Aswe progressthrough 2024, we are continuing to offer wellbeing activities, work-related training, employment guidance, and counselling to hundredsof clientsevery month. Recent wellbeing activitiesinclude our weekly Wellbeing Cafe, Woman'sCircle, Therapeutic Dance, Yoga, Art Journalling, Managing Stress& Anxiety, Football and many more You can view our full client calendar of activitieson our website
- Oakleaf News
- Fundraising Events
- Testimonials
- Client Stories
- Our Impact
With our three-year 'Pathwaysto Work' employment project coming to an end thisyear, we are delighted to announce subsequent funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for a new five-year 'Path to Success' employment project in partnership with fellow local charity Guildford Action
The National Lottery isalso supporting our Counselling for All project, which helpsprovide accessible counselling sessionsto clientswho often would not otherwise have accessto this support
While we were saddened to close the pilot of the Young Adult Safe Haven at the end of March, the main Guildford Safe Haven will continue to provide out-of-hourssupport for individualsand their carersexperiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. Based at our Oakleaf premises, the drop-in service runsin partnership with Catalyst and the NHS and isopen to all 6pm - 11pm, 365 daysa year without the need for an appointment.
Every year, we celebrate Mental Health AwarenessWeek and thisyear'stheme 'Moving for our Mental Health' isrecognised through activitiesto support clientsand out in the community raising awarenessand funds
Thank you for taking the time to read our bi-annual newsletter
To find out more, visit: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org or if you have any queriesor commentsabout our services, please do get in touch: info@oakleaf-enterprise.org.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK: ATTHEFRIARY
The theme for MHAW 2024 is 'Movement: Moving More for our Mental Health '
For MHAW 2023,we introduced our 'Wall of Kindness', where we asked the general public to leave a message to encourage or inspire.Due to its success,we have decided to continue with this concept this year under the new name:'Wall of Positivity'
Our goal is to cover the wall with kind and positive messages over two days The event will take place at The Friary in Guildford on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May.
We also plan to host some additional activities to raise funds and awareness of Oakleaf, giving people the chance to win a prize from our Oakleaf raffle, kindly donated by retailers at The Friary
We are looking for volunteers to help us promote our activities at The Friary on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May (9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm or 3pm-6pm).If this is something you might be interested in,please get in touch with Enya: enyagalway@oakleaf-enterprise org
If you will be in the Guildford area during this week, please do stop by and say hello to our team - and of course, get involved in our activities to help support hundreds of individuals managing their mental health in Surrey
Here are some messages from our Wall of Kindness last year, which we have since framed and displayed in the Oakleaf office:
PHYSICAL WELLBEING ACTIVITIES ATOAKLEAF
Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical and mental health and can provide our clients with both immediate and long-term health benefits
Oakleaf hosts plenty of physical activities to get clients 'moving more for their mental health', including:Yoga, Karate, Walks for Hope, Football,Fitness, Therapeutic Dance and more.
To find out more about our wellbeing activity offering, please visit our Client Calendar: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/ client-calendar
BRIDGETHEGAP: A CLIENT'S STORY
Oakleaf is a delivery partner of the Bridge the Gap Allianc e, providing spec ialist 'trauma informed' outreac h support on a one-to-one basis, 4-8 hours per week per c lient, 10am-8pm, 7 days a week
Our brilliant team, consisting of Bridge the Gap Support Workers: Tommy, Colin and Kate, work incredibly hard to empower individualstowardsindependence and stability
CHLOE NORRIS
"In the fac e of marginalization, stigma and misunderstanding, our work bec omes the bridge that c onnec ts these individuals to the support and empowerment they rightfully deserve " ? Tommy, Bridge the Gap Support Worker
We would therefore like to shine a light on the amazing work that they do by sharing a c lient's transformative story:
This c lient is a 33-year-old with a lifelong residenc e on the same estate in Guildford, struggling with debilitating mental health c onditions and brain damage from a c ar ac c ident.
Key Challenges Fac ed:
ADHD, anxiety disorder, unspecified non-organic psychotic disorder, executive functioning issuesand cognitive decline compounded by post-traumatic brain syndrome Coping mechanismsinclude extreme avoidance, isolation, occasional impulsivity and aggression They rarely leave their accommodation and have difficulty engaging with support services
They have housing challenges(legal issuesand housing instability) including: closure orders, eviction notices, unauthorized occupier status, and a lack of heating in their home
Following support through Bridge the Gap...
Thisclient, despite apprehensions, improved their relationship with support servicesdue to a multi-agency approach. They were able to establish short-term and long-term goals, including medication adherence, obtaining PIP benefits, addressing housing issues, and achieving mobility through purchasing a car. Our Support Workersalso involved a Member of Parliament, which, alongside evidence compilation, led to an intervention with Guildford Borough Council; resulting in potential housing offers.
To read more c lient stories or to find out more about our Bridge the Gap support servic e, please visit our website: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/ bridge-the-gap/
NEW 'PATH TO SUCCESS' EMPLOYMENTPROJECT
With our thriving three-year 'Pathways to Work' employment projec t c oming to an end, we are very exc ited to announc e that Oakleaf has been awarded funding by TNL Community Fund to deliver employment support through a new five-year 'Path to Suc c ess' employment projec t beginning June 2024 in partnership with loc al homelessness c harity Guildford Ac tion.
Thisproject isaimed at helping clientsrecovering from mental ill-health and those facing multiple disadvantage or complex needs to rebuild their confidence, learn new skills, and embark on a journey to sustainable employment
Poppy hasbeen a client at Oakleaf for several years, attending IT sessionswhile preparing for a suitable employment opportunity with the help of our Employment Advisors Poppy waseventually awarded a paid internship with the Open University, researching the subject of Historical Maths: "I am really pleased as this will be my first job! Thank you so muc h for your enc ouragement. I definitely believe Oakleaf's support over the years has led me to this suc c ess."
Following thisachievement, Poppy completed the Cisco Accredited Python ITcourse through Oakleaf, and took an additional exam for the Associate certificate, which she subsequently passed. Oakleaf'semployment project wasable to help her with funding for the extra costs.
With thisqualification, we were delighted to be able to support Poppy with her application for a statistical role with The Civil Service Poppy had a successful interview and isnow eagerly waiting to hear if she'sgot the job
If you would like to find out more about Oakleaf'sEmployment Project, please contact our Employment Advisor, Mike: mikeover@oakleaf-enterprise org
MENTAL HEALTH FIRSTAID (MHFA) TRAINING
MHFA are internationally recognised training courses designed to teach you practical skillsto spot the triggersand signsof mental health issues, aswell as gain confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.
?The course isone of the best I have ever attended It touched on so many different aspectsof mental health and gave usthe confidence to be able to approach somebody about their mental health.? - Allen, MHFA c ourse partic ipant
To find out more or book your plac e on an upc oming c ourse, email Jen: jenc lay@oakleaf-enterprise.org
We offer the following c ourses:
- 2-day Adult MHFA Certific ation c ourse - 1-day MHFA Champions c ourse - Half-day MHFA c ourse - Half-day MHFA Refresher c ourse
STEVE'SSTORY
Steve hasfaced variouschallengesthroughout hislife but alwaysfound it difficult to ask for help During the pandemic, he caught Covid, badly affecting hisphysical health He then lost hisjob, and that alongside growing health concerns, meant hismental health suffered even more.
After taking stepsto get help, he found clinical support ineffective. He ended up being passed from place to place, felt like a 'problem' and didn't trust anyone. Steve wasat a very low place in life. He felt hopelessand couldn't see any reason to carry on
Steve waseventually referred to Oakleaf asa client and found the Upholstery course He says, "Coming to Oakleaf has given me my self-respec t bac k. It has saved my life." He looks forward to coming every Tuesday to be creative, learn new skillsand remember what he is capable of He isgradually getting hisconfidence back and feelsreally proud of what he has achieved: "Oakleaf has helped me beyond words It has made me feel more human again "
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
www oakleaf-enterprise org/ event/ quiz-2024
PERSONAL FUNDRAISERSIN AID OF OAKLEAF
A huge congratulationsto Sasha from Chell Web & Design for completing a 13-day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal Sasha exceeded her fundraising target of £600 and raised an amazing £745 for Oakleaf and Crohn's& ColitisUK
A massive well done to the team at local digital product agency, Kyan for taking part in the Fleet Half Marathon as part of their Fun Run Fundraiser for Oakleaf. We are pleased to share that they were successful in reaching their fundraising target of £500!
A chair Steve proudly upholstered at Oakleaf
We conducted a Client Satisfaction Survey at the start of 2024 and received feedback from 88 clients It wasgreat to see the positive impact Oakleaf has
Agree Disagree
Neither agree or disagree
"I feel connected to a community again. My confidence isbeing fed, my thirst for knowledge sated, and my ability to make connectionswith people has improved huge amounts. I am now on some sort of a path in life again."
"For the first time in my life, I feel like their issomeone behind me. Oakleaf has a good balance of coursesthat help me with my anxiety, panic and stress"
'Oakleaf has helped me to feel less isolated'
'Oakleaf has helped me improve my mental wellbeing'
18,724
'Oakleaf has helped me to feel more c onfident'
OAKLEAF'S IMPACTIN 2023
2,180
42
Client attendanc es & meetings Attendanc es to the Guildford Safe Haven Clients progressed into paid or voluntary employment
2,000+
Counselling sessions delivered
CREATIVEWELLBEING ACTIVITIESATOAKLEAF
62
Clients gained a c ertific ate or qualific ation
We believe creativity and mental health go hand in hand So, during the month of March, we welcomed in Spring by running a wonderful variety of creative and seasonal wellbeing activitiesincluding Easter Wreath and Easter Craft workshopswith a local florist Clientsalso created and hand-designed some lovely pottery and paintingsduring one of Oakleaf's Art classes
It doesn't matter if you're an accomplished artist or if you haven't picked up a paintbrush since school Learning to create something just for ourselveswith no judgement about whether it'sgood or bad isdeeply rewarding It buildsconfidence and self-esteem in our clients
If you'd like to find out more about our creative wellbeing activities, please visit our Client Calendar: www oakleaf-enterprise org/client-calendar
LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT
With the demand for mental health services steadily increasing, our dedication to transforming lives remains steadfast We could not deliver any services or activities for local people without our many generous and longstanding supporters
There are many ways to support our mission and clients, such as by donating, volunteering or raising awareness of our work.
Another impactful way to contribute to Oakleaf?s future is by including us in your will
As you contemplate making or updating your will, please consider Oakleaf (after making provisions for family and friends). Gifts in wills are typically exempt from Inheritance Tax, potentially reducing the liability for your loved ones while supporting Oakleaf?s mission
Although we cannot offer legal advice, please feel free to reach out to Jen at jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise org
GARDENING TRAINING
Do you enjoy working with nature? Do you work best as part of a team?
Oakleaf offershalf day taster sessionsevery Thursday with our gardening enterprise ThisSpring or Summer could be the perfect time to try something new and build up your CV If you enjoy the day, the gardening team would love to have you join one day a week, where you will learn the essentialsof garden maintenance and plant identification
To find out more, email our Hortic ulture Administrator Bea: beatric ec urtis@oakleaf-enterprise org
MENTALHEALTH LEADERSNETWORK
Our Mental Health LeadersNetwork aimsto bring together a wide variety of Surrey businesses committed to addressing workplace mental wellbeing. Membership providesevents, training, resourcesand support for staff all whilst helping make a difference for local people.
We recently welcomed three new membersto the network: IoTconnectivity company Eseye; Couc hman Hanson solicitors; and the Holiday Inn Guildford. We are alwaysdelighted to expand our community of corporate supportersand see more businessesdedicate themselves to mental health in the workplace.
To learn more about the network, or if your businessisinterested in joining, scan the QRcode or email Jen Clay: jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise org
We are thankful for all our supporters and will c ontinue to do all we c an to look after the mental health and wellbeing of the Oakleaf c ommunity.
If you would like to make a donation to Oakleaf and help fund vital mental health, employment and wellbeing support, please scan the QRcode:
If you are interested in supporting Oakleaf in any way, please get in touch with Jen: jenc lay@oakleaf-enterprise org / 01483 303 649
For updateson Oakleaf and all thingsmental health, be sure to follow uson social media:
