VOLUNTEERSTORIES

At Oakleaf, it ismore important than ever to recognise and celebrate those who volunteer for Oakleaf, past and present. We are pleased to share storiesfrom two of our volunteers, Colin and Jon, whose support really doesmake all the difference.

COLIN: "I have been volunteering within the IT Department for about three yearsnow. I also help to run the Coffee Shop, serving up drinksand snacks.

Volunteering at Oakleaf is great asthere isnone of the pressure you might get in a working environment and it givesme a sense of accomplishment aswell asa confidence boost The experience isreally valuable, particularly if you have been out of work a long time "

Our Mental Health LeadersNetwork aimsto bring together a wide variety of Surrey businessescommitted to addressing workplace mental wellbeing It providesevents, training and support around workplace mental health for local businesses and their staff - all whilst helping make a difference for local people managing mental ill-health

Chloenorris Colin

JON: "I started on the reception desk just under two yearsago and really enjoy thisrole; no one day is ever the same. I help by welcoming clientsand visitors, accepting deliveries and answering the phone.

Being the person that people come into contact with when they enter the building wasquite daunting at first however I?ve received so much positive feedback from clients, staff membersand visitorsasto how friendly, hard-working and welcoming I am, which hasreally helped to rebuild my confidence and self-worth I feel happier and healthier and now have the necessary skillsto help me back into full-time employment ? I?m in the early stagesof establishing my own businessand I?m very excited to see what the future brings. Overall, volunteering hashelped me immeasurably and hasgiven me an opportunity to give back to a wonderful charity that hasdone so much to help me; for that, I will be eternally grateful.?

To read the full Volunteers blog, please visit: www oakleaf-enterprise org/ volunteers-week-2022/

To learn more, or if your businessis interested in joining, email: jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise org Membership feeshelp fund Oakleaf's charitable activities

'OAKLEAF ATWORK' PODCAST

Our podcast 'Oakleaf At Work' is hosted by Oakleaf'sHead of Partnershipsand Engagement, Jen Clay, who speakswith guests from our Mental Health Leaders Network aswell asexpertsin the field to discussa wide range of topicswithin workplace mental health and wellbeing

In our most recent episode, we hear from Geoff McDonald on talking about your mental health at work

Mental Health Leaders Network

Clientsatisfaction Survey

We conducted our bi-annual Client Satisfaction Survey in July 2022, seeking feedback from our clients It wasgreat to see the positive impact Oakleaf hashad "Oakleaf hashelped me to realise I am worth something and that I can contribute to society. The training providesme with the knowledge and skillsto move up and succeed. All thanksto the understanding, patience and kindnessfrom staff."

"The last two yearsat Oakleaf have really improved my mental and physical health, providing the opportunity to feel productive every week and also helping me to establish a consistent routine I love how flexible and understanding staff are in regard to each individual'smental and physical health and their specific needs"

Agree Disagree Strongly Agree

'Oakleaf has helped me feel less isolated'

'Oakleaf has helped me improve my mental wellbeing'

'PATHWAYSTO WORK' EMPLOYMENTPROJECT

Our three year 'Pathwaysto Work' employment project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, began in May 2021 and focuseson training and mentoring clientsto move forward into the workplace with the help of our two Oakleaf Employment Advisors, Mike and Helen

We have also hosted several eventsso far, including guidance from the National CareersService, a LinkedIn & Business Workshop and BenefitsAdvice.

We are pleased to share that in the first twelve monthsof the programme, 58 clientsreceived a certificate or qualification, while 53 clientsgained part-time or full-time employment and 33 clientsmoved on to volunteering roles!

For more details, visit our website or contact: mikeover@oakleaf-enterprise org | helenlunn@oakleaf-enterprise org

Thenext25 Years

Asthe need for Oakleaf?s servicesgrows, we must ensure that we have the funds available to continue to deliver life changing services- for the next 25 yearsand beyond

Following on from Covid-19, we believe that mental health is never again going to be seen asunimportant ? it isfinally being recognised asa key part of life We want to be able to support the wellbeing of everyone who turnsto usfor help

HasOakleaf touched the life of you, your family and friends?

If so, one of the most profound waysin which you can help Oakleaf (after having provided for your loved ones) isby leaving a gift to Oakleaf in your will.

Giftsto charity are free from inheritance tax ? and if you leave more than 10%of your entire estate to charity the amount of inheritance tax you pay reducesfrom 40%to 36%.

If you are considering making a will, or amending an existing one, please do mention Oakleaf to your solicitor Whilst we cannot provide any legal advice ourselves, if you have any questionsabout this, please do contact Moyra Matravers: moyramatravers@oakleaf-enterprise org who would be happy to speak with you.

Westsurrey Golf Pro Am Event

We would like to say a big thank you to West Surrey Golf Club for hosting their 45th annual Pro Am event in aid of Oakleaf, and particular thanksgo to Men'sCaptain Graham White and all the club membersfor having us.

Virtuallondon Marathon

A huge congratulationsto our three fabulousrunners: Jordan, Joe and Tasha who took part in the Virtual TSC London Marathon and ran 26.2 mileson Sunday 2nd October in aid of Oakleaf, managing to raise over £4,000!

Mental Health Firstaid Training

We are pleased to be continuing to host both our Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid coursesin Guildford. To find out more about the training or if you would like to book your place on an upcoming course, please visit our website or email: jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise.org.