In order to attend Oakleaf, clients must be aged 16-65, interested in developing work-related skills, and motivated to attend regularly. They can be referred by any of the following: a GP, Community Mental Health Recovery Service, private clinic, psychiatric consultant, or any other voluntary or statutory agency. People can also self-refer.

Once we have received the referral form, we will invite the person in for an initial assessment to discuss their requirements and assess their motivation and goals. Afterwards, they will be given a tour of Oakleaf and they will decide which department they would like to join. They will be assigned a client services adviser who will support them through Oakleaf by completing their reviews and helping them find employment when they are ready.

Waiting times depend on the availability of departments, so it is difficult to say how long the referral process will take. However, we aim to arrange an appointment with the client within two working days of receiving the referral, followed by an initial assessment within two weeks. Informal visits can be made by contacting the client services department.