Newsletter:
Spring/Summer 2025 Nature Wellness Trip
Pets Therapy
Farm Trip
Pottery Painting
Craftiful
Thank you for taking the time to read our bi-annual charity newsletter We are delighted to share the latest updates on our ongoing mission to support mental health and wellbeing in our community. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible donors and volunteers - your support is the driving force behind Oakleaf, enabling us to offer essential services such as wellbeing activities, work-related training, employment support, and counselling to hundreds of clients every month. Recently, we’ve introduced a variety of wellbeing activities and workshops, including: Kickstart Fitness, Mindful Moments, Nature Wellness Trips, Craftiful, Advice & Support, Pilates, and more. We’ve also started offering a new gambling support service and peer mentor network to support adults especially women and minority groups - impacted by gamblingrelated harm.
The Guildford Safe Haven, based at our Oakleaf premises, remains a crucial resource for those experiencing mental health crises or emotional distress. This drop-in service, run in partnership with Catalyst and the NHS, is open from 6pm-11pm, 365 days a year. We are proud to be delivering our five-year ‘Path to Success’ employment project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. In collaboration with Guildford Action, this initiative provides personalised employment training and mentoring to help clients take meaningful steps toward their career goals. If you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you: info@oakleafenterprise.org
In this newsletter you can expect:
Oakleaf News
Fundraising Events
Client Stories
Our Impact
Mental Health Training
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Oakleaf Contact Details General queries:
info@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Client-related queries:
client-services@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Counselling-specific queries:
counselling@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Bridge the Gap Clive Stone, Oakleaf’s Chief Executive
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 recently welcomed Face2Face HR to the network of 17 businesses. Membership provides regular events, training, resources, and access to professional speakers to support both employers and employees. Recent topics have included: Mental Health Strategy, Understanding Counselling, Menopause, and Guidance for Managers.
Oakleaf is a key delivery partner of ‘Bridge the Gap’ - a trauma-informed outreach service that is part of the government’s Changing Futures initiative. In collaboration with experts with lived experience, we provide person-centred support to individuals facing multiple disadvantages in Surrey, covering areas such as physical and mental healthcare, financial arrangements, and daily living tasks. This wonderful testimonial from a mother (M) and son (S), illustrates the profound impact of Bridge the Gap’s work and the importance of sustained, compassionate support. “The changes in my son are immeasurable. I can relax knowing he is under an exceptional service.” - M “Colin [Oakleaf BTG Support Worker] has always turned my frown upside down. He is a good worker and does what he says. He goes above and beyond to assist me. I’ve never had a support worker like him. If all support workers had the same mentality as Colin, life would be a better place.” - S If you or someone you know could benefit from our service, and you would like to find out more, please visit: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/bridge-the-gap/
Two of our Bridge the Gap Workers, Tommy & Colin
To learn more, please visit our website or email Jamie: jamiekelly@oakleafenterprise.org. Membership fees help fund Oakleaf’s charitable activities.
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Oakleaf’s Annual Quiz Night Our annual Oakleaf Quiz Night, this time with an ‘Around the World’ theme, was a huge success! We had a fantastic evening with over 170 attendees, and managed to raise over £8,800. A big shoutout to Lovetts Solicitors for generously sponsoring the event, and to all 19 teams who took part - congratulations to our winners, Gateley! We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us, as well as the local Surrey businesses who kindly donated raffle prizes. A special appreciation goes to our dedicated staff and volunteers, especially Jane Felton, our Community & Events Fundraising Manager, for making the night happen.
Upcoming Fundraising Events
Friday 13th June 2025
Our winning team, Gateley
Any place, anytime
Summer Soirée
Cups & Conversations
Join us for Oakleaf’s Summer Soirée at the fantastic Guildford Pavilion.
Bring colleagues together and support mental health in the workplace by hosting a Cups & Conversations event in your office or virtually while raising vital funds for Oakleaf.
Enjoy a magical evening of fun and impact, including a spritz reception, lawn games, slow-roasted hog feast, live auction and entertainment. Thanks to our sponsors Bessler Hendrie, Trafalgar Marquees, Kelly’s Storage and Shanly Foundation, 100% of ticket sales will support Oakleaf and local mental health.
Cost: £5 per business/group. This includes a welcome pack with discussion prompts, mental health tips and Oakleaf stories as well as a 30-minute guided relaxation session.
Tickets: £35 (includes welcome drink, dinner and entertainment). For group bookings, please email Jane: janefelton@oakleaf-enterprise.org.
You can also purchase Oakleaf-branded Coffee from Cotswold Coffee Collective 10% of proceeds go to Oakleaf. For more information, please contact Jamie: jamiekelly@oakleaf-enterprise.org
To f ind out more, scan the QR code or visit the ‘Events’ page on our website.
To f ind out more, scan the QR code or visit the ‘Events’ page on our website.
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Reducing Gambling-Related Harm Commissioned by Surrey County Council under the Changing Futures agenda, our new gambling support service delivers gender specific, trauma informed outreach for women and minority communities across Surrey affected by gamblingrelated harm. Oakleaf’s dedicated team of Specialist Outreach Practitioners provide long-term support for individuals, addressing gambling harm alongside mental health, addiction, domestic abuse, criminal justice involvement, and homelessness. The service also includes a peer mentor network to encourage recovery and resilience. Jessica Gray, Project Lead
“This project marks a significant step in identifying and addressing the unmet needs of women and minority communities. We will be working with clients in an empowering, client-led way to break the cycle of disadvantage and create lasting change.” – Jessica Gray, Project Lead/Specialist Outreach Practitioner
Counselling For All SCAN QR CODE
Oakleaf Counselling transforms lives by providing vital mental health support alongside training compassionate counsellors. As a counselling sponsor, you would help make this possible. Last year, we delivered over 2,000 low-cost counselling sessions to 192 individuals in need. With NHS wait times often exceeding six months, Oakleaf serves as a crucial lifeline - one that requires over £55,000 annually to be sustained. "Without Oakleaf, I’d be in a much worse place. Having a safe space each week gave me a routine and an escape. Without this service, I would never have coped." - Oakleaf client Scan the QR code and become a counselling sponsor today!
Your Legacy, Oakleaf’s Future At Oakleaf, we believe that everyone deserves access to mental health support, regardless of their circumstances. For over 27 years, we have been a lifeline for people struggling with their mental health - offering counselling, employment training, and a supportive community. By leaving a gift in your will to Oakleaf, you can help ensure that people in our community facing mental health challenges receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. Every legacy gift, no matter the size, helps us continue our vital work - bringing hope and support to those who need it most. After taking care of your loved ones, even a small gesture in your will can make a meaningful difference for those in need. It’s easier than you might think, and your kindness can continue to change lives for years to come. Gifts left in wills are typically exempt from Inheritance Tax, which may reduce the tax burden on your estate while ensuring that Oakleaf can carry on its mission. While we cannot offer legal advice, Jamie is available at jamiekelly@oakleafenterprise.org to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for considering Oakleaf as you plan for the future.
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‘Path to Success’ Employment Project Oakleaf ’s f ive-year ‘Path to Success’ project, funded by The National Lottery, launched in 2024 to empower individuals facing mental health challenges. Led by experienced employment advisors, it offers vital skills, support, and conf idence building to help clients achieve their personal and professional goals. In partnership with Guildford Action, we provide a nurturing, pressure-f ree space where hope is restored, and futures are rebuilt. Our tailored support includes one-to-one guidance, career workshops, a weekly Job Club, accredited training, and inspiring industry guest speakers - all designed to help clients move forward with conf idence.
Rachel’s Creative Recovery Rachel has been part of Oakleaf for several years, building connections and engaging in activities. Seeking employment support, she joined our Wednesday Job Club, where we guided her toward a volunteering role at a Guildford coffee shop. With our help, she applied, interviewed, and secured the position. Soon after, she shared exciting news - she had landed a paid part-time role at a local tea shop! “Oakleaf has been a lifeline for me during some of the most challenging times in my life. I’ve gained new skills, discovered new passions, and formed lifelong friendships. The welcoming, supportive community has given me a sense of belonging that I never had before. ‘A Year in Recovery’ is a collection of poetry I wrote in 2024 - a pivotal year in my recovery.”
I am all too aware that I am in a precarious place That the ground here is treacherous And threatens to give way But I hear the view from the summit Is beautiful. Excerpt from ‘A Year In Recovery’
“Writing has been my way of expressing emotions, celebrating progress, and f inding clarity. I hope my book can give something back to Oakleaf, just as Oakleaf has given to me.” For more information about purchasing Rachel’s book in aid of Oakleaf or to learn more about our Employment Project, email Julie: julieweeden@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Client Satisfaction Survey Agree
We recently conducted our Winter 24/25 Client Satisfaction Survey, with 92 responses. It was great to see the positive impact Oakleaf has.
8.3%
5.7%
88.1%
Oakleaf has helped me feel more confident
Neither agree nor disagree
10.2%
8%
3.6%
Disagree
5.7%
86.2%
Oakleaf has helped me improve my mental wellbeing
84.1%
Oakleaf had helped me feel less isolated
“I thoroughly enjoy all the activities and workshops I attend, which are so helpful in boosting my confidence and giving me opportunities to try new things.” - Oakleaf client “The wellbeing activities at Oakleaf have pulled me out of isolation (after many years). My social skills grow with every session I attend.” - Oakleaf client PAGE 5
Mental Health Training & Awareness We offer both accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and bespoke mental health training and awareness sessions. MHFA is an internationally recognised training course designed to teach you the practical and emotional skills to reassure and support a person in distress. Courses available: 2-day Adult MHFA (next dates: 9th/10th June) 1-day MHFA Champions 1/2 day MHFA 1/2 day MHFA Refresher 1 hour up to 1 day Bespoke Training & Awareness Sessions To find out more or book your place on a course, email Jamie: jamiekelly@oakleaf-enterprise.org Mental Health First Aid course
For updates on Oakleaf and all things mental health, be sure to follow us on social media:
Oakleaf Enterprise
Thank you for reading! 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.
Oakleaf @Oakleaf_Enterprise Oakleaf Enterprise If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a personal fundraiser in aid of Oakleaf, please visit: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/support-us
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 needs support and is interested in becoming a client at Oakleaf, please visit www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/referral.
www.oakleaf-enterprise.org
info@oakleaf-enterprise.org
01483 303 649
101 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4UQ
SCAN QR CODE
Registered charity no: 1064524
Registered company no: 3388671 PAGE 6