problems.

– We are experiencing an increase in the number of citizens coming to us. Since 2017, there has been more than a doubling – from around 40 daily users to now 84, says Robert Refslund-Nørgaard, who attributes the increase partly to the pressure on pensions and social assistance due to inflation.

– Many are experiencing financial pressure, and that creates greater vulnerability. It is necessary to prioritize very strictly, and a Christmas trip like the one we are planning would never have been an option for many of our users without the donation.

The Christmas season is a difficult time for many. In Den Blå Oase, Christmas Eve is arranged – starting from 2024.

It has not yet been decided where the trip will go – the users of the community center will have an influence on that. The destination is not the most important thing. What matters is that there is now an opportunity to get a little away from everyday life and experience something special together.

– For many of our users, the Christmas season is tough. A trip like this provides a breather from everyday challenges. It creates community, connects people, and provides a network that matters in daily life, says Robert Refslund-Nørgaard.