Drop-in Centres & One Stop Shops | Local Support | Oasis Domestic Abuse Service

Drop-In Centres

‘One Stop Shop’ drop-in centres provide immediate support for you to get free, confidential advice from a range of professionals in one place at one time.

You can speak with us, as well as legal services, housing, benefits and family support.

In-person drop-ins

There are One-Stop Shops all over Kent and Medway so if you can’t access the ones listed below which our team attend, you can find the one closer to you here.

Gillingham

Tuesdays 9.30 – 11.30am

Sunlight Centre, 105 Richmond Road,
Gillingham ME7 1LX

Get directions

Dover

Thursdays 9.30 – 11.30am

Dover Big Local, Charlton Centre,
41 High St, Dover, CT16 1TT

Get directions

Virtual drop-in

Thanet & Dover

Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00am to 12:00pm (except bank holidays)

Call: 07856 856278

Email: EastKent1SS@gmail.com

Only email if it’s safe to do so and make sure to cover your tracks. We’ll get back to you by 12 noon the same day.

What to expect when you meet us

It’s ok if you’re not sure what help you need or where to start, we’re here to advise you.

We will always believe you, never judge you or your situation, and everything you tell us is kept confidential.

Our trained specialist support worker will will listen to you, assess your individual risk and talk you through the right support options for your situation, helping you to plan what to do next. This may include:

  • Referral for group and specialist support (this may be with other relevant agencies)
  • Advice on safety planning
  • Advice on your legal rights, housing, benefits and family support
  • What emergency accommodation / safer housing options are available
  • Support in connecting you with other support services, such as the police and social care

We offer domestic abuse advice across East Kent, Medway and North Kent.

we rise by lifting others

Questions people often ask

Do I need to book an appointment?

No, drop-in centres are open to anyone who needs support, and you don’t need to book in advance. Just come along during opening hours and one of our team will be there to talk with you.

Is it really confidential?

Yes. Everything you share with us is kept confidential. We won’t judge you or your situation, and we will always believe you. In rare circumstances where there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of a child, we may need to share information with other agencies, but we will always be open with you about this.

Do I have to be ready to leave my relationship to come?

Not at all. You don’t have to have made any decisions or be planning to do anything in particular. Many people come to a drop-in simply to understand their options or to talk things through. You are welcome wherever you are in your journey.

Who will I speak to?

You’ll be seen by one of our domestic abuse support workers. Depending on the session, there may also be professionals from legal services, housing, and family support available on the day, so you can get advice from several different people in one visit.

What if I can't get to a centre in person?

We offer a virtual drop-in for people in Thanet and Dover, running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. You can call us on 07856 856278.

You can also call out helpline on 0800 917 9948 or email our helpline team at helpline@oasisdaservice.org

Can I bring my children or a friend?

Yes, of course.

What if I'm worried about being seen?

We understand that coming to a drop-in can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about privacy. If you have concerns about being seen or recognised, please call or email us first — we can talk through the options and make sure you feel as safe as possible.

Is the service free?

Yes, all of our support is free of charge.

What happens after my visit?

Your support worker will talk you through the options that are right for your situation. This might include a referral to further specialist support, help with safety planning, or connecting you with housing, legal, or benefits advice. There’s no obligation to take up any particular option — we’re led entirely by what works for you.