Thank you for taking the time to read our bi-annual charity newsletter
We are thrilled to share the latest developments in our mission to make a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our community.
Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude to all our donors and volunteers who have supported Oakleaf, enabling us to continue to offer wellbeing activities, work-related training, employment support and counselling to hundreds of clients every month
In terms of our recent wellbeing activities, we have successfully run a variety of new workshops, including: Art Journalling, Men’s Monday, Pilates, Mental Health Management, Goat Yoga, Walks for Wellbeing, The Crafty Collective and more.
You can view our full client calendar of activities on our website.
The Guildford Safe Haven at our Oakleaf premises continues to provide out-of-hours support for individuals and their carers experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. The drop-in service runs in partnership with Catalyst and the NHS and is open to all from 6pm-11pm, 365 days a year.
We are also pleased to have started our five-year ‘Path to Success’ employment project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund in partnership with fellow local charity Guildford Action; delivering tailored employment training and mentoring to clients
To find out more, visit: www oakleaf-enterprise org or if you have any queries or comments about our services, please do get in touch: info@oakleaf-enterprise org
In line with the 2024 World Mental Health Day theme: ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,’ Oakleaf is committed to fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed, both in and outside of work settings
Sharing personal experiences plays a vital role in breaking down stigma and encouraging others to seek support
We are therefore pleased to share the journey of one of our newer clients, Emz, who has found comfort, strength, and community through Oakleaf
Emz began their journey with Oakleaf six months ago, having faced significant challenges, from gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and undiagnosed ADHD, to navigating personal hardships in adulthood, including chronic pain and job loss
“I struggled with feelings of isolation throughout my life. Despite being highly employable, I couldn’t stay in jobs for long due to the stress of office politics and mental health declines. After losing my job and my home, I finally selfreferred to Oakleaf, where I began to rebuild.”
Emz has embraced Oakleaf’s wide range of wellbeing activities, from Somatic Art Therapy and Pain Management to Upholstery, finding therapeutic benefits and a renewed sense of purpose.
Emz is now focused on giving back to the community that helped them heal through volunteering at events and sharing their journey on social media Emz’s story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of prioritising mental health, especially in challenging work environments
Mental Health Training & Awareness
Mental Health First Aid are internationally recognised training courses designed to teach you practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues, and gain confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
Courses available: 2-day Adult MHFA 1-day MHFA Champions 1/2 day MHFA 1/2 day MHFA Refresher 1 hour - 1 day Bespoke
Training & Awareness Sessions
To find out more or book your place on an upcoming course, email Jen: jenclay@oakleafenterprise.org
Goat Yoga activity
Emz in Upholstery with their drop seat cushion
Emz volunteering at Oakleaf’s Wall of Positivity at The Friary, Guildford
Oakfest: Fun, Food & Fellowship
We were delighted to host our annual client summer party ‘Oakfest: Fun, Food & Fellowship’ at Guildford Pavilion on Thursday 5th September 2024.
Despite the rain, everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed delicious food and games, with entertainment from Brandon Charles A wonderful afternoon bringing together the Oakleaf community.
We would like to say a massive thank you to all 60 clients who came out for it, and to our staff and volunteers who helped make the event a success.
Also, a big thank you to Zurich, Clyde & Co and Surrey County Council’s ‘Your Councillor Community Fund’ for their support of Oakfest this year.
Fundraising Events
Saturday 2nd November 2024
Fireworks Fiesta
We are very excited to be Guildford Lions’ charity of choice for their Fireworks Fiesta - for a second year in a row!
The event will take place on Saturday 2nd November at Stoke Park, Guildford. Gates open 5:00pm.
Featuring live music from ‘The Hired Guns’ followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8:30pm
The funds raised will make a huge difference to people managing their mental health in Surrey
To secure your tickets, visit: www guildfordlions com/fireworksfiesta
Friday 15th November 2024
Dinner & Dance
Together with our headline sponsor Kelly’s Storage, we are delighted to invite you to Oakleaf’s Dinner & Dance at Harbour Hotel, Guildford, 7:00pm - 11:45pm, an evening of elegance and impact
Savour gourmet cuisine, dance the night away to live band entertainment, take part in a fabulous charity auction, and make a difference in the lives of those managing mental ill-health in Surrey
Dress code: formal attire
Secure your spot at this unforgettable event by purchasing individual tickets or tables of 8-10 on our ‘Events’ page on our website
Our BBQ raffle winners
Clients enjoying the BBQ
Wellbeing Activities at Oakleaf
ourses and workshops are designed to build confidence, physical health, and wellbeing whilst reducing isolation and loneliness
“Oakleaf has given me routine and enabled me to meet people and create positive and supportive friendships ”
We offer a wide range of activities that cater to individuals interests and abilities; covering different areas: physical, creative, emotional, learning/skills and unique one-off events If you’d like to find out more about our current wellbeing activity offering, please visit our Client Calendar: www oakleafenterprise org/client-calendar
Gardening Counselling
Do you enjoy working with nature? Do you work best as part of a team?
A Gift that Transforms Lives
Every day we see how important community, confidence and purpose are to mental health and wellbeing As one client recently shared, “Oakleaf is somewhere where there is no judgement and a great sense of community It has been a place of growth and healing for me It shows me what I CAN do which is a massive positive It has allowed me to try out so many activities which I otherwise would not have ever dreamed of trying, like karate and Tai Chi ”
None of the activities or services we provide to our local community would be possible without the kindness and commitment of our wonderful supporters
Oakleaf offers half day taster sessions every Thursday with our gardening enterprise. A great opportunity to try something new and build up your CV
For more info, visit: www oakleaf-enterprise org/ work-related-training
Oakleaf offers a low-cost and accessible counselling service of up to 18 sessions, both online and face to face.
“Our service gives people hope that things can change, and enables them to grow in confidence and resilience ” Simone, Oakleaf Counsellor
For more info, visit: www oakleaf-enterprise org/ counselling
There are many ways you can contribute to our work whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about our services Another powerful way to secure Oakleaf’s future is by including us in your will After ensuring your loved ones are cared for, please consider leaving a gift to Oakleaf Gifts left in wills are typically exempt from Inheritance Tax, which could reduce the tax burden on your estate while also ensuring Oakleaf can continue its mission
Although we can’t offer legal advice, Jen is available at jenclay@oakleafenterprise org for any questions you may have Thank you for thinking of Oakleaf as you plan for the future
Goat Trekking & Grooming activity Paper to Petal activity
Five-Year ‘Path to Success’ Employment Project
Our five-year ‘Path to Success’ employment project, funded by the National Lottery, began in June 2024 and focuses on delivering tailored and user-friendly employment training and mentoring for clients
The project is being delivered in collaboration with fellow local charity Guildford Action and operates as a friendly, unpressurised service, offering clients a safe space to acquire the skills, confidence and training needed to return to paid employment or voluntary work
Our dedicated employment advisors, Mike and Julie, offer personalised one-to-one support They also conduct workshops on various topics such as: career advice, CV writing, job applications, interview techniques and more. Clients can benefit from a thriving ‘Job Club’ every Wednesday and the opportunity to attend external events
Client Satisfaction Survey
In addition, we run ‘Learn, Lunch, Learn’ sessions, allowing clients to complete courses in a single day, including: Basic Microsoft Word and Excel, Social Media Skills, Bookkeeping and more Oakleaf also hosts ‘Experience Matters’ workshops featuring inspiring guest speakers.
For more info, please email Julie or Mike: mikeover@oakleaf-enterprise org | julieweeden@oakleaf-enterprise.org
We conducted a Client Satisfaction Survey in the summer of 2024 It was great to see the positive impact Oakleaf has
“I have really enjoyed Oakleaf’s ‘Women’s circle’ and the ‘Stress’ and ‘Anxiety’ workshops Attending these wellbeing activities is now a big and important part of my life ”
We are thankful for all our supporters and will continue to do all we can to look after the mental health and wellbeing of the Oakleaf community.
If you would like to make a donation to Oakleaf and help fund vital mental health, employment and wellbeing support, please scan the QR code below. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a client at Oakleaf, please visit www oakleaf-enterprise org/referral
For updates on Oakleaf and all things mental health, be sure to follow us on social media
www.oakleaf-enterprise.org
Mental Health Leaders Network
Our Mental Health Leaders Network aims to bring together a wide variety of Surrey businesses committed to addressing workplace mental wellbeing
We are pleased to have welcomed Surrey FA to the growing network of 20 businesses. Membership provides regular events, training, resources and access to professional speakers to support both employers and employees
To learn more about the network, or if your business is interested in joining, please visit the Network page on our website, under ‘Support Us’, or email Jen: jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise.org.
Membership fees help fund Oakleaf’s charitable activities
Enterprise Oakleaf Enterprise
Volunteer or Fundraise
If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a personal fundraiser in aid of Oakleaf, please visit: www oakleaf-enterprise org/support-us
